Generator use

Some people enjoy camping with electronic home comforts—fridges, microwaves and laptops—that often require a generator. Camping in our parks and forests doesn’t always mean leaving these luxuries at home as there are many parks and forests where a generator is allowed to be used.

Generator noise can disturb other people’s enjoyment of the area and disturb native wildlife, so please consider alternatives such as solar panels, inverters or ‘charging while driving’.

Many visitors value our parks and forests for their peace and quiet, so generators are not permitted in every park or forest in Queensland.

Generator usage conditions

In parks and forests where generator use is allowed, there may be restrictions on noise level output and hours of use.

Only low decibel (dB) generators, up to 2.0 Kva, with a maximum noise level output of up to 65 dB at 7 m are appropriate in our camp sites, unless otherwise specified.

Check specific park pages for other generator restrictions, including hours of use, in place for each camp site.

To reduce the risk of starting a wildfire from your generator, please:

• locate the generator in an area clear of fuels, dry grass or other combustible objects
• ensure extension cords do not cross access tracks and are rated for external use
• ensure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe operation of your generator
• ensure you are present whenever the generator is operating
• never use the generator on days of local fire ban.

Charging medical appliances

In areas where generator use is not allowed, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will allow the use of a small low dB generator (up to 2.0 Kva) to charge auxiliary batteries to run a medical appliance. A current medical certificate stating the medical condition and the necessity of the medical appliance is required.

Where can I use a generator?

Find out which parks and forests in each region allow the use of generators:Statewide | Around Brisbane | Around Townsville | Cape York Peninsula | Central Coast | Central Highlands | Mackay/Proserpine | North Queensland | Outback Queensland | Sunshine Coast | West of Brisbane

More information

Read Policy - Generators and Noise Generating Appliances operational policy (PDF, 97KB) for further information.