Family's Easter Hike Marred by Human Waste and Unattended Fire in National Park
A father hiking with his family over the Easter weekend was horrified when they stumbled across human excrement, wipes, and a still-lit campfire in a national park. Nathan Mas-Stephens, an emergency rescue worker, and his two children were visiting the Gardens of Stone National Park, near Lithgow, on March 5.
After completing a 2km trail near rock formations, the family were alarmed by what they discovered at a campsite. 'I've seen plenty of trashed spots before… but leaving a campsite with an active fire is next level,' Mr Mas-Stephens said on social media. 'NPWS signs torn down, unopened alcohol left behind, gas canisters scattered around. It just doesn't make sense.'
Further Discoveries at Wolgan Gap Lookout
The family then walked to Wolgan Gap Lookout, where more horror ensued. 'An absolute cracker of a place… but honestly, it was rough,' he said. 'Used toilet paper, wet wipes scattered everywhere, and so much human poop on the rocks that the local wombat gave up trying to compete.'
Mr Mas-Stephens said they had put out the active campfire, which was filled with cans, food waste, and plastic. He also attempted to call the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) but struggled to get through to anyone.
Official Response and Potential Fines
A spokesperson for the service told Yahoo News they were 'disappointed' by the reports of littering and illegal dumping. 'These actions damage fragile environments, put public safety at risk, and detract from the experience of other visitors,' they said.
They highlighted that such behaviour could attract significant penalties:
- Littering and illegal dumping can result in fines between $500 and $1,000.
- Illegal dumping can lead to fines of up to $15,000.
- Leaving a fire unattended can incur further penalties, including a $660 fine for leaving a lit cigarette, which doubles during fire bans.
- Defecation in public, while not under a specific law, could be prosecuted as 'offensive conduct' with a maximum penalty of $660.
Rising Risks from Increased Accessibility
Mr Mas-Stephens noted that improvements to the tracks in the national park had attracted new visitors, bringing with them further risks of littering and vandalism. 'Places that once took effort to reach are now a quick stop-off the side of the road. In, out, and onto the next spot… without much thought for what's left behind,' he wrote.
'This isn't new behaviour. But it's going to become more frequent if we don't stay on top of it. At the end of the day, it's pretty simple. Take your rubbish. Put your fires out properly. Respect the place. Because spots like this deserve better.'
