Post by: rexp on July 11, 2017, 01:38:59 PM
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.....?!?!?
Post by: rockygu4.8 on July 11, 2017, 01:50:45 PM
Post by: Ben.Archer on July 11, 2017, 01:53:43 PM
We have in the past and rangers turned up to evict them whilst we check to see if the local pub was open :-)
Post by: Bird on July 11, 2017, 02:03:25 PM
Quote from: rockygu4.8
Always the minority spoiling it for the people doing the right thing.I'd just say its a Shit system...
Post by: xcvator on July 11, 2017, 02:11:08 PM
Depending on where you are just report - them....Try doing that in FNQ ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D you are joking aren't you
We have in the past and rangers turned up to evict them whilst we check to see if the local pub was open :-)
Post by: rexp on July 11, 2017, 02:20:20 PM
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.
Post by: 3rd time lucky on July 11, 2017, 02:20:55 PM
I'd just say its a Shit system...Hand the man a cigar. ...Bingo!!
Post by: 3rd time lucky on July 11, 2017, 02:24:06 PM
Post by: Ben.Archer on July 11, 2017, 03:26:51 PM
Try doing that in FNQ ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D you are joking aren't you
Thats why I say "Depends where you are"...
Post by: Bird on July 11, 2017, 04:11:38 PM
Quote from: rexp
It looked obvious to us that these guys had done this before, and knew how to get around the rules.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.
Talked to another group of locals in next town a few days later and they said it is very common.
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"...
Post by: briann532 on July 11, 2017, 04:39:31 PM
Morons seem to no longer be a minority.......!!! >:(
They're breeding.
Post by: cetacean on July 11, 2017, 04:40:26 PM
Post by: Bird on July 11, 2017, 04:42:10 PM
Quote from: cetacean
Lots of posts about this previously, and apparently happening in SA now.correct. People in my club have already come across this issue
Post by: Hoyks on July 11, 2017, 05:03:29 PM
Try doing that in FNQ ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D 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.
Post by: Pete79 on July 11, 2017, 05:29:39 PM
Mobile hotspot worked in North Queensland..... hahahahaha, yeah good one.....
Post by: Steffo1 on July 11, 2017, 06:10:53 PM
Probably because the site I was on had been booked by a friend of a Myswagger, who just happened to be in attendance. ;D
Steve
Post by: xcvator on July 11, 2017, 06:47:46 PM
See now we know you're telling porky pies.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
Mobile hotspot worked in North Queensland..... hahahahaha, yeah good one.....
Post by: Paddler Ed on July 11, 2017, 09:24:51 PM
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.
Post by: krisandkev on July 12, 2017, 07:21:28 AM
Post by: doc evil on July 12, 2017, 07:37:54 AM
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.
Post by: Never enough time on July 12, 2017, 07:52:44 PM
Post by: Hoyks on July 12, 2017, 08:53:15 PM
See now we know you're telling porky pies.
Mobile hotspot worked in North Queensland..... hahahahaha, yeah good one.....
True story ;D. I bought stuff on eBay while camped at Chilli Beach. I had to sit the the RTT though, reception at ground level was poor.
Post by: Bird on July 12, 2017, 09:00:10 PM
Quote from: Hoyks
Booking system said it was booked solid.So to me that doesn't work.. if you thought it was booked out you wouldn't go there...
Saw 2 people in 1 vehicle camped on the opposite bank, not a soul around. ???
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.
Post by: Rumpig on July 12, 2017, 09:03:16 PM
True story ;D. 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
Post by: Hairs on July 12, 2017, 09:51:37 PM
I'd just say its a Shit system...Yep,
NSW has adopted this brilliant idea.
Way to go.
Post by: Bird on July 12, 2017, 10:06:11 PM
Yep,when did that start there?
NSW has adopted this brilliant idea.
Way to go.
Post by: Rob Mac on July 12, 2017, 10:54:49 PM
Yes ranger eventually attended,Ok, so the ranger should have issued them with an infringement/ summons for not having paid fees to camp as regulations required????. This doesn't help you but it should happen and make you feel better!
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.
Post by: Hairs on July 13, 2017, 09:37:36 AM
when did that start there?
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/bookings/north-coast-accommodation.
They've been getting ready to implement it for awhile now.
Some of the smaller ground have moved to this already..
This was brought to our 4wd clubs attention a couple of months ago.
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Post by: Steffo1 on July 13, 2017, 11:15:24 AM
"The last time we were away we decided to stay another couple of days at our camp as we were the only people there after the weekend campers left but, No signal, no booking extension available.
A ranger showed up two days later so I approached him with the intent of paying for the extra time.
He told me not to worry about it as he had no means to process a "Cash Sale". He also mentioned that Qld NPWS bookings went through an agency in Melbourne (I think) and that the rangers had no idea of bookings if they haven't access to the internet.
A couple of years ago we went to Fraser to camp at Dundubarra, which has six camper trailer sites, and on arrival found that someone was in our site. They were booked in until the following day and were nice enough to do a 75% pack up so we could share the site with them. Whilst camped there for two weeks, the number of camper trailers that came in with double bookings was around five or six. Once again the rangers there had no control over bookings.
A bit sad really all round."
Steve
Post by: Jayson on July 13, 2017, 01:43:15 PM
When we drove to the to the NP there was not a van in site and only on tent setup camp (The Tent site would have fitted a large Caravan too!) we went back to the NP three day in a row for bush walks and was empty every day? Are people booking sites hoping that they will get there and then not cancelling there booking if they don't get to the site? As It would be much cheaper to book a week at the NP park then a couple of days at the Caravan Park.....
Yes the system doesn't work on both ends!
Looking forward to NT, first in...
Post by: BaseCamp on July 13, 2017, 03:41:53 PM
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Post by: Bird on July 13, 2017, 03:47:16 PM
Quote from: BaseCamp
Yes - that is sometimes the case.... particularly in places like Bribie Island. ...None of this makes sense...
Is there a fee to book? You have to prepay fully before heading there yes?
People are just booking and losing money??? Refunds?
talk about a ****ed up system..
Post by: BaseCamp on July 13, 2017, 03:57:43 PM
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Post by: Hairs on July 13, 2017, 05:25:32 PM
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2015/12/parks-online-booking (http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2015/12/parks-online-booking)
Just came up in my FB feed from Ron & Viv Moon's Remote Australia.
Post by: Bird on July 13, 2017, 06:10:20 PM
South Australia doing the same.they started ages ago....
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2015/12/parks-online-booking (http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2015/12/parks-online-booking)
Just came up in my FB feed from Ron & Viv Moon's Remote Australia.
So if theres no penalty for booking sites and not using them why wouldn't you book every site in an area to ensure you had the place to yourself??? Maybe this is a brilliant system
Post by: Hairs on July 13, 2017, 06:12:47 PM
they started ages ago....
So if theres no penalty for booking sites and not using them why wouldn't you book every site in an area to ensure you had the place to yourself??? Maybe this is a brilliant system
(http://www.clarencecoastpropertymaintenance.com.au/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Post by: Ben.Archer on July 13, 2017, 08:16:05 PM
they started ages ago....
So if theres no penalty for booking sites and not using them why wouldn't you book every site in an area to ensure you had the place to yourself??? Maybe this is a brilliant system
Mysawg national day of protest - book out as many sites as we can during new year break? Booking every other day would really screw the system....
Post by: duggie on July 15, 2017, 09:12:01 AM
So if theres no penalty for booking sites and not using them why wouldn't you book every site in an area to ensure you had the place to yourself??? Maybe this is a brilliant system
I do this a lot , there are three sites at my favorite fishing spot at Lakefield NP and I will book all three if I can . Costs a little but having the water hole to yourself is priceless.
None of this makes sense...
Is there a fee to book? You have to prepay fully before heading there yes?
People are just booking and losing money??? Refunds?
talk about a ****ed up system..
You can if you cancel a spot get credits for another time , and another spot .
Post by: Sixpack on July 16, 2017, 09:38:13 AM
they started ages ago....
So if theres no penalty for booking sites and not using them why wouldn't you book every site in an area to ensure you had the place to yourself??? Maybe this is a brilliant system
You will end up spending your trip living beside free loading grubs that will move in on top of you.
Post by: Hoyks on July 16, 2017, 02:49:25 PM
So if theres no penalty for booking sites and not using them why wouldn't you book every site in an area to ensure you had the place to yourself??? Maybe this is a brilliant system
Nope, no penalty and you can book 12 months in advance and cancel at 23.59 the day before and get 100% of your booking fee back
Post by: corndog on July 16, 2017, 03:24:29 PM
Post by: xcvator on July 16, 2017, 03:25:12 PM
Nope, no penalty and you can book 12 months in advance and cancel at 23.59 the day before and get 100% of your booking fee backI don't think this is quite correct, I just had a look at this site https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/camping/bookings/#changes (https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/camping/bookings/#changes) and followed the links, but my reading is that the cancellation must be done 24 hours before the permit time starts, but then the dementia could be kicking in :D
Post by: rossm on July 16, 2017, 05:56:30 PM
The hosts usually stay for a month or two in peak season, collect the fees and do small tasks like keeping the toilets clean.
To be a host you have to do a weekend training course which is held once a year and then the vacancies are advertised.
Last year at Mitchell Falls the host was from Queensland or NSW and I think it was his second or third year there.
We also have had on line bookings introduced at some of the popular campsites closer to Perth. Not heard any complaints about how that is going. But there are sure to be some grizzles.
Post by: Nifty1 on August 07, 2017, 09:06:55 PM
Post by: Pete79 on August 08, 2017, 07:24:36 AM
DO other states have the system we use in WA where you will often find a volunteer couple looking after the camp grounds in national parks? They call them camp ground hosts and they free up rangers to do other things.Some parks here do have 'hosts' sometimes.
The hosts usually stay for a month or two in peak season, collect the fees and do small tasks like keeping the toilets clean.
To be a host you have to do a weekend training course which is held once a year and then the vacancies are advertised.
Last year at Mitchell Falls the host was from Queensland or NSW and I think it was his second or third year there.
We also have had on line bookings introduced at some of the popular campsites closer to Perth. Not heard any complaints about how that is going. But there are sure to be some grizzles.
Carnarvon Gorge NP (that only opens in school holidays) had hosts last time we visited.
They greeted you as you drove in and made sure you had a booking. Then the guy walked around with a beer just on dark and checked out everyone's sites.
We tried to report a mother and young girl that hadn't returned from a day hiking the gorge. It was well after dark and no sign of them, we where a little shocked that the 'hosts' had absolutely no idea what to do about missing people.
This is a camp site that pretty much only exists so people can walk the gorge and the people charged with looking after campers had no training on dealing with missing hikers.....
Post by: Fizzie on August 08, 2017, 10:24:28 AM
We tried to report a mother and young girl that hadn't returned from a day hiking the gorge. It was well after dark and no sign of them, we where a little shocked that the 'hosts' had absolutely no idea what to do about missing people.
This is a camp site that pretty much only exists so people can walk the gorge and the people charged with looking after campers had no training on dealing with missing hikers.....
Pete, I'd agree with you that they should have had some sort of briefing on what to do "if", but, in their defence, I also reckon that even if you'd had a QPWS Ranger on site, his response would probably have been "Jeez, that's not good. Here's a phone, better call the cops" :'(
Post by: Pete79 on August 08, 2017, 10:32:43 AM
Pete, I'd agree with you that they should have had some sort of briefing on what to do "if", but, in their defence, I also reckon that even if you'd had a QPWS Ranger on site, his response would probably have been "Jeez, that's not good. Here's a phone, better call the cops" :'(Sadly I'd have to agree with that too.
Fortunately the hikers did make it back to camp around midnight and to the host's credit the guy was straight over to make sure they where ok as soon as he noticed movement at their campsite.
Post by: Annieandandy on August 08, 2017, 08:42:31 PM