A concerning trend in Victoria, known as “ghost camping,” is having a detrimental impact on local communities and their economies. This phenomenon occurs when campers reserve multiple free camping sites but fail to show up, leading to significant revenue losses during what is often a bustling Easter holiday weekend. Reports estimate that this practice has resulted in a staggering $7.3 million decline in annual booking fees, putting additional strain on small businesses that rely on camping traffic.
Despite it being peak school holiday season, many campsites, such as those in Tidal River within Wilsons Promontory, are reportedly only half-filled. Campers have expressed frustration, noting that numerous reserved spots go unused, indicating a trend where some families reserve sites for extended periods simply to keep their options open.
Local business owners are feeling the pinch from this behaviour. Brett Beaumont, who operates an open-air cinema near the Tidal River campsite, highlighted a 65% drop in his business compared to last year, revealing that out of 484 campsites, only around 150 were occupied at the time. He voiced concerns that such ghost bookings are not only impacting his livelihood but also those of other businesses in the area.
Political representatives, like Liberal MP Melina Bath, have condemned the trend, pointing out that the official booking system shows fully booked sites while many remain vacant. She argues that these ghost bookings undermine local businesses, depriving them of essential revenue.
Suggestions for addressing the issue have been offered, including the implementation of a refundable deposit system or policies allowing sites to be reallocated if a camper fails to arrive within a certain timeframe. Critics of the current free camping initiative stress that while it aims to promote outdoor enjoyment among Victorians, it also opens the door to misuse.
In response, Victoria’s Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos, defended the scheme, stating that most Victorians are not abusing it. He noted that Parks Victoria now sends reminders to campers to cancel bookings if they cannot attend, in a bid to allow others the opportunity to use the sites.
As the Easter weekend approaches, the state encourages families to explore various camping options available, including 1,000 first-come, first-served free camping areas in addition to 131 bookable campgrounds. However, the ongoing issue of ghost camping remains a challenge yet to be effectively addressed, risking the financial health of many local communities throughout Victoria.