Considerate camping

Setting up camp

Use tents which don’t require trenches and are self supporting. Tying tent ropes to trees can easily harm ringbark trees and cause them to die.

Protect native wildlife

Please don't feed native animals – it can damage their health and make them dependent on campers for food.  Store food and rubbish in secure containers and away from animals.

Only use detergents, toothpaste and soap if you're at least 50m from any waterways, to prevent harm to fish and other wildlife. Australian plants are generally adapted to low-nutrient soils, and adding nutrients only encourages the spread of weeds.

Protect soil and vegetation

To protect the land, avoid camping on low or poorly drained areas where soil or vegetation may be easily damaged – look for harder ground or sandier soils.

Where possible, use softer footwear such as sneakers or sandshoes around campsites to reduce compaction of soil and damage to vegetation.

Rubbish and waste

Use rubbish bins or better still, take rubbish with you. 

If there are no toilets, bury human waste at least 100m from streams and at least 15cm deep, or carry it out with you.

Reduce noise pollution

Avoid playing music or operating machinery in a way that affects the enjoyment of other visitors and disturbs wildlife.

Campfires

Minimise the use of fires particularly in high-value conservation areas. Bring your own wood wood or use wood provided. Remember that dead wood provides valuable habitat for native animals, so please don’t break branches or use fallen timber.

Fuel stoves

Use a fuel stove if you're camping off the beaten track. If you do need to light a fire, remove the top layer of soil before making the fire. Keep the fire small, completely extinguish all fire before leaving an area or going to bed, and leave no trace of it when you leave. Also be aware of any fire bans.