4 days ago
Aussies impressed by 'brilliant' camping solution when nature calls
There are few things more certain than a bush pee while camping in the great Aussie outdoors. After a few drinks around the campfire, it's inevitable you'll find yourself rushing behind trees for some privacy while your mates' laughter feels uncomfortably close.
For some, it's a simple turn of the back but for others, it can be a little less dignified when having to 'pop a squat'. So one enterprising camper came up with a "brilliant" solution to address the inconspicuous inequality.
Over the weekend, a group of health workers enjoyed a long-awaited camping trip on the NSW Central Coast, and radiographer Tom Madden used his DIY skills to construct a makeshift toilet on his property out of a fallen tree trunk, wood offcuts and a shovel.
"I was fully expecting just to do the hard yards and squat on the ground," nurse Priya Prosser told Yahoo News. "[But] Tom had planned it all out... he'd even carved out a little place to put our bums."
The fallen tree served as the backrest of the toilet, while planks of wood were fixed on top, creating stability for planks to jut out perpendicular and make for handy armrests. The bush toilet was completed with a deep hole dug in the soil. In footage taken by Priya, you can see Tom strut up to his masterpiece and give a demonstration.
"[It was a] successful camping toilet extravaganza," Priya joked. "I did not pee on my pants once... I will say, I did get some sawdust up my arse though."After Priya shared footage of the makeshift toilet online, many Aussies praised Tom's efforts, with one calling it a "brilliant" solution, while another joked the campers were "living in luxury".
With camping remaining a popular Aussie activity (15.2 million caravan and camping trips were taken last year), many are happy to share their bush hacks, including camping toilet solutions.
"Many people actually have commented with better alternatives," Priya said, explaining one camper told her she cuts a hole in a bucket so she can sit and go at the same time. Another explained they always take a milk crate with them.
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While it's only natural to relieve yourself while camping, irresponsible pooing is actually causing concerns for national parks and campgrounds across the country.
Human waste is not good for the environment, and authorities have been trying to put a stop to bush toileting in recent times.
The issue is particularly prevalent in Tasmania, with a ranger telling Yahoo News she's noticed an "unprecedented" amount of human poo in the wilderness.
Last year, $464 fines were introduced at Dorrigo South and Pelican Bay campgrounds at Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area in Queensland after campers were defecating in the bush, posing an "unacceptable risk to health and safety," according to the Queensland National Parks.
Authorities urge campers to use the provided toilets if they are available. If there are none, it is advised to dig a hole 15 centimetres deep, at least 100 metres away from water sources, and bury your waste.
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