Rising cost of camping

COMMENT

As the only ‘official’ spot to camp in Victoria’s wild and windswept Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, Bear Gully Campground has for many years been a magnet for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle and experience a slice of unspoilt bush just metres from the beach.

As the information board at this perfectly positioned campground explains: “For thousands of years, people have been drawn to this rugged coastline and its natural bounty and beauty”.

While there are plenty of caravan parks along this stretch of Victorian coastline that takes in tourist drawcards like Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory, few offer the pristine natural environment and peaceful seclusion of this hidden gem.

All up there are 34 campsites, many grassed and tucked away among the gums and banksias. But apart from a picnic table, a few firepits  and three drop toilets, facilities are non-existent, which is half the charm of the place.

As is the fact it cost nothing to stay, available on a first come, first served basis. However, all that changed in July this year, when the state government introduced a new ‘user pays’ system for 98 campgrounds run by Parks Victoria, including 11 parks that were previously free.

The official line is that the new or higher fees will “ensure that Victorians continue to have access to these beautiful places while making sure that the costs of providing safe, visitor-friendly facilities and services are sustainable and affordable”.

They will also help make up an $11.3 million annual shortfall in revenue required to maintain the campgrounds. Parks Victoria also claims the new fee structure is “fairer”, but we’re not so sure about that.

Overnight fees now range from $13 for “basic/very basic” campsites to $60-plus for the best-equipped sites, such as those at Wilsons Promontory.

Bear Gully in early December cost $35.90, which seemed pretty steep considering the lack of facilities. During the same trip we stayed a few nights at Wilsons Prom for $63.50 a night – that’s Big4 holiday park pricing, but at least we got all the ‘bells and whistles’ such as 240V power, hot showers, laundry and dish washing facilities, convenience store and visitor centre.

To ensure smooth running bookings can be made via a whizz-bang online system. You have to book in advance and pay the full amount upfront, with no refund if you cancel within 30 days.

While there are concession rates available, and many of the campsites are the basic $13, the ‘flat rate’ that includes up to six people can be seen as discriminatory.

If you’re a solo traveler or a couple of grey nomads, for example, you’re essentially paying for six – unlike many caravan parks which charge a basic site fee plus extra for larger groups.

While we’re not against ‘affordable’ camping fees, this generic approach is likely to put off the type of camper most attracted to low-priced public facilities. Like those on really tight budgets or 'first timers' who can only afford a cheap tent, blow-up mattress and an esky.

When we were at Bear Gully, a couple of weeks before Christmas, the place was almost empty. And as I write this, the campground is far from booked out over the peak January period.

You only have to read some of the angry comments on the Parks Victoria website to see what adverse consequences might result:

“This was my favourite campground but never ever again I will go there just because I cannot afford it. Parks Victoria, you are just forcing people to camp wild.”

“It is off my list. Especially when the caravan park down the road is cheaper and you can have a camp fire. Parks Vic you should be ashamed at the prices you are charging. You are out pricing families.”

Surely the purpose of taxpayer-funded parks and campgrounds is to encourage people from all walks of life into the outdoors and foster respect for the environment, not drive them away…

What do you think?