The Allan Labor Government is helping busy families this summer by making camping free in every national park and state forest in Victoria.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos visited Leanganook Camping Area in Mount Alexander Regional Park today to announce camping will be free at all 131 of Parks Victoria's paid campgrounds from 1 December 2024 until 30 June 2025 - saving families $7.3 million in booking fees.
The $9 million investment will ensure 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 to ensure campgrounds are kept clean and safe for all to enjoy.
It builds on the Labor Government's half-price camping initiative that's been in place since 2019 and saved campers a staggering $25.7 million.
Families who have already booked and paid to go camping won't miss out. Existing bookings for the summer will be honoured and refunded.
More than 50 million people visit Victoria's iconic state forests and national parks a year, for camping, hiking, fishing and hunting, four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, horse riding, birdwatching and much more.
The Labor Government has has delivered 31 new and 60 upgraded campgrounds, as well as 155 upgraded four-wheel drive tracks and 16 walking tracks totalling 31 kilometres.
Camping and recreation contributes more than $2.1 billion a year to the Victorian economy and supports 20,000 jobs - most in regional communities.
To join the millions of Victorians who camp in our national parks and state forests every year, make a booking at parks.vic.gov.au
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"Busy families deserve a great holiday in our 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."
As stated by Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
"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."
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"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."
