In the wake of pandemic-fatigued campers leaving cities in a flurry, looking for peace and quiet in the forest, Australian farmers are signing up as hosts to earn additional sources of revenue.
Amid an extreme drought that forced them to sell 40 prime milkers to the meatwork, dairy producer Libby Rough listed with an online resource for discovering and booking unique outdoor stays, including tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping to raise money for food as well as school fees.
“We didn’t get a milk cheque for three months, and friends had come and said, ‘You should put this [farm] on a booking system,'” Rough said.
They opened Hidden Pocket, named for its private location on the Mary River at Moy Pocket close to Kenilworth in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Four camping sites have turned the farm’s fortunes around, which has brought the family over AU$50,000 since 2020.
Hidden Pocket is booked out months ahead of time and nominated for awards.
We pride ourselves on having a campground where thousands of people are not camping on top of each other,” Rough said.
Since the beginning of 2019, the number of users of the camping platform has increased by 450%.
For the Rough family, the funds have paid for the infrastructure they might not otherwise have afforded, such as farm fencing and the repair of the road milk tankers travel on to get to their dairy.
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has released a discussion paper titled Unlocking Queensland’s Agritourism Potential.
The study estimated that the value of agritourism could reach as much as AU$4.5 billion annually to the state by 2030 but discovered that the lack of consistent local government guidelines on planning was hindering farmers’ efforts to diversify their business.
In a world where most city dwellers do not have country counterparts, the connections that agritourism creates are vital.
Amid the increasing interest in agritourism, Australian farmers have an opportunity to showcase the unique beauty of their lands and diversify their income streams. By embracing this trend, farmers can not only offer city dwellers a tranquil escape but also contribute to the growth of the agritourism industry, benefiting both rural economies and urban travelers seeking authentic outdoor experiences. It’s truly uplifting to see farmers finding innovative ways to share their land while creating memorable experiences for visitors.
The movement of farm camping experiences is progressing with enlightening activities and a focus on sustainability, enhancing the travel experience.
Australian farms offering distinctive experiences provide educational opportunities and a break from city life. Should the government support this?
Aussie farmers are stepping up their game with eco-friendly agritourism! It’s awesome to see them blending sustainability into farm stays. Partnering up with travel agencies can really give these experiences a boost and bring in more travelers looking for authentic, tranquil getaways.