As Australia’s peak holiday travel season approaches, authorities and conservation groups are warning caravanners and campers about a little-known but serious travel risk involving the inadvertent spread of invasive pests and pathogens across state borders.

Experts highlight that seeds, insects, and other organisms can cling to tyres, clothing, camping gear and vehicles, enabling species such as fire ants, cane toads and harmful weeds to establish in new regions and threaten local ecosystems.

Travellers are being urged to dispose of fresh produce before crossing state lines and to thoroughly clean equipment and vehicle undersides to minimise the risk of ‘hitchhiker’ species being transported with them.

This biosecurity alert follows a recent review by the national inspector-general of biosecurity, which identified weaknesses in border enforcement and gaps in compliance that could be exploited by invasive organisms moving through passenger traffic rather than just freight pathways.

The Invasive Species Council has emphasised that while formal inspections occur at major checkpoints, the primary responsibility lies with travellers to be aware of and mitigate these risks themselves, underscoring that unintentional introductions can have lasting environmental and agricultural consequences.

In addition to biological threats, police and road safety organisations are warning drivers of larger vehicles such as campervans and caravans about increased risks on Australia’s busy highways, citing incidents of speeding and driver inexperience that can endanger both occupants and other road users.

Offences involving excessive speed have led to significant fines and licence suspensions, illustrating the compounded safety challenges that come with towing or driving larger recreational vehicles.

Authorities are also reminding campers in specific zones, such as Teewah Beach and other popular sites, of local requirements such as carrying approved sanitation equipment to prevent environmental harm and avoid penalty notices.

These combined alerts reflect a broader push to protect natural landscapes, public safety and biodiversity while Australians embrace travel and outdoor recreation over the summer months.