As the serene landscapes of Gippsland beckon travelers seeking a getaway amidst nature, a concerning trend known as “ghost camping” has cast a shadow over the region’s tourism industry. The concept of ghost camping involves reserving a camping spot but failing to occupy it without canceling the booking, leading to empty campsites that could have been enjoyed by others.

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, has voiced his unease regarding this issue, attributing the rise of ghost camping to the State Government’s free camping policy. This policy, which eliminated booking fees in national parks like Tidal River campground in Wilson’s Promontory, has inadvertently paved the way for this detrimental trend.

During a visit to Tidal River, O’Brien discovered a stark contrast between the campground’s seemingly full status online and the reality of numerous unoccupied sites. This discrepancy not only deprives genuine campers of the opportunity to experience the beauty of Gippsland but also hampers the local economy by deterring potential visitors who rely on accurate campground availability information.

Sharing photos of the vacant Tidal River sites on social media sparked a wave of similar experiences from other individuals across the state. One key issue highlighted was the inability to cancel bookings made through the government’s online portal, exacerbating the problem of ghost camping.

In response to these concerns, O’Brien intends to address the Minister for Environment, advocating for a revised camping model that may include refundable deposits or mechanisms to reallocate unused sites promptly. It is evident that the current system is failing both campers and local communities, as the prevalence of ghost camping deprives regions like Gippsland of essential tourism revenue during peak seasons.

As discussions continue surrounding the impact of ghost camping on Gippsland’s tourism sector, finding a sustainable solution to combat this trend becomes imperative to ensure that the region’s natural wonders can be enjoyed responsibly by all camping enthusiasts.