Overview
This year's bushfire season is particularly dangerous. Before you head on an out-of-town adventure, check the CFA and Parks Victoria websites and heed any alerts and warnings.
Whether you're planning a winter getaway surrounded by natural splendour or waiting until the weather warms up to venture back outdoors, the Victorian Government has delivered an extra incentive — all camping fees at state and national parks have been cut in half.
The price drop came into effect on July 1, affecting 35 parks across the state. Sites include Budj Bim National Park, which now sits on UNESCO's World Heritage List; both the Grampians and Great Otaway national parks, should you been keen on visiting one of Victoria's high-profile beauties; and locations as varied as the Brisbane Ranges National Park just an hour out of Melbourne, as well as the Murray-Sunset National Park in the state's northwest.
Grampians National Park by Visit Victoria
Campers will now pay as little as $2.70 per person at some spots, although the average lingers between the $10-15 mark. The reduced fees only apply to campsites — if you're eager to stay in a cabin, lodge, hut, cottage, or other form of accommodation with a hard or fixed roof that falls within Parks Victoria's remit, you'll still pay the regular charge.
The move comes four years after the government completely scrapped camping costs at a heap of parks in regional Victoria, eradicating fees at 500 basic sites throughout 70 campgrounds in 19 parks.
As part of the 2019/20 budget, the state will also gain 30 new campgrounds at yet-to-be-disclosed sites, while 30 existing spots will receive upgrades — such as the Greater Bendigo National Park, Lake Eildon's Fraser campground and the Princess Margaret Rose Cave.
You can learn more about camping in and around Melbourne here, and check out our favourite free camping spots (if you'd rather not spend a cent).
For a full list of Victorian State and National Parks now offering half-price camping fees, or to book a campsite, visit the Parks Victoria website.
Images: Camping at Wilsons Promontory National Park