The Victorian Government has announced it will invest $10.5 million to maintain half-price camping fees at Parks Victoria campgrounds across the state for another two years, starting July 1, 2025.
This marks a significant reversal from its earlier push for free camping, which faced widespread criticism due to poor implementation.
Notably, the government has not issued a formal media release. Instead, the announcement was quietly handled by the financially strained Parks Victoria.
Key details include:
Since the introduction of half-price camping in 2019, campers have saved over $25 million in booking fees. Returning to half-price fees aims to make outdoor experiences accessible to more Victorians.
The updated half-price camping conditions are:
Campers can now book up to three campsites per transaction, increased from two previously.
A new cancellation and refund policy encourages campers to modify or cancel bookings if plans change. Details can be found on the Parks Victoria website.
Bookings at Parks Victoria’s campgrounds are currently open and free until June 30, 2025.
Bookings for stays through December 17, 2025—including school holidays in July and September, Grand Final weekend, and Melbourne Cup weekend—will open at 10 a.m. (AEST) starting Monday, June 2, 2025, with staggered opening dates by location to manage demand:
Monday, June 2: Tidal River camping
Tuesday, June 3: No new openings (units, cabins, and lodges at Tidal River, plus Point Nepean Discovery Tents, remain open to December 17, 2025)
Wednesday, June 4: Popular campgrounds
Thursday, June 5: Multi-day adventure trails
Friday, June 6: All other bookable sites statewide
Popular campgrounds include Banksia Bluff (Cape Conran), Johanna Beach, Blanket Bay, Aire River West, Cooks Mill (Cathedral Range), and Lake Catani (Mount Buffalo).
Multi-day adventure routes covered are the Grampians Peaks Trail, Prom Southern Circuit, Falls to Hotham, Great Ocean Walk, Great South West Walk, Glenelg River Canoe Trail, Burchell Trail, and Wilderness Coast Walk.
Bookings for the peak summer season from December 18, 2025, to March 1, 2026, will open on June 30, 2025.
Related Topics
- Supreme Court Upholds Right to Responsible Wild Camping on Dartmoor
- Proposed Camping Fee Hikes Spark Controversy in NSW High Country National Parks
- MECC Cracks Down on Environmental Violations in Northern Camps and Territorial Waters