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

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.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

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