| Cost | $15 per night per site from early 2026 (currently free) |
|---|---|
| Location | Central Coast, North West Tasmania |
| Pet Friendly | See Camps App |
| Campfires | No fires permitted |
| Facilities | Varies by site – toilets, picnic tables, playground at Forth Recreation Ground; no amenities at Midway Point; drop toilets and picnic tables at Bannons Park |
| Vehicle Access | Self-contained vehicles only – caravans, campervans, motorhomes. No tents permitted |
| In Camps App | Yes – find all Central Coast sites in the Camps App |
These North West Tasmania camps were once free. From 2026, they won’t be.
Several well-used Central Coast camping areas are moving to a paid permit system, adding fees and tighter conditions to sites that many travellers have relied on for years. The changes affect council-managed freedom camping areas used by caravan, campervan and motorhome travellers.
What’s changing in 2026
From early 2026, Central Coast Council will introduce a permit system across all council-managed freedom camping sites. The stated goal is better maintenance, environmental protection, and fairer access during busy periods.
Under the new system:
● $15 per night, per site
● Fees reinvested into site upgrades and upkeep
● No bookings – first in, best dressed
● Maximum stay of three nights per site
● Self-contained vehicles only
● No tents and no fires
● Permits available with a QR code onsite, Penguin Visitor Information Centre and The Hive
Where the Rules Apply
Forth Recreation Ground
A quiet stop surrounded by farmland and river country, Forth Recreation Ground offers unpowered sites with toilets, picnic tables and a playground. Stays are limited to three nights, making it a short-term base rather than a long linger.
Midway Point – Sulphur Creek
This coastal site near Penguin sits on a large grassed area overlooking the ocean. It remains a popular stop for fishing and seaside views, but there are no amenities on site. All vehicles must be fully self-contained.
Bannons Park – Gunns Plains
Set beside the Leven River, Bannons Park offers drop toilets, picnic tables and classic riverside camping. Wildlife and water views make it appealing, but stays are capped at three nights under the new permit rules.
All sites are restricted to self-contained vehicles only. Tents are not permitted.
Dump Point Information
● Victoria Street, Ulverstone
● Stubbs Point, Penguin
Travellers are asked to leave all camping areas clean and in the condition they found them. The region still welcomes road-trippers, and local caravan parks remain the preferred option. However, for those choosing council rest areas, camping will soon come with new rules.
The changes will commence firstly at Forth Rec Ground with signage currently underway. Sites remain free until the new permit system is phased in over the coming months.
We know that the Central Coast Council has already closed camping at Halls Point and Preservation Bay in the last few years. If you are still looking for free camping, try the spectacular views at Leven Canyon Reserve or Cooee Point Reserve in the Burnie Shire only 20 minutes west of Penguin with views of the Strait + dump point.
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the new camping fees start on Tasmania’s Central Coast?
The new permit system will be phased in from early 2026, starting with Forth Recreation Ground. Sites remain free until the permit system is fully implemented over the coming months.
How much will it cost to camp at Central Coast Council sites?
The fee will be $15 per night, per site. These fees will be reinvested into site upgrades and ongoing maintenance of the camping areas.
Can I book a site in advance?
No, bookings are not available. The system operates on a first in, best dressed basis. Maximum stay is three nights per site.
How do I get a camping permit?
Permits can be obtained via QR code at each campsite, at the Penguin Visitor Information Centre, or at The Hive.
Can I camp in a tent at these Central Coast sites?
No, tents are not permitted. Only self-contained vehicles including caravans, campervans and motorhomes are allowed at council-managed sites.
Are campfires allowed at these camping areas?
No, campfires are not permitted at any of the Central Coast Council camping sites.
Where can I empty my grey water and waste in the area?
Dump points are located at Victoria Street in Ulverstone and Stubbs Point in Penguin.
Are there any free camping options left near the Central Coast?
Yes, try Leven Canyon Reserve or Cooee Point Reserve in the Burnie Shire, about 20 minutes west of Penguin. Check the Camps App for current details.
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