‘$600 per week’: is this the end of affordable camping in NSW?

By Liz Whitehead
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Not-so-happy campers are grappling with a proposal by the NSW government that could push camping out of financial reach for some.

Spending time in the great outdoors is deeply ingrained in Aussies’ DNA. It’s a fun, restorative way for friends and family to spend time together, and most importantly, it’s affordable. But a proposed change to NSW campground fees could significantly up the price of a night’s camping, with some campgrounds set to undergo a 500 per cent fee increase. Here, we break down everything you need to know.

How much will campgrounds cost?

At the time of writing, the hike to campground fees is in the proposal stage with NSW Parks and Wildlife Services. They are currently reviewing feedback (which has certainly been mixed). Nothing’s final just yet, but if the proposal is passed, here’s how it would look.

camping on the South Coast

A new proposal aims to target camping no-shows by hiking the fees. Responses have been mixed. (Image: Destination NSW)

Under the new proposal, campsites will be divided into six tiers, based on the quality of facilities (like flush toilets, barbecues, shelters and servicing frequency). Seasonal pricing would also be introduced, with different rates for high and low seasons.

For example, the proposed costs per night by tier are as follows:

Tier 1 sites, which are extremely basic (think no toilets), will remain free.

Tier 3 sites (which have basic drop toilets and barbecues) would cost $20 in the low season or $36 in the high season. Campgrounds such as the popular Thredbo Diggings campsite in the Snowy Mountains would fall into this category. Right now, it costs just $6 to camp there – a 500% price difference if the proposed fee is introduced.

Tier 6 sites, which have hot showers, flush toilets and the works, would cop the highest fees at $54 in the low season and $89 in the high season. This would impact popular campsites such as Bonnie Vale campground in the Royal National Park. Currently, campsite fees fluctuate between $41 and $57 per night (according to the season), meaning the cost per night would double under the new proposal.

Families and outdoor enthusiasts have raised concerns that one of the last truly affordable holiday options could soon be out of reach. With fees proposed to rise significantly, especially when camping across multiple nights, many point out that a week-long camping trip could now cost upwards of $600 for a tier 6 campground.

camping

The proposed fee hikes could push the last form of affordable holiday out of reach for families. (Image: Destination NSW)

There’s a growing sentiment that enjoying nature respectfully should remain accessible to everyone, and the proposed fee hike prompts questions about whether that ideal is being eroded.

“[There] is a consultation on a proposed approach and all feedback is being carefully considered. No decisions have been made on the proposal," a spokesperson for NSW Parks and Wildlife Services told Australian Traveller. “NPWS will advise the public on the next steps once feedback has been considered."

Why are the fees increasing?

NSW Parks and Wildlife Services is proposing changes to bookings and fees to address the issue of ‘ghost camping’ – when people book campsites but don’t actually show up, leaving others to miss out.

While many of NSW’s most popular campgrounds have long required bookings, the broader online booking system expanded significantly during the pandemic, when visitation surged.

The new fee proposal will separate campsites into six tiers and price them on a ‘sliding scale’. (Image: Destination NSW)

Some campers have called for the system to be scrapped altogether in favour of a first-come, first-served model. NSW Parks has reportedly considered this option, but found that it leads to people setting up unattended camps to ‘hold’ sites.

Parks also reportedly considered lowering fees, but said that this led to increased no-shows. And introducing a fine to deter the offending ‘ghost campers’ has been deemed not enforceable enough. As for whether increased fees will kick into gear, the NSW government is currently reviewing feedback to the proposal, and a final decision is yet to be made.

 

Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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Two new scenic bushwalks have opened in a breathtaking NSW conservation area

    By Rachael Thompson
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    The Broad Swamp Loop Walk and Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Track showcase the unique geology and diverse ecosystems of the Gardens of Stone area.

    Two new walking tracks in the picturesque Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area (SCA) have opened just in time for the warmer months and the school holidays. The Broad Swamp Loop Walk and Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Tracks showcase the unique geology and diverse ecosystems of the Gardens of Stone area near Lithgow, offering photographic opportunities, wildlife encounters and immersion in a rare and fragile landscape.

    Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Trish Doyle shared her enthusiasm for the new walking tracks:

    “The tracks are fantastic news for families, hikers and nature lovers and will be a drawcard for visitors, driving economic and tourism growth and creating new bushwalking routes of international significance in our backyard.” 

    Two people on a bushwalk with yellow wattle blossoming.

    Walk through swathes of wattle.

    Broad Swamp Loop is a family-friendly six-kilometre walk among towering eucalypts and vibrant wattles. This Grade Three track takes approximately one to two hours to complete and offers views of the largest swamp in the park, while protecting it as an endangered ecological community via bog bridges. Keep a keen eye out for red-necked wallabies and echidnas who call this area home.

    The more adventurous and challenging Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Track stretches 17.5 kilometres, requiring hikers to traverse gullies and cliff lines. This Grade Three walk takes approximately seven to eight hours to complete (one-way), gaining an elevation of 100 metres from the lush valley with towering trees to the winding steps up to a scenic clifftop view of Carne Creek with glimpses of Pyramid Rock. Without a car shuffle, the walk from Broad Swamp carpark to Carne View lookout is 25 kilometres return, taking approximately eight to 10 hours, so ensure you plan ahead.

    Hikers looking out at the Carne View Lookout

    The Carne View Lookout offers spectacular views.

    Part of the $49.5 million Gardens of Stone SCA visitor infrastructure program, these new tracks are the result of 18 months’ work to transform an eroded trail into a world-class hiking track.

    “These new walking tracks help protect biodiversity by converting an eroded informal trail into a world-class hiking adventure so more people can enjoy the park,” shared National Parks and Wildlife Service Director, David Crust.

    Upgrades to the Lost City precinct have also been completed to offer better convenience for visitors, with a formalised car park, road enhancements, toilets and visitor information.

    The transformation is the first stage of a planned multi-day walk, with new precincts, Bungleboori Picnic Area and Forest Campground, to be completed over the next two years.

    Hikes on a bushwalk with mountains in the background

    The Broad Swamp to Birds walking track meanders through grassland.

    To know before you go

    – There is no phone reception on either walk. 

    – There is no drinking water along the way.

    – Closures due to construction will continue over the next 12-18 months, so check each walk is open in advance.

    – To do the Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Track as a one-way trip, you’ll need two 4WD vehicles, as Birds Rock car park is only accessible by 4WD. It is a 30-minute drive between Broad Swamp car park and Birds Rock car park.