Driving a caravan? Parking is overflowing in outback Queensland

A massive influx of caravans have hit the road this week to western Queensland, but are struggling to find a park. (ABC North West Queensland: Kemii Maguire)

Outback Queensland is running out of space as a massive influx of caravans waiting out COVID restrictions puts the squeeze on popular tourist stops.

It has left caravan parks in Mount Isa with no vacancies and unusual overflow areas having to be utilised for the first time in several years. 

Manager of the Mount Isa Golf Club Margie McDonald said that multiple caravan operators have asked for the club's help with parking overflow since last Thursday.

"On our busiest night, we took 40 vans," Ms McDonald said.

Caravans have parked at the Mount Isa Golf Course as overflow areas become tight. (ABC North West Queensland: Kemii Maguire)

"We don't do this on a regular basis, it's just to keep the people in town to enjoy Mount Isa.

Ms McDonald said the club will keep its parking open for tourists for as long as it's needed.

"There's a few travellers that have said they've got their golf clubs, so they'll go for a hit. It's great."

Mount Isa City Council will hold a meeting with caravan park owners next week to manage overflow areas.

Parking dos and don'ts

There are three types of rest areas on major Queensland highways, including heavy vehicle rest areas which specifically forbid camping overnight. (ABC North West Queensland: Kemii Maguire)

Highway rest stops have been a popular place for tourists to stop overnight, with some rest areas holding up to 20 caravans.

President of the Livestock and Rural Transport Association Gerard Johnson said that trucks are finding it hard to find space to pull up. 

"There's very limited places where truck drivers can check their loads and rest," Mr Johnson said. 

No camping sign in Flinders Highway rest area. (ABC North West Queensland: Kemii Maguire)

"Even caravans parking side-by-side instead of taking up the whole area will help."

Senior Constable Warwick West from Mount Isa Police said there are three types of highway rest areas: motorist, heavy-vehicle, and combined vehicle rest areas.

"They're usually signed very well, and designed for drivers to manage their fatigue," Senior Constable West said. 

"The legislation doesn't specifically outline camping overnight in these rest areas."

However, Senior Constable West said that to park for more than 20 hours in a vehicle rest area may breach regulation.

"Heavy vehicles are exclusively for heavy vehicle areas, and anyone else parking there may be subject to fines."

Road trains carrying animal, metals, and explosive cargo travel every hour on the Flinders Highway. (ABC North West Queensland: Kemii Maguire)

Local police and the State Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) have the ability to check and fine tourists. 

"I would urge anyone not to park in a truck rest stop."