The rollout of online booking systems at WA’s national parks is continuing to gather pace.
Three popular campgrounds in D’Entrecasteaux and Mount Frankland South national parks are the latest to adopt the internet reservation model.
Visitors wishing to stay at Banksia and Crystal Springs campgrounds in D’Entrecasteaux National Park, and Fernhook Falls Campground in Mount Frankland South National Park, can now book online via the Park Stay WA booking system for stays from October 12 and beyond.
The Parks and Wildlife Service is transitioning campgrounds across the state to online bookings.
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Gascoyne District Parks and Visitor Services Coordinator, Angela Johns, has previously said online bookings give campers peace of mind.
More WA national park campgrounds are available to book online. PIC: Cizza
“Holidaymakers can travel to these remote sites with confidence knowing they have a campsite waiting for them when they arrive, and they may cancel or change their bookings up to one day before arriving if plans change,” Ms Johns said. “Because these parks are remote, having accurate booking information helps our rangers and campground hosts prepare for the number of visitors expected and provide the best possible experience.”
She said the new system also allowed the DBCA to manage facilities and allocate resources appropriately during busy periods.
Bookings and payment can be made up to 180 days in advance via the Park Stay WA booking system.
Bookings can be amended or cancelled up to one day before travel if plans change, wit the idea that this will allow travellers flexibility, and will free up campsites to be booked by other campers.
As many grey nomads know, the issue if ghost camping – whereby ‘booked’ campsites are left empty after would-be campers fail to show up and don’t bother to cancel – is a real issue.
In many instances, ‘fully booked’ campgrounds are reported to be largely empty, sparking anger and frustration that those who would have camped had been denied the opportunity to do so.
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Won’t touch it, one time we booked a site, there was someone on it, and when questioned, what are you going to do about it?
There was no phone coverage in that area, and we had to go to a vacant spot, hoping that it wasn’t booked, was not able to sleep that night thinking that they would show up. We complained when we had phone coverage, and it fell on deef ears.
Absolutely ridiculous having everything online. Not everyone has a mobile phone phone
This is sadly a flawed concept, based on govt collecting camper booking information not on actual feet on the ground, and places no obligation on booking applicant other than good manners for them to be honest and camp as planned or cancel. Too many people happily thumb their nose at unenforced rules.