Australia's dump point network exists because local councils, showgrounds, and other land managers have chosen to provide it - often at no cost to travellers. Most dump points are free, unstaffed, and maintained on a goodwill basis. How the caravanning community uses them directly affects whether they stay open.
Dump point closures are almost always the result of misuse, persistent poor cleanliness, or vandalism. A site that is consistently left in poor condition becomes a liability for whoever manages it, and closure follows. The points below are common sense for most travellers, but they are worth spelling out.
Be Quick
Dump points are a shared resource and the process does not need to take long. Have everything ready before you pull up - gloves on, cassette accessible, hose connected - so you are not fumbling around while someone else waits.
Empty your tank or cassette, rinse, stow your equipment, and move on. If your rig has both a black water tank and a grey water tank, drain both in the one stop rather than pulling up twice.
Do not use the time at a dump point to do other jobs - filling your fresh water tank, checking tyre pressures, or making a cup of tea. If you need to do those things, move your rig out of the dump point area first.
Leave it Clean
The most important thing you can do at a dump point is leave it in the same condition you would want to find it.
- Replace the cover on the inlet before you walk away
- Rinse any splashes or spills from around the inlet using the washout hose
- If the washout hose is on a reel, wind it back
- Dispose of your gloves in a bin if one is provided - do not leave them on the ground
- Do not leave empty chemical bottles, old hoses, or any other rubbish at the site
If there is no bin at the site, take your rubbish with you. A used pair of gloves in a bag takes up almost no space and can go in your next bin stop.
What Not to Dump
Dump points are connected to the sewer system and are designed for liquid waste only. Putting the wrong things down a dump point damages the infrastructure and can result in the site being closed or taken out of service for repairs.
Do not put the following into a dump point:
- Solid waste of any kind, including food scraps
- Wet wipes, tissues, or paper towels - even those labelled flushable
- Nappies or sanitary products
- Cooking oils or grease in large quantities
- Chemicals not designed for cassette or tank use - paint, solvents, fuels
- Composting toilet waste - this is solid material and does not belong in a dump point
Standard cassette toilet chemicals and enzyme-based tank treatments are fine. If you are unsure whether a product is suitable, check the label - it will usually say whether it is safe for sewer systems.
If Someone is Waiting
If you arrive at a dump point and someone is already using it, give them space. Do not pull up directly behind them or crowd the area. Most dump points have enough room to wait nearby without blocking access.
If you are at the dump point and someone is waiting, acknowledge them, finish up efficiently, and move your rig fully clear of the area before they pull in. A quick wave goes a long way.
If a site only has one dump point and there is a queue, it is worth remembering that everyone there is in the same situation. Patience and a bit of courtesy make the experience better for everyone.
Report Problems
If you arrive at a dump point and find it in poor condition - blocked inlet, broken washout hose, damaged cover, or general mess left by a previous user - report it.
Use the report function on the listing page on this site to flag the issue. You can also contact the local council directly if you know who manages the site. A reported problem has a chance of being fixed. An unreported one does not.
The same applies if a listing on this site has incorrect information - wrong address, changed hours, fee details that are out of date. Use the report or confirm function on any listing page to help keep the directory accurate for other travellers.
Why it Matters
Free, publicly accessible dump points are not guaranteed. They exist because councils and land managers have decided the benefit to travellers outweighs the cost and effort of providing them. That calculation changes when a site becomes a persistent problem.
The caravanning community in Australia is large and growing. The more travellers use dump points considerately, the stronger the case for councils to maintain existing sites and add new ones. The opposite is also true - a small number of people doing the wrong thing can result in a site being closed that thousands of others relied on.
For more on how to use a dump point correctly from start to finish, see our full how to use a dump point guide. To find your nearest dump point, use the interactive map or browse by state on the caravan dump points page.