South Australia to restrict vehicle access at popular tourist beach
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From February 2025, large camping vehicles will be banned at Wauraltee Beach, while off-road car access will remain for recreation and boat launching.
The South Australian government will restrict the use of large camping vehicles like campervans, caravans and camper trailers, along with overnight camping itself, on Wauraltee Beach, along the Yorke Peninsula from 3 February, 2025.
According to the announcement, "daytime vehicle access will remain for boat launching and recreation", while camping vehicles like motorhomes and tent trailers "will not be allowed at any time during the day or night".
However, the restriction does not apply to all beaches in the state, which is unique in Australia in its treatment of beaches as public roads without access permits required.
The Department for Environment and Water South Australia said the decision was finalised by state and local authorities to protect Wauraltee Beach’s "sensitive environment" amid "a mass congregation of vehicles" along the popular tourist site.
The influx of off-road vehicles in the state, coupled with social media users sharing "secret [off-roading] spots" has led to environmental concerns such as the disruption to wildlife, the loss of fauna habitat, damage to vegetation, weed infestation and sand compaction.
"There is no intention to ban all vehicles from all beaches [in South Australia]. This is about finding a balance between visitor enjoyment and the need to protect native flora and fauna," Jason Irving, the National Parks and Wildlife Services Programs Director, said in a written statement.
"Large camping vehicles are being driven onto the beach in mass numbers with the purpose of remaining overnight and this is the challenge we are aiming to address.
"The new rules for vehicle access at Wauraltee Beach seeks to ensure its environmental values are protected," Irving added.
Currently, visitors are eligible to camp at the Wauraltree Campground for a set fee ranging from $30 per night, $100 for a week-long stay, and $300 for a 30-day pass.
Similarly, Mackay Regional Council in Queensland previously banned four-wheel-drives and motorbikes from entering Harbour Beach amid similar environmental concerns.
According to a September 2024 report by The Australian, the local council implemented the rule following the erosion of sand dunes "and the threat vehicles posed to the area’s turtle nests".
"Over time, vehicles have caused significant damage to the foredune, impacting the coastal flora and fauna and turtle and shorebird nesting sites," Greg Williamson, Mackay’s Regional Mayor, told the newspaper.
"The impact of that damage over many years is threatening the ecological integrity of this area," Mayor Williamson added.
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