Inskip Point campers reminded to maintain hygiene, health standards after gastro cases

A popular campsite north of the Sunshine Coast is expected to hit capacity during the holidays, but a handful of gastro cases has reignited a health and hygiene alert.

Campers at Inskip Point have been urged to maintain high hygiene standards to prevent another gastro outbreak with campsites at full capacity for the Easter school holidays.

Campers at Inskip Point have been urged to maintain high hygiene standards to prevent another gastro outbreak with campsites at full capacity for the Easter school holidays.

The idyllic holiday location has harboured numerous gastro cases for three years in a row, with the most recent being at the end of 2022 when one person left the campgrounds in an ambulance.

In 2021, the outbreaks were so severe that multiple campsites were shut down to contain the spread.

A Department of Environment and Science spokesperson told the Sunshine Coast Daily rangers had been made aware of one small group of campers with gastro in the last three weeks. They have since left the area.

It comes as the campsite is expected to reach full capacity over the Easter long weekend.

The Inskip Point campgrounds are expected to reach full capacity over the Easter long weekend.

“Regardless of known cases, campers are urged to make their hygiene a key priority as such illnesses can spread from person to person quickly,” the spokesperson said.

Daily deep cleans of the campground’s facilities are overseen by rangers, who also offer health management advice to campers.

But over the Easter holidays, professional cleaners will take over with a strict daily cleaning routine in line with Queensland Health guidelines and Queensland Parks and Wildlife protocols.

The department reissued an updated health alert on March 29, reminding campers of basic hygiene requirements and to stay home if they are unwell.

“People intending to camp at Inskip (and any QPWS campground) are reminded to pack plenty of soap, freshwater and their own personal hand towels in their camping kit,” the spokesperson said.

“Campers are also encouraged to bring their own portable toilet to Inskip Point camping areas.

“Inskip is a remote campsite with limited facilities, so good preparation including personal water supplies is essential.”

Campers with signs of illness, such as gastro, are recommended to postpone their trip as cancelled bookings and permits are refundable.