The Victorian government has announced a new initiative to offer free camping at 131 Parks Victoria paid campgrounds as part of its efforts to ease financial pressure on Australian families. From December 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, all booking fees will be waived, making it more affordable for millions of Australians to enjoy camping in Victoria’s national and state parks according to an article by yahoo news.
Premier Jacinta Allan unveiled the plan, which is aimed at helping families take a break during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, while boosting domestic travel and outdoor activities.
This initiative allows Australians from any state or territory to camp for free, potentially saving families around $7.3 million in booking fees over the seven-month period.
Fees at these campgrounds normally range from as low as $3 per night at Mt Arapiles to $40.70 per night at Tidal River. Those who have already made reservations for the promotional period will have their booking fees refunded, with all bookings and refunds available through the Parks Victoria website.
The economic importance of outdoor recreation in Victoria is significant, contributing over $2.1 billion annually to the state’s economy and supporting around 20,000 jobs, the majority of which are in regional communities. Victoria’s state forests and national parks attract about 50 million visitors each year, with many engaging in activities like camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and four-wheel driving.
In announcing the initiative, Premier Allan reflected on her personal connection to camping, saying, “Busy families deserve a great holiday in our great outdoors – and this summer, they can stay for free. I grew up camping with my family, and those special memories have stayed with me forever.”
Camping and caravan trips have surged in popularity across Australia, with a record 15.3 million such trips taken last year, generating $14.3 billion in spending, the highest ever recorded. However, this rise in camping’s popularity has not been without challenges.
In regions such as Exmouth in Western Australia and Noosa in Queensland, local councils have faced issues with illegal camping due to increased demand and overcrowding.
In response, councils have introduced stricter enforcement measures, opened new campgrounds, and even increased funding to tackle the problems caused by illegal camping. In Exmouth, for example, $200,000 was allocated to address these issues.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the free camping initiative, concerns have been raised by private businesses, especially caravan park operators who may face a drop in revenue. The Caravan Industry Association of Australia has warned that private campgrounds, particularly those offering non-powered sites, could lose business due to the competition posed by government-managed sites offering free camping.
As this initiative rolls out, the government plans to assess its impact on both visitors and local businesses. The outcome of this evaluation may influence whether the free camping program is extended beyond June 2025.
For more information on bookings and refunds, visitors can go to the Parks Victoria website at parks.vic.gov.au.