But a NPWS spokesperson stressed the idea was simply to explore new ways for more people to enjoy national parks.

“Supported camping will operate side by side existing campsites,” the spokesperson told the Grey Nomads. “All campgrounds will remain open to the public … there will not be exclusive use of any campsite by a private operator.”

Of course, concerns that allowing more commercial operations will change the character of national parks are not unique to NSW.

In Victoria, for example, there are Licenced Tour Operators that offer everything from balloon flights to multi-day hikes. There are also some commercial operations like cafes and shops in some parks and campgrounds. However, Parks Victoria says that while there are a range of different kinds of campgrounds with different levels of service, these are all run by the Parks Service itself … not private operators.

Would the introduction of supported camping run by commerical opearors change the ‘vibe’ in NSW national parks? PIC: Cizza

The NSW initiative is obviously aimed at attracting new campers, rather than experienced and well-equipped travellers like grey nomads … and this could explain some of the backlash.

Robert Campbell, the Vice-President of the Tasmanian National Parks Association (TNPA) said some of Tassie’s new walk developments ‘with their mostly high-end accommodation facilities and mud-free tracks, are enticing a new clientele onto these walks’.

“However, such developments often lead to tighter restrictions being placed on traditional visitors to national parks,” he said.

He said there had been a range of proposals put forward over the past 25 years to locate tourism projects within Tasmania’s national parks, but many of these proposals did not proceed, both due to public opposition and likely financial reasons.

“The TNPA supports sensitive tourism-based projects in Tasmania and supports the regional benefits that will flow from such projects,” Mr Campbell said. “However, the TNPA opposes all commercial developments inside national parks involving the placement of infrastructure (e.g. accommodation facilities).”

He argued that the same benefits could be achieved by placement of such projects outside the boundaries of Tasmania’s national parks and World Heritage Areas.

Mr Campbell pointed to a poll conducted by Roy Morgan in 2021 which found that more than 90% of respondents believe wilderness areas should be protected, with 63% also agreeing that luxury lodges and helicopter-based tourism should be kept outside wilderness areas.

“While the TNPA recognises the right of people to seek a range of tourist activities, there are usually limits on how many people and related activities that a park can handle,” he said. “These limits relate to issues such as over-crowding, impacts on the environment (degradation of walking tracks), noise (as many seek peace and solitude in national parks), and impacts on wildlife.”

While some of the reactions to the NSW proposals have been withering, Chris Thomas, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ) – a group which advocates for the good management of national parks – says encouraging more people to get out into nature is a worthy aim.

Does it make sense for commercial operators to help camping novices enjoy national parks in off-peak periods? PIC: Cizza

And he insists the NSW proposal is relatively modest.

“It’s not a commercial ‘takeover’ as some are suggesting,” he said. “It’s also not the thin end of the wedge … tour operators have been taking people into national parks lawfully and sustainably for decades and they provide a critical service that is beyond the capability of park rangers.”

Queensland’s Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said it wanted the state to be a world leader in ecotourism, and was championing 45 new ecotourism experiences by 2045.

However, it said ecotourism meant high-quality, low-impact experiences that protected Queensland’s natural beauty and showcased its unique offerings.

“We are committed to preserving Queensland’s national parks by ensuring ecotourism operations minimise their impact on the natural environment and comply under Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act 1992,” a spokesperson told the Grey Nomads. “To maintain a quality camping experience for all visitors, site-specific conditions and group size limits are applied to commercial operations to minimise environmental impacts.”

Commercial operations are permitted in Queensland national parks in the form of an authority, permit or agreement, but are limited to third-party managed sites (such as eco-lodges or other accommodation facilities) and third-party guided tours.

While operators may block book a limited number of campsites in the state’s national parks, campsites are always reserved for independent travellers.

In WA, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) said it was aware of the importance of maintaining a balance between conservation and commercial use.

“DBCA recognises the diversity of park visitors, from long-time campers seeking a wilderness experience to newer visitors who may prefer supported or serviced stays,” a DBCA spokesperson told the Grey Nomads. “Through careful planning, sensitive design, and partnerships with commercial operators, DBCA aims to provide a range of experiences while preserving the natural character of WA’s parks.”

• Do you think there is already too many commercial operatoons in national parks … or do you think it is a good thing, particularly if it brings in extra funding? Email us here to share your thoughts.

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