Camp for free in Victoria's National Parks from Dec 24 to June 25

Good news for campers! If you’re planning on hitting the great outdoors in Victoria, you can now camp for free at 131 of Parks Victoria’s paid campgrounds between 1 December 2024 and 30 June 2025. Yep, that means free camping in some of the most scenic spots across the state, but you’ll still need to make a booking in advance at bookable campgrounds.

Here’s the lowdown:

Free camping: From December through June, you won’t have to pay a cent for those paid campgrounds. Existing bookings will be honoured and refunded, so no one misses out.
Bookings required: Even though it’s free, you’ll still need to secure your spot through Parks Victoria’s booking system. No rocking up unannounced!
Limited sites per booking: To keep it fair and make sure everyone gets a go, there’s a limit of two campsites per campground per booking.
Roofed accommodation still paid: If you’re after a cabin or something more cushy, like Wilsons Promontory’s huts or the glamping-style Discovery Tents at Point Nepean, those will still have a fee.

Now, you might be thinking, “What’s the catch?” Well, not much, really. It’s all thanks to a $9 million push from the Victorian Government to make camping more accessible. This move is also set to boost regional tourism, which rakes in over $2.1 billion a year and supports heaps of local jobs.

However, if you’re eyeing up the Grampians Peaks Trail for an epic hike, just know that their hike-in campgrounds aren’t free. It’s a pretty special 164km trail, and keeping those remote campsites in tip-top shape (think helicopter toilet maintenance!) costs a fair bit.

How to make the most of it:

If you’re keen on getting a free camping spot, be patient with the booking system as it’s being updated. You might still see fees for a bit, but don’t worry—you’ll be refunded once the system is sorted.

Want to stay in the loop? Keep an eye on Parks Victoria’s website or sign up for their ‘Outdoor Inspiration’ newsletter to get all the latest camping updates.

FAQs:

How long can I stay? The usual rules for minimum and maximum stay apply, so check the campground’s details before you book.
Worried about campsite scalpers? Parks Victoria’s got you covered. They’re limiting bookings to two sites per transaction and making sure bookings can’t be transferred or on-sold.

Get in quick before the best spots fill up! This free camping offer is a ripper deal and a great chance to explore some of Victoria’s finest nature without breaking the bank.