Latest news with #BushwalkingNSW
ABC News
14-05-2025
- ABC News
NSW national parks proposal to standardise camping fees amid rise in 'ghost camping'
David Bell thinks it is a "good thing" for people to spend time bushwalking, but he fears a proposal to overhaul camping fees in national parks in New South Wales — some by as much as 600 per cent — will put it out of reach of many. A camping trip is sometimes the only affordable escape for those on a tight budget, but Mr Bell, who is president of Bushwalking NSW, said a proposal to "standardise" the cost system in National Parks and Wildlife Service's (NPWS) 365 campgrounds was "excessive". "National parks [are] special places," he said. A consultation paper released last month outlines the first "significant" change to the NPWS fee system since 2017. The proposal would see campgrounds priced according to a tiered system, which would see some prices increase — notably during peak seasons. In the NSW Snowy Mountains, the Thredbo Diggings campground would see its current $6 booking fee increase to a peak season charge of $36 a night. "We're broadly supportive; the tier structure makes it a bit more clear what you're paying for and what you're getting," Mr Bell said. However, Mr Bell said some of the prices seemed "rather excessive". Mr Bell said it was also unreasonable that NPWS classified "multi-day" hike camping spots as tier-four sites. "Like the Great North Walk between Sydney and Newcastle. There are sites that have toilets and water, but there are other sites that are just a space on the ground," he said. "I don't think it's feasible to charge all of these sites at the same tier level. "There's a bit of inconsistency there that NPWS needs to address." The "Have Your Say" webpage for the proposal states the changes aim to bring consistency to fees, simplify bookings to deliver "fairer" camping experiences for visitors, and improve management of "persistent campground issues such as people booking space and not cancelling or turning up" — known as ghost camping. The term also refers to people booking more sites than they need. "The best way to tackle it is to have reasonable fees for going camping so that people think twice about booking too much," NPWS director of visitor engagement and revenue Georgia Rivers said. Under the proposed system, people will also be able to receive refunds up to 80 per cent if they cancel their booking in advance. Adventurer and author Mike Atkinson raised concerns about the "high" fees during the cost-of-living crisis. "All you need is a very simple place to camp and — for everybody's sakes — access to a pit toilet. That should be a very small cost," he said. Mr Atkinson suggested a better solution would be to increase the number of campsites to meet demand. "You've got to build the infrastructure so it's not crowded out," he said. "But the [NPWS] are running it like a business: 'We won't improve what we've got; we'll just charge more for it.'" NPWS said it would reinvest revenue from campsite charges back into national parks. Public consultation on the new fee plan will close May 25.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Aussie hikers stunned by 'steep' camping cost of new four-day 42km rainforest trail
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: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
