By Denis Hay
Description
Rising fees threaten free camping in Australia. Learn how NSW’s changes could pave the way to privatising public parks – and what we can do to stop it.
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Introduction: A Patch of Grass That Costs $679
Location: Woody Head Campground, NSW. Season: Summer.
Dialogue: “Wait… what do you mean $679 for a week? It was free last year!”
Welcome to the new reality of free camping in Australia. The New South Wales Labor government is rolling out sweeping fee increases for campsites in national parks – some as high as $89 per night.
What used to be a cheap getaway for families is rapidly becoming unaffordable.
But this isn’t just about a few dollars more. It raises a bigger question: Is this the first step toward privatising public land?
Let’s explore what’s happening, why it matters, and what it says about Australia’s values when it comes to public access and dollar sovereignty.
The Problem: Fee Hikes in National Parks
What Is Being Proposed?
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is proposing a new fee structure, “standardising” camping prices across the state. Previously free or low-cost sites will now cost up to $89 per night.
• Vehicle or walk-in access: Previously free; now $2
• Sites with pit toilets: Up to $22
• Basic campsites: From $13 to $36
• Tiered pricing: “Premium” campsites hit $89/night.
A 7-night camping trip could now cost $700 – more than the weekly rent of a 3-bedroom house in nearby towns. This dramatic cost increase is redefining what was once considered free camping in Australia.
Why the Change?
Officials argue that the price hikes are a response to a growing trend known as “ghost camping.” This occurs when individuals, often wealthier or more strategic campers, book multiple low-cost or free campsites across several nights or locations, then fail to show up.
The intent is often to reserve entire campgrounds for personal or group use, shutting out other campers. These no-shows block access, reduce available space, and frustrate everyday users looking to enjoy nature on a budget.
The NSW government has framed this issue as a form of campsite hoarding, claiming the new tiered pricing system will deter ghost bookings by raising the financial barrier. They argue that it will make the system fairer and more efficient, ensuring campsites are allocated to those who genuinely intend to use them.
However, critics see this as a flawed and overly punitive response. Instead of targeting the few who abuse the system, the government is rolling out blanket fee hikes that affect all campers, especially low-income families. Environmental advocates, outdoor enthusiasts, and budget travellers argue this approach undermines the very purpose of public parks: universal access.
Moreover, there is concern that the financial rationale behind these changes is fabricated. Instead of tapping into Australia’s vast public wealth or correcting tax loopholes for resource giants, the burden is being shifted onto ordinary citizens. Critics fear that by gradually treating public land like a commercial asset, the government is laying the groundwork for future privatisation.
This framing of budget shortfalls is also questioned by economists familiar with Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). While MMT primarily applies to the federal government, which issues Australia’s sovereign currency, it highlights how financial constraints are often a result of political choices, rather than economic necessities. Although state governments, such as New South Wales (NSW), do not have monetary sovereignty and rely on federal transfers, they can advocate for increased funding or policy reforms that reflect national priorities.
Critics argue that rather than passing costs onto citizens, states should pressure the federal government to fund essential public services, such as national park infrastructure, especially given Australia’s vast public wealth. The issue, then, is not just about limited state budgets, but about intergovernmental choices and priorities.
However, critics argue that this punishes all campers for the actions of a few and may be part of a much larger agenda.
When Access to Nature Becomes a Luxury
Imagine a single mother of two living in Western Sydney. Her family’s yearly camping trip is their only holiday. Now, that same trip would cost more than a week at a caravan park.
Her thoughts: “We used to go camping to save money… now we can’t afford the bush.”
Not Just in NSW – A National Trend Emerges
Other states are adopting or exploring similar approaches:
• Victoria: After a short-lived free camping initiative at 131 sites, the state will reintroduce fees starting July 1, 2025. Issues like ghost bookings and rubbish dumping were cited as reasons (ABC News).
• Queensland: Camping in national parks requires a permit ($7.25/person or $29/family per night), plus Vehicle Access Permits for some locations (Qld Parks).
• South Australia: Introduced new online booking and fee systems for campsites, separating camping and park entry fees (The Grey Nomads).
These changes indicate a broader shift in how governments view free camping in Australia, not as a public right, but as a revenue opportunity.
The Psychological Impact
The cultural identity of free camping in Australia is deeply tied to fairness, freedom, and the great outdoors, values now under threat.
Australians take pride in their diverse and stunning landscapes. However, with gates locked, fees soaring, and permits required, people are beginning to feel alienated from their own land.
Public Land Must Remain Public
Look to Scandinavia
In Norway, Finland, and Scotland, the “Right to Roam” is enshrined in law. Citizens and visitors alike can camp freely on public and private land, provided they respect nature.
• No booking systems
• No corporate operators
• No fees for basic access
These countries demonstrate that it is possible to strike a balance between environmental protection and accessibility.
Use Public Money for Public Good
Australia is a monetarily sovereign country. The federal government issues its own currency. There is no economic constraint stopping us from funding:
• Free camping infrastructure
• Park maintenance
• Ranger staffing and education programs
Instead, we subsidise:
• $249 million to the loss-making NSW Forestry Corporation
• Billions in gas exports for foreign corporations
Redirecting just a fraction of this could restore and expand free access.
A Choice Between Access and Exclusion
This is not just about camping, it’s about the future of free camping in Australia and whether it remains a right for everyone. Fee hikes set a dangerous precedent: once access is monetised, privatisation becomes easier to justify.
We must ask: Who receives help from pricing ordinary people out of public land?
And we must act by rejecting this user-pays model and insisting our parks stay free, accessible, and protected for all.
Q&A Section
Q1: Is free camping really ending in Australia?
A: It’s not officially over, but increasing fees, required bookings, and limited sites are rapidly reducing opportunities for actual free camping.
Q2: Is this about privatisation?
A: Not directly – yet. But commodifying public land is often the first step before outsourcing or leasing to private entities.
Q3: What can we do?
A: Sign petitions, support groups like Outback Mike, write to your MPs, and educate others about Australia’s monetary sovereignty and the value of public access.
Question for Readers
Have you experienced fee hikes or restrictions when trying to access national parks? Share your story in the comments.
References
The DEATH of Free Camping in Australia (Can we save it?)
10 Must-Visit National Parks in AUSTRALIA | Travel Guide
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This article was originally published on Social Justice Australia
Also by Denis Hay:
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Require a security deposit for bookings, which is refundable after the visit, provided you actually turn up. Leeway for emergency situations.
I don’t know how it goes on the mainland, but in Tassie the bulk of ghost bookings in those areas that require bookings are by commercial walking groups. Personally, I just avoid those routes and/or campsites.