P-platers have been barred from entering a Sunshine Coast camping ground.
New drivers are not welcome at Kenilworth Camping, a family-run dairy farm by the Mary River.
The campground website states “No P-platers allowed” and outlines why.
“For insurance and safety reasons, provisional licence holders are not permitted.”
The scenic location, 2km outside of Kenilworth, boasts spacious sites.
Visitors can pick their own campsites, have campfires and dogs, and they can catch-and-release fish. Toilets are provided and there is good phone reception. There is also easy access for cars and caravans: visitors do not require a 4WD.
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Visitors are urged to drive at a speed under 10km/h, there are restricted areas and limits on fire sizes, a caution about swimming and a 9pm noise curfew.
The website also declared that the business ‘needs’ campers to visit.
“We’re still open. We need your support,” it stated.
Sunshine Coast News has reached out to the business for more details on the P-plate rule.
Caravan Parks Association of Queensland CEO Michelle Weston said property owners were entitled to write their own rules.
“(Many) caravan parks and campgrounds across Queensland are independently owned and operated businesses, and each park or campground determines their own booking terms and conditions based on their individual business model and risk settings,” she said.
“CPAQ does not set policies for individual parks, and we would not comment on the specifics of one park’s decision.”
But she said the campground’s P-plate policy was relatively unusual.
“We are not aware of restrictions on provisional licence holders being a widespread practice across Queensland caravan parks.”
“More broadly, caravan parks welcome a diverse cross-section of travellers, including families, grey nomads and young people exploring the state. Safety and positive guest experiences remain a priority for operators across the industry.”
The Department of Transport and Main Roads stated that local councils regulate campgrounds, but Sunshine Coast Council only stated that there are no restrictions for P-platers at council holiday parks.
RACQ refrained from commenting “as it is a business decision for a private operator” while the South-East-Queensland Youth Advocacy Centre stated that it could not currently comment on the topic.
The family who owns the property, off Paulger Road, has operated it as a dairy farm for more than 60 years. It reportedly produces 2.5 million litres of milk per year.
