The recent long weekends presented a fantastic opportunity for locals to visit the great outdoors.  If you’re looking at camping at a national park, state forest, recreation area or forest reserve, there are a number of legal requirements which must be observed. 

 Places such as national parks and state forests require you to have a permit prior to camping.  Your campsite tag must be displayed immediately after making camp and for the duration of your stay.  Permits can be applied for through the Department of Environment and Resources (DERM) website.

 Animals, including the family dog, are not permitted in National Parks.  National Parks are protected areas, so all plants, animals and natural and cultural resources must not be disturbed or damaged.  Some state forests and recreational areas do allow dogs but they must be kept on a leash and under control at all times. 

 All rubbish must be disposed of in the bins provided or if there are no bins, taken with you when you leave.  Do not bury rubbish or leave it in fireplaces.  Pollution of water courses is strictly prohibited.  Pollution sources include soap, detergents, shampoo, oil and grease.  If a camping ground does not have toilet facilities, human waste must be buried at least 50cm deep and at least 50m from any watercourse, walking track, campsites or public facility.

 Further information on camping at national parks, state forests, recreational areas or forest reserves, can be found at www.derm.qld.gov.au.  Happy camping for the last long weekend of the year in June!