It’s official! Camping in Victorian national parks will be free this summer

Published: October 14, 2024

The Victorian Government has confirmed that it is making camping free in every national park and state forest in the state this summer.

There will be no charge to stay at all 131 of Parks Victoria’s paid campgrounds from December 1, 2024, until June 30, 2025 – saving families $7.3 million in booking fees.

The $9 million investment will ensure  that all campers have free access to every campground across the state – including the popular Tidal River in Wilson’s Promontory, where fees are currently $40.70 a night.

As part of this investment, $1.7 million will go towards additional maintenance, repairs and operating costs.

Those who have already booked and paid to go camping won’t miss out. Existing bookings for the summer will be honoured and refunded.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the move would have a big impact on a lot of people.

“Busy families deserve a great holiday in our great outdoors – and this summer, they can stay for free,” she said. “I grew up camping with my family and those special memories have stayed with me forever.”

It is hoped the initiative will provide a big boost for regional economies as more campers head out into the country,

More than 50 million people visit Victoria’s iconic state forests and national parks a year. Camping and recreation contributes more than $2.1 billion a year to the Victorian economy and supports 20,000 jobs – most in regional communities.

Parks Victoria says the refund policy affects more than 15,300 bookings so it will take some time to process refunds and there are a number of changes required to the online booking system to make camping ‘free’.

It stresses that, even though campsites will be free, bookings are still essential. There is a maximum booking limit of two sites per campground in a single transaction to ensure more people can enjoy camping in nature during this time.

Fees will continue to apply for roofed accommodation like huts and cabins at Wilsons Promontory, the unique pre-pitched Discovery Tents at Point Nepean National Park, and remote hike-in campgrounds along the Grampians Peaks Trail.

Click here to see booking information for Parks Victoria campsites.

  • Will you be taking advantage of the free camping offer in Victorian national parks. Comment below.

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Stand by for a plague of “phantom” bookings.
Whilst the idea sounds good, in reality it means people will make multiple speculative bookings as they are not sure which days will best suit them or book back-up dates in case of poor weather. Then when they do lock in dates there is no financial incentive for them to cancel the unused dates.

I think it’s a great idea, however I can also see that the booking arrangements can be filled up by those of us wanting a great holiday but not turning up for whatever reasons, and then not cancelling the booking in time for some one else to be able to use it. So let’s think of each other and make this a great initiative by the Victorian government.

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