A controversial change to the way some campsites are used at NSW national parks is about to come into effect.
A new service will be available at 16 campgrounds that allows visitors to hire a tent or caravan provided by a private operator.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) says this will ‘allow visitors to enjoy the comfort and convenience of a caravan holiday without the upfront cost and ongoing responsibilities of owning a caravan, such as storage, maintenance and towing’.
The service will be available at campgrounds across the Central Coast, South Coast, Southern Ranges, Sydney, Blue Mountains and Central West. These locations were apparently selected because they have the facilities and occupancy available to support caravan hire and set-up.
Already set-up caravans will soon be available for hire in NSW national parks … at around $165 per night. PIC: NSW NPWS
Tent hire services will also return to The Basin campground in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
The NPWS says that, while hire fees will be determined by the operator, it is expected that hiring a caravan will cost an average of $165 per night, and that tent hire at The Basin will cost an average of $380 for two people for a minimum of two nights.
Visitors interested in the service will book an existing caravan site through the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service booking system, and then arrange hire directly with the approved supplier.
Caravans and tents will be set up for each booking and removed afterwards. The NPWS says the service will use existing caravan sites only and will not affect the number of sites available for tent camping.
When the NPWS first floated the idea of allowing supported camping services in national parks a year ago, there was strong opposition from many grey nomads who feared it would change the ‘vibe’.
“Campgrounds are getting overcrowded as it is without businesses making money, reducing spots available and introducing people with no experience,” said one angry correspondent.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Deputy Secretary, Alex Graham, insists though that the change will allow more people to enjoy the quintessential Australian camping experience.
“We’re making it easier for more people to experience our national parks, without the cost or hassle of owning camping gear or a caravan,” he said. “Whether it’s families looking for a weekend adventure, first-time campers wanting to give it a go or return visitors seeking a new experience, equipment hire gives people more ways to get outdoors, unwind and make lasting memories in nature.”
The NPWS says the van hire service will be available at just 4% of the state’s 366 national park campgrounds.
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
