Australia is famous for its laid-back lifestyle, but when it comes to the law, things can get surprisingly quirky.
While we all know to keep to the speed limit and vote on election day, there are some lesser-known rules lurking in the legal fine print that could catch even the most law-abiding citizen off guard.
From outlawed pets to peculiar noise restrictions, here are 12 of the strangest Australian laws you’ve probably never heard of—and might even have broken without realising!
- Think flying a kite in the park is harmless fun? Not always! In Victoria, it’s actually illegal to fly a kite in a public place if it ’causes annoyance to any person’ (Section 4, Summary Offences Act 1966). The penalty? A fine of up to $777.30. So next time you’re out with the grandkids, keep an eye out for grumpy onlookers!
- In Western Australia, cleaning up after our feathered (or furry) friends is a regulated activity. Under Section 387 of the Criminal Code Act 1913, you need a licence to clean up seabird or bat droppings. Violators can face up to a year in prison. Who knew cleaning could be so risky?
- Love bunnies? In Queensland, owning a pet rabbit is a serious no-no under the Biosecurity Act 2014. The fine for keeping one can be as high as $71,875.
- Until 2016, Western Australians could be fined for possessing more than 50 kilograms of potatoes (Section 22, Marketing of Potatoes Act 1946). The maximum penalty was $2,000 for a first offence, and up to $5,000 for repeat offenders.
- Early riser or night owl? In Victoria, using a vacuum cleaner at the wrong time can be costly. It’s illegal to make ‘unreasonable noise’ with a vacuum before 7am or after 10pm on weekdays, and before 9am or after 10pm on weekends (Environment Protection Act 1970). Fines can reach a whopping $18,655.20, with extra penalties for ongoing noise. Time to invest in a quieter model!
- If you’ve ever been splashed by a passing bus, you’ll appreciate this one. Until 2020, it was illegal in NSW for bus drivers to splash mud on passengers (Regulation 291-3, Road Rules 2014). The fine? Up to $2,200.
- Fancy yourself a bit of a designer? In Tasmania, it’s illegal to falsely claim to be an architect (Section 19, Architects Act 1929). Individuals can be fined up to $15,150, and companies up to $30,300. So unless you’ve got the credentials, best stick to admiring buildings rather than designing them.
- It might sound like something out of a movie, but in Victoria, it’s illegal to correspond or do business with pirates (Section 70C, Crimes Act 1958). The penalty? Up to 10 years in prison. So if Captain Jack Sparrow comes calling, best not to answer!
- If you’re thinking of offering a reward for your lost bike, be careful how you word it. In Western Australia, advertising a reward for stolen property on a ‘no questions asked’ basis is illegal (Section 138, Criminal Code Act 1913). The fine can be up to $2,000.
- In Queensland, it’s against the law to publish false notices about engagements, births, deaths, or funerals (Section 21, Summary Offences Act 2005). The penalty? Up to $1,219 or six months in jail. So keep those practical jokes off the classifieds!
- Selling or hiring out an old fridge, ice chest, or similar item in South Australia? If the compartment is larger than 42.5 litres, it must be able to be opened from the inside or had been brought into the state before 1 January 1962 (Section 58B, Summary Offences Act 1953). The law carries a fine of up to $750.
- In NSW, it’s not just carrying burglary tools that’s illegal—even dressing in a way that suggests you’re about to commit a burglary can land you in hot water (Section 112, Crimes Act 1900). The maximum penalty is two years in prison. So maybe rethink that black beanie and crowbar combo!
Many of these oddball rules have roots in genuine concerns—from public safety to protecting agriculture and wildlife.
Absolutely! Australia’s legal history is full of strange and surprising rules, many of which are still technically on the books. It’s always worth checking local regulations—especially if you’re moving interstate or planning something out of the ordinary.
Have you ever been caught out by an odd rule, or do you know of any other bizarre laws in your state? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Act now! New laws make Photoelectric Smoke Alarms mandatory!
