For many Australians, there’s nothing quite like packing up the caravan or campervan and heading out to the bush for a night under the stars. The freedom, the fresh air, and the chance to support local communities along the way—what’s not to love?
But if you’ve noticed it’s getting harder to find those hidden gem campsites on private land, you’re not alone. Many local landowners and farmers are speaking out.
Local landowners claim that new council regulations make it nearly impossible to welcome campers onto their properties.
Camping and caravanning have become popular recently, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal government data shows that camping and caravan trips jumped by a whopping 19 per cent in 2021 alone, generating an extra 12.6 million visits.
With national park campgrounds often booked and rising prices, many Australians have turned to private landowners for a more affordable, authentic experience.
Farmers and rural property owners have been happy to oblige, opening their paddocks and bush blocks to self-contained travellers.
For many, it’s a welcome way to earn extra income, especially during tough times, and share the beauty of their land with others. But now, a wave of new council compliance rules threatens to end this win-win arrangement.
Red tape and rising costs: ‘It’s ridiculous’
Take the case of Steven Moriarty, a farmer in Queensland’s Scenic Rim region. Moriarty had been operating eight private campsites on his 300-acre property, but said he was forced to shut up shop after council requirements became too expensive and complicated to meet.
‘When you start looking at tens of thousands of dollars for a few campsites, it makes it practically impossible for people to comply,’ Moriarty said.
The new rules require landowners to submit development applications, conduct flood and fire assessments, and install costly infrastructure like fire hydrants, toilets, lighting, muster points, and fencing.
One farmer reported a 28-page application just to get started, and a $70,000 bill to meet all the requirements.
Debra Symes, co-founder of Caravan Overnight Farmstays, said Steven’s story is far from unique.
‘It’s ridiculous,’ she said. ‘Wouldn’t it be better to have a policy that allowed a small number of self-contained vans on a property and have a small licence fee for a farmer so we’re supporting tourism?’
Why are councils cracking down?
According to the Scenic Rim Regional Council, it’s all about safety. A spokesperson said ‘many natural hazards or other impediments’ could ‘endanger campers’ on farmland, and authorities must take these risks seriously before approving.
Factors like traffic safety, environmental impacts, and disturbance to neighbours all come into play. The council is working with industry representatives to find a solution and wants to support rural tourism and extra income for farmers.
But for many landowners, the current rules feel like a sledgehammer approach that shuts down small, low-impact camping options in the name of compliance.
The surge in camping demand hasn’t just affected private landowners. National parks in Queensland, New South Wales (NSW), and Victoria have all introduced booking systems to manage the crowds.
This has led to new problems, like ‘ghost camping’, where people book sites but don’t show up, leaving spots empty while others miss out.
Meanwhile, a rise in illegal camping has caused councils nationwide to be on high alert. Some backpackers and budget-conscious Australians pitch tents on public land to dodge high fees or because they can’t find a spot.
In response, councils like the NSW Central Coast have introduced eye-watering fines of up to $110,000 for repeat offenders.
Is there a better way forward?
Many in the camping community believe there’s a middle ground. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, why not allow small-scale, self-contained camping on private land with a simple permit and reasonable safety checks?
This would support rural tourism, give farmers a much-needed income boost, and help meet the growing demand for affordable, authentic camping experiences.
As Debra Symes puts it, ‘Farmers definitely need to be compliant with local government regulations, but the rules shouldn’t be so strict that they drive everyone out of the market.’
Should councils relax the rules for small-scale camping on private land? Or are the safety concerns justified? Have you been turned away from a favourite spot? Or found a hidden gem that’s still open for business? Share your stories in the comments below.
Also read: Is Australia’s camping tradition dying? Empty sites reveal troubling trend
