1 /5 Mohammad Asif Rahimi: Absolutely Terrible Experience – Feels Like a Trap to Fine Visitors
I had one of the most shocking and disappointing experiences at Royal National Park tonight. I went there to enjoy the peaceful view and relax, but what happened next was outrageous and completely unacceptable.
When I tried to leave, I found that the gate had been locked without warning. I called the number listed, and they told me that the security guard would come to open the gate—but only after I paid an $88 fine. The guard from a company called Ultimate Security arrived and refused to let me out unless I paid on the spot. He was rude, unprofessional, and even tried to intimidate me by claiming he had come into the park earlier and sounded the horn twice to “warn” people that the gate was closing. I was inside the park the whole time—nobody came, nobody honked, and my car was clearly visible. He was blatantly lying.
I explained that I didnt know the gate would be locked, and that even though there was a sign, it wasnt clear that the gate would physically be locked, trapping people inside. I also told them I suffer from high blood pressure and had forgotten my medication at home. Still, they coldly told me I had no choice but to pay or stay locked in. This isn’t just unkind—it’s dangerous and shows complete disregard for visitor safety.
To make things worse, when I called their office, the person I spoke with was just as aggressive and dismissive, saying, “This is how the council wants it” and even mocking my situation. I felt bullied and helpless. I was forced to pay just so I could go home and take care of my health.
From what I was told, this happens every night—which makes it feel like this is an intentional trap to squeeze money from unsuspecting visitors. Instead of informing people or sending staff through the park to warn about the gate, they wait until youre locked in, and then demand a fine to let you out.
This kind of predatory behavior is disgraceful and deeply disappointing for what is supposed to be a public national park. I will never return, and I strongly urge others to be extremely cautious if you go there—you might end up locked in and extorted like I was.
