If you’ve ever lived near a busy street or run a business in a bustling part of town, you’ll know the pain of finding your driveway blocked by someone else’s car. It’s enough to make your blood boil—especially when you’ve put up all the signs in the world and people still ignore them! But one Queensland business owner has taken matters into their own hands with a security strategy that’s got the whole country talking—and laughing, and arguing, too.

Let’s set the scene: Rockhampton, Queensland. A business owner, fed up with drivers treating their clearly marked driveway like a public car park, decided to get creative. Instead of more signs or angry notes, they installed an automatic sprinkler system—one that’s not just for the garden, but for any car (and driver) bold enough to ignore the warnings.

The result? A viral sensation. Videos posted by the TikTok account @rockhamptonchaos have racked up millions of views, showing unsuspecting drivers pulling into the forbidden driveway, only to be met with a sudden, soaking spray. Some even get caught with their windows down or doors open, making for a very soggy surprise and a memorable lesson in reading the signs.

Sprinkler system soaks drivers who park in the wrong spot Credit: @rockhamptonchaos / TikTok

The internet, as always, has opinions. Many Aussies are cheering the business owner on, calling out the 'entitlement' of those who think they can park wherever they please. 'I love that the time delay is *just* long enough to trigger after they open the door,' one commenter gleefully noted. Another added, 'It’s not a nice mist, it’s a full-on tropical storm. Love it!' There’s a certain satisfaction in seeing rule-breakers get their comeuppance, especially when it’s delivered with a splash of humour (and water).

But not everyone is on board with the wet-and-wild approach. Some reckon it’s a bit much, suggesting that clearer signage or a painted driveway would do the trick without 'ruining people’s day.' One commenter wrote, 'Seems miserable to wait for people to park and assault them with water.' Others pointed out that while it’s funny to watch, it might not be so amusing if you were the one caught in the crossfire, especially if you had your best outfit on or important papers in the car.

So, is this a case of clever problem-solving, or has the business owner gone too far? It’s a classic Aussie debate: the right to protect your property versus the risk of going overboard. And it raises some interesting questions about how we deal with everyday annoyances—do we grin and bear it, or do we fight back with a bit of cheeky ingenuity?

Let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Parking woes are a common gripe across Australia, especially in city centres and near popular businesses. Councils often struggle to enforce parking rules, and private property owners are left to fend for themselves. Some resort to bollards, chains, or even fake 'tow away' signs. But as this Rockhampton business shows, sometimes a little creativity (and a well-placed sprinkler) can make all the difference.

Of course, there are legal and ethical considerations, too. While spraying water isn’t likely to land you in hot water (pun intended), more aggressive tactics could cross the line. It’s always best to check with your local council before installing any 'security measures' that might impact the public or neighbouring properties.

At the end of the day, this story is a reminder that Aussies have a knack for finding humour in the everyday—and for sparking a good-natured debate. Whether you think the sprinkler system is genius or a step too far, you can’t deny it’s got people talking.

Credit: TikTok​

Key Takeaways

• A Queensland business owner has gone viral for using an automatic sprinkler to deter people from parking illegally in their driveway, with security footage showing drivers getting drenched.
• Most commenters supported the tactic, saying it was a just response to entitled drivers ignoring clear warning signs about parking.
• Some people criticised the strategy as unnecessarily harsh, suggesting better signage or painting the driveway instead of 'ruining people’s day'.
• The unique approach has sparked widespread debate online, dividing Aussies over whether it’s an appropriate solution or simply too extreme.

So, what do you think, Seniors Discount Club members? Have you ever had to deal with unwanted parkers? Would you try a trick like this, or do you have your own clever solution? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your take on this splashy saga!

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[RFG]

It's genius.

 

[lynstacker]

Absolutely genius. Go you !!!

 

[mOiOz]

 

[darrellh]

Well if that doesn't stop them parking there nothing will.

 

[GrannyJA!]

Assuming that it's private property, I say 'let 'er rip'!

 

[palinc]

I say good on them!

 

[Bill MacL]

Fence with a gate.

 

[Bazza boy]

a brilliant idea I'm all for it

 

[janj]

I think that's great

 

[DasherD]

It is a great way to make the point. You see so many drivers just ignoring the sign, something practical needs to be done to emphasize the point.

 

[Isis]

Love it. Do the deed pay the price. I lived a few houses away from a racetrack, every weekend cars in our driveway !!! And in front of the house. Finally neighbours and ourselves boxed them in and left them stuck for about an hour.
Eventually every weekend a sign was put up explaining what would happen if they parked in our driveway .

 

[glennkidd]

Luv it!

 

[Annemarie]

I love it! Signage is there requesting people not to park in the driveway. If they choose to ignore it and park there anyway, then whatever happens is on them. Word of mouth is powerful advertising. Hopefully people will be warned of the consequences of parking there and the business owner will no longer need to resort to this deterrent.

 

[MariaG]

Classic, and, very funny.
EVERYONE knows the rules when it comes to parking in that manner. I reckon they would be much more upset if they got the appropriate fine every time they did this. Got off easy I say.

 

[Lisa]

Would love to see how these DO GOODERS saying "seems miserable waiting for people."..I hope someone parks in his driveway EVERY DAY the see what he says!! Seriously its PRIVATE PROPERTY YOU ARE TRESPASSING!!

 

[cblayney]

Good on him. Water doesn't injure people just makes them wet. If they can't abide by the signs it is a great solution

 

[Viellarde]

Fence with a gate.

It's a business, so one would think they have their own vehicles coming and going. They don't need gates to frustrate them. As to people who said There's no need to ruin the illegal parkers day, I say Is it fair to ruin the business owner's day?