Later this year, campers planning a trip to Western Australia’s Ningaloo Coast will get their first opportunity to test a new booking system aimed at creating a fairer, more transparent process for securing some of the state’s most popular beach camps.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) will launch a three-month trial via the Park Stay WA website, designed to reduce the traditional rush and scramble for high-demand sites, according to an article by Perth is OK.
Under the new system, campsites will be released in monthly blocks, six months ahead of the stay, instead of the current rolling-release model that opens at midnight daily.
Each monthly batch will become available at 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of the month, giving campers a better chance to plan without staying up late or setting an alarm for 12:01 a.m.
The first release goes live at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, for stays between Monday, August 3, and Thursday, August 27.
Future release dates have already been scheduled, with March 3 opening bookings for late August through September stays and April 7 opening bookings for late September through October.
According to DBCA Assistant Director Visitor Services Rod Annear, the goal is to close loopholes that have allowed some campers to manipulate the system, leading to mass cancellations and fewer genuine opportunities during peak periods.
“The new system will close loopholes that some people were using to exploit the system and deny others the chance to secure bookings during popular periods,” he said.
The trial will cover all Parks and Wildlife Service-managed campgrounds along the Ningaloo Coast, including Cape Range National Park, Nyinggulara National Park, and the Nyinggulu Coastal Reserves.
Iconic destinations like Yardie Creek, Osprey Bay, Winderabandi, South Lefroy Bay, and Warroora Coast are all included.
Other aspects of camping remain unchanged, including fees, park entry charges, and the overall booking process.
The DBCA will monitor the trial closely, with the possibility of extending the system to other high-demand camping locations in Western Australia if it proves successful. For campers, the key takeaway is to plan ahead and be ready at 10 a.m. on release day, while remaining flexible with dates and site choices.
This trial is particularly significant for the camping and RV industry, as it could serve as a model for managing demand at popular destinations nationwide.
By reducing booking abuse and improving fairness, it supports better access for genuine visitors and encourages the growth of high-quality, organized nature-based tourism experiences.