Is It Illegal to Park on the Nature Strip in Australia?
Parking on nature strips is a common sight in many suburban areas, but is it actually legal? The short answer is no—parking on the nature strip is illegal in Australia unless explicitly permitted by signage or local regulations.
Let’s break down what a nature strip is, who owns it, the laws surrounding parking, penalties, and how to handle neighbours who park illegally.
What is a Nature Strip?
A nature strip—also known as a road verge—is the public land between a property boundary and the road, typically covered in grass or other landscaping.
Despite being public land, nature strips are not designed for parking. Their primary purpose is to:
- Provide space for pedestrians and utility services.
- Enhance the appearance of a neighbourhood.
- Improve drainage and road safety.
Who Owns and Maintains Nature Strips?
In Australia, local councils own nature strips—but the responsibility for maintaining them (mowing, weeding, etc.) typically falls on the property owner or resident.
This means that while you don’t own the nature strip in front of your home, you are responsible for keeping it tidy.
Can You Park on a Nature Strip in Australia?
🚫 No, you cannot legally park on a nature strip in Australia.
What Does the Law Say?
Under Australian Road Rules (Regulation 197):
“A driver must not stop on a bicycle path, footpath, shared path, dividing strip, or nature strip adjacent to a length of road in a built-up area, unless:(a) The driver stops at a place to which a parking control sign applies, and they are permitted to stop at that place; or(b) The driver is permitted to stop under another law of this jurisdiction.”
This rule applies nationwide, meaning that whether you are in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, or any other state, parking on a nature strip is illegal unless explicitly allowed by local council regulations.
🚨 Bottom Line: Unless there is clear signage permitting parking, assume that parking on a nature strip is illegal.
Are There Penalties for Parking on a Nature Strip?
Yes—fines vary by state and council, but they can be hefty. Here are some examples:
📍 New South Wales (Penrith City Council)
- Parking on a nature strip in a built-up area: $257 fine.
- Parking in a school zone nature strip: $330 fine + 2 demerit points.
📍 Victoria
- Fines range from $110 to $580, depending on the local council.
📍 Queensland (Noosa Shire Council)
- Fine: 20 penalty units.
- Penalty unit value (as of July 1, 2024): $161.30 per unit.
- Total fine: $3226—ouch!
Are There Any Exceptions?
🚫 No, there are no general exceptions.
However, some local councils may allow nature strip parking in specific cases—but only if:
- There is official signage permitting parking.
- You have written permission from the adjoining property owner (though this is rare).
Even if some councils take a lenient approach, you should always check with your local council first to avoid an unexpected fine.
How to Stop Neighbours from Parking on Your Nature Strip
This can be a delicate issue, as you don’t want to create unnecessary conflict. Here’s what you can do:
1️⃣ Talk to Them First – They may not be aware that it’s illegal. A friendly conversation could resolve the issue.
2️⃣ Report It to Your Local Council – Councils can issue fines or place warning notices on illegally parked vehicles.
3️⃣ Install Bollards or Landscaping – In some areas, councils allow property owners to install bollards, trees, or other barriers to prevent parking. However, you may need council approval before making changes.
Where to Get More Information
For the most up-to-date parking laws and penalties, contact your local council. They can provide information on:
- Specific local regulations.
- Fines and enforcement policies.
- Exemptions (if any) in your area.
📢 Still unsure? If you’re asking, “Can I park on the nature strip?”—scroll back to the top and read again. 🚗💨