When national parks are "closed"

[Bassnut (Fred)]

I'm planning some allnighter time lapses in nationAl parks. I'm willing to take the risk of ending up in jail, but really, what's the chance of being nabbed?.

Anyone with experience on this illegal activity? I'd be sure to stay low profile and not light fires

[Kevnool (Kev)]

The parks are closed for some reason or another.

As for me I close roads out west after rain events and when I see cars on the roads, well i call the police.
Nothing worse than spending 25thou to fix up someones tyre tracks or even someone trying to cross a swollen creek Ive seen it all.

Are the parks closed because of a fire event or something?
It would only be a safety thing.
I would ring the ranger up and ask the question.
Cheers

[Bassnut (Fred)]

Thanks Kev. Im more thinking of gated parks in or near sydney that are always closed after dark

[Kevnool (Kev)]

Sorry Fred completely different situation to what i,m used to then.
Never thought about that situation.

Cheers

[Octane (Humayun)]

And, I'm sure asking for advice on an illegal activity in a public forum is the right thing to do.

On ya, Fred.

H

[acropolite (Phil)]

Fred, it may be worth contacting the relevant authorities and explaining what you want to do, they may just give you permission to stay after dark.

[koputai (Jason)]

Even though the NP might be 'closed' to vehicles, as far as I know there is nothing illegal
about being a walker at any time of day or night.

If you park outside and hike in, then you are just a walker taking photographs. Nothing
nefarious about that.

Cheers,
Jason.

[Bassnut (Fred)]

Originally Posted by acropolite

Fred, it may be worth contacting the relevant authorities and explaining what you want to do, they may just give you permission to stay after dark.

Originally Posted by koputai

Even though the NP might be 'closed' to vehicles, as far as I know there is nothing illegal
about being a walker at any time of day or night.

If you park outside and hike in, then you are just a walker taking photographs. Nothing
nefarious about that.

Cheers,
Jason.

Excellent clues I haddent thought of there , I intended to hike in anyway.

[SkyViking (Rolf)]

We have some parks here in Auckland that are closed after dark too, but it usually just means there's a locked gate so cars can't get in. If it's similar then I'm sure you can just walk in anyway. Here it's just a simple measure to avoid drinking and partying, which have caused problems in the past.

[Bassnut (Fred)]

Originally Posted by Octane

And, I'm sure asking for advice on an illegal activity in a public forum is the right thing to do.

On ya, Fred.

H

Hey, its pretty lame really .

H, would you be up to join in something like this?. Id be doing some suitability research 1st, Im pretty keen to make it spectacular. Ive got some sites ive been to in mind that could prove to be well worth the effort. PM me if its of interest.

[Suzy]

Hi Fred,

Last winter hubby and I entered Wivenhoe Dam here in Queensland- a gated park- for some serious observing. We had only just (within mins) unpacked and set up everything- tables, chairs, scope etc. Then the security guard came to us and said they were closing up and said to us politely that we'd needed to leave. He did feel quite bad for us that we'd gone to all the trouble, but he said there was nothing he could do about it as it was private property. While we were packing up, he looked like he was doing quite a thorough job driving around making sure no one was around. When we left, we could see him securing the main gate. I'm guessing that If there was an unattended car in the park, they would hunt you down until they found you.

Now I'm picturing you parking your car outside and carrying all your equipment in over several back and forward trips, snacks to last you the whole night long, and a very thick scrub of bush for you to hide yourself and your equipment. Thrill seeker you.

Perhaps you could make a request, but even so, I don't see that you'd be able to get back out during the night once those gates are locked.

[Octane (Humayun)]

Fred,

I'm in.

Secret squirrel.

H

[Bassnut (Fred)]

Originally Posted by Suzy

Hi Fred,

Last winter hubby and I entered Wivenhoe Dam here in Queensland- a gated park- for some serious observing. We had only just (within mins) unpacked and set up everything- tables, chairs, scope etc. Then the security guard came to us and said they were closing up and said to us politely that we'd needed to leave. He did feel quite bad for us that we'd gone to all the trouble, but he said there was nothing he could do about it as it was private property. While we were packing up, he looked like he was doing quite a thorough job driving around making sure no one was around. When we left, we could see him securing the main gate. I'm guessing that If there was an unattended car in the park, they would hunt you down until they found you.


Now I'm picturing you parking your car outside and carrying all your equipment in over several back and forward trips, snacks to last you the whole night long, and a very thick scrub of bush for you to hide yourself and your equipment. Thrill seeker you.

Perhaps you could make a request, but even so, I don't see that you'd be able to get back out during the night once those gates are locked.

Thats what I was afraid of. "private property"?, but was it a national park (public property) or a hydro station or similar?.


As I will hike in and out if necessary, or have the car in all night,Im not fussed if i get "locked" in.

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

As opposed to NP's, maybe go for state forests instead Fred. You can camp anywhere & there are many picturesque ones to choose from.

[Bassnut (Fred)]

Originally Posted by Omaroo

As opposed to NP's, maybe go for state forests instead Fred. You can camp anywhere & there are many picturesque ones to choose from.

No, no. Im going for the pics, they are in NPs, ill take my chances. "picturesque" State forests?, pff

[GrampianStars (Rob)]

Treked 3K high up in Para Wirra Recreation Park NE of Adelaide SA one WE.
set up the 8"SCT and settled in.
The Park rangers found me just after sunset and escorted me out.

They were Pizzed was a decent hike back to the carpark in the dark
They get em all if there's a car left there.

[Suzy]

Originally Posted by Bassnut

Thats what I was afraid of. "private property"?, but was it a national park (public property) or a hydro station or similar?.


As I will hike in and out if necessary, or have the car in all night,Im not fussed if i get "locked" in.

Fred, private property was exactly what he said... I know, we were surprised ourselves.
It's a hydro station.
There was a house there with lights on next to the car park. I don't know what goes on in there.

[OICURMT]

Originally Posted by Suzy

Fred, private property was exactly what he said... I know, we were surprised ourselves.
It's a hydro station.
There was a house there with lights on next to the car park. I don't know what goes on in there.

Owned and operated by the Seqwater Corporation.

http://www.seqwater.com.au/public/si...venhoeDams.pdf

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Originally Posted by Bassnut

"picturesque" State forests?, pff

True - an oxymoron in most cases. There are a couple around, but they're upstate somewhat.

Getting back to the original point, there are PLENTY of national parks that let you stay overnight - and camp beside your vehicle or remote to it.

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/Na...mpgrounds.aspx

List 1: Overnight camping next to your car with access by roads suitable for standard 2WD vehicles - which with the gear you'll be taking I presume is your preferred option:

Campground Facilities Type of camping Park Map
Abercrombie Caves campground caravan trailer car Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve
Alexanders Hut caravan trailer car South East Forest National Park
Apsley Falls campground caravan trailer car Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
Aragunnu campground caravan trailer car Mimosa Rocks National Park
Bald Rock camping area caravan trailer car Bald Rock National Park
Bangalow campground caravan trailer car Watagans National Park
Banksia Green campground caravan trailer car Myall Lakes National Park
Bark Hut campground caravan trailer car Mount Kaputar National Park
Barokee campground caravan trailer car Cathedral Rock National Park
Belah campground caravan trailer car Mungo National Park
Bellbird campground caravan trailer car Washpool National Park
Ben Halls camping ground caravan trailer car Weddin Mountains National Park
Bents Basin campground caravan trailer car Bents Basin State Conservation Area
Berlang Camping Area caravan trailer car Deua National Park
Bittangabee campground caravan trailer car Ben Boyd National Park
Black Rocks campground caravan trailer car Bundjalung National Park
Blatherarm camping and picnic area caravan trailer car Torrington State Conservation Area
Bonnie Vale caravan trailer car Royal National Park
Boomeri campground caravan trailer car Myall Lakes National Park
Boorkoom campground caravan trailer car Yuraygir National Park
Boundary Falls caravan trailer car Gibraltar Range National Park
Boyd River campground caravan trailer car Kanangra-Boyd National Park
Brou Lake caravan trailer car Eurobodalla National Park
Brushy Mountain campground caravan trailer car Werrikimbe National Park
Bummaroo Ford camping ground caravan trailer car Abercrombie River National Park
Bungaree Bay campground caravan trailer car Myall Lakes National Park
Bungonia camping ground caravan trailer car Bungonia National Park
Bungonia camping ground caravan trailer car Bungonia State Conservation Area
Camp Blackman caravan trailer car Warrumbungle National Park
Camp Pincham caravan trailer car Warrumbungle National Park
Camp Walaay caravan trailer car Warrumbungle National Park
Camp Wambelong caravan trailer car Warrumbungle National Park
Cattai camping ground caravan trailer car Cattai National Park
Coach and Horses campground caravan trailer car Paroo-Darling National Park
Congo camping area caravan trailer car Eurobodalla National Park
Coxs Creek camping ground caravan trailer car Coolah Tops National Park
Crowdy Gap Cultural Camp caravan trailer car Crowdy Bay National Park
Culgoa caravan trailer car Culgoa National Park
Cutters camp caravan trailer car Mebbin National Park
Cypress-pine camping area caravan trailer car Boonoo Boonoo National Park
Dalmorton Camping Area caravan trailer car Guy Fawkes River State Conservation Area
Dangars Gorge campground caravan trailer car Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
Darling River camping grounds caravan trailer car Kinchega National Park
Dawsons Spring campground caravan trailer car Mount Kaputar National Park
Dead Horse Gully campground caravan trailer car Sturt National Park
Dees Corner campground caravan trailer car Myall Lakes National Park
Depot Beach campground caravan trailer car Murramarang National Park
Deua River campground caravan trailer car Deua National Park
Devils Hole campground caravan trailer car Barrington Tops National Park
Diamond Head camping area caravan trailer car Crowdy Bay National Park
Dry Tank camping ground caravan trailer car Gundabooka National Park
Emu Lake camping ground caravan trailer car Kinchega National Park
Euroka caravan trailer car Blue Mountains National Park
Euroka - Appletree Flat campervan and camper trailer area caravan trailer car Blue Mountains National Park
Federal Falls camping area caravan trailer car Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area
Fort Grey campground caravan trailer car Sturt National Park
Gambells Rest campground caravan trailer car Morton National Park
Ganguddy (Dunns Swamp) camping ground caravan trailer car Wollemi National Park
Gap Creek camping ground caravan trailer car Watagans National Park
Gillards campground caravan trailer car Mimosa Rocks National Park
Glendora campground caravan trailer car Hill End Historic Site
Green Gully campground caravan trailer car Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
Greenbah camping ground caravan trailer car Goobang National Park
Group campground caravan trailer car Willandra National Park
Hobart Beach campground caravan trailer car Bournda National Park
Holy Camp caravan trailer car Weddin Mountains National Park
Homestead Creek Camping Ground caravan trailer car Mutawintji National Park
Horse Swamp campground caravan trailer car Barrington Tops National Park
Hungry Gate camping area caravan trailer car Hat Head National Park
Illaroo campground caravan trailer car Yuraygir National Park
Indian Head camping area caravan trailer car Crowdy Bay National Park
Iron Pot Creek caravan trailer car Toonumbar National Park
Koreelah Creek camping area caravan trailer car Koreelah National Park
Korsmans Landing campground caravan trailer car Myall Lakes National Park
Kylies Beach camping area caravan trailer car Crowdy Bay National Park
Lake Arragan and Red Cliff campgrounds caravan trailer car Yuraygir National Park
Lake Cawndilla camping ground caravan trailer car Kinchega National Park
Lake Creek camping ground caravan trailer car Wadbilliga National Park
Lane Cove River tourist park caravan trailer car Lane Cove National Park
Lemon Tree Flat campground caravan trailer car Kwiambal National Park
Main camp caravan trailer car Mungo National Park
Mamanga campground caravan trailer car Yanga National Park
Mann River picnic and camping area caravan trailer car Mann River Nature Reserve
Melaleuca camping ground caravan trailer car Limeburners Creek National Park
Mill Creek camping ground caravan trailer car Dharug National Park
Mooraback campground caravan trailer car Werrikimbe National Park
Mount Wood campground caravan trailer car Sturt National Park
Mulligans camping area caravan trailer car Gibraltar Range National Park
Mungo Brush campground caravan trailer car Myall Lakes National Park
Native Dog campground caravan trailer car Cathedral Rock National Park
Neranie Head campground caravan trailer car Myall Lakes National Park
New Country Swamp campground caravan trailer car Mummel Gulf National Park
Newnes camping ground caravan trailer car Wollemi National Park
Nunnock campground caravan trailer car South East Forest National Park
Olive Downs campground caravan trailer car Sturt National Park
Peacock Creek camping area caravan trailer car Richmond Range National Park
Pebbly Beach campground caravan trailer car Murramarang National Park
Picnic Point campground caravan trailer car Mimosa Rocks National Park
Point Plomer camping ground caravan trailer car Limeburners Creek National Park
Polblue campground caravan trailer car Barrington Tops National Park
Pretty Beach campground caravan trailer car Murramarang National Park
Rummery Park campground caravan trailer car Nightcap National Park
Rummery Park campground caravan trailer car Whian Whian State Conservation Area
Saltwater Creek campground caravan trailer car Ben Boyd National Park
Sandon River campground caravan trailer car Yuraygir National Park
Sculptures in the Scrub camping and picnic area caravan trailer car Timallallie National Park
Sheepstation Creek campground caravan trailer car Border Ranges National Park
Six Mile Creek campground caravan trailer car South East Forest National Park
Smoky Cape camping area caravan trailer car Hat Head National Park
Spring Gully Camp caravan trailer car Goulburn River National Park
Station Creek campground caravan trailer car Yuraygir National Park
Stewart and Lloyds campground caravan trailer car Myall Lakes National Park
Terarra Creek camping and picnic area caravan trailer car Nangar National Park
The Barracks camping ground caravan trailer car Coolah Tops National Park
The Pines camping ground caravan trailer car Coolah Tops National Park
The Ruins campground caravan trailer car Booti Booti National Park
The Wells campground caravan trailer car Myall Lakes National Park
The Willows camping and picnic areas caravan trailer car Yanga National Park
Thungutti camping area caravan trailer car New England National Park
Tia Falls campground caravan trailer car Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
Trial Bay Gaol camping ground caravan trailer car Arakoon National Park
Village campground caravan trailer car Hill End Historic Site
Violet Hill campground caravan trailer car Myall Lakes National Park
Wallingat River camping ground caravan trailer car Wallingat National Park
Wanda Wandong camping ground caravan trailer car Goobang National Park
Waratah Gully campground caravan trailer car South East Forest National Park
Wheeny Creek camping ground caravan trailer car Wollemi National Park
White Tree Bay campground caravan trailer car Myall Lakes National Park
Willandra campground caravan trailer car Willandra National Park
Woko camping area caravan trailer car Woko National Park
Wombeyan Caves campground caravan trailer car Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve
Woody Head campground caravan trailer car Bundjalung National Park
Woolshed Flat campground caravan trailer car Cocoparra National Park
Wyanbene Cave campground caravan trailer car Deua National Park
Yagon campground caravan trailer car Myall Lakes National Park

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

List 2: Overnight camping away from your car or others (NSW):

Acacia Flat Long walk from car to tent Blue Mountains National Park
Balor Hut campground Long walk from car to tent Warrumbungle National Park
Burbie Camp Long walk from car to tent Warrumbungle National Park
Colo Meroo camping ground Long walk from car to tent Wollemi National Park
Gunneemooroo campground Long walk from car to tent Warrumbungle National Park
Heartbreak Hill camping area Long walk from car to tent Parr State Conservation Area
Kingfisher Pool camping ground Long walk from car to tent Heathcote National Park
North Era campground Long walk from car to tent Royal National Park
Shelley Head campground Long walk from car to tent Yuraygir National Park
Ten Mile Hollow campground Long walk from car to tent Dharug National Park
The Basin campground Long walk from car to tent Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Uloola Falls camping ground Long walk from car to tent Royal National Park
Wombat Creek campground Long walk from car to tent Barrington Tops National Park