'$600 per week': is this the end of affordable camping in NSW?

Not-so-happy campers are grappling with a proposal by the NSW government that could push camping out of financial reach for some.

Spending time in the great outdoors is deeply ingrained in Aussies’ DNA. It’s a fun, restorative way for friends and family to spend time together, and most importantly, it’s affordable. But a proposed change to NSW campground fees could significantly up the price of a night’s camping, with some campgrounds set to undergo a 500 per cent fee increase. Here, we break down everything you need to know.

How much will campgrounds cost?

At the time of writing, the hike to campground fees is in the proposal stage with NSW Parks and Wildlife Services. They are currently reviewing feedback (which has certainly been mixed). Nothing’s final just yet, but if the proposal is passed, here’s how it would look.

camping on the South Coast — A new proposal aims to target camping no-shows by hiking the fees. Responses have been mixed. (Image: Destination NSW)

Under the new proposal, campsites will be divided into six tiers, based on the quality of facilities (like flush toilets, barbecues, shelters and servicing frequency). Seasonal pricing would also be introduced, with different rates for high and low seasons.

For example, the proposed costs per night by tier are as follows:

Tier 1 sites, which are extremely basic (think no toilets), will remain free.

Tier 3 sites (which have basic drop toilets and barbecues) would cost $20 in the low season or $36 in the high season. Campgrounds such as the popular Thredbo Diggings campsite in the Snowy Mountains would fall into this category. Right now, it costs just $6 to camp there – a 500% price difference if the proposed fee is introduced.

Tier 6 sites, which have hot showers, flush toilets and the works, would cop the highest fees at $54 in the low season and $89 in the high season. This would impact popular campsites such as Bonnie Vale campground in the Royal National Park. Currently, campsite fees fluctuate between $41 and $57 per night (according to the season), meaning the cost per night would double under the new proposal.

Families and outdoor enthusiasts have raised concerns that one of the last truly affordable holiday options could soon be out of reach. With fees proposed to rise significantly, especially when camping across multiple nights, many point out that a week-long camping trip could now cost upwards of $600 for a tier 6 campground.

camping — The proposed fee hikes could push the last form of affordable holiday out of reach for families. (Image: Destination NSW)

There’s a growing sentiment that enjoying nature respectfully should remain accessible to everyone, and the proposed fee hike prompts questions about whether that ideal is being eroded.

“[There] is a consultation on a proposed approach and all feedback is being carefully considered. No decisions have been made on the proposal," a spokesperson for NSW Parks and Wildlife Services told Australian Traveller. “NPWS will advise the public on the next steps once feedback has been considered."

Why are the fees increasing?

NSW Parks and Wildlife Services is proposing changes to bookings and fees to address the issue of ‘ghost camping’ – when people book campsites but don’t actually show up, leaving others to miss out.

While many of NSW’s most popular campgrounds have long required bookings, the broader online booking system expanded significantly during the pandemic, when visitation surged.

The new fee proposal will separate campsites into six tiers and price them on a ‘sliding scale’. (Image: Destination NSW)

Some campers have called for the system to be scrapped altogether in favour of a first-come, first-served model. NSW Parks has reportedly considered this option, but found that it leads to people setting up unattended camps to ‘hold’ sites.

Parks also reportedly considered lowering fees, but said that this led to increased no-shows. And introducing a fine to deter the offending ‘ghost campers’ has been deemed not enforceable enough. As for whether increased fees will kick into gear, the NSW government is currently reviewing feedback to the proposal, and a final decision is yet to be made.

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

‘$600 per week’: is this the end of affordable camping in NSW?