Australian councils crack down on illegal street camping

Australian local governments are increasingly concerned about illegal camping as more tourists and some locals turn to campervans for affordable travel and living. A couple traveling around Australia recently shared their experience, highlighting the anxiety many free campers feel while seeking safe places to park. Their video, watched over 40,000 times, shows rangers in Perth waking backpackers at 3:30 AM, forcing them to leave their sleeping spots. The rise in illegal camping is linked to budget traveling. Many travelers are seeking free spots, leading to overcrowding in popular coastal areas. Local councils, such as the City of Cockburn in Perth, have intensified patrols to deter unauthorized camping. They emphasize education about legal camping options and work with state agencies to create a consistent approach to camping regulations. Some councils have taken controversial actions to discourage campers. Last year, the Town of Cambridge turned off hot water at beach showers, which was later reinstated after public backlash. Meanwhile, Fremantle introduced four-hour parking limits at busy beaches to prevent extended stays. Opinions are mixed about the crackdown. While some community members support the efforts to free up parking, many people are struggling with rising rental costs, leading them to seek mobile living solutions. A Queensland woman shared her frustration after being moved on from a camping spot, and a family recently faced challenges in finding parking for their caravan. The housing crisis continues to push more Australians to consider van life as a viable option.