Can You Smoke at The Gorge Camping? Rules and Risks Explained

Smoking at The Gorge camping isn’t just about personal choice-it’s about safety, rules, and respecting the land. If you’re planning a trip there, you need to know exactly what’s allowed and what could get you fined-or worse, start a wildfire.

Smoking is banned in most areas of The Gorge camping

The Gorge, located in Western Australia’s southwest, is part of a protected forest reserve with strict fire regulations. Smoking is prohibited within 10 meters of any tent, picnic area, or campfire site. This isn’t just a suggestion-it’s enforced by Parks and Wildlife Service officers. Signs are posted at every entry point and campsite, and rangers conduct regular patrols, especially during summer months.

Why such a hard rule? The Gorge sits in a high-risk fire zone. The vegetation here-eucalyptus, banksia, and dry scrub-is highly flammable. A single lit cigarette dropped on dry leaves can spark a fire that spreads faster than you can run. In 2023, a smoker’s discarded butt ignited a fire near the South Gorge campground that burned over 80 hectares. No one was hurt, but the cleanup cost more than $200,000 and closed the area for three weeks.

Where you can smoke, and how to do it safely

You’re not completely out of luck. Smoking is allowed only in designated smoking zones, which are clearly marked with metal ashtrays and signage. These zones are located at least 30 meters from any campsite, trailhead, or water source. There are only three such spots in the entire campground: one near the main parking area, one by the river access point, and one at the picnic shelter near the northern loop.

If you smoke, here’s how to do it without risking everything:

1. Use the provided ashtrays-never drop butts on the ground.
2. Extinguish cigarettes completely with water, not just by stubbing them out.
3. Carry a small metal tin to store used butts until you reach a disposal bin.
4. Never smoke while walking on trails or near dry grass.
5. If you’re using a vape or e-cigarette, the same rules apply-no vaping near tents or picnic areas.

Even if you think you’re being careful, a breeze can carry a glowing ember hundreds of meters. In 2024, a hiker thought he’d put out his cigarette with his boot. Three hours later, a fire started 200 meters away. The cause? A buried ember that reignited.

Fines and penalties for breaking the rules

Breaking the smoking rules at The Gorge doesn’t just mean a warning. The penalties are serious:

• First offense: $500 fine
• Second offense within 12 months: $1,500 fine
• If your actions cause a fire: up to $10,000 and possible criminal charges

These fines aren’t theoretical. In the last 18 months, 17 people were fined for smoking violations at The Gorge. One couple was caught smoking near their tent during a heatwave. They didn’t realize the grass was dry enough to ignite. They paid $1,500 each and were banned from the park for a year.

Why the rules are stricter here than at other campsites

Not all forest campsites have the same rules. At some parks in Victoria or Tasmania, smoking near campsites is allowed with caution. But The Gorge is different. It’s surrounded by steep cliffs, dense bushland, and seasonal rivers that dry out fast. The soil is sandy and doesn’t hold moisture well. Wind speeds regularly hit 30 km/h in the afternoons. Combine that with the fact that the area gets over 40,000 visitors a year, and the risk becomes obvious.

Other campsites might have fire bans only during extreme conditions. The Gorge has a year-round smoking ban in camp zones because the danger is constant. Even in winter, when it feels safe, the undergrowth stays dry for months. A single spark can still trigger disaster.

What to do if you see someone smoking illegally

If you see someone smoking near a tent or trail, don’t ignore it. Approach calmly. Say something like, “Hey, I noticed you’re smoking near the tent-there’s a sign over there saying it’s not allowed. Want me to point you to the smoking zone?” Most people don’t realize they’re breaking the rules. They think they’re being careful.

If they refuse to stop, report it. Use the Parks and Wildlife emergency number posted at the entrance, or call 1300 361 967. You can also use the Parks WA app to upload a photo and location. Reports are anonymous. And yes-people have been fined based on photos taken by other campers.

Alternatives if you need to smoke

If you’re someone who relies on smoking to relax, consider switching to nicotine patches or gum for your trip. Many campers find that being away from daily stress makes quitting easier. Others use the trip as a chance to cut back.

If you absolutely need to smoke, plan ahead:

• Bring a portable ashtray with a lid.
• Fill a small bottle with water to douse butts.
• Walk to the designated smoking zone-even if it’s a 10-minute hike.
• Don’t smoke after dark. Visibility is low, and you’re more likely to drop a butt without realizing it.

One camper told me he used to smoke three packs a day at home. He brought nicotine gum to The Gorge and didn’t light a single cigarette. He said the quiet of the forest made him realize how much he was using smoke to cope. He’s still not smoking six months later.

What about campfires and BBQs?

While this article focuses on smoking, it’s worth noting that open fires and charcoal BBQs are also banned at The Gorge year-round. Only gas stoves are allowed, and only in designated cooking areas. This rule exists for the same reason: fire risk. Even a small flame in dry grass can become uncontrollable in minutes.

If you’re used to roasting marshmallows or cooking over a campfire, you’ll need to adjust. Bring a portable gas stove. It’s safer, faster, and lets you enjoy your meals without risking the forest.

Final reminder: Your smoke could burn a forest

Smoking at The Gorge isn’t just against the rules-it’s a threat to the ecosystem, wildlife, and other people’s safety. The trees here are hundreds of years old. Kangaroos, wallabies, and rare birds rely on this land. A single cigarette can destroy decades of natural growth.

Respect the rules. Use the ashtrays. Walk to the smoking zone. If you’re unsure, don’t smoke at all. The silence of the forest is worth more than a puff.

If you’re planning a trip to The Gorge, treat the smoking rules like you would a speed limit or a no-swimming sign. They’re there to protect you, others, and the land. Don’t risk it. Leave the cigarettes at home-or at least, leave them unlit.