At popular tourist destination Byron Bay, free camping is banned. Shannon Burt, Byron Shire Council's director of environment and economy, said there were 15 legal campgrounds and people needed to "pay to stay". She said residents were angry about some campers defecating and urinating in front of their houses, in the bush or in public areas, and leaving their rubbish behind. "It's disgusting, creates health hazards and also pollutes our beautiful environment," Ms Burt said. But other communities are welcoming free campers. Inland towns that struggle to attract visitors are setting up areas on the edge of town with basic facilities, in the hope that travellers will stay a night and spend money in town.
A couple from Shoalhaven, also on the road to save money, said they gave up renting 18 months ago to live in their converted van, often camping along the beachfront. They prefer the freedom of the road to renting, but said it was a daily challenge to find a place to stay as they were often moved on by council rangers.
The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia said there were 340 "RV-friendly towns" across Australia, which provide a site for free campers to stay. CEO Richard Barwick said the club was also setting up facilities for free campers to stay for just $3 a night, but was facing strong opposition from some councils. Mr Barwick said Australia had almost 700,000 registered recreational vehicles on the road and one-third of them were free camping.
It is a popular pastime/lifestyle ... and finding good, uncrowded, low-cost (maybe no-cost) camps will become even more difficult in the future ... particularly if wanting to be near a beach or in urban areas of larger towns. It seems CMCA is finding it increasingly difficult to foster and promote urban sites for their members ... or even other travellers.
Cheers - John
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2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto - 2008 23ft Golden Eagle Hunter Some people feel the rain - the others just get wet - Bob Dylan
We bypass byron bay. Parking metres. Last time we visited i wanted to shop but spent most of my time looking at the time. eventually just gave up n left Never to return. We r at yelgun tonight. Northern rivers is beautiful.
Me, I love Byron Bay. Heaps of weird and wondfull sites. Parking meters are not a major problem to me as in the sun you can't even read 'em. Stupid things. I do manage to pay though.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
Why would you want to near a beach when you can have all the lakes and creeks rivers to camp by.
We love camping by rivers and lakes. Hard to beat, with the bonus of a free feed and perhaps a red claw stir fry to boot.
Stiil home as it is to hot for us to travel. Looking forward to heading up north for the winter months, some time around Easter.
Why would you want to near a beach when you can have all the lakes and creeks rivers to camp by. We love camping by rivers and lakes. Hard to beat, with the bonus of a free feed and perhaps a red claw stir fry to boot. Still home as it is too hot for us to travel. Looking forward to heading up north for the winter months, some time around Easter.
Plenty of great spots up here in Queensland.
Jay&Dee
Gday...
I hear ya, Jay&Dee .... I hear ya.
I am NOT a beach person ... I am an inland bunny, have spent most of my life living in small inland towns and now spend my travelling time as far inland as I can.
Less crowded, wide open spaces, small friendly towns, good camps on lakes/dams/creeks/rivers - and no-one trying to close them.
But don't tell anyone, or else all that mob wot spend their time up and down the east coast and at beaches will end up coming inland and annoying me.
cheers - John
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2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto - 2008 23ft Golden Eagle Hunter Some people feel the rain - the others just get wet - Bob Dylan
hi jayxdee, W.A. big state to see without seeing the East Coast at the moment cheers Roker.
