QLD NP's camp site bookings, a waste of time ?

[rexp]

Has anyone else struck this same problem when travelling and camping in QLD NP's ??

Booked a campsite in a QLD NP online (as now required by QLD GOV) well in advance of camping dates, We then arrived on the pre-booked date, only to find another camp set up in the pre booked spot.
We had the print out of the camping permit with all the correct details as required, imposters did not, but they just flatly refused to vacate anyway.....?!?!?

[rockygu4.8]

Yep happens a lot unfortunately. My experience is the Rangers won't move people on but will help you out with another spot if they can. Always the minority spoiling it for the people doing the right thing.

[Ben.Archer]

Depending on where you are just report - them....

We have in the past and rangers turned up to evict them whilst we check to see if the local pub was open :-)

[Bird]

Always the minority spoiling it for the people doing the right thing.

I'd just say its a Shit system...

[xcvator]

Depending on where you are just report - them....

We have in the past and rangers turned up to evict them whilst we check to see if the local pub was open :-)

Try doing that in FNQ  you are joking aren't you

[rexp]

Yes ranger eventually attended,
It was noted the imposters had all quickly knocked back a few beers while the ranger was on the way.
After a heated chat between ranger and imposters, the ranger came back to us to say that as they had been drinking he can not tell them to pack up and drive out of there.
It looked obvious to us that these guys had done this before, and knew how to get around the rules.
Talked to another group of locals in next town a few days later and they said it is very common.
So clearly there is a large group out there that know to just squat on a campsite, knock back some beers, ignore the rules, and they will get to stay put and ruin another groups trip.

[3rd time lucky]

I'd just say its a Shit system...

Hand the man a cigar. ...Bingo!!

[3rd time lucky]

First in best dressed worked for the first 40 odd years of my life, and the preceding decades since national parks were instigated.  This whole pay for camping system is a pure nonsense and needs overhaul. They want you to book a la caravan parks but you cannot reserve a specified spot, even though they may be numbered (eg Moreton Island). Its a total farce.

[Ben.Archer]

Try doing that in FNQ  you are joking aren't you

Thats why I say "Depends where you are"...

[Bird]

It looked obvious to us that these guys had done this before, and knew how to get around the rules.
Talked to another group of locals in next town a few days later and they said it is very common.

of course it would be common.. majority of non regular camping people would work out 'we wanna go camping, so lets go'..  pack the car, drive off into the bush, find a spot, and setup.. they dont know they have to book etc. they may go camping once a year.

I cant anyway it can work 100%..
But I can see many people copping a punch in the face from some pissed pack of young blokes when fronted by someone who has booked asking them "... please move on as your on my booked site"...

[briann532]

Lets just hope the Karma bus steps in on their selfish lives..............

Morons seem to no longer be a minority.......!!!
They're breeding.

[cetacean]

Lots of posts about this previously, and apparently happening in SA now. We ended avoiding most National Parks in Qld because of it.Maybe that's the plan

[Bird]

Lots of posts about this previously, and apparently happening in SA now.

correct. People in my club have already come across this issue

[Hoyks]

Try doing that in FNQ  you are joking aren't you

It worked well for me up the Cape. Set up the mobile hot spot, logged in, nabbed one of the last available camp sites and then drove all day to get there.

Hann crossing has around 20 campsites that all allow multiple vehicles to fit in the 1 camp.

Booking system said it was booked solid.

Saw 2 people in 1 vehicle camped on the opposite bank, not a soul around.


At Old Faithful waterhole we had a couple in a Prado setting up when we arrived. They tried to move US on and swore black and blue that we were in the wrong spot, until I pulled out the map and permits.... then they packed up quickly and disappeared.
I would have been happy to share the site as there was heaps of room, but they started being a bit of a dick about it, so was happy to see them go.
2 weeks up there and the only Rangers we saw were fixing a shelter at Tinaroo and drinking my coffee at Chilli Beach.

[Pete79]

See now we know you're telling porky pies.
Mobile hotspot worked in North Queensland..... hahahahaha, yeah good one.....

[Steffo1]

I inadvertently set up the Goldie on an incorrect site once and have never, ever copped so much flak.
Probably because the site I was on had been booked by a friend of a Myswagger, who just happened to be in attendance.
Steve

[xcvator]

See now we know you're telling porky pies.
Mobile hotspot worked in North Queensland..... hahahahaha, yeah good one.....

I'm inclined to agree with this statement too, Ive got 1 of Telstras mobile internet modems with a 5 meter high antenae, patch leads etc and in 90% of fnq we couldn't get reception (2 years ago )and I don't imagine they've put in another 20 or 30 towers since then 

[Paddler Ed]

Had no problems at Girraween National Park, but there is only booking there, not site numbers. They're sensible, they now have WiFi at the office for those who turn up without a booking. We also saw the ranger come round and check the permits/camping tags at 8am when  we there against a list, so I think the police it quite well there.

I did when we stayed at Crows Nest (some others had set up in our spot, but were happy to move -  we spoke with QLD NP booking team to try to sort out something to make everyones lives easier, but we weren't able to work it out unfortunately.

I'll only stay places where I don't have the numbered sites drama, so I check that when I make the booking.

[krisandkev]

I like how the system will advise that certain camp sites are unsuitable for caravans but when you go there you could fit several semi trailers there!  Stupid bloody system without a doupt.  Kevin

[doc evil]

Haven't had the displeasure yet...............however, what pi$$es me off is that I HAVE to take a camper trailer spot as I'm "vehicle" based.

So for example Bribie (yes I know but it's close to me and excellent for a night away) only has a couple of CT spots. I have to book one for the RTT.

I have in the past backed up to the copper logs and set up over them and it's a pain in the butt as you are still miles from the actual camp spot including firepit.

[Never enough time]

Just spare a thought for the Qld NP Rangers, they hate this system. I have a mate who manages one of the western Qld NP, he hates the system and the problems it causes. As always, thought of by someone in Head office who doesn't leave their phone number to be called in cases of disputes

[Hoyks]

See now we know you're telling porky pies.
Mobile hotspot worked in North Queensland..... hahahahaha, yeah good one.....

True story . I bought stuff on eBay while camped at Chilli Beach. I had to sit the the RTT though, reception at ground level was poor.

[Bird]

Booking system said it was booked solid.

Saw 2 people in 1 vehicle camped on the opposite bank, not a soul around.

So to me that doesn't work.. if you thought it was booked out you wouldn't go there...

If everyone EVERYONE stuck to the rules for a weekend away it would be great - knowing your getting a site is spot on.. This one thing that puts me off going sometimes. I ****in hate crowds and having to squeeze into a tiny spot with dozens of others is Shit.. that's why I go away.

But having to book days/weeks before you get to the campground takes it in the ringhole - your fixed into your trip... Too bad if you like a spot and wanna stay a week.

[Rumpig]

True story . I bought stuff on eBay while camped at Chilli Beach. I had to sit the the RTT though, reception at ground level was poor.

we had mobile phone reception at the Lochardt River turn off back in 2006, so it does't surprise me that much  you had reception at Chilli Beach 11 years later

[Hairs]

I'd just say its a Shit system...

Yep,
NSW has adopted this brilliant idea.
Way to go.