Bourke to get free camping site

To address the growing trend of free camping, Bourke Shire Council will establish a free camping sites at the Renshaw carpark, with further investigation into the land in front of the old Bourke railway station for additional facilities.

On Monday Bourke Shire Council considered several potential sites outlined in a report by Council’s General Manager Leonie Brown – including the Renshaw area, the old railway station land, plus two sites near the Back O’Bourke Centre, and a roadside area east of Percy Hobson Park.

Free camping, also known as freedom camping, allows travellers to stay overnight in designated areas without the fees associated with traditional caravan parks and campgrounds.

The Bourke Shire Council review focused on finding a secure and accessible location for visitors, while balancing the needs of tourists with community safety, and infrastructure costs.

Mrs Brown presented her report and recommendations at this week’s Bourke Shire Council meeting and identified six sites for councillors to consider.

Under standard freedom camping rules, visitors must use self-contained vehicles, limit stays to a maximum of two nights, vacate the site by 9am, secure food and rubbish, and adhere to the “leave no trace” principles.

While Bourke Shire Council acknowledges that security cannot be fully guaranteed, it aims to offer a convenient and responsible camping experience.

Each possible location was reviewed at the meeting, along with each site’s unique advantages and challenges. […]

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