Free Camping in WA - Is it lost forever?

I was recently sent an email outlining the potential shut downs of free camps along the coast of Western Australia. There’s word out there the WA government, together with a possible push from Caravan Park operators, are very rapidly locking us out of free camps, and adding extra restrictions to nature based camping.

I tell you what - judging by some of the phone calls I’ve had from mates on the west coast - it’s not going down very well at all. They’re even saying ‘I’ll see you in a few week, Fred. What’s the point of being over here if I can’t enjoy the best parts of it?’ I have to agree to be honest.

There’s even talk of 100% increases in camping fees - the camp in the spotlight being 40 Mile near the coastal town of Karratha. To confirm, that’s a 100% increase in camp fees without a considerable increase in facilities, maintenance, or anything of the sort.

Now, you might feel there’s a hint of vagueness in my comments above - that’s because I want more information - I want answers. Time after time you see free camps shut down, price hikes and duration limitations enforced without authorities informing those that the changes actually effect!

To be honest, I hope what I’ve been told is untrue - I hope the friends that are ringing me are misinformed. But I’m not holding my breath. It seems it’s becoming harder and harder for us vanners to get a fair go.

If you have personally seen the impact of the WA government along their marvelous coastline, let me know. If you have hard evidence that us vanners are getting priced out of these regions, let me know. Let’s find out who’s responsible and see what we can do about it. Email me at [email protected]