National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Hunter Region Manager Robert Quirk said the introduction of camping fees brings these areas into line with other national park camping around the state, where such fees already apply.

“The fees, which are at the lower end of camping fees charged statewide, reflect the more remote nature of the parks, the type of facilities provided and their maintenance requirements.

“Over the past few years, NPWS has invested considerable funds on improving camping areas and upgrading facilities in six visitor areas within Barrington Tops National Park, as well as the Washpools campground in Towarri National Park.

“Work completed includes improvements to existing campground facilities, as well as the provision of new facilities such as toilets, gas barbecues, campsites, walking trails, and interpretive signs.

“The upgrades provide for a range of recreational activities and enhance peoples overall enjoyment of the area,” said Mr. Quirk

“As in other National Park regions, funds generated from the camping fees are kept in the local area and are used to maintain and manage visitor facilities and services.

“This includes providing and servicing toilets, picnic areas, signs and displays, rubbish collection, walking tracks and park roads,” Mr. Quirk said.

Camping fees will be collected from self registration stations located in each of the camping areas where the fees apply.

NPWS staff will be patrolling these areas regularly over the coming months to answer questions from visitors and assist in the use of the self registration stations.