The Andrews Labor Government’s cuts to camping fees have driven a surge in camping, with bookings more than doubling at campsites across Victoria over the school holidays.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced today that there has been a 63 per cent increase in bookings at Parks Victoria campsites since 1 July – when Labor’s half-price camping fees came into effect – compared to the school holiday period last year.

The surge in numbers is a boon for regional businesses, with hundreds of families and friends heading into towns across country Victoria to stock up before their trip into the state’s beautiful wilderness.

In 2015, the Andrews Labor Government abolished camping fees at 500 basic sites over 70 campgrounds in 19 parks across regional Victoria.

At last year’s state election, the Government announced it would go further – halving all remaining fees in State and National Parks.

The price cut is part of a $107.2 million camping package funded in the Victorian Budget 2019/20, which will also build more than 30 new camp grounds and upgrade 30 more across the state.

Sites in line for an upgrade include the Greater Bendigo National Park, the Fraser campground at Lake Eildon, Glenelg River and the nearby Princess Margaret Rose Cave.

Camping and recreation in Victoria’s national parks contributes $2.1 billion to the state’s tourism industry each year and supports more than 20,000 jobs.

Half price camping fees are available now and have been automatically applied to bookings at parks.vic.gov.au.

For those eligible camping trips booked before 1 July, Parks Victoria will refund the reduced fees prior to the check in date.

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

“Half price camping is driving a camping boom across Victoria, with a big increase in bookings this school holidays.”

“Camping is not only a great way to relax and unwind, it’s also big business for regional Victoria – keeping local shops and cafes full and supporting jobs.”

“Camping in Victoria has never been more affordable – I encourage families to get outside and enjoy our beautiful parks.”