Hop to it! Secure your camping permit for Easter to avoid a fine
Issued: 6 Mar 2024
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is reminding Queenslanders to obtain their permits ahead of camping these April school holidays and Easter long weekend.
Senior Ranger Compliance Luke Male says “Easter is a really busy time of year for our parks and forests and camping areas traditionally fill up fast, so we’re encouraging holidaymakers to jump online and book a spot nice and early to avoid disappointment.”
“A camping permit can be obtained for $7.25 per person per night.” While camping without a permit, is not worth the risk and attracts a $154 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
This is a timely reminder after a person was found guilty of illegally camping within Girraween National Park. Rangers encountered the person who had slept in his vehicle overnight and was unable to produce a camping permit. At the time, rangers issued him with a PIN for camping without a permit. The individual then refused to pay the PIN and elected to have the matter heard in court believing his stay in the national park did not constitute camping.
However, the Stanthorpe Magistrates Court fined the individual $200 and ordered them to pay $1500 in legal costs after refusing to obtain a camping permit. A very expensive overnight stay and one which could have been avoided by a simple booking and payment.
“QPWS welcomes the finding of the Magistrate, which serves as a timely reminder on the importance of securing a permit prior to arrival and that regardless of your method of camping whether you are using a tent, vehicle, rooftop sleeper, caravan, swag or other structure, a camping permit is still required.”
“A camping permit can be obtained for $7.25 per person per night, however this man’s efforts to avoid purchasing a permit has cost him a lot more.”
“Our glorious weather means that for many Queenslanders and visitors, Easter is seen as the last hurrah before we break out the winter woollies. It’s great to see a lot of people want to enjoy time in nature and the permit system is important so people are assured a camping space and have a good experience without being subject to overcrowding or disappointment in missing out.”
“Obtaining a camping permit well before you intend to camp is just as important as packing your tent, camping chairs, firewood and groceries”.
For more information about Queensland parks or forests or to obtain a permit please visit camping booking and fees.
Before you leave home check the park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions. Receive park updates by following @QldParkAlerts on Twitter or subscribing to one of the park alerts RSS feeds.