Australia's national parks have become a battleground between conservation and commercial development, as private tourism ventures increasingly gain access to protected public lands. The Gardens of Stone in the Blue Mountains, declared a state conservation area in 2022, is the latest flashpoint. Plans by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to build a multi-day walk with luxury glamping-style accommodation have drawn fierce criticism from conservationists.
Keith Muir, a local resident, describes the proposed development as a resort, not the 'bush camps' labelled in public consultation. He fears it sets a dangerous precedent for all wild places. An NPWS spokesperson insists the camps are low-impact, covering less than one hectare, and designed to blend into the surroundings. Wild Bush Luxury, the developer, declined to comment.
Tourism giant Intrepid Travel, which is acquiring Wild Bush Luxury, defends the project. Managing director Brett Mitchell argues that Australia's parks are severely underfunded and that low-impact eco-tourism can protect the environment while supporting communities. He cites the Larapinta trail as a successful model.
However, Griffith University emeritus professor Ralf Buckley warns that private tourism inside national parks is changing the nature of protected areas. Historically, parks were for conservation and independent visitors. Now, private lodges with exclusive access are being built on public land, often subsidised by taxpayers. He points to the Scenic Rim trail, developed through a partnership with Spicers Retreats, as an example of this trend.
Former Greens leader Bob Brown calls the idea of wilderness lodges an 'oxymoron', arguing that commercial development undermines conservation. The debate highlights a growing tension between generating revenue for underfunded parks and preserving their natural integrity.
