West Coast beaches still being hit by influx of Instagram tourists – but council is putting changes in place

Two years ago, SA’s stunning West Coast beaches were hit by a barrage of careless Insta-tourists leaving rubbish and even toilet paper in dunes – so what’s changed?

Caravans and campers at Greenly Beach, on SA’s West Coast, on Sunday. Pictures: Supplied

West Coast beaches trashed in previous years by an influx of tourists and campers are improving, but frustrated local businesses say there is “still a long way to go”.

In January 2021, The Advertiser reported beaches on the West Coast faced unprecedented pressure due to a huge influx of interstate campers.

In recent years the spot has become famous on social media for its nearby picturesque rock pools, leading to an influx of tourists.

But the lack of facilities to cope with the stream of tourists resulted in images of human excrement and discarded toilet paper in sand dunes, overflowing bins and 4WDs and caravans camped at normally quiet locations, infuriating locals.

Tara and Luke Rowe run The Greenly Carriage, an eco cabin Airbnb at Greenly Beach, and said the situation “seems to be improving”, but even more campers are coming – while there’s still not enough facilities.

“Anecdotally there seem to be more campers than ever, so this continues to be a challenge with the lack of facilities,” Ms Rowe said.

Caravans and campers on Perlubie Beach this month. Picture: Supplied

People camping on Perlubie Beach at Streaky Bay this month. Picture: Supplied

“What does it look like now? Not very different to this time last year. But still, the culture and mindset around visiting and respecting the area seems to have shifted. Hopefully by next summer there will be more guidelines in place to help manage the impact of this seasonal influx.”

Ms Rowe said the beach looks the same as last year in that the infrastructure hasn’t changed – only some signage, removal of the bin at Coles Point and rocks have been moved around to outline campsites at Greenly.

“There is still a long way to go to ensure that the increasing number of tourists accessing our area are doing it in the most sustainable way possible.” she said.

Rubbish left by tourists at Greenly Beach, near Port Lincoln in 2021 Picture: Murray Kelsh

An influx of campers at Greenly Beach, near Port Lincoln in 2021. Picture: Murray Kelsh

The couple said the Lower Eyre Council had erected signs to inform campers where they can camp and also have a code of conduct with expectations from campers staying there.

“Toilet paper and rubbish were highly publicised during the situation last year, and this also seems to be improving, due in part to the council’s signage that encourage campers to bring a chem-loo,” Ms Rowe said.

“The rubbish bin at Coles Point was also removed last year, which has certainly helped with the dumping of rubbish at the bin and encourages travellers are taking their rubbish with them.”

A line of campers at Greenly Beach, near Port Lincoln. Picture: Murray Kelsh

The Rowes are calling for beach access to be clearly marked, places to be fenced off to the public, and more policing of the sites.

Lower Eyre Council said it had put in place more direction for campers and new signage across the Lower Eyre Peninsula campgrounds.

It said it was working with community association Lower Eyre Coastcare to erect low-lying fencing and use large boulders to keep people off specific areas.

Signage for campers at the Greenly Beach Campground. Pictures: Supplied

Signage at Greenly Beach for campers. Pictures: Supplied

“We are working to put in place a plan to further this in the future based on popularity and population of the areas,” the council’s Sacheen Hopewell said.

Tourists who camp outside designated areas face a maximum $312 fine.

Ms Hopewell said extra council patrols were checking campsites, but “most people are doing the right thing”.

Campers can book council campsites through an online booking system, which informs them of the sites to camp and their availability.