Victorians and visitors from across Australia can take advantage of free camping at 131 of Parks Victoria’s paid campgrounds starting this summer.
Beginning December 1 and continuing through June 30, 2025, campers can enjoy these natural locations without the usual fees. This initiative, which covers some of the state’s most popular camping destinations, aims to provide greater access to the outdoors while promoting regional tourism.
Bookings remain essential despite the removal of fees. Visitors can book up to two campsites per transaction to make the opportunity available to more families and individuals. Popular sites included in this offer range from Hattah-Kulkyne National Park near Mildura to Tidal River in Wilsons Promontory. Other destinations include Glenelg and Mallacoota.
“Camping and related activities generate over $2.1 billion annually for the Victorian economy, supporting 20,000 jobs, most of which are in regional communities,” a press release indicated.
Bookings that were made before the announcement will still be honored, and any fees already paid for stays during the free camping period will be refunded. Given the large number of bookings affected, Parks Victoria announced that more information will be provided in the coming weeks regarding the refund process.
Visitors are encouraged to be patient as the organization works through the logistical challenges of refunding more than 15,300 reservations.
While free camping applies to most campgrounds, fees will still be charged for certain accommodations such as huts, cabins, and Discovery Tents, like those at Point Nepean. In addition, remote hike-in campgrounds along the Grampians Peaks Trail are also excluded from the free camping offer.