Vehicle restrictions to protect beach, visitors

Overnight camping will not be permitted on Wauraltee Beach, including the area known as Second Beach, from Monday, February 3.

Large camping vehicles – including caravans, campervans, motorhomes and tent trailers – also will not be allowed at any time during the day or night.

Daytime vehicle access will remain for boat launching and recreation.

There is no intention to ban all vehicles on all South Australian beaches but the state government is committed to better managing access to ensure our coastline remains sustainable.

The decision, which is supported by the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, Yorke Peninsula Council and community leaders, aims to protect the sensitive environment by stopping mass congregation of vehicles on the beach at the same time.

The increased popularity of off-road vehicles has resulted in more of them being driven on South Australian beaches in recent years.

Social media sharing of ‘secret spots’ has also resulted in many places becoming so popular that the environment cannot sustain the level of use.

As vehicle numbers increase, so too do the negative effects, including:

• Disruption to wildlife, including shorebirds such as fairy tern, eastern curlew, hooded plover and red knot
• The loss of fauna habitat, including nesting, breeding and feeding sites
• Vegetation damage – sand dunes are particularly susceptible to vegetation and root system destruction – leading to sand drift
• Significant or permanent damage to cultural sites, places and artefacts
• Weed infestation brought in by vehicle tyres
• Sand compaction affecting natural movement and distribution

The number of vehicles accessing Wauraltee Beach has grown exponentially to the point where holiday periods and long weekends result in hundreds of people camping on the beach in large vehicles.

It has also created a safety issue, particularly for families with young children.

National Parks and Wildlife Service National Parks Programs Director Jason Irving said the state government was working to better manage vehicle access to environmentally sensitive beaches to ensure our coastline remained sustainable.

“There is no intention to ban all vehicles from all beaches. This about finding a balance between visitor enjoyment and the need to protect native flora and fauna,” he said.

“Large camping vehicles are being driven on to 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 seek to ensure its environmental values are protected, while still allowing people to enjoy recreational activities such as boating and fishing.

“Wauraltee Beach is a special place but it will not stay that way for future generations if it is constantly damaged by a mass number of vehicles.”

The access changes are part of a state government review into reducing the impact of vehicles to sensitive environmental areas, including beaches.

New signage at Wauraltee Beach will remind visitors of their obligations and the vehicle and camping restrictions, which are legally enforceable under the Crown Land Management Act 2009.

Educating beachgoers will be the first priority, and wardens will be fair and reasonable when administering compliance.

Northern and Yorke Landscape Board General Manager Tony Fox said it supported measures to help protect the coastal environment at Wauraltee Beach, as part of a broader review into how visitors accessed Yorke Peninsula’s coastal areas.

“We’re working with councils, DEW, Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation and the community to develop a coastal access strategy that balances sustainable use with preserving fragile ecosystems and cultural sites,” Mr Fox said.

Yorke Peninsula Council Mayor Darren Braund said it had worked positively with the state government to address residents’ concerns about environmental degradation of Wauraltee Beach.

“The Wauraltee Bush Campground, containing several designated camping spaces situated back from the beach, is remaining open,” Mr Braund said.

“Permits are required for bush camping, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment.”

Yorke Peninsula offers numerous alternative camping options, including affordable paid camping with amenities.

The council has implemented a booking system for its campsites to respond to, and manage, the increase in visitation. Visit: https://yorke.sa.gov.au/discover/things-to-do/bush-camping/

Consider exploring alternative camping options in our national parks: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/find-a-park