BACKYARDS ON CAMP SITE
CAMPERS ar are pitchingit hi tents in suburban backyards as homeowners cash in on a new, low- budget accommodation service.
Charging between $ 15 and $ 30 per night, residents register their properties on Housecamp, a website connecting them with holidaymakers wanting to save money by sleeping out in yards.
Touted as the Airbnb for camping, homeowners list their properties on the website, along with a description of the location and services on offer, which can include the use of toilets, laundry and wi- fi.
Housecamp’s founder, Frenchman David Abitbol, who conceived the idea while touring Australia, said the majority of hosts provide basic facilities.
However, one listing in Randwick, in Sydney’s east, advised campers “no toilet or shower available” and recommended they use the facilities across the road at the University of NSW.
Mr Abitbol said: “Hosts are free to provide whatever they like, but those who don’t share their facilities probably won’t attract interest from campers.”
Parts of the Housecamp concept are still being refined, including how hosts and campers are screened and reviewed.
Jasmin Taylor, who runs a local camping shop on Sydney’s northern beaches, has noticed a surge of interest within the camping community – not just among backpackers, but also local travellers.
“It’s a fantastic idea – you can travel for cheap or make a bit of money from your backyard,” Ms Taylor said.
Sydney couple Tracy and Rob Morris are eager to sign up to the service.
“It seems like a great way to save some money,” Mrs Morris said.
“Travelling is expensive with a family, so we’ll be using the service our next trip.
“For now, we’re happy to let travellers use our backyard.”