The controversy surrounding the NSW Government’s plan to change the system for camping in the state’s national parks, including some steep peak season price rises, continues to grow.
The Coalition opposition has labelled the move ‘an outrageous money grab’, with Shadow Minister for Tourism, Kevin Anderson, saying the move would put ‘some of our state’s most treasured natural assets behind a paywall’.
“People love camping because they can take a weekend away without breaking the bank, which is why it’s becoming more and more popular, especially when household budgets are tight,” he said. “Labor now wants to take that option away from families by hiking fees on campgrounds, meaning the cost of camping could blow out to over $600 a week in a national park.”
National park camping is popular in NSW ... but the camping fee structure is often baffling
Mr Anderson said national parks were a huge draw card for NSW’s rural and regional areas, receiving more than 50 million visits every year, including 1.8 million overnight campground stays.
“Tourism is the lifeblood of our regional communities and Labor’s plan will mean visitors have less money to spend in our local towns, cafés, pubs, clubs, and businesses,” he said. “Instead of restricting access to our National Parks, the government should be supporting tourism by building more campgrounds and making them more accessible so people can enjoy the great outdoors.”
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) says its proposed changes are designed to simplify camping fees and bookings in the state.
The NPWS welcomes feedback on the proposed changes here until May 25.
Under the new proposal, there would be no booking fees, and no extra charges for additional people. Fees would be charged per campsite per night. The proposed fees would be set on a sliding scale based on the type of campground services and facilities provided … and seasonal demand.
What may be of particular interest to grey nomads is the potential introduction of seasonal price variations to encourage visitation in off-peak periods. Higher fees would be applied to manage pressure on high demand locations and limit monopolised and speculative bookings in peak periods.
The NPWS says most campgrounds would be available at the low-season fee for the majority of the year. It says high season lasts around 90 days a year and is at different times in different campgrounds. The current campsite charges are – with the exception of tier 6 sites – roughly equivalent to the new proposed charges during the low season. It is peak season travellers who will feel the brunt of the increases.
For example, a tier 2 site that may have a pit toilet currently costs an average of $16.94. Under the new system it will cost $13 in low season and $22 in high season.
A tier 5 campsite that may have a flush toilet and a cold shower currently costs an average of $37.29. Under the new system, it will cost $38 in low season and a hefty $65 in peak season.
A tier 6 site that would have amenities like hot showers and onsite servicing currently costs an average of $48.71. Under the new system, it will cost $54 in low season and a whopping $89 in peak season.
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We were looking at NSW for a trip around October, with these new prices we have decided to go to SA. So NSW can keep their new prices.
Not much cheaper than a caravan park but a lot dearer than a Showgrounds.
I am convinced that all these latest charge increases, all around our great land, is the work of caravan parks convincing councils that they are going broke because of free camps. The result is a slow down of people visiting the area and the towns will suffer in the long run. Extremely UNAUSTRALIAN.
Totally agree
100%
One problem I can see with the proposal and consultation material is the misleading averaging. We normally camp at basic sites with a pit toilet, in parks inland from the coast, which cost only the $6 booking fee for the whole stay. The proposal will mean a big jump in the cost of camping in these parks. Combining these inland parks with the more expensive coastal parks to calculate the average current cost hides the fee hike for the inland parks.
I agree with you there Paul, when government say they are making it easier they mean dearer
Rip off, that’s a disgusting unfair pricing system for camping in a forest. Another money grab to make people pay for what in fact belongs to them as it’s a public national forest . No one should be charged those rates . The fact they are proposing to charge a fee that is almost to over the price of a site at a caravan park is ridiculous. The government should understand you can’t get blood out of a stone and it’s heading towards a bolder.
Now much cheaper to stay in showgrounds or caravan parks with facilities
Funny about that
Absolutely ridiculous the government is destroying everything
Price has had to go up mate, because people dump too much rubbish in our state and national parks. Just take a walk around your local parks. Look closely in the garden beds, they’re full of rubbish
That’s not their reasoning. Governments aren’t for the traveller, just the $…..as with everything else they are involved in. Just a revenue thing!
We with friends have been camping in the same spot for 25.years nice spot on a river in the Victorian high country, pit toilets, fire pits, in all that time we have never seen rubbish left behind. Its sad that it happens in NSW.
Then why aren’t there bins to put stuff in. Better to provide these than fancy walkways and “don’t” signs.
My belief is, it’s to stop the ‘ghost’ camping, which is becoming a real problem !
The people who do this will do it whether its $6 a night or $60 and half the time they don’t even pay. It’s just hurting the people who are there doing the right thing yet again
agree
Yes
Cash grab. Monetization of bush camping by bureaucrats who are totally out of touch. Internet bookings are a joke in remote locations where there is no internet service.
Most of the time I have no idea where I’m going to camp from one day to the next, don’t we pay for these National Parks out of our over the top tax’s, so now like everything else, they expect us to pay twice.
Spot on, totally agree with you.
They really don’t get how much vaners and camper contribute to rural towns , if the keep upping price ppl will just go else where
Soon there won’t be “elsewhere” in fact I think it has disappeared already.
I am retired and can enjoy the low-season prices. Many working families can only go camping during school holidays. This means that these people will be punished for being unable to travel at any other time. I feel that our Governments should treat us all equally. Is there really a need to make lives for working families even harder?
National Parks are “already funded” by a tax on the people. How dare they rob more money from the tax payers!!
We are seen as mugs by these money grabbing thieves in government!!
We need a rebellion of sorts, to put these criminals where they belong!!
Exactly!
Well stop booking sites and not showing up, or publically shame those that do.
Camping in our National parks should be free or for a minimal nominal fee to assist with upkeep and caretaking. If everyone follows the logic of leaving it as you found it and what you take in you take out, campgrounds will be kept clean and tidy. The national parks have continued to restrict camping areas for years. This is just another ridiculous cash grab making life more unaffordable than it already is. The peanut who came up with this idea and those who support it have likely never camped, wouldn’t know how to light a fire or stepped foot into the bush. Recover there was no booking system. The world has gone mad.
Absolutely the biggest ripp off ever , who in their right mind would increase the already exorbitant fees they charge in the middle of a cost of living crisis. Personally avoid Nat Parks like the plague plenty of free camps and reasonably priced showgrounds or private caravan parks to go to.
100% CORRECT !!!
Trying to encourage people to visit in the off season is great. There’s big issues ATM because it’s so cheap people will book well in advance incase they decide they want to go but don’t end up going & don’t cancel there booking, also people will book multiple sites just so they don’t have any neighbours because it’s so cheap. Price of everything has gone up so why shouldn’t NP. Caravan parks near NP charge more & none of that money goes to maintaining NP parks. Money generated from visitors should help go back into maintaining facilities while state government which NP relies heavily for funding should go into preserving the natural environment like pest control….the amount of deer in Kosciuszko is crazy!!
Some NP campsites will actually be free. People are happy to spend endless amount of money on camping gear & bring everything including the kitchen sink but heaven forbid pay a bit more for campgrounds.
And hopefully with increase in prices it will deter the feral bogans!!
Easy way to stop the multiple bookings is make the fee payable when you book. Just like booking a hotel or airfare.
No booking. Just turn up and pay for the time you are there. Then there can’t be any ghosting. If you are not there then you don’t get a site.
A money grab and a big turn off .National parks want to keep you out and this is just another way.
They. Fail to mention that 45 parks have day visitation fees of a bout $8 / day (max $45) which is additional to the quoted fee
I always thought National Parks & State Forests etc were areas of land kept aside for the enjoyment of everyone in this country. Camping in National Parks should be an affordable option for every Australian & especially for families. It has always been a great option for people who are looking to provide their family with a cheap, down to earth holiday. By doing this they are targeting families who are already dealing with a cost of living crisis & taking away their option of a cheap holiday with their kids in peak times like school & public holidays. As someone else has said it’s
UNAUSTRALIAN. Doesn’t affect me because I travel with a dog but for many it will now be out of reach.
Too many people these days have to find a way to ration it. Booking and charging are one way. Avery blunt instrument.
Price has to go up and will continue to go up because people are disgusting creatures who dump their rubbish everywhere in our parks and gardens. It’s no different for state or national parks. From people who empty their RV toilet to kids toys left behind. If you look at whose to blame for the cost increase then look at the person next to you and yourself. I have no doubt you’ve all “accidentally” not put that Macca’s coffee cup you emptied into a bin.
I hear and agree Ron, the cheaper the site would apear to attract the inconciderate misinformed privileged camper. They have the opinion i paid for a site, someone else can clean up the site when I move on.
I like the idea of a camp site $ increase, hopefully keep the self opinioned I am privileged grubs from camp sites.
I leave my foot and tyre prints when leaving the camp site (have gray and black holding tanks) and happy to pay NSW camp fees.
There are no or very few bins.
$48 PER NIGHT WILL GET YOU A HOT SHOWER, POWER A POOL IN A CARAVAN PARK. SO ANY MORE THEN THAT IS NOT JUSTIFIED
It seems that the people leading this country don’t want us to have a life other than work to pay taxes??? You can’t drink smoke or have a good time without someone with their hand in your pocket ??!!! If all Australian people can have a place to go without breaking the bank to do so & enjoy our beautiful country than why not concentrate on people doing the wrong thing & give us all a break
Main problem is that folks arrive without booking and paying and there is little to no NPWS staff checking. I have often paid to find the sites full and have had to move on. There’s no way of knowing who hasn’t paid. If they are going to charge excessive fees they need to ensure availablity.
A lot of parks have camera’s on their access routes. Unles you cover your numberplates you are done.
We will just go elsewhere!
Where has the lucky country gone? All it is now is about money and politics. Why can’t we just have a good time? Last year I was in South Australia around quorn pull up the National Park grab the envelope put some money in the box took my ticket with me and camp wherever I wanted to . if you have to book it is just crap because I never know where I’m going to camp for the night
agree. This also applies to having to book for CP’s. They are so full you never know if you will get a spot. I like to drive and stop when I’m ready not go hell for leather to make a prebooked site at a CP where I’ll do my money if I don’t get there. Great for road safety.
The biggest issue its just some people booking it up for week or weeks in advance. Need to share it between everyone
This short sighted money grab by NPWS together with the foreseeable restrictions coming from the indigenous hell bent on grabbing back “country” is taking the shine off camping holidays
To visit a national park you must firstly join the NSW National Parks, this depending on the park can be expensive. Where does this money go also our state taxes we pay should at least cover maintenance etc. The other thing to note is some National Parks eg; Woody Head, Sandon River are now being run by private enterprise. The new fee system will ultimately deter people from visiting. National Parks should be for everyone at an affordable price and they should remain as natural as possible. If you want comforts go to a caravan park and pay top dollar.
Agree
This situation will significantly affect all families and young people, as camping will become unaffordable. It will also place an unfair burden on those living on pensions. National Parks should maintain extremely low fees or remain free for everyone; they should be accessible to all. This increase in costs is driving me to camp in non-designated areas or consider skipping NSW entirely. Fortunately, it’s just my husband and me in a 4WD, which gives us some flexibility. We often visit parks that are booked but not at full capacity and leave early. I am committed to supporting a system that genuinely prioritizes the needs of the people. We always leave no trace and respect our environment. It’s essential that access to nature is preserved for everyone’s benefit.
If a site is booked & no one is on its by 5pm it should be up for grabs, first in best dressed.
OMG! Such a big fuss about nothing! A small price rise to pay for a lovely location! Lots of whinging! … Does it ever stop, the complaining. Yes it is the bush & I know first hand that many people have little respect for the bush by leaving toilet paper & rubbish lying around
They just don’t want people to be able to camp, so they keep putting the prices up. Wouldn’t be to bad if they something for the money ov plus you have to oay for a pass or pay an extra daily fee.
The new proposed fees are wrong on so many levels. No more will low income earners be able to afford to camp at the nicer times of the year in their favourite park.If they are truly concerned about ghost bookings then offer a more generous cancellation policy that refunds at least 90% or more back for cancelling 3 days out. Don’t tell me how good you are by cancelling booking fees which you shouldn’t have anyway because it’s an on line booking system. Add more sites if you are so worried about overcrowding instead of trying to make the parks for the more wealthy. They are our National parks and do not belong to the government. Stop trying to make them a commercial enterprise.
It’s won’t be long anyway, and you won’t be allowed in any national parks
100% CORRECT !!!
This is a shame they are pricing the majority of people out of National parks? No other state does this. We will be giving NSW a wide berth
The stench of rotting carcasses would be as big a turn off as money. Brumbies are left where they fall whether alive or dead.
Eliminate them all from national parks at once. Problem solved.
There is no way we would look at staying in a National Park now with these new suggested fees. Maybe that’s what the State Government wants. No camping in NP♀️.
This is one reason that I camp in the ‘bush’. Away from everything and everyone.
We’ve been doing the same for many years.
Safe & sound surrounded by nature with not a soul around to disturb the sound of the wind in the trees & the whistling birds.
No rowdy grey nomad happy hours either, perfect. LOL.
Camping fees haven’t gone up in over 10 years. This is a whole lot of drama from entitled people too cheap to pay for showers and toilets. Go stay in a State Forest if you want to be in the bush with no rules and no facilities. National Parks are for conservation primarily, not tourism.
Most ridiculous money grab or should it be called another tax. This is another part of the WEF agender 15 min cities they don’t want people to travel it’s only a mater of time unless everyone pushes back hard.
National parks are for everyone and should have no fees and no bookings, first in first served.
What about for the self funded who is not on the payroll.
Easy. Bush camp. Take your rubbish with you. Leave it how you found it or better.
Obviously NSW Parks is being run by the greens who don’t want anyone going to any NP’s.
The most outrageous thing about this cash grab is that we, taxpayers already fund national parks, so this is double dipping.
Typical cash grab due to pathetic governments who can’t spend withi their budget and just tax all of us to pay for it……you get what you vote for
As an Australian and veteran it pleases so much to see us all welcoming each to share a bit of our countries public lands. In a welcoming kind spirit. As to bogans perhaps the issue is a reluctance to be friendly showing a spirit of inclusion and instead of judgement lead by example and good old mateship.It will not fix all issues but will be appreciated by the bogans feral children as positive and welcoming example of us truely being the Australian we all aspire to be. Most of came here at some point for peanuts from war in Europe and welcomed despite of which side we where on.The holer than though pub test is bullshit. The more fortunate is just timing. I am sixty year old pom who rolled up in seventies at the age of 5 and opportunities abounding a single income family childhood with little issues of family wealth destroying our family relationships. At worst pomy bastards other where wogs. So grey nomads and Ozzy pub test legends some your greatest benefit is timing as much your endeavours. Ps I served for twenty years went gulf extra somewhat my childhood was great mum at home. Parents never spoke of money issue and all kids went school camps in my memory. Far less chance of me being a bogans feral child.as adults always good with kids and people less wealth. Perhaps it’s timing we are all so full of our own sense of self importance has caused mates. That might pass oker bullshit pub test example shame it cost a fortune to by around never mind shout a bogan a free one to say goodbye mate.
Soap box input 1st time ever I feel good
Some people are on the road with families because they can’t afford to buy a house or rent. The Government is closing the hole on places they can stay.
National Parks are for feral animals only…
Not welcome for humans anymore..!!
All part of removing people from the bush and .asking it only available to the upper financial sector.
Which will just lead to more illegal camping. As it is the carparks are full over the holiday periods every night and they don’t do anything about it. Maybe new camp grounds would be a better option not upping pricing but then they aren’t working for us. They work for the Glibalists who want us out and the UN managing all these areas while they force us into high rise cities.
When you consider how many new comers into the country we have had the last few years we need double the amount of campgrounds and rangers.
Camp grounds should be free for all . Our taxes already fund this . So where’s the accountability
Just as expensive as privately owned parks if not more
Well we’ve just stayed at 2 national parks in Victoria. Both were FREE! Thats right free the charges are happening for those peck time, we still had to book but were free with facilities. So why cant other states do that.
Don’t we the people own these parks? I feel that it’s time that our governments stop thinking that it’s ok to tax the owners again, stop raising prices, stop the idiotic booking system and stop messing with the people’s assets because I did not vote you in to miss manage our assets so gov’s can balance the books or should I say cook!!!!