From 1 July 2025, the Victorian Government is investing $10.5 million to keep camping fees at half price at Parks Victoria campgrounds across the state for another two years.
Half-price camping was first introduced in 2019 as part of the $105.6 million Victoria's Great Outdoors initiative, which included funding to create or upgrade 62 new camping grounds in parks and state forests. An additional $1.7 million went towards camping ground maintenance, repairs and operating costs.
Since half-price camping was introduced, campers have saved more than $25 million in booking fees.
In 2024, the Premier and Minister for the Environment introduced the $9 million free camping initiative until 30 June 2025. This investment provided campers with free access to 131 bookable campgrounds managed by Parks Victoria across the state.
The return to half-price camping ensures more Victorians can get out into the great outdoors.
Lisa Patroni, Executive Director of Visitor Experience at Parks Victoria, welcomed the Victorian Government's continued commitment to encouraging visitors to get into nature.
"Since 2019, half price camping has made the great outdoors more accessible than ever for many Victorian families and we're delighted it will continue thanks to the support of this government," Lisa said.
"Visiting our parks is the perfect way to spend time outdoors without breaking the bank, with more than 130 bookable campgrounds to choose from.
"Not only is half price camping helping visitors create wonderful memories in nature, it's also extremely important in supporting regional towns and businesses."
The half-price camping initiative has supported a 43 per cent increase in the number of visitor nights since it was introduced – even during the years when travel was restricted due to COVID-19 outbreaks.
Bookings will open at 10am (AEST) from Monday 2 June 2025 for stays from 1 July – 17 December 2025 and will be staggered throughout the week depending on the location to manage high demand.
