Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is currently considering a proposal which involves closing the gates to the Noosa national park carpark (daily) from 8pm to 4am during busy periods (e.g. school holidays). This is as a deterrent to exclude overnight stays due to the many complaints received about visitors continuing to do so.

QPWS and Noosa Shire Council formed a partnership in 2018 to address concerns about overnight and long-term stays in and around the national park. Since then, four-hour parking has been implemented within the main carpark and Council’s infringement notice penalty for overstaying this limit is currently $266.

Gates were installed to allow for a trial of closing the facility overnight, with a trial implemented, with good success, during the 2020 school leavers celebrations.

Both Noosa Council officers and QPWS rangers undertake regular patrols of the carpark, resulting in fines as well as educating visitors regarding restrictions on parking and camping.

QPWS will continue to consult with Noosa Council regarding measures to improve compliance in the Noosa National Park carpark with signage also currently under review.

More will be updated when a final decision has been reached regarding the carpark hours.