But the combination of fresh air and footy fever could have potentially devastating effects in parks and forests if left unchecked, so campers are being urged to behave responsibly to help protect communities and the environment.
Authorities gave out more than 280 fines and 65 official warnings to people caught committing campfire, vehicle or other public land offences over the past few Victorian long weekends.
Anyone caught littering, driving off-road or with an unsafe or unattended campfire this weekend could face fines between $197 and $47,421.
The Conservation Regulator Victoria, Parks Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria are reminding campers about public land rules, and giving out some tips to be the campsite’s best-on-ground.
Tips to be the campsite’s best-on-ground
1. Don’t go out-of-bounds: keep vehicle use on track
• Drivers and riders must be licensed and registered, and only use formed, open roads.
2. Maintain possession: don’t let your campfire escape
• Check weather conditions, follow campsite-specific rules, use designated fireplaces, keep it small (under 1m), never leave it unattended, and tackle it with plenty of water before leaving.
3. Disposal efficiency must be 100 per cent: clean up after yourself
• Collect and take all rubbish and belongings home with you, don’t dump or burn them.
Parks Victoria senior manager enforcement and regulatory services Mark Breguet said everyone had a responsibility to protect parks and forests.
“This grand final long weekend, we are encouraging Victorians to enjoy nature as much as they do the game,” he said.
“By following the rules and respecting our environment, we can ensure this weekend is a memorable one, both on the field and in the great outdoors.”
Conservation Regulator Victoria director of regulatory operations David McIlory said it was everyone’s responsibility to play by the public land rules, no matter which team you were barracking for this weekend.
“Look after each other and the environment by watching your campfire, driving only on open, formed roads and taking everything home with you,” he said.
Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said campfires could quickly turn into large bushfires, and although FFMV was ready to respond, Victorians could help reduce bushfire risk by fully extinguishing their campfires with water.
“If (the campfire is) cool to touch, it’s safe to leave,” he said.
Contact 000 to report a bushfire, or help by reporting illegal activity on public land on 136 186.
Visitors can brush up on their camping and campfire skills through Parks Victoria’s step-by-step online guides and video series at www.parks.vic.gov.au/where-to-stay/camping-for-beginners
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