Move over James Bond, Parks Victoria is taking a stab at the spy game with recently discovered ‘hidden cameras’ sparking controversy.

 

Reports of the alleged use of ‘hidden cameras’ in the Gariwerd/Grampians National Park by Parks Victoria have angered the Victoria climbing community with claims of unnecessary surveillance, while a Parks Victoria spokesperson states they are a necessary measure to protect the park’s environment.

Is Parks Victoria spying on bushwalkers and climbers?

Photos of a hidden camera nailed to a tree near the Muline trailhead, a track that leads to a closed climbing crag, were posted on the Australian Climbing Association Victoria (ACAV) Facebook group last week. The images were shared with the ACAV President, Michael Tompkins, by an anonymous bushwalker who spotted the camera while hiking in Gariwerd/Grampians National Park.

Tompkins shared the images in the ACAV Facebook group and stated that the camera is a ‘cellular enabled trail cam’ that produces high-quality images that readily identify individuals. He claimed the camera had been in operation in the location since the 20th of May 2024.

Surveillance camera pinned to tree branch in Gariwerd/Grampians National Park

The ‘hidden’ camera labelled as property of Parks Victoria

A secondary post stated that a ‘person counter’ was hidden inside a wooden post near the track to Curiosity Crag, one of around 100 climbing areas still open in the park.

A Parks Victoria spokesperson explained, ‘Track counters help rangers count visitor numbers and make informed decisions about resourcing, trail maintenance, and conservation and cameras are used to prevent illegal activities like rubbish dumping or firewood theft’.

In a statement, Parks Victoria noted that all cameras installed follow the rules of the Surveillance Devices Act 1999, and all footage is handled under the Information Privacy Act 2000. Only authorised officers are allowed to set up these cameras and only do so in places where there have been reports of possible offences.

However, ACAV President Mike Tomkins claims, ‘Park managers have used hidden cameras in Gariwerd/Grampians to catch and fine individuals should they stray into cultural or environmental protection zones. These zones cover large areas that were previously accessible to the public. The zones are excessive and inappropriate. Parks Victoria is putting its energy into surveillance, rather than working to present the park to the public, in accordance with the National Parks Act’.

The Parks Victoria statement argues that on matters of rock climbing in Gariwerd/Grampians, ‘Parks Victoria will always try to take an education-first approach as we know climbers want to do the right thing when and where they climb’.

Why are these ‘hidden cameras’ so controversial?

Concerns from the ACAV come after stricter regulations on rock climbing, abseiling, and bouldering were introduced in Gariwerd/Grampians in 2019. These rules were established to safeguard Aboriginal rock art and other forms of cultural heritage as outlined in the Greater Gariwerd Landscape Management Plan released in 2021. 

 

Impulsive Escape to Grampians National Park (VIC), Keiran Stone, sky, lake, mountain,

Gariwerd/Grampians National Park | @kieranstoneau

 

While climbing is still permitted in over 100 designated areas, several popular spots, including Spurt Wall and parts of Taipan Wall, are now off-limits. Those caught violating these rules could face significant fines up to $346,000.

The debate over cameras reflects broader tensions between preserving cultural heritage and providing recreational access to natural spaces. While Parks Victoria appears committed to balancing these interests, the use of surveillance tools – whether for conservation or law enforcement – remains a point of contention among various stakeholders, particularly within the climbing community.

As discussions continue, the effectiveness and transparency of such measures will likely remain under scrutiny. 

Where is Gariwerd/Grampians National Park?

Gariwerd/Grampians National Park is about 250km west of Melbourne. It’s famous for its dramatic mountain ranges, incredible Aboriginal rock art, and plentiful wildlife encounters. Gariwerd/Grampians is packed with things to do, however, its other outdoor offerings aren’t without controversy, with the construction and operation of the 13-day Grampians Peaks Trail being criticised by bushwalkers for its cost to walk and over-sanitisation of the bush.

 

Feature image by @ben.savage