Aussies warned over new $464 fine and crackdown on 'common' camping act

With school holidays in full force, campers and bushwalkers have been warned to do one thing when it comes to their number twos. And that is — leave no trace.

Earlier this year, a number of popular camping spots in Queensland introduced strict new rules prohibiting inadequate "bush toileting" and requiring all campers to bring portable toilets for their human waste.

A growing number of people defecating in the bush has "posed an unacceptable risk to the health and safety" of campers and visitors, and "threatens the area's natural environment", Queensland National Parks warned at the time, announcing the introduction of $464 fines for tourists found to be in breach.

Officials again this week urged campers and walkers not to contribute to the "common" problem.

"Remains of bush toileting has become a common sight in many remote national parks, which not only spoils the natural beauty of the area, but also poses a potential pollution risk," Ranger Lindie Pasma said.

Toilets are provided at some camping areas and at the start of various walking tracks in the state, but if you're going off the beaten path you need to be prepared.

"If you’re on a hike, take a small shovel with you because we really want people to bury their waste at least 15cm deep or 50cm deep in sand," Pasma said.

On Wednesday, rangers reiterated the requirements in a post online, urging people to find toilet spots far away from walking tracks and waterways, and to take any toilet paper with them.

"Or even better, bag human waste and toilet paper, along with personal hygiene products and nappies, to be disposed of properly when you head home," authorities said.

Aussies bemoan camping litterbugs

Reacting to the message from park officials, many locals lamented the issue of discarded rubbish at campsites.

"Wet wipes are worse because they don't break down. They need to be banned," one person commented.

"I feel for the rangers having to pick up this sort of rubbish. My husband and I clean our local beach each day and the holiday season (now) has been dreadful. We have picked up used tampons in the dry sand so they didn't float in with the tide. Broken glass bottles ... It's such a shame," another person said.

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According to data from the Federal Australian Trade and Investment Commission, Australians took 15.3 million caravan and camping trips in 2023 — setting a new all-time high.

But the litter and waste left behind is an issue councils across the country have sought to crack down on.

Earlier this year, rangers in Tasmania complained to Yahoo about the "unprecedented" poo problem along popular walking trails in the state. "We have to pick it up and have to deal with it by carrying it to the toilet. So there are a lot of people clearly doing the wrong thing," ranger Olivia Hickey said.

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