Summer camping could be free in Victoria under family-focused government plan

Victorian families are set to benefit from a plan to make booking a campsite completely free in the latest government attempt at keeping more people in the state this festive season.

Summer camping would be free across the state under an Allan Government plan to ease cost-of-living pressures over the holidays.

The move would strip fees from the state’s 131 bookable campsites, saving Victorians an estimated $7m.

Premier Jacinta Allan said it was one way the government could help families battling cost-of-living pressures.

“We have a beautiful natural environment in Victoria, it’s one of our great strategic assets,” she said.

“My kids love camping. I know thousands of other kids love camping.

“Families love to go camping because that’s where those really special memories are made.

“And we want to make those memories easier to be made, and that’s why I’m looking at how we can, coming into this summer period, make camping free for families, because it is a great family experience.

“And also, too, we want to make sure families can have the confidence to plan ahead for their holiday.”

A new government plan could make camping free across the state these summer holidays. Picture: Supplied

The plan is also expected to encourage holiday-makers to stay in Victoria.

Camping fees in state and national parks have been halved since 2019, with fees currently ranging from $3 per night at Mt Arapiles to $40.70 at Tidal River.

Latest data shows camping and recreation in the state’s national parks contribute $2.1bn towards the tourism industry each year.

It also supports an estimated 20,000 jobs.

In a wide-ranging interview to mark one year since she succeeded Daniel Andrews, Ms Allan said helping families was a key focus of her government.

“There’s no doubt that, particularly for families at the moment, there’s some real challenges around cost of living and those inflationary pressures that everyone’s feeling,” she said.

“What I’m focused on is what we can do as a state government to make things that little bit easier for families.”

The new bid aims to keep more holiday-makers in Victoria. Picture: Parks Victoria

The free camping is one a number of government initiatives aimed at helping families get outdoors, including free fishing kits for Victorian students.

It includes as $106.6m package to improve campgrounds, walking trails, 4WD tracks and visitor facilities across Victoria’s parks and state forests.

May’s state budget also committed $115m towards forest restoration and exploring opportunities in camping, hunting, hiking, mountain biking and four-wheel driving.

On Saturday, Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos said 35,000 rainbow trout had been released into 70 lakes across Victoria as part of a $96m package to improve fishing, boating and piers.

“We know parents are always looking for fun, low cost activities that get kids outside and into nature – so we’re providing great fishing opportunities for families right across the state,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

“Lakes across the state are stocked and students have their rods ready to go – this is a great way to spend time with family and friends these school holidays.”