General News
10 December, 2024
Park camping now free
Spending a night or several in any of Victoria’s 131 previously paid camping grounds is now free of charge.
The state government celebrated day one of the initiative on Sunday, just in time for the December-January holiday period.
The affected sites include Wonga Camping Area in Wyperfeld National Park, Ackle Bend and Horseshow Bend camping areas in Litle Desert National Park, Mt Arapiles-Tooan Camping in Mt Arapiles-Tooan State Park, and Stapylton, Coppermine, Troopers Creek, Smiths Mill, Boreang, Borough Huts, Buandik, Strachans and Jimmy Creek campgrounds and Stony Creek Group Camping Area in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.
The one exception is Grampians Peaks Trail, where overnight fees still apply.
“The government is helping busy families and boosting regional tourism this summer by making camping free in every national park and state forest in Victoria,” Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said.
Mr Dimopoulos said since the initiative was announced, there had been a 115 per cent increase in Parks Victoria campsite bookings, representing 100,000 nights, as Victorians took advantage of the chance to stay in some of the state’s most iconic destinations.
“This has already put $2.1 million back into Victorian families’ pockets,” he said.
Zero-cost camping is being offered in national parks and state forests until June 30 2025 thanks to a $9 million state fovernment investment.
Bookings for free nights between July 1 and December 17 next year are due to open in March 2025.