Campgrounds are filling up with enthusiastic Canberrans ready to experience nature and freedom after lockdown.
“It’s just refreshing compared to being in the house for two months,” camper Jourdaqn Day said while sitting and gazing at the Cotter River from his tent.
“It’s really nice,” added Madeline Alegria, his partner.
The couple enjoyed their time away from social media, as the Cotter Campground has no phone coverage.
“At night, the sound of the river is great. And the birds, too,” Salim Giri from Belconnen said.
It’s the first time camping for me, and I’m loving it.
Salim, his wife, and his son pitched their tent beside the tents of their friends, making a group of four adults and two children.
“It’s near to our home, and it’s safe,” Sam Gyawali, their neighbor, said.
When booking the ACT’s seven campgrounds opened online, the allocation was exhausted within 30 minutes,” said Peter Cotsell, the director of Namadgi National Park.
“Because of COVID, numbers are restricted. Sites are “every other,” – so there’s a one-site gap blocked off between tents.”
There are also limitations on the size of the camping groups, and social distancing is still enforced, especially in the shower and barbecue areas.
People are discouraged from arriving without a reservation and should book online beforehand.
Mr. Cotsell also noticed a lot of newcomers in the campgrounds.
“We are getting a lot of new people. They’ve got new tents,” he said.
He thinks that the lockdown has sparked an urge to go outdoors.
Not all ACT campgrounds are open for business, however. Sites such as Orroral remain closed due to bushfire damage.
Camp rangers are as delighted as the campers to be back out, working again.
“We are really excited to have the campgrounds open again,” Said Rikki Ciolek, a ranger at the Cotter campground.
“It’s lovely to be able to share the outdoors. I love seeing people in the outdoors.”
“It’s lovely having it all open again. It’s wonderful. It’s lovely to do the things in conservation.” added Shelley Swain, the ranger in charge.
To check availability at Cotter Campgrounds, click here or here.