Backpackers looking to avoid having to pay fines for camping in the wrong places in Australia have the option of buying
online travel insurance before they leave home.
Northern Territory News reports that two French backpackers were recently fined $130 (£63.38) for camping illegally in Bayview, Darwin, although the pair otherwise caused no disruption to local residents.
Backpacker Marieke Doucet, 28, said she thought the fine was unnecessary, but locals complained that car parks in the region tend to get crammed with campers throughout the tourist season.
Pamela Stankiewicz, a resident of Cullen Bay in Darwin, told the paper: "During tourist season the car parks around Lake Alexander are packed with campervans with interstate number plates - but the good thing is that they disappear at the end of the season."
Ms Stankiewicz suggested a small charge for people planning to camp, but a local council spokesman said the authorities will be concentrating on giving out fines.
All campers could buy
cheap travel insurance to protect their belongings.
People heading to Australia might choose to visit Kangaroo Island off South Australia, which tourkangarooisland.com.au reports has a huge range of environments and wildlife.
Check out Downunder's quote engine for
cheap travel insurance to Oz.
