By JOLENE OGLE
It was an “uh-huh” moment for Prue and James Woodford, as they sat around their campfire surrounded by natural forest and acres of prime camping space.
“We just thought that we have all this land and the caravan park down the road is jam packed, so why not offer our space for campers?” Prue said.
Youcamp.com was born, a website that connects travellers with landowners who are willing to offer overnight or short-term camping for a small fee, sometimes as low as $5 per night.
NSW-based Prue and James said the “backyard camping” initiative could be a solution to Noosa Council’s continuous battle with illegal camping.
“The answer is not to treat backpackers and silver nomads, who are looking for that magic combination of cheap and pretty, as criminals but rather to see them as potential guests and a boon to the local economy,” James said.
“Backyard (or private land) camping is part of a revolution sweeping across society and is known as the ‘sharing economy’.”
James said Youcamp.com provides landowners with a new and sustainable income and travellers with both an authentic and affordable camping experience, away from big, expensive and often crowded caravan parks.
Anyone with land to offer simply uploads their information and some photos to Youcamp.com and travellers can search for backyard camping sites in the areas they want to explore.
Travellers can also search for amenities and allowances to suit their needs, such as pet-friendly properties as well as properties with a hot shower and kitchen.
James and Prue said in only a few months, Youcamp.com had already received 100 private property listings throughout south-east QLD and north-east NSW, with a growing cluster of private land listings around Noosa.
James said the modern traveller is seeking an old-fashioned, outdoor experience that offers space, privacy and flexible rules.
“They do not want ‘McCamping’ – where every site is the same,” he said.
“Landholders who have listed on Youcamp.com close to Noosa allow a huge range of activities on their land from fishing, boating to just peace and quiet and enjoying nature.”
“All that is needed now is for local councils to work out how to take advantage of this new sharing economy and make it work to get illegal campers out of public car parks and streets,” James said.
James and Prue’s Youcamp.com has also been chosen as one of four contenders for the national People Power competition being funded by PayPal.
To check out the competition visit www.paypal.com.au/peoplerulecomp and visit www.youcamp.com to search Noosa properties.
