The Victorian Government’s decision to make national park camping free was initially met with great enthusiasm. Another reason for people to get outdoors. A click-bait headline to potentially attract a new audience? What harm could there possibly be? Well, quite a lot, it seems. Holiday park operators are understandably angry that public funds are being used to compete with private businesses. And the core camping community, who already put up with the plight of ghost camping, are concerned that there is even less incentive for fair weather campers to show up now that there is no cost involved.
The Core Issue: No-Show Bookings
One of the most prominent criticisms of the free camping initiative is the lack of a deposit system. Poor weather, last-minute changes, or simply a change of heart will result in vacant sites. This not only wastes valuable camping opportunities but impacts the surrounding economies that rely on visitor traffic.
“You’ve got people from Melbourne booking sites at all these camping grounds around the state, without having to pay any money,” a Fish Creek tourism operator explained. “But what’s the incentive to turn up if there’s a poor weather report or something else happens? They just won’t come, the sites will remain vacant, and people who would like to go on a holiday will miss out.”
Impact on Local Businesses
Holiday park operators are even more concerned. David Holgate of the Venus Bay Caravan Park noted that in normal circumstances, bookings without deposits can often lead to no-shows. He believes this pattern could extend to state-run camping sites, potentially leaving many spots unoccupied despite high demand during peak seasons.
Then there is concern that the free camping initiative may force commercial parks to lower their rates to compete, cutting into their revenue and threatening the viability of these businesses. Melina Bath, a Member for Eastern Victoria, expressed her worries: “I’ve spoken to caravan park operators at Marlo and Orbost in East Gippsland and also at Waratah Bay, and they’re concerned they’ll not only lose bookings but also be pressured to drop their rates in response to this.”
Economic Ripple Effects
Regional communities often depend on tourist spending, and empty campsites could spell trouble for local businesses. From cafes to outdoor activity providers, a drop in visitors could result in reduced revenue, undermining the broader economic ecosystem these areas rely on.
In Parliament, Ms. Bath advocated for alternative approaches, such as a holiday voucher system proposed by the Victorian Caravan Parks Association. This system would subsidise vacations for low-income earners across a range of accommodations, including private parks, motels, and short-stay rentals. Such a plan, she argued, would directly support those in need while preserving fairness in the market.
Does the Policy Miss Its Mark?
Critics also question whether the initiative will effectively serve its target audience. Camping holidays, even when site fees are waived, still require equipment and transportation—resources that may not be readily available to low-income families. This raises concerns that the policy may benefit those who are already well-equipped for camping while leaving others behind.
Additionally, the $7.3 million loss in government revenue from waived booking fees could have been reinvested in improving camping infrastructure, funding environmental projects, or supporting cash-strapped Parks Victoria. Instead, these funds are now tied to a policy many deem ineffective and poorly designed.
