Everyone who is into camping is buzzing about Hipcamp. Have you heard or stayed at a Hipcamp site? If you are not in the know, it is an Airbnb-style platform for booking a camping site and in return, thriving with the land share movement that is happening around the world. It is resource you will use time and time again as you set off in your Achtung Camper campervan on your roadtrip around Australia.
To learn a bit more about this booming business, we chatted to their press team, plus we did our own digging.
WHAT IS HIPCAMP
As well as promoting commercial campgrounds, people in rural or remote locations who have space to host campers and caravanners are able to list their properties on Hipcamp for that purpose. Like Airbnb a percentage of the nightly hire is paid to Hipcamp for using the platform to advertise. One of the main drivers for Hipcamp is to help conserve the land and the goal that the shared recreation would assist with funding conservation.
THE BEGINNING
Originally founded in California, United States in 2013 by Alyssa Ravasio, out of her own frustations of searching and trying to find a unique camping spot. Ravasio had the vision to inspire campers to experience the benefits of being outdoors, stay in places that they would not normally be able to visit and simplify the process.
“I realised that given how crowded pubic campgrounds are, the only way to achieve that mission was to create new places,” says Ravasio, Hipcamp founder.
Fast forward to now where Hipcamp has expanded into Canada, Australia, United Kingdom and France and more on its way.
UNLOCKING LAND
Since its launch, Hipcamp has unlocked over 1,618,000 hectares of private land and in return opened up a revenue stream for farmers. The Australian version has grown 450 percent in four years.
Hipcamp is not the first business to promote camping on private land, but since COVID-19 with people facing a stream of lockdowns, traveling and touring Australia has become increasingly popular. With that demand an influx of people began opening up their land. The other positive with this is approximately half of the land listings are available for less than $50 per night.
FEATURES
Not only is it the go-to platform for campers, it offers an easy search and booking system and invites campers to submit reviews. You can also earn Hipcash credit by referring friends. Communication with hosts is seamless and if you are a keen traveler and photographer there’s an opportunity to get paid for what you enjoy.
CORE VALUES
Hipcamp’s core values include protecting local habitats, supporting land appreciation, embracing adventure, and reconnecting with nature. The company’s aim is to shower the world and grow a love for the land, whilst encouraging responsible camping practices.
Here’s to the female entrepreneur and founder who brought this to life!
Below are a few finds worthy of a mention.
Redbank156 Farm, Metcalfe, Victoria
Home to five generations of Superfine Merino wool farmers, the homestead is set on 1,000 acres of rolling hills, lush trees, and dams that offer plentiful grazing to sheep and cattle. The rural landscape still remains largely untouched, giving a real feeling of freedom and fresh air.
Sarabah Camping, Queensland
Sarabah is a working cattle property, located along the Canungra Creek at the foot of the Lamington National Park (overseas visitors must love this name). Campers must be self-contained as there are no toilet or bathroom facilities, essential to bring in water and they request minimal impact on the land. There are eight campsites and well-behaved dogs and fires are permitted.
Riverview on the Murrumbidgee, New South Wales
With a mountain backdrop, this working cattle farm has it all and best of all no mobile reception. There’s a river to float down, trails to hike, swimming holes and fishing spots to explore. Campers must be self-contained to stay here.
Honeycombs Beach Camp, Wilyabrup, Western Australia
In the heart of the Wilyabrup surf and wine region, and only 750 metres from the beach, Honeycombs, is suitable for those with their own toilet and water. There are five sites on 13 acres surrounded by national parks. The swimming hole is a hit in the warmer months.
If this article has got you thinking about mixing things up on your next trip, check out Hipcamp and read their blog on Australia’s Best Hipcamps to Visit in 2023. There’s plenty of gold to find and places to stay at in your Achtung Camper campervan or motorhome. A road trip around Australia just got even more appealing…
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