Calls for a more equitable pricing system
Some popular campgrounds near Sydney could have their prices doubled or even tripled under a proposed simplified pricing structure for national parks bookings.
A consultation paper issued by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) last week argued a new system was needed to ensure “fair and equitable” pricing for its 365 campgrounds across the state.
The Basin campground in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in January this year.Credit: James Brickwood
National Parks Association of NSW chief executive Gary Dunnett said he would review the proposal in more detail but backed the need for reform.
“At the moment, there’s almost a different fee in every different park across the state, so having some certainty there is a really good thing,” Dunnett said.
Parks Victoria has made camping free, but NPWS argued this would worsen the persistent problem of “ghost bookings”. This is where people book campsites but don’t show up, a problem reported in Victoria this Easter weekend. The consultation paper also rejected a first come, first served system on the basis it would result in campers setting up equipment days before their intended stay to hold a spot.
There are now more than 50 million visits to the state’s national parks every year, the consultation paper says, including 1.8 million overnight campground stays in 2023-24.
The new system organises campgrounds into tiers based on facilities. A basic clearing in the forest will be free, while those with pit toilets would be $13 in low season and $22 during a 90-day high season. The highest tier, with picnic and barbeque facilities, shelters, flushing toilets and hot showers would be $54 in low season and $89 in high season.
While some campgrounds currently have a per-person price or a surcharge for extra people, the proposal is a flat fee with no booking fee for up to six people (including four adults), to encourage friends to stay together rather than spreading out. There would also be discounts for smaller sites.
