Free camping at state parks this summer

VICTORIAN holidaymakers have something to look forward to this summer – they can camp for free.

The state government has announced it is making camping free at all 131 of Parks Victoria’s paid campgrounds from 1 December to 30 June next year, a move expected to save families $7.3 million in booking fees.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos visited the Leanganook Camping Area in the Mount Alexander Regional Park at Harcourt North to make the announcement last Sunday.

The government will spend $9 million on the initiative, including $1.7 million for additional maintenance, repairs and operating costs to ensure that campgrounds are kept clean and safe.

It builds on the government’s half-price camping program that has been in place since 2019 and is estimated to have saved campers $25.7 million.

In further good news for campers, families who have already booked and paid for a site will have their bookings honoured and refunded.

More than 50 million people visit Victoria’s state forests and national parks every year for camping, fishing, hunting, four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, horse riding, birdwatching and other activities.

According to the government, it has now delivered 31 new and 60 upgraded campgrounds, 155 upgraded four-wheel drive tracks and 16 walking tracks totalling 31 kilometres.

Government figures suggest that camping and recreation contributes more than $2.1 billion a year to the economy and supports 20,000 jobs, most of them in regional communities.

When she announced the free camping, Ms Allan said busy families deserve a great holiday in the great outdoors and this summer they can stay for free.

“I grew up camping with my family and those special memories have stayed with me forever,” she said.

Mr Dimopoulos said: “There is no better time than this summer to get out and enjoy nature, all while saving the cost of your holiday and boosting tourism in regional communities.”

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards welcomed the announcement.

“Campers are a significant part of our regional tourism economy and we encourage Victorians to come and explore this beautiful part of the state – and stay for free,” she said.

More information about free camping and how to make a booking can be found at parks.vic.gov.au.