Holiday makers are now enjoying new and improved facilities at campgrounds and caravan parks across the state thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s $105 million Great Outdoors program.

Between now and 2023, 30 new campgrounds are being built and 30 existing sites are being upgraded – with more than $1 million in works now complete.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio was at the newly upgraded Hammonds Road North Campground today to announce a second round of caravan and camping grant recipients – with 19 sites across regional Victoria to share in more than $2 million for improvement projects.

The grants include funding to increase all ability amenities at Horsham Riverside Caravan Park, Wycheproof and Warracknabeal Caravan Parks, environmentally friendly upgrades to Grampians Gate Caravan Park and Recreation Reserve and for landscaping and interpretive signage at La Larr Bar Gauwa and Warburton Caravan Parks.

This latest round of grants builds on more than $2.5 million already provided to 25 projects in April last year to improve the visitor experience.

Hammonds Road North Campground in the Otways is expected to double its visitation to 20,000 people annually after a $175,000 upgrade which includes new vehicle camping bays and amenities.

The new Stockman’s Campground in the Big Desert State Forest has also been completed following a $300,000 investment allowing visitors to explore the network of four-wheel drive tracks available throughout the area.

In Gippsland, a $500,000 investment has delivered a new campground as part of the Thomson River Canoe Trail and the popular Blue Pool campground has also reopened following substantial upgrades.

More than $280,000 in upgrades have been completed at sites including Eskdale Caravan Park and Walwa Riverside Caravan and Camping Reserve in the North East, Corinella Foreshore Reserve in Gippsland, Gordon Park Caravan Park at Charlton, Kennett River Holiday Park and Kywong Caravan Park in the South West.

The Labor Government introduced half price camping fees in national parks across Victoria in 2019 – making camping more accessible to more people. Camping in state forests and parks remains free of charge.

Victorians are reminded to adhere to physical distancing and hygiene requirements to ensure permitted activities are carried out safely. Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“It’s great to see families now back enjoying affordable camping and caravan holidays and these upgrades will help to make their experiences even more memorable.”

“This is a great boost for our regional towns when they need it most – creating local jobs while attracting more visitors through improved facilities.”