Government has boosted regional tourism this summer by making camping free in every national park and state forest in Victoria.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos announced on Sunday 1 December the start of free camping season across all of Park Victoria’s 131 paid camping grounds – which has already put $2.1 million back into Victorian families’ pockets.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said busy families deserve a great holiday in our great outdoors – with 100,000 nights already booked we know Victorians will be making incredible memories in nature thanks to free camping.
“We’re making camping accessible to every Victorian – it’s great for families, great for regional towns, great for businesses and great for local jobs.”
Since the announcement, there has been an 115 per cent increase in Parks Victoria campsite bookings, as Victorians take advantage of the chance to stay and explore some of the state’s most iconic destinations from Wilsons Promontory to Lake Eildon.
Free camping will run from 1 December until 30 June 2025 – with almost 100,000 nights of free camping already booked.
Government’s $9 million investment means free camping is now available at every national park and state forest, which is expected to attract new visitors to towns all over regional Victoria.
As part of free camping, $1.7 million has been invested for additional maintenance, repairs and operating costs to ensure campgrounds are kept clean and safe for every visitor.
More than 50 million people visit Victoria’s iconic state forests and national parks every year, for camping, hiking, fishing and hunting, four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, horse riding, birdwatching and many more outdoor activities.
In addition to free camping, government’s $106.6 million investment in Victoria’s great outdoors has delivered 31 new and 60 upgraded campgrounds, as well as 155 upgraded four-wheel drive tracks and 16 walking tracks totalling 31 kilometres.
There are still plenty of free bookable campsites available in December and up to June 30, including popular campgrounds from Aire River West in the Great Otway National Park to Neds Gully in the Cathedral Ranges and Upper Yarra Reservoir Camping Area.
To book a free camping site visit, parks.vic.gov.au.
