A new wave of tourism levies is targeting Aussie campers — and vanlifers aren’t happy.
From the red cliffs of Byron Bay to the forests of the Otways, regional councils are cracking down on “free camping” — and they’re doing it with new visitor levies aimed squarely at road trippers, vanlifers, and even pub campers.
What’s Happening?
Local councils across Australia are floating or trialling “tourism contribution schemes”, requiring visitors in campervans or motorhomes to pay nightly fees — even in spots that were once free.
In Byron Bay, for example, unauthorised camping fines already exceed $1,000, and the council is now investigating a paid pass system to help cover costs associated with traveller waste, maintenance, and infrastructure.
Victoria’s Surf Coast Shire (home to Lorne and the Great Ocean Road) recently considered a $10 per vehicle levy, stating that high volumes of campers have placed unsustainable pressure on public amenities.
Meanwhile in Noosa, Queensland, “no overnight parking” zones have exploded across the region — pushing campers either into expensive caravan parks or into illegal camping status.
Vanlifers Push Back
Travellers say they already spend money locally — on fuel, food, beers, and essentials — and argue that these levies amount to a “stealth tax” on budget-conscious tourism.
“I’d happily grab a parma and park at a pub. But being charged to sleep in my own van with no services? It’s getting out of hand,” says Jess, a Brisbane-based solo traveller.
Others fear these changes will deter regional travel entirely, driving campers to avoid levy-heavy towns altogether — and instead seek out pubs and towns that still welcome them for free.
How Will This Affect Pub Camping?
If towns introduce per-vehicle or per-night taxes, even pubs offering free camping may be forced to comply — potentially turning informal stays into regulated, paid experiences.
Some regional pubs are already reporting council pressure to restrict camping unless they become “registered overnight providers” — which can involve permits, insurance, and compliance fees.
Where You Can Still Camp for Free (No Hidden Fees)
The good news? Plenty of Aussie pubs and towns are bucking the trend — still welcoming campers free of charge, with no red tape.
These include:
- The Royal Hotel, Leyburn QLD – free camping with a meal
- Wandering Tavern, WA – park overnight, no fees
- Kimba Hotel, SA – RV-friendly and welcoming to nomads
- Oasis Hotel, Enngonia NSW – free stays with a drink
What Campers Can Do
- Support camper-friendly pubs — order a meal, leave a review, and respect their space
- Push back (politely) — engage with councils when they propose levies, and offer alternative solutions
- Stick to the WikiPubs trail — we’re curating 100s of listings where you’re still welcome to stay, no sneaky fees
Final Word
As the vanlife boom collides with local policy shifts, it’s clear that the road ahead may come with more tolls than expected. But with some planning — and the right pubs — you can still explore Australia the classic way: free, flexible, and with a cold beer waiting at day’s end.
