Aussie hikers stunned by 'steep' camping cost of new four-day 42km rainforest trail

Yahoo

16-04-2025

A stunning new four-day, 42km hike has opened in the Tweed Byron Hinterland, taking explorers through a volcanic landscape covered in rainforest, clear creeks and waterfalls. But unlike most national park walks in NSW, the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk comes with a hefty fee, leading hikers to debate how much they would pay for the multi-day trek.
The trail is rated as a grade 4 hike, where adventurers would be walking between four and nine hours per day, at times covering steep and uneven ground. For those who are keen to explore it alone with their own equipment, there is a price tag of $173 to camp along the trail – with each site holding up to two people.
The campsites include raised wooden platforms that can either hold two small tents, or one medium sized tent. Also at each of the campgrounds are non-flush toilets, picnic tables, shelters and rainwater tanks.
While the announcement of the hike itself had Aussies excited, many felt the cost was almost as steep as the terrain.
"To pay almost $200 for a national park hike is cooked!" one man wrote on Facebook.
"So bloody expensive," another agreed.
For those looking for a guided tour, the prices skyrocket even further.
One company offers a "luxurious" guided walk where your bags are transported for you, meaning you only have to carry a light day pack. The experience includes chef-prepared meals, hot showers, "comfy sleeping cots", solar USB chargers and even wine in the evenings, and will set you back $3,200 per person, twin share. Single occupancy has a higher charge.
One man noted that it's cheaper to get a guided tour of Mount Everest – and he's right. A 15-day trek over glaciers and valleys to base camp on Everest, including transfers and accommodation, is currently on offer for $1,684.
"Cheaper to go hiking in another country, which is crazy. Come on Australia we can do better," one person wrote.
Kirsten Mayer, executive officer of Bushwalking NSW, told Yahoo she was 'flabbergasted' by the charges, saying the high prices will mean the full walk will not be accessible for all Australians.
"This high cost of camp sites is likely to reduce the engagement in national parks by people of a lower income, and what are they doing about that? Because these are public assets and everybody should be included and given access," she said.
"$173 for three nights camping in a national park is a very steep ask.
"We do not fully support expensive campgrounds and we certainly don't support broadened manufactured walking tracks that don't allow people to connect with nature, because we vitally need that."
A spokesperson for NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service explained there are "higher operational costs" involved with the trail due to its remote location.
"There is no fee for walking on the track but staying three nights in the campgrounds along the track costs $172.80 for up to 2 people. That is about $28.80 per person, per night twin share," the spokesperson said.
"These new campgrounds have been carefully designed to balance visitor comfort while protecting the surrounding environment. Their remote locations mean they require higher operational costs, including waste removal and ongoing servicing to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
"All visitor fees are reinvested directly into the management of national parks, helping to maintain tracks, campgrounds, signage, and conservation programs."
The walk is part of the $7.34 million Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails project, and includes shorter day walks that visitors can enjoy for free, the spokesperson added.
For those interested in checking out the Gidjuum Gulganyi, check out the different options here.
Do you have a story tip? Email: [e-mail].
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.