Rest Area Overtaken by Backpackers at Arrawarra

goldcoaster · Senior Member

Rest Area Overtaken by Backpackers at Arrawarra

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

So they are all "backpackers" are they? Tell me, what exactly is a "backpacker", by your definition?
Let's not mention the rest areas over run by grey nomads though.
Another clear example of no provisions being made for one of this countries largest sources of tourism income.
Cheers,
Peter

the rocket · Guru

Hi. I like the yelgin rest area in nsw. Caters for everyone with different designated areas. Room for everyone. But i often see motor homers parked in the truck refrigerator section. I guess some people cannot read. from the photos it looks like free for all, park where u like and that is never good By the photos looks pretty unsafe. Truckies, carVanners, motor homers, back packers all would like to stay so designated areas might work better. If just a truck stop then only trucks should b allowed. Stay sane And have a merry christmas. Cheers rocket

-- Edited by the rocket on Thursday 19th of December 2019 12:38:08 PM

-- Edited by the rocket on Thursday 19th of December 2019 12:40:23 PM

goldcoaster · Senior Member

tell me why they are not

Tony Bev · Guru

I have never been to Arrawarra

But in my opinion

If the sign says trucks only, then if I was a trucker, I would let the boss/ranger/authorities know what is happening

If it is a free for all parking spot, then as a Grey Nomad
I would advise the smaller vehicles, (a lot of them may not know, that trucks need a bit of room), to keep well over to one side of the carpark

Bicyclecamper · Guru

Only once did I stay in a car on the NEW England hwy, in a truck parking area, it was 3am, and I was coming home after driving from Melbourne to Sydney to Armidale in one go. Was in the Army, and between postings. It was in 1977. Had been talking to truckies most of the trip by CB, and I ask if their was an area where I could kip for a sleep, and was directed there. I have never done it since. But I also drove trucks for a living, and if I couldn't find a place, I would just park in a suburban street, or near a town park. Often if c.vans were blocking truck parking areas, I would just block them in. And I would be there for the better part of the next day. Taught a lot of c.vanners a lot of lessons doing that. As a free camper today, we never have problems finding a place to kip nowadays, but I might add, we are outback travellers so much more areas to find. After touring around Australia via the coast road twice in our early years, see no reason to head back to the coast anymore.

bgt · Guru

Technically if it's a truck stop then it's illegal for 'other' vehicles to park there. It's up to the various authorities to police and regulate these areas. BUT be warned. If the authorities take action then it may well result in a blanket ban that applies everywhere. Be very careful what you wish for!!!

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

With an "RV" Dump point provided it is clearly nor a trucks only rest stop.
I my experience, many truckers enjoy blasting their horns, particularly in the early hours, when they see tourists that are still probably asleep. So what?
A bit of tolerance goes a long way people.
Cheers,
Peter

Eaglemax · Guru

goldcoaster wrote:
On my last trip south , irate truckers were arriving late and couldn't get a parking spot , as they were leaving they let everyone know they were angry with there air horns. These backpackers hang around the beaches during the day and come back to the Rest Area of a night. It will cruel it for everyone soon.

According to this youtube video of the stop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK0uwp4CZIs it is NOT a truck stop only. Fake news OP.

The way I see it, the "backpackers" only did one thing wrong, they parked a number of vans in a two long bays meant for trucks or caravans/MH's. As BGT mentioned it is then up to the enforcing authorities to act and issue fines.

It is indeed a shame some Aussies are anti this or anti that. Many backpackers I've met on our travels would run rings around some Aussies for cleanliness and manners, some not so, but we should refrain from easy judgements that are often unfair and inaccurate.

Tony

Bobdown · Guru

To me, this is a Rest Area, which can be used by all.

The problem I see is that the backpackers/small vans have taken over the long truck bays. From an aerial view, there looks to be plenty of parking other than the long bays, which should be marked for long vehicles only, large trucks, coaches and large vans/5th wheelers etc.

The problem also lies in what is signposted, if only 24/48 hours,, these tourists live there for weeks on end, I've seen it in the West where there is a toilet block or a water tap at a free camp, they call that home till they move on.

Rangers/Councils need to police these rest areas otherwise they be lost to all and sundry.

Camp sites in the Shark Bay area are $15 per night per vehicle, with only 4 spots per camp. 8 vehicles came in the night we were there and when I queried that with the Vistors Centre, I was told only 2 vehicles paid.....no ranger that night.

Cheers Bob

https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Arrawarra+NSW+2456/@-30.0602014,153.1855821,262m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x6b9bf3257c8acf93:0x40609b4904392e0!8m2!3d-30.0529297!4d153.1911721

Eaglemax · Guru

Same thing Bob at the scout camp park 15km west of Bundaberg, backpackers arrive after 10pm leave before 6am to miss the caretaker- but he was onto them lol. AND they knocked off the toilet paper.
Tony

dogbox · Guru

with all those dam pesky backpacker there is no room for any grey nomads who want to free camp because the noisy trucks take up so much of the room that is left "bugger"

-- Edited by dogbox on Thursday 19th of December 2019 05:56:06 PM

elliemike · Guru

Eaglemax wrote:
Same thing Bob at the scout camp park 15km west of Bundaberg, backpackers arrive after 10pm leave before 6am to miss the caretaker- but he was onto them lol. AND they knocked off the toilet paper.
Tony

I've a couple of friends and acquaintances who have been Camp Site Caretakers. National Park Camp hosts, and doing holliday relieving at C/Ps.

They all say they have had to deal with Caravanners/Campers (Grey Nomads included) who take rolls of toilet paper from the toilets. It's one of the joys of being a Camp Host or Park Caretaker.

One couple of friends had a confrontation with a woman who was caught red handed at Mission Beach C/P quite a few years back. Pinching not one but four rolls for the mega $$$ caravan toilet.

rayaroundoz · Senior Member

When I stayed at Agnes Water recently I spoke to the caretaker (Ross) about vans and 4wd's coming in after dark. He said he had it sorted. The morning I left I found out why he had it sorted. Padlocked chain across the exit to stop anyone leaving without paying. One of the best places on my trip so far. $9.60pp. Council run.

the rocket · Guru

rayaroundoz wrote:
When I stayed at Agnes Water recently I spoke to the caretaker (Ross) about vans and 4wd's coming in after dark. He said he had it sorted. The morning I left I found out why he had it sorted. Padlocked chain across the exit to stop anyone leaving without paying. One of the best places on my trip so far. $9.60pp. Council run.

Sorry for going off topic. Can you tell me the name of where you stayed at agnes water. I would like to go there. Thanks. Rocket

goldcoaster · Senior Member

There is designated parking for cars , caravans and motorhomes at this rest area but it was full with more of the same as in the truck bays ( if they are not backpackers then i don't know what you call them ). Needs better sign posting or policing .

Umpie1 · Senior Member

Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
So they are all "backpackers" are they? Tell me, what exactly is a "backpacker", by your definition?
Let's not mention the rest areas over run by grey nomads though.
Another clear example of no provisions being made for one of this countries largest sources of tourism income.
Cheers,
Peter

As a grey nomad I have stayed at this great rest area a number of times. There are spots for big rigs, spots for caravans and spots for those camping out of a whizzbang vehicle. Unfortunately some people believe that they can park wherever and stuff the others. Looking at those photos it is no wonder the truckies are upset. Peter the provision is there and it appears that you have not stopped at this facility.

JayDee · Guru

Great UTube video of Arrawarra rest ares noth of Coffs Harbour.

Lot of $$$ to give us this rest area. Well done to the shire involved.

Let's ensure that we do not barstardise the area going forward.

Jay&Dee

Rob Driver · Guru

Is the person at the dump point doing his / her washing?

From first hand experience, it is extremely frustrating when these thoughtless individuals park like the vehicles in the pictures.
They look like they are parked quite close to the Visi Board B Double, particularly if there is not much room for the truck to go forward before he needs to turn to leave the parking lane.

I agree that this rubbish is not limited to backpackers or wizzbangers, a few years ago I had a thoughtless grey nomad hammer on the door of my truck to wake me up and asking me move my truck so he could get out as he wanted to leave early.
I recon many could guess what I told him.
I know this has been said over and over again, these drivers are not on holidays, they are working and having rest breaks as required by law.
My suggestion is if you can not afford to go to a van park or laundrymat then you should not be on the road, particularly if you are doing your washing at a dump point. What happens if someone wants to use the dump point as intended while some idiot has got his belongings all over the lid and surrounds.

Regards

Rob.

-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Friday 20th of December 2019 08:06:13 AM

Eaglemax · Guru

bentaxlebabe wrote:
Is the person at the dump point doing his / her washing?

From first hand experience, it is extremely frustrating when these thoughtless individuals park like the vehicles in the pictures.
They look like they are parked quite close to the Visi Board B Double, particularly if there is not much room for the truck to go forward before he needs to turn to leave the parking lane.

I agree that this rubbish is not limited to backpackers or wizzbangers, a few years ago I had a thoughtless grey nomad hammer on the door of my truck to wake me up and asking me move my truck so he could get out as he wanted to leave early.
I recon many could guess what I told him.
I know this has been said over and over again, these drivers are not on holidays, they are working and having rest breaks as required by law.
My suggestion is if you can not afford to go to a van park or laundrymat then you should not be on the road, particularly if you are doing your washing at a dump point. What happens if someone wants to use the dump point as intended while some idiot has got his belongings all over the lid and surrounds.

Regards

Rob.

-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Friday 20th of December 2019 08:06:13 AM

I do agree with all that Rob except "afford to go to a van park". Staying at caravan parks is not mandatory and neither should it be. Same as car drivers that wish to snooze in their cars motels arent a necessity. I personally cant stand van parks.

Tony

the rocket · Guru

Umpie1 wrote:
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
So they are all "backpackers" are they? Tell me, what exactly is a "backpacker", by your definition?
Let's not mention the rest areas over run by grey nomads though.
Another clear example of no provisions being made for one of this countries largest sources of tourism income.
Cheers,
Peter
As a grey nomad I have stayed at this great rest area a number of times. There are spots for big rigs, spots for caravans and spots for those camping out of a whizzbang vehicle. Unfortunately some people believe that they can park wherever and stuff the others. Looking at those photos it is no wonder the truckies are upset. Peter the provision is there and it appears that you have not stopped at this facility.

If areas are designated then, if you come in and set up in the wrong area, then you deserve a fine. No exceptions. I am glad police came in to yelgin rest area not long ago at night. another time, People in the refrigerated truck area knew they should not park there but did anyway. if all spaces are taken in your designated area, move on. We do. On the backpacker bandwagon, we have stayed at kilcoy 20hour rest area qld. and found many backpackers staying many nights and this is because they are working on farms and there is nowhere else to stay. this is how we treat overseas visitors, doing jobs that we do not want to do. Bloody disgraceful. Why cant they stay on the farm? have a good day.

Rob Driver · Guru

Eaglemax wrote:
bentaxlebabe wrote:
Is the person at the dump point doing his / her washing?

From first hand experience, it is extremely frustrating when these thoughtless individuals park like the vehicles in the pictures.
They look like they are parked quite close to the Visi Board B Double, particularly if there is not much room for the truck to go forward before he needs to turn to leave the parking lane.

I agree that this rubbish is not limited to backpackers or wizzbangers, a few years ago I had a thoughtless grey nomad hammer on the door of my truck to wake me up and asking me move my truck so he could get out as he wanted to leave early.
I recon many could guess what I told him.
I know this has been said over and over again, these drivers are not on holidays, they are working and having rest breaks as required by law.
My suggestion is if you can not afford to go to a van park or laundrymat then you should not be on the road, particularly if you are doing your washing at a dump point. What happens if someone wants to use the dump point as intended while some idiot has got his belongings all over the lid and surrounds.

Regards

Rob.

-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Friday 20th of December 2019 08:06:13 AM
I do agree with all that Rob except "afford to go to a van park". Staying at caravan parks is not mandatory and neither should it be. Same as car drivers that wish to snooze in their cars motels arent a necessity. I personally cant stand van parks.
Tony

Hi Tony,

I know that many parks are expensive relative to the travellers financial position and I respect that however I was more referring to someone who has to do their washing at a dump point.

Laundrymats can be expensive as well and I used laundrymats when as a owner driver I was away from home for extended periods. During this time I never ever considered cleaning anything at a dump point.

Other options I took advantage of was to wash underwear in a roadhouse shower facility and let the jocks dry while laid across the dash of the truck. Rough but it worked well and I had clean jocks when needed. biggrin

Back to the parking Bay, I dont think any behaviour will change until rules are set, patrolled by a designated authorised officer and penalties attached to any breach.

Regards

Rob

Eaglemax · Guru

Fair enough, misinterpreted there. I think police need to expand their enforcement activities. Too many laws never enforced. Tony

elliemike · Guru

Looks like this is actually set up for Tourist Traffic.

Mariner30 · Senior Member

If people called me a trucker than it is only fair that they should cop an earful of air horn, multiple applications of brakes and reverse beepers...as close as possible to where they are sleeping, Retired truckie...