Were seeking some advice please.We are travelling from Qld to WA shortly via Broken Hill across the Nullarbor into WA. We are aware of the fruit/vegetable checkpoint travelling west after Broken Hill at Oodla Wirra. Are you checked at Ceduna a second time and a third time at the WA border?Also on the return trip travelling back to the east coast are travellers checked for fruit/vegetables at these checkpoints again?Thanks, in advance for responses.
Whenarewethere said
10:30 AM Apr 3, 2023
At Ceduna only heading east.
You can't take fruit into Broken Hill.
-- Edited by Whenarewethere on Monday 3rd of April 2023 10:41:16 AM
watsea said
11:12 AM Apr 3, 2023
You are not supposed to take fruit into Broken Hill if you are travelling east to west, and if you buy fruit in Broken Hill, you cannot take that fruit into South Australia.
We donated a fresh punnet of strawberries, purchased in Broken Hill the afternoon before, to the check point for South Australia. This was after we could not eat all our fruit during the journey before Broken Hill and deposed our remainder in bins before Broken Hill.
-- Edited by watsea on Monday 3rd of April 2023 11:15:24 AM
TheHeaths said
11:28 AM Apr 3, 2023
As others say, only checked on entry, not exit to SA.
Worth checking website, as you can carry some vegetables into SA. The ban is on Flowering vegetables and fruit.
I would ensure that when you reach the entry checks, you do not have any banned items, as for the past couple of years, as the checks are located well in from the border, the products are not only confiscated, but a fine issued, as you have been travelling in SA already. I dont like that, but those be the rules.
bobsa said
11:47 AM Apr 3, 2023
.
You will be checked going into WA , fruit , veg and Honey is not allowed
They are very strict and will go through everything
bob
Whenarewethere said
12:39 PM Apr 3, 2023
If you have any cardboard boxes labelled with fruit products. Exchange them for non fruit labelled boxes. As they are likely to take them as well.
We just remove all fruit & veggies for the zones. It's too much bother which items are possible for each zone.
One time they went through our car at the SA border with a fine tooth comb, holding up a long queue. We were getting the impression that the border guard had a quota to meet & he could find a raisin in our car.
Bobdown said
03:12 PM Apr 3, 2023
carlyle bridge wrote:
Were seeking some advice please.We are travelling from Qld to WA shortly via Broken Hill across the Nullarbor into WA. We are aware of the fruit/vegetable checkpoint travelling west after Broken Hill at Oodla Wirra. Are you checked at Ceduna a second time and a third time at the WA border?Also on the return trip travelling back to the east coast are travellers checked for fruit/vegetables at these checkpoints again?Thanks, in advance for responses.
When you are a day or two from the border check, you can cook up your veggies and take them across the border.
We spent time going across the Nullarbor to cook up all our onions, spuds, carrots, cauli, mushrooms etc etc before we crossed into WA.
They are like the Gestapo at the WA border so be aware, everything cooked and in containers in the fridge is more than fine.
You will get checked going back to SA at Ceduna, they have a look but not too bad.
Watch out for fruit and tomatoes, a red flag to the Quarantine guards.
Cheers Bob
Possum3 said
03:47 PM Apr 3, 2023
Last time we went through SA the "inspector" with dogs found 1/4 Capsicum under the fridge crisper unit, that I was totally unaware of - He became an absolute prick - Detained us for two hours, Read rights, mugshot photos taken Video interview under caution, was treated as a criminal - Most probably had a fight with his wife before work. Perhaps as WAWT said quota to fill.
There used to be a female border inspector at WA on Nularbor she was noted to be a disciple of Hitler - I don't know why they harass old farts that cross into their State, not good for tourism I expect.
Cuppa said
05:55 PM Apr 3, 2023
Last time we went across we had just come down from FNQ via the red centre. Got talking to the inspector about our travels & found we knew someone in common up on Cape Tribulation. A very friendly conversation. Didn't stop him doing his checks but was far from officious. Perhaps we just got lucky.
hufnpuf said
06:19 PM Apr 3, 2023
Just ditch everything well beforehand and everything will go smoothly. It's easy to forget, so I just stop buying anything fresh as well, unless I'm going to eat it then and there. I took some honey in my van east, didn't think about it when I went, but then I had to lose it on the way home even though it was from here.
They are very strict on WA/SA border heading west, there's a lot at stake so they don't want any bugs coming in. I had a very pleasant officer coming home. He just had a look in the fridge and we had a chat and that was that. I think they notice if people are looking all sneaky or suss, like the officers on that border tv show. The smugglers often look a bit suss so they know whose bags to give a good going over.
When I was going east, when I was going on the ferry, I had to open the bonnet. Later on, I asked an officer on the boat what that was about and he told me that people actually hide things in the engine bay of their cars..... Quarantine into Tassie is also strict. You will get thoroughly checked over at all the checkpoints and they are well-manned.
Warren-Pat_01 said
09:36 PM Apr 3, 2023
Just confirming what the others said - the Gestapo did not escape to South America - they took on travelers who wish to stay healthy by eating fresh fruit & vegetables in Australia!
We actually bought a bottle of honey in WA, kept it for quite some time & took it back on our Kimberly trip later in the year. The inspector said we were the only ones to pass through with honey - unopened. We made sure we enjoyed it on our toast after that.
Something not to do - think you can demolish fruit that you bought back along the road to save it from the bins. I spent a rather uncomfortable night on the toilet at Blanchetown after eating several tomatoes, oranges, mandarins, etc!!
On the other side of the coin - we lost all of our stone fruit at Ceduna one year because one unthoughtful person disposed of some fruit that was infested with fruit fly larvae!! It was not appreciated!
Tony Bev said
10:51 PM Apr 3, 2023
carlyle bridge wrote:
Were seeking some advice please.We are travelling from Qld to WA shortly via Broken Hill across the Nullarbor into WA. We are aware of the fruit/vegetable checkpoint travelling west after Broken Hill at Oodla Wirra. Are you checked at Ceduna a second time and a third time at the WA border?Also on the return trip travelling back to the east coast are travellers checked for fruit/vegetables at these checkpoints again?Thanks, in advance for responses.
Going across the Nullarbor from South Australia, you are free to carry fruit and veggies through Ceduna, as the checkpoint is at the West Australian border
Going the opposite way from West Australia to South Australia, you are free to carry fruit and veggies through the border, as the checkpoint is at Ceduna
As we normally go across the Nullarbor at least once a year, from the checkpoint at Ceduna, (going east), is just a few K's from the shops
But
Going west, the distance from the border checkpoint, to Norseman is over 700 K's, so we carry tinned fruit, and powdered potato
Hope that this info is useful to you
FMC said
12:39 PM Apr 4, 2023
Very tough regulations at WA border heading west, no garlic, onions, (potatoes, carrots unless deep peeled VAC Packed) pumpkin, cucumber tomatoes etc. the list goes on.
The WA web site has a comprehensive list of what not to bring.
Note: do not pack anything in a foam box, has they have the potential to carry seed etc. you will have to unpack it at the border.
Hope this helps
Happy travels
Santa said
08:28 AM Apr 5, 2023
We've been through border quarantine often over the years, never a problem, inspectors efficient but polite.
My advice, know the regulations, plan ahead and it will be no more than a minor inconvenience.
Izabarack said
03:14 PM Apr 9, 2023
Im suddenly more interested in the anticipated Stop and Inspection as I intend to travel Brisbane area to Perth to attend a funeral. Do you just pull up on the direction of an inspector and tell them you are not carrying prohibited items? Do the inspectors go through you vehicle (Ill be in a VW Campervan). How intrusive are the inspections? That is, Im expecting a look in the fridge and a general look around. Ill be travelling alone, carry Bushwalker type supplies dry goods and powdered milk, plus some cryovac meat, butter, water and goffers in the fridge. Any suggestions on how to get through the inspection process will be appreciated.
Whenarewethere said
03:47 PM Apr 9, 2023
If they have a quota feel the need they will go through everything in the car checking underpants etc, also look under the bonnet.
That's what happened to us.
hufnpuf said
04:12 PM Apr 9, 2023
Izabarack wrote:
Do you just pull up on the direction of an inspector and tell them you are not carrying prohibited items? Do the inspectors go through you vehicle (Ill be in a VW Campervan). How intrusive are the inspections? That is, Im expecting a look in the fridge and a general look around.
You just stop at the inspection station and do what they say. They will ask you if you've got any "stuff" and you just answer truthfully. As for what they look at, it's up to the inspector. I went through a couple of inspections to tassie and back to WA. One inspector had me open the fridge and just looked at it from the doorway, I don't think he went in my van. I think one of them looked in the back of my car and one time I had to open the bonnet. I didn't find any of it intrusive because it was expected. I don't think they touched any of my things themselves, they had me open the fridge and car and everything. I think I showed one of them some cooked leftovers I had in the fridge. I don't remember exactly but they weren't to the same formula, you just follow their directions, answer the questions, open what they tell you to.
Have a look at the list of prohibited items and make sure you've got nothing and you'll go ok.
RickJ said
05:48 PM Apr 9, 2023
The extent of the inspection will be based entirely on the personal feelings of the inspector/s.
The stop might be from a polite hello to a full and detailed inspection.
Read the rules and stick to the requirements. We learned quickly not to do any shopping before crossing a border or check point unless you avoid buying fruit and some veggies.
Izabarack said
05:23 AM Apr 12, 2023
Useful replies, Ta. Always intended to be ready for any inpection so I was mostly curious about the experience of others.
Brodie Allen said
11:09 AM Apr 13, 2023
Some of the rules seem to be no more than partisan protection for retail
outlets on the other side!
We even had packaged and SEALED honey confiscated.
Can't help wondering how interstate trade gets on.
The Premiers are listening to the China example too closely, particularly
entering WA.
Brodie
Kebbin said
11:53 AM Apr 13, 2023
It's good to see that the inspections are catching some out. The WA Bee Industry is something worth protecting. Were you fined Brodie?
Brodie Allen said
08:28 AM Apr 14, 2023
No Kebbin, they just took the honey away.
Never saw it go into the bin - my 2-bob it went home.
I wrote to the authority about the seeming stupidity of confiscating commercially packaged and sealed honey in unopened containers.
The authority (can't remember their name) wrote back with a garbelled somewhat apologetic letter that struggled to make sense - "there might be eggs in it" !!
What about the TONS of the same product carried interstate as trade?
Like i say, more to do with supporting local industry.
However, I agree with restrictions on fruit and veges.
-- Edited by Brodie Allen on Friday 14th of April 2023 08:30:07 AM
Were seeking some advice please. We are travelling from Qld to WA shortly via Broken Hill across the Nullarbor into WA. We are aware of the fruit/vegetable checkpoint travelling west after Broken Hill at Oodla Wirra. Are you checked at Ceduna a second time and a third time at the WA border? Also on the return trip travelling back to the east coast are travellers checked for fruit/vegetables at these checkpoints again? Thanks, in advance for responses.
At Ceduna only heading east.
You can't take fruit into Broken Hill.
-- Edited by Whenarewethere on Monday 3rd of April 2023 10:41:16 AM
You are not supposed to take fruit into Broken Hill if you are travelling east to west, and if you buy fruit in Broken Hill, you cannot take that fruit into South Australia.
We donated a fresh punnet of strawberries, purchased in Broken Hill the afternoon before, to the check point for South Australia.
This was after we could not eat all our fruit during the journey before Broken Hill and deposed our remainder in bins before Broken Hill.
-- Edited by watsea on Monday 3rd of April 2023 11:15:24 AM
Worth checking website, as you can carry some vegetables into SA. The ban is on Flowering vegetables and fruit.
I would ensure that when you reach the entry checks, you do not have any banned items, as for the past couple of years, as the checks are located well in from the border, the products are not only confiscated, but a fine issued, as you have been travelling in SA already. I dont like that, but those be the rules.
You will be checked going into WA , fruit , veg and Honey is not allowed
They are very strict and will go through everything
bob
If you have any cardboard boxes labelled with fruit products. Exchange them for non fruit labelled boxes. As they are likely to take them as well.
We just remove all fruit & veggies for the zones. It's too much bother which items are possible for each zone.
One time they went through our car at the SA border with a fine tooth comb, holding up a long queue. We were getting the impression that the border guard had a quota to meet & he could find a raisin in our car.
When you are a day or two from the border check, you can cook up your veggies and take them across the border.
We spent time going across the Nullarbor to cook up all our onions, spuds, carrots, cauli, mushrooms etc etc before we crossed into WA.
They are like the Gestapo at the WA border so be aware, everything cooked and in containers in the fridge is more than fine.
You will get checked going back to SA at Ceduna, they have a look but not too bad.
Watch out for fruit and tomatoes, a red flag to the Quarantine guards.
Cheers Bob
There used to be a female border inspector at WA on Nularbor she was noted to be a disciple of Hitler - I don't know why they harass old farts that cross into their State, not good for tourism I expect.
Just ditch everything well beforehand and everything will go smoothly. It's easy to forget, so I just stop buying anything fresh as well, unless I'm going to eat it then and there. I took some honey in my van east, didn't think about it when I went, but then I had to lose it on the way home even though it was from here.
They are very strict on WA/SA border heading west, there's a lot at stake so they don't want any bugs coming in. I had a very pleasant officer coming home. He just had a look in the fridge and we had a chat and that was that. I think they notice if people are looking all sneaky or suss, like the officers on that border tv show. The smugglers often look a bit suss so they know whose bags to give a good going over.
When I was going east, when I was going on the ferry, I had to open the bonnet. Later on, I asked an officer on the boat what that was about and he told me that people actually hide things in the engine bay of their cars..... Quarantine into Tassie is also strict. You will get thoroughly checked over at all the checkpoints and they are well-manned.
We actually bought a bottle of honey in WA, kept it for quite some time & took it back on our Kimberly trip later in the year. The inspector said we were the only ones to pass through with honey - unopened. We made sure we enjoyed it on our toast after that.
Something not to do - think you can demolish fruit that you bought back along the road to save it from the bins. I spent a rather uncomfortable night on the toilet at Blanchetown after eating several tomatoes, oranges, mandarins, etc!!
On the other side of the coin - we lost all of our stone fruit at Ceduna one year because one unthoughtful person disposed of some fruit that was infested with fruit fly larvae!! It was not appreciated!
Going across the Nullarbor from South Australia, you are free to carry fruit and veggies through Ceduna, as the checkpoint is at the West Australian border
Going the opposite way from West Australia to South Australia, you are free to carry fruit and veggies through the border, as the checkpoint is at Ceduna
As we normally go across the Nullarbor at least once a year, from the checkpoint at Ceduna, (going east), is just a few K's from the shops
But
Going west, the distance from the border checkpoint, to Norseman is over 700 K's, so we carry tinned fruit, and powdered potato
Hope that this info is useful to you
Very tough regulations at WA border heading west, no garlic, onions, (potatoes, carrots unless deep peeled VAC Packed) pumpkin, cucumber tomatoes etc. the list goes on.
The WA web site has a comprehensive list of what not to bring.
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/exporting-western-australia/quarantine-information-private-travellers
Note: do not pack anything in a foam box, has they have the potential to carry seed etc. you will have to unpack it at the border.
Hope this helps
Happy travels
We've been through border quarantine often over the years, never a problem, inspectors efficient but polite.
My advice, know the regulations, plan ahead and it will be no more than a minor inconvenience.
If they have a quota feel the need they will go through everything in the car checking underpants etc, also look under the bonnet.
That's what happened to us.
You just stop at the inspection station and do what they say. They will ask you if you've got any "stuff" and you just answer truthfully. As for what they look at, it's up to the inspector. I went through a couple of inspections to tassie and back to WA. One inspector had me open the fridge and just looked at it from the doorway, I don't think he went in my van. I think one of them looked in the back of my car and one time I had to open the bonnet. I didn't find any of it intrusive because it was expected. I don't think they touched any of my things themselves, they had me open the fridge and car and everything. I think I showed one of them some cooked leftovers I had in the fridge. I don't remember exactly but they weren't to the same formula, you just follow their directions, answer the questions, open what they tell you to.
Have a look at the list of prohibited items and make sure you've got nothing and you'll go ok.
The stop might be from a polite hello to a full and detailed inspection.
Read the rules and stick to the requirements. We learned quickly not to do any shopping before crossing a border or check point unless you avoid buying fruit and some veggies.
Useful replies, Ta. Always intended to be ready for any inpection so I was mostly curious about the experience of others.
outlets on the other side!
We even had packaged and SEALED honey confiscated.
Can't help wondering how interstate trade gets on.
The Premiers are listening to the China example too closely, particularly
entering WA.
Brodie
No Kebbin, they just took the honey away.
Never saw it go into the bin - my 2-bob it went home.
I wrote to the authority about the seeming stupidity of confiscating commercially packaged and sealed
honey in unopened containers.
The authority (can't remember their name) wrote back with a garbelled somewhat apologetic letter
that struggled to make sense - "there might be eggs in it" !!
What about the TONS of the same product carried interstate as trade?
Like i say, more to do with supporting local industry.
However, I agree with restrictions on fruit and veges.
-- Edited by Brodie Allen on Friday 14th of April 2023 08:30:07 AM