1000 Stealth Free-Camping Tips | Vanlife Australia

A new video, finally!
After almost 6 months on the road I've collected a bit of experience in stealth camping. Ive only paid for accommodation about 5 times in the whole trip... Bargain!
Ive been warned 8 times by council officers. And fined once in Noosa, but I was really pushing the limit, camping in a carpark right on the beach.
This is a laidback video with a bunch of info on stealth camping tips and etiquette.
I hope you find it useful.
Nb. Ive added the whole script down below, in case you can't understand me, haha.
As always, hit me up in the comments if you have any Q's
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THE SCRIPT:
Stealth Camping
Timing.
In late - Out early.
Be ready for bed before you arrive.
Most nights, I’ll stay in a different spot. Even if I’m in the same area, I’ll change up my spots, to make sure no one gets moody about me being there “again”.
In this situation I’ll know where I’m gonna stay, in advance. So I can spend the evening at a nice location, to have dinner and relax or whatever. Then get ready and move to my spot for sleep.
Finding spots.
...this is a skill in itself. If you’re not already, you need to acquaint yourself with google maps satellite mode. From here you can scope out the local area for potential spots. I first look for tree’d areas, forests or scrubland. Also ovals or sporting grounds these are easy to find on gmaps. Also rivers or estuaries and boat ramps, although these spots are often mozzie zones. Finally, industrial areas great because there’s generally no one around after hours. Or no one who cares.
With a bit of practice you be able to pick spots with maximum certainty. But to begin with, you’ll want to prepare a few options. Sometimes this will mean scoping out potential spots in advance. I’ve spent whole afternoons driving around checking out potential locations.
Respect Locals
If you’re parking in front of someone’s house, be prepared for the fact that they may not be fond of you being there. With any luck, they won’t even know.
But if they do, and you have to interact, be as polite as possible. Be friendly, complement their garden even. If you get in quick you can intercept any aggression. Even if they’re being a Karen about it, stay calm. Apologise. Often, people will come around and become more friendly, once they realise you’re not a threat.
Respect location.
This is a big one for me.
There’s a bunch of bad eggs out there who take liberty, wherever they land. Living the free life on the road, doesn’t mean you’re free to be careless and reckless. Yeah it’s cool to “ f the system”. But it’s not cool to mess with people, and the areas they call home. In fact, the free’er you are , the more respectful you should be. I’ve seen vanlifers pull up in beautiful locations, and leave them a mess.
The actions of a few, have ruined it for the rest.
It’s best to remember, that you’re a visitor, wherever you go. That land, is not your land. It has history, it has culture and it has community.
This seems a little heavy, but all I’m getting at, is that I think it’s important to be thoughtful of how lucky you are to be able visit such beautiful locations, at your leisure.
So just a be considerate, and offer a gesture when you can, in your own way.
I like to pick up rubbish. It feels good to know I’ve left a place better than when I arrived. And it’s easy.
Check Parking Signage.
When you pull up at a potential spot. Check the street for any parking signage. Avoid parking where you will be exceeding the parking times.
Being in breach of parking conditions makes it easier for a ranger or officer to dig their claws in.
Dealing with rangers or officers.
So far, I have never been hassled by police. And as far as I can tell, police are not interested or responsible for handling free campers. Usually it is local council officers who do the dirty work. Or if you’re in a national park, it would be a ranger.
In most cases, you can plead ignorance. Once again, be polite, friendly and apologise. If you fire up, they will fire up. Basic chemistry.
If you need an excuse...
I was feeling unwell, so I didn’t feel well enough to drive.
Or “I had a couple of drinks” works surprisingly well too.
If you’re near the beach, and get busted early in the morning you can say “I got in late last night and Wanted to surf here this morning” also seems to work well.
It’s not always going to be a beautiful location.
It’s just sleep, after all
As much as we all want to wake up in an amazing location, it often doesn’t work out like that. AConvenience and privacy are often the priorities. And when you’re super tired, it’s all about quick and easy. Some of the best urban sleeps I’ve had have been in industrial areas.

[@brucehartwig6164]

Thanks for the tips. They were very interesting and informative. It gave us something more think about. You're in a beautiful location there in Tasmania. We're looking forward to following your travels.

[@darcymackenzie7654]

Huge one - Don't park to wake up to the amazing view... most places like that will get you fined.... pull up a few streets back and drive down to the view in the morning... I have had rangers fining people (great ocean road) and they mentioned they spotted me parked up the road by a farm.... ranger said to me, smart, we dont fine there..... as I set up to cook breakfast in this amazing spot, whilst the other campers sulked over their fines

[@raydav25]

totally good advice

[@EternalJourneys]

Happy to help!

[@allegrosotto2126]

I agree, three years on the road, I've politely talked my way out of situations if need be. Respect always.

[@EternalJourneys]

Exactly, all about respect. Thanks for watching 🙏🏼