Flashpacker a fresh pick forworkers
YOU have probably heard of glamping—aluxurious-step up from regular camping.
But what about flash packing?
A Huon Valley family, known for its panelbeating and body works business, has branched into the accommodation industry, building a $3m complex to cater to the influx of seasonal workers (about 4500 a year) but also the leisure travel market.
The Jackman family’s Huon Flash Packer is a 150plus bed development including smaller four-bed dorms, double and family rooms, private-ensuite options and rooms for people with a disability.
“We saw an opening and a lack of accommodation options in the area, especially in the fruit harvest months,” Mark Jackman said.
“While it will not be any dearer than most backpacker places it is brand new and a bit more comfortable than what many people imagine a back packers to be.
“Our dorms hold fewer people and we have more private options, along with barbecue and outside areas and a visitor information centre and gift shop inside.
“Wear every proud of this project and believe it to be one of the best examples of this type of accommodation with in Australia.”
The business is situated just out of town, and near the Huonville waste transfer station.
Project manager Mike Wilson said Huon Flash Packer was on the major tourist route — heading south to attractions and world heritage nature experiences — and the waste transfer station could not be seen from the back packers.
“It is three minutes south of the bridge and an ideal location for the fruit picking industry ,” Mr Wilson said.
“There st of the 15.7 ha site is ripe for development .”
Huon Flash Packer opens on November20.
Huon Valley Mayor Bec Enders welcomed the new business.
“The seasonal workers industry has really struggled for years to provide enough affordable accommodation,” Cr Ender ssaid.