Travellers using council-managed freedom camping areas on Tasmania’s Central Coast will soon need to pay, with Central Coast Council confirming a new $15-per-night permit system starting from late February 2026. This change marks a significant shift in Tasmania free camping fees for visitors to the region, reflecting new requirements for travellers.
The change affects several well-known freedom camping locations on the state’s North-West Coast and will impact caravan and motorhome travellers passing through the region. Importantly, when calculating your expenses, you should allow for camping fees that now apply to free Tasmania sites.
Central Coast Council says the permit system has been introduced to help manage camping demand, support maintenance and upgrades at sites, and protect local environments. These updates essentially align free camping fees across Tasmania with comparable regulations interstate.
Where the fees apply
The permit requirement covers all council-managed freedom camping sites on the Central Coast, including Tasmania locations now affected by new free camping fees:
- Forth Recreation Ground
- Midway Point (Sulphur Creek)
- Bannons Park / Bannons Bridge (Gunns Plains)
Council advises that Midway Point has no amenities, and vehicles staying there must be fully self-contained.
Key rules for travellers
Under the new system, Tasmania’s latest rules on free camping fees are straightforward:
- Permits cost $15 per night, per site
- Camping remains first in, first served, with no bookings
- A maximum stay of three nights applies at each site
- Self-contained vehicles only are permitted; tents are not allowed
- Solid fuel fires are prohibited
- Permits can be purchased via the Central Coast Council website or from the Ulverstone and Penguin Visitor Information Centres
Why it matters
Freedom camping has long been a popular option for caravan and motorhome travellers touring Tasmania, particularly those managing longer trips or travel budgets. It’s wise to note that with these changes, Tasmania’s free camping fees have become a pivotal factor when considering overnight stays in these areas.
The Central Coast decision follows similar moves in other parts of Australia, as councils review how free and low-cost camping areas are managed in response to growing visitor numbers and site impacts.
What travellers should know
Travellers planning to stay at freedom camping sites on Tasmania’s Central Coast should be aware of recent changes impacting free camping fees in the region.
- Factor permit fees into travel budgets from late February 2026
- Ensure their vehicle meets self-contained requirements
- Plan stays around the three-night limit
- Have alternative accommodation options available if sites are full
The introduction of paid permits marks a change for freedom camping on Tasmania’s Central Coast, bringing new costs to sites that were previously free to use. Consequently, travellers now need up-to-date information on Tasmania free camping fees to best plan their holiday. Travellers heading through the region later this summer should check local council information before arriving, as conditions and access may change.
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