Starting 1 July 2025, the Victorian Government will invest $10.5 million to extend half-price camping at Parks Victoria campgrounds for another two years. This move aims to make nature more accessible to all Victorians while supporting regional tourism and local businesses.
The half-price camping initiative first began in 2019 as part of the broader $105.6 million Victoria’s Great Outdoors program. This funding package included the development and upgrade of 62 new campgrounds across state parks and forests. An additional $1.7 million was allocated to cover maintenance, repair work, and operational costs for these sites.
Since its inception, the half-price scheme has saved campers over $25 million in booking fees, significantly reducing the cost of experiencing nature.
In a more recent development, the Victorian Premier and Minister for the Environment launched a $9 million free camping initiative in 2024, allowing visitors free access to 131 bookable Parks Victoria campgrounds until 30 June 2025.
Following this, the return to half-price fees ensures that more people can continue to enjoy affordable outdoor getaways beyond the expiration of the free camping program.
Lisa Patroni, Executive Director of Visitor Experience at Parks Victoria, expressed her support for the program’s continuation.
“Since 2019, half-price camping has made the great outdoors more accessible than ever for many Victorian families and we’re delighted it will continue thanks to the support of this government,” she said.
“Visiting our parks is the perfect way to spend time outdoors without breaking the bank, with more than 130 bookable campgrounds to choose from.”
She added, “Not only is half-price camping helping visitors create wonderful memories in nature, it’s also extremely important in supporting regional towns and businesses.”
Bookings for the next camping period will open at 10:00 AM (AEST) on Monday, 2 June 2025, for stays between 1 July and 17 December 2025. To manage demand, bookings will be released in phases throughout the week, depending on the campground’s location.
With this extension, the Victorian Government continues its commitment to ensuring nature remains within reach for all, while also investing in the health and sustainability of the state’s vibrant outdoor tourism economy.
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