'Almost $100 cheaper to rent a three-bedroom house': Campers fuming over new fees

Outback Mike is at it again, slamming NSW National Parks for their 'sneaky' fee increase. And this time, the price comparison will shock you. 

Australian camping fees have now risen to the point that they're officially making the cheap getaway option unattainable for many families. 

After lifting the lid on New South Wales National Parks' new tiered camping fee system last month, former Alone Australia contestant and passionate advocate of fair camping, Michael Atkinson (aka @outback_mike), has hit social media once again. 

This time, with a price comparison that has shocked more than just those who love camping. 

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Campers are fuming over how expensive camping has become in national parks. Image: Instagram / @outback_mike

Tuning in from NSW North Coast's Woody Head Camping Area located in the Bundjalung National Park, Mike highlighted how the proposed new camping fees would compare to the average rent in nearby suburbs, should they be approved. 

“You can rent a three-bedroom house (down the road) with garage for $600, so it’s almost $100 cheaper to rent a three-bedroom house with garage outside the park, as opposed to a small patch of grass here in the park,” he shared in the video.

"I count 89 campsites on this map. That is revenue raising of $55,000 a week just for this campground, excluding the money they make from cabins."

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Camping is now more expensive than paying rent. Image: Instagram / @outback_mike

When did camping become expensive for families? 

Mike broke down the costs a little further in the caption of the video. 

"The current price is $34 a night year round. Under the proposal, it would increase to $54 a night in low season and $89 a night in high season," he explained.

"Those struggling financially will be priced out of camping in NSW National Parks. The bush is the one place everyone should be able to enjoy, regardless of financial status," he added. 

And he's right. Camping has always been one of those family getaways that any family can do on a budget, but with the rising costs of campsites around Australia, it is fast becoming too expensive for most.

So what's the go?

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Aussies outraged over ‘sneaky’ new camping fee

Last month, Mike caused a frenzy amongst the camping community when sharing his outrage over the potential increase in NSW National Park camping fees. 

"It is pretty hard to not get a little bit upset when you look at the proposal for New South Wales National Parks camping fee increases," he shared on Instagram.

Mike went on to explain that he has been in touch with NSW National Parks, who confirmed the reason behind the move. 

"Thredbo Diggings, which is now $6 a night is going to go up to $54 a night. That is a nine-time increase! They're saying they're doing this in response to ghost bookings," he confirmed.

"The other reason they're saying is because 49% extra people are visiting the parks, but nowhere in their proposal did they consider increasing the amount of campsites by 49%, therefore meeting demand." 

The fee breakdown. Image: Supplied

Mike's main concern was that the increase in price will put a strain on Aussie families who are already struggling and rely on cheap holidays such as camping to get away and treat the family. 

"This kind of price increase is going to put a whole bunch of people out of reach of camping in NSW National Parks," he insists.

"If you don't have a lot of money, that should be the last thing that you can always do.. go camping on public land and enjoy yourself. That's just going to be out of reach for so many people now!"

Needless to say, many campers chimed in with the same thoughts, supporting Mike's campaign to stop the price increases in National Parks. 

Now, with his recent price comparison there in full view, it appears as though his fears of national parks making camping unattainable for the average Aussie may be coming true. 

Originally published as 'Almost $100 cheaper to rent a three-bedroom house': Campers fuming over new fees