Tasmania 'ghost camping': The problem with free campsites

Should campers be allowed to reserve a spot and leave it unused for weeks? Welcome to ‘ghost camping’.

Much like the Great Australian Cabana Debate before it, Tasmania ‘ghost camping’ fanatics are being attacked for unfair behaviour. So much so, that the island state is looking to change laws around free camping.

camping in stanley with a view of the nut tasmania

Camping is very popular in Tasmania. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/ Andrew McIntosh)

What is ‘ghost camping’, you ask? It’s essentially when an unoccupied tent or caravan is left on a free campsite in order to reserve it. The problem is, that they then don’t use it for days, or even weeks. And that’s the good ones. It’s also been reported that sometimes potential campers use this method to secure a spot just in case they decide to travel, while others reserve multiple so they can pick their favourite on arrival.

While on mainland Australia, the majority of the best and most popular campsites require a booking and a fee, in Tasmania they’re more typically free to use. As it stands, only one Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) camping area requires a booking (Richardsons Beach and Honeymoon Bay, in Freycinet). This sounds idyllic, but is exactly why ‘ghost camping’ has become a common problem there.

But that’s all set to change with a new online booking system having been announced.

Wake up to incredible views, as long as someone hasn’t claimed it first. (Image: Revolution MTB)

Minister for Parks, Nick Duigan, said in a statement that, “the new system will provide a seamless experience for locals and visitors to book campsites – as well as other parks products and services, including parks passes, walks and tours".

“Tasmania is rich in natural beauty and our national parks and reserves are a major drawcard for visitors and locals alike," he continued. “Visitors and locals alike will be able to plan their trips with confidence and tourism operators will benefit from improved visitor reporting that will also inform future planning."

camping with wombats in Maria Island national park tasmania

Camping can be the perfect way to see Tasmania’s wildlife. (Image: Jamie Douros/ Camille Helm)

So what’s the problem? Some campers feel this hinders the very Australian way of just seeing where the road takes you and camping on a whim. While others feel the sacrifice is worth being able to actually find an empty campsite.

Whether you plan ahead or not, discover some of the most beautiful places to camp that Tasmania has to offer, here.

Tourism Tasmania and Jetstar have launched a huge airfare sale from five major Australian cities

Slurping the world’s freshest oysters on Bruny Island, hiking the iconic Overland Track, admiring the contemporary art at MONA and swimming in the pristine waters of the Bay of Fires – it might be Australia’s smallest state, but there’s so much to do all year-round in Tassie, it’s almost overwhelming.

And now, it’s easier and cheaper to experience The Apple Isle’s bounty as Jetstar has announced a huge sale with flights starting from as little as $46 one way.

Visit stunning beaches like Wineglass Bay Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Discounts on flights from all five major cities have dropped, with one-way prices including:

– Melbourne to Launceston starting from $46

– Melbourne to Hobart from $54

– Sydney to Launceston from $55

– Adelaide to Hobart from $85

– Brisbane to Launceston from $95

– Gold Coast to Hobart from $105

Oysters and wine on a wine barrel overlooking a mountainous view.

Tasmania is renowned for its fresh oysters. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Tasmania offers an incredible range of things to do throughout the year, from unique cultural attractions and spectacular natural wonders to world-class wineries and gourmet food experiences. During the warmer months, make the most of the longer days by exploring idyllic beaches like Larapuna/Bay of Fires, named Tourism Australia’s Best Beach in 2025.

Adventurers can take on the Three Capes Walk, a breathtaking multi-day hike along the dramatic coastline of the Tasman Peninsula, spotting migrating whales, echidnas, wallabies, seals and birds along the way. Meanwhile, food lovers can savour the region’s flavours at Festivale, Launceston’s vibrant three-day celebration of local produce, wine and entertainment.

Catch the Aurora Australis over Tasman Island. (Image: Luke O’Brien Photography)

During the “off season”, get cosy by a log fire in an alpine national park cabin or step outside to admire the Southern Lights as 2025 and 2026 are predicted to offer some of the best Aurora Australis viewing opportunities. For something special, visit Tassie in late April and May for “the turning of the fagus” where Tasmania’s only native-winter deciduous tree brings spectacular autumnal colours to Tasmania’s highlands.

Cradle Mountain is perfect for nature lovers. (Image:
Cultivate Productions)

Jetstar’s sale to Tasmania applies to one-way flights only and excludes checked bags. Discounted fares are available on select dates from 16 October 2025 to 1 July 2026, subject to travel conditions.

Whether it’s a relaxed weekend escape or a thrilling multi-week adventure, now is the perfect time to fly south to this diverse island.

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