The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has announced campsite closures at Inskip Point, including some favourite beachfront spots.
Although the official notification was issued in November for a limited time, social media reaction, with posts as recent as Friday 2 January indicate the restrictions are still in force.
The notification attributed the closures to “a combination of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred damage, storm surges, swell, and shoreline retrogression,“ saying this has caused erosion on eastern-facing beaches with “loss of sand, destabilisation of the dunes and loss of existing campground border fencing.“
It states that “a team of geotechnical erosion experts was engaged to investigate the impacts of cyclone events at the Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area and to provide technical advice regarding site safety.
“Based on the findings and recommendations from the geotechnical assessment, the camping area boundaries will be realigned to establish a 20-metre retrogression buffer zone landward of the current treeline.
“This boundary realignment is necessary due to ongoing coastal erosion, nearshore landslide risk, and damage sustained to existing infrastructure. The revised layout will enhance visitor safety by reducing exposure to unstable shoreline areas and future erosion hazards,“ a spokesperson said.
The announced restrictions are:
“M.V. SARAWAK:
“Beachfront campsites and the former access track are no longer accessible, including the area known as “Millionaire’s Row”. This location, previously favoured by campers for its open access to solar, firmer surface, and beach proximity, is now closed.
“Caravans are not suitable in the M.V. Sarawak camping area due to narrow access tracks and stands of cypress and oak trees.
“When entering M.V. Sarawak, follow all signage and take the first left access track.
“Do not proceed straight ahead—this route is now a dead end.
“M.V. BEAGLE:
“Beachfront campsites and the former beachfront access track are no longer accessible.
“Caravans are not suitable in the M.V. Beagle camping area due to narrow access tracks and soft sand.
“When entering M.V. Beagle, follow the signage and take the first left access track.
“Do not proceed straight ahead—this route is now a dead end.
“M.V. NATONE:
“The Natone entrance track and eastern low lying camping areas are no longer accessible. Entry and exit to Natone is now through the former exit.
“Caravans are not suitable in the M.V. Natone camping area due to narrow access tracks, soft sand and inability to turn around.
“Camping in Natone is suitable to smaller tents and high clearance 4WD only.
“SS Dorrigo and Sarawak West remain the only Inskip camping areas suitable for caravans, requiring a high-clearance caravan towed by a high-clearance 4WD.“
The direction instructs campers to “observe all signage, barriers and directions from rangers, and do not enter closed areas.“
Social media responses dated as recently as Friday tell a story of mainly outrage at ongoing closures and restrictions leading some to speculate that once again, the area is gradually being shut down to campers.
“I’m absolutely gutted to see Inskip point piece by piece being shut down to camping,“ one post says on Word’s Out Rainbow Beach.
“Give it 2 years at this rate and it will be no more!
“Rainbow Beach business will suffer deeply
“When are people going to make a stand and start fighting back for our rights!!!
“If you camp here and do nothing then don’t cry when u will no longer be able to stay here
“I have been coming here for 7 years and in that time I reckon 60 per cent of the camping grounds and over 50 per cent of the allowed numbers have been taken away.
“If we don’t start making noise now they will take the lot and get away with it
“It’s so sad what is happening here.“
Another says: “We were there before Xmas and I think it is disgusting but what to do I don’t know“
“Sad alright but not surprising,“ said another, recalling “many a good holiday for 40+ years.“
“Same goes for Fraser and all around the country. Every other day we hear of another place shut down,“ said another.
“It’s sad too see,“ said another. “However when mother nature reclaims what is hers …. nothing can be done.“
