Aussie state flags free camping this summer in $7 million cost-of-living boost

Spending on camping and caravan holidays by Australians reached an all time high last year.

Courtney Greatrex
·News Editor
Updated ·3-min read
A woman by the ocean (left) and a camping setup (right).
Camping in some of Victoria's most idyllic spots may soon be free. Source: Instagram/Sophiamulheran

It's no secret that Australians love to get out into the great outdoors whether it's a weekend of camping in a simple setup, or exploring the country in a massive caravan. And there's reason to celebrate this summer as one state has made a generous offer to those planning their next great Aussie adventure.

In an attempt to keep residents in their home state this holiday period, camping could become completely free in 131 of Victoria's campsites in a move that would see residents save an estimated $7million in fees. It would be a welcome move to ease cost-of-living pressures over the holidays for everyday families. It's also expected to support some 20,000 jobs in the industry.

“We have a beautiful natural environment in Victoria, it’s one of our great strategic assets,” Premier Jacinta Allan told the Herald Sun, admitting that her family love camping.

“We want to make those memories easier to be made, and that’s why I’m looking at how we can, coming into this summer period, make camping free for families, because it is a great family experience.

"And also, we want to make sure families can have the confidence to plan ahead for their holiday,” she added, suggesting changes to booking systems may be required.

In Victoria, camping at state and national parks ranges from $3 per night at Mt Arapiles to $40.70 a night at Tidal River.

Parks Victoria was contacted by Yahoo for more information.

Data shows that Australians took 15.3 million caravan and camping trips and related spending was at $14.3 billion last year — an all time high. But as those travelling the country's most stunning locations look to do so on a budget, and availability struggles to keep up with demand, illegal camping has become a growing problem.

The Shire of Exmouth Council campground.
Australians are camping and caravanning more than ever. Source: WA Government

Across the country, local authorities are tackling issues as a result of the rise in popularity of camping. Exmouth, a small resort town in WA's North West Cape, has dealt with soaring levels of illegal camping which has left residents and local authorities at odds over how best to manage the problem. The council has voted to increase the amount of funding allocated to address the issue of illegal camping to $200,000 and has opened a new campground to help combat the problem.

Other councils in WA have rolled out new booking systems and increased enforcement to "clamp down" on campers doing the wrong thing.

Meanwhile in the beachside town of Noosa in Queensland's Sunshine Coast, the local council has been grappling with illegal camping in its most popular car parks by issuing fines from $77 to $116.

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