Legal requirements

The Nature Conservation Act 1992, Recreation Areas Management Act 2006 and Forestry Act 1959.

When visiting Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) areas (includes national parks, conservation parks, state forest and recreation areas) the following requirements must be observed.

For the purposes of this information sheet the term “ranger” refers to Authorised Officers, Forest Officers and Conservation Officers.

Camping

  • A camping permit must be obtained prior to camping.
  • Immediately after setting up camp, your camping tag or permit details must be displayed (attached to your tent, camping structure or dashboard of your vehicle) for the duration of your stay for inspection by a ranger.
  • To improve access in the community to camping opportunities, you must attend your campsite within 24 hours of booking commencement (2pm on the start date of the permit). Once you have arrived, your campsite must not be left unattended for more than 24 hours, without a reasonable excuse.

Drones

  • Drones are prohibited in all camping areas in protected areas, recreation areas and forests. If you have a drone with you while visiting or camping in these areas, keep it securely stored in a container in your vehicle or vessel.

Vehicles

  • Vehicles must have current registration and compulsory third-party insurance and be driven by a licensed driver.
  • Vehicles and bicycles must remain on constructed roads, parking areas or routes and thoroughfares officially designated for vehicle use. Normal road rules apply.

Vehicle access permit

  • A vehicle access permit must be obtained when visiting K’gari (Fraser Island), Bribie and Moreton Island, Minjerribah Recreation Area and Cooloola Recreation Area.
  • Vehicle access permits are no longer required to be displayed in Bribie Island, Cooloola and K’gari (Fraser Island) recreation areas due to the installation of automatic number plate recognition system cameras.
  • A vehicle access permit must be clearly displayed on your vehicle when driving in the Minjerribah Recreation Area or Moreton Island Recreation Area. Visit the Minjerribah Camping or Mulgumpin Camping websites for more information on vehicle access permit requirements.

Plants and animals

  • Animals (including domestic pets) are not permitted in national parks. This does not apply to certified support dogs and assistance animals that meet certain requirements or where you can ride horses.
  • In areas where dogs are permitted, they must be kept on a leash and under control at all times.
  • All plants, animals and natural and cultural resources are protected and must not be disturbed or damaged.
  • Plants and plant material (other than food) must not be taken into a protected area, State forest or forest reserve without written authority.

Rubbish, pollution and human waste

  • Rubbish must be deposited in bins provided. Where there are no bins, rubbish must be removed from the area.
  • Rubbish must not be buried or left in fireplaces.
  • Pollution of a dam, lake or watercourse is prohibited. (e.g. use of soap, detergents or shampoo, oil and grease, washing of clothing or cooking utensils).
  • In camping areas without toilet facilities, human waste must be buried at least 50cm deep, at least 50 metres from any lakes, watercourses, walking tracks, camp sites or public facilities.

Fires and appliances

  • Camp fires are only permitted in existing QPWS constructed fireplaces, fire rings or existing fire locations. Fires must be extinguished with water when unattended.
  • Firewood must not be collected.
  • Camp fires are not permitted during fire prohibitions or fire bans.
  • Appliances such as axes can only be used to split milled timber or drive tent pegs.
  • Machetes are not permitted in a protected area, forest or recreation area