In the serene landscapes of Gippsland, a troubling trend known as “ghost camping” is haunting the region’s tourism industry. This phenomenon, underpinned by the State Government’s free camping policy, has raised significant concerns among locals and officials.

What exactly is ghost camping? It involves reserving a campsite but failing to occupy it without canceling the booking, leaving the spot unused and vacant. The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, has voiced his apprehension about this trend, attributing it to the State Government’s decision to remove site booking fees in national parks like Tidal River campground in Wilson’s Promontory.

During a recent visit to Tidal River, O’Brien noticed a stark contradiction between the fully booked claims online and the actual availability at the campground. Despite online indicators showing no vacancies, numerous sites remained unoccupied, painting a misleading picture for potential visitors and depriving local communities of essential tourism revenue.

Sharing images of the desolate Tidal River sites on social media sparked a wave of similar experiences from other campers across the state. One key issue exacerbating the problem is the inability to cancel bookings made through the government’s online platform, leading to missed opportunities for others to enjoy these sought-after camping spots.

In response to the growing concerns, O’Brien plans to address the Minister for Environment, proposing alternative solutions such as refundable deposits or the re-letting of sites within 24 hours if the original campers fail to show up. The urgency to rectify this situation is evident, as the current model not only distorts visitor numbers but also dampens the economic prosperity of local communities reliant on summer tourism influx.

As the ghost camping trend looms over Gippsland, a collaborative effort between policymakers and campers is essential to preserve the true essence of camping – a wholesome outdoor experience that benefits both visitors and the region’s vibrant tourism sector.