Maybe it’s time to pitch your tent in your backyard instead.

 

Today, QLD Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that from tomorrow, all campgrounds in Queensland will be closed until further notice. Time to put the breaks on your self-isolation camping trip (it’s probably best for now anyway).

‘All campgrounds in national parks, state forests and state managed recreation and protected areas will be closed from tomorrow,’ Palaszczuk said.

The closures come at the same time as the state’s borders are closed and just a week before school holidays are set to start.

‘We need the message to get out, there are no school holidays, we will be having a school break,’ the Premier said.

Minister for the Environment and Great Barrier Reef, Leeanne Enoch has stated that due to the nature of campgrounds, with shared facilities such as toilets, showers and cooking facilities, they’re of significant concern and high risk areas.

‘There are around 470 camping areas in Queensland’s parks and forests and QPWS rangers will immediately be contacting members of the public who are currently at campsites, and those who have booked a site…This includes camping areas at K’gari (Fraser Island), Inskip Point, Cooloola Coast, Moreton Bay Islands, and all other national parks and forests across the state where camping is permitted,’ Minister Enoch said.

Those who’ve booked campsites in advance will be refunded. Residential caravan parks are also still open.

The closures don’t include day-use areas, tracks and trails, so you can still get out for a solo bushwalk and day dream about all the adventures and camping trips to come.

 

Feature photo by Saphira Schroers