With the busy Easter camping period coming up, the scale of the ghost camping scourge is likely to be once again thrust into the spotlight.
The practice – whereby people book a campsite well in advance and them, for one reason or another don’t turn up and don’t cancel – has been on the rise recently, and has meant even popular ‘booked-out’ sites are half empty.
For those who are on the road and who are spontaneous travellers it has been enormously frustrating.
The situation has been particularly acute in Victoria where the State Government implemented a free camping policy for national parks this summer, leaving people with even less incentive to cancel if their plans changed.
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, meets some ghost campers. PIC: Tim Bull
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, says the State Government should now be well aware of the ‘debacle’ seen at Christmas and it needs to be fixed before the Easter holidays.
Speaking in Parliament last month, Mr Bull said it was not the fault of Parks Victoria staff, who sent reminders to those who had booked, but it was simply bad policy that was easily misused.
“What occurred as a result of making camping free with no oversights, camp parks that are usually completely full from Boxing Day onwards, were at best two thirds full, meaning thousands less campers in East Gippsland alone,” he said. “Cape Conran which has 135 campsites, I am advised never had more than 100 full.”
Mr Bull said he had heard that, at one location, a person booked out areas either side of their site under different family names so as not to have anyone close … and there were several other examples of similar behaviour.
“Parks Victoria workers were sick of being abused for having to turn away overnight campers when they could see a large amount of sites free … they should not be placed in this position,” he said. “At Corringle, where 10 of 21 campsites were filled at one stage in peak time, visitors could not book as they were technically occupied.”
Mr Bull said there were several ways this could be remedied.
“Pay half price for peak periods, pay a refundable deposit, or introduce a fine as Queensland has done for those who abuse it,” he said. “Whatever he chooses, the Minister just needs to fix it for Easter.”
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Tim Bull is a well known Liberal politician in the Victorian Opposition.
He wouldn’t endorse anything that the Victorian Labor Government are doing.
That comment is just a croc of – – – -. Tim Bull fights for his electorate and works bloody hard., rather than just say “we are working hard” which is the usual response from this ‘never tell the truth and deflect’ sad excuse for a state government.
No need to bring your political comments into this debate mate.
Let’s stick to the Subject and try to come up with a workable solution that’s endorsed by both sides of politics.
Or just revert back for “first in, best dressed”?
That’s just not practical for many. Imagine turning up to a fully occupied campground. Where do you camp that night ?
We book ahead. (NSW), have never been a ghost. If we feel we can’t make it, we will cancel for a credit, and book another time or at another site. We aren’t the only ones because sites that can be fully booked 1 month out, can have vacancies only 2 days out. Being able to swap a booking for a credit, ensures that ghosting is minimal.
You’re a responsible citizen Mark. The fact is, there are numerous others who aren’t.
There must be a better way. Don’t take a deposit but make people pay full on booking a site. Fine people who don’t turn up.
I agree Peter. If they do not turn up no refund. If they cancel 24 hours before due money back.
It’s easy. Charge a huge booking fee, refundable upon proof of occupancy. ie, a receipt from ranger, etc.
I am all for a deposit and a small fee for camp sites. As users we should appreciate and value the facilities provided no matter how modest at times. Tax payers generally should not bare the full ticket.
We shouldn’t be getting into political arguments over this. The short answer is, you can’t book ahead. Just take your chances like everyone else.
That’s just not practical for many. Imagine turning up to a fully occupied campground. Where do you camp that night ?
They have to work out a better system.
Pay the full price, and get proof of attendance, and get a refund.
SUGGESTION: Charge a refundable online Booking Fee of $100 per night. Use a smart phone with location enabled to take a photo of the tent/caravan/motorhome in the site. The photo should, where possible, also display the site number. Share the photo with the agency you booked the site through. If the photo confirms location and date, to the satisfaction of the booking agency, the $100 will be refunded to the nominated bank account. A non-refundable Administration Fee could also be considered if you wish to recoup some expenses.
COMMENTS: (1) This $100 per night Booking Fee should deter most ghost campers but I do acknowledge that there will be some who can afford the loss. But, surely, this is a better system than the current one that rewards all selfish people ? (2) This system also does away with the potentially costly process of paying numerous extra rangers to collect fees on a daily basis. (3) I do acknowledge that there will be an administration cost to manage the refunds but my suggestion is a better outcome for all than the status quo.
Well thought out I think
It is a debacle. I’m in QLD and regularly travel until we find somewhere we want to stay. Often arriving at National parks that require on line booking where there is no signal available. I have an account with the National Parks but that’s still useless if you are required to do impossible. On a number of occasions parks have been empty of campers but you are not supposed to stay without a booking so leave the park empty. Crazy.
Perhaps a system where by booked sites have to be occupied by a set time or they are available to travellers. Of course there is the argument that some people will arrive late knowing they have a site reserved. It’s a real problem. Should a few sites be left available for travellers?
A solar powered ‘hot spot’ for service might alleviate the problem but it would have to be practical and a devise not able to be stollen.