The backyard bandits of Airbnb
When Airbnb landed in Oz, it revolutionised the way travellers were able to see Australia.
And now, a new company is working to extend this kind of experience, taking to the backyards of Aussie folk.
Homecamp is designed to connect travellers with owners of substantial backyards, in a bid to create more affordable accommodation alternatives for anyone with a tent or campervan.
In its first two months alone, the start-up rustled up over 200 properties down under, from Sydney’s inner city to the countryside of Melbourne.
And stretching beyond Aussie shores, the Sydney-based company is now starting to pop up in countries like New Zealand, France, South Africa, Canada, Sweden and the US.
Homecamp started when founders David Abitbol and Audrey Krukoff were road tripping around Australia, constantly unsure of where they’d next be parking their campervan.
After chatting with a few locals and setting up camp in their respective backyards, the idea of Homecamp came to life.
“We’d been travelling for a year in Australia and we literally fell in love of the country,” Abitbol told Travel Weekly.
“As we’re avid campers, nature lovers, and surfers, Australia is the perfect playground for us and that’s what originally gave us the idea to do this project in the country.”
“The camping market in Australia is significant. Camping nights in Australia represents $ 1.4 billion, and 85% of Australians have camped at least once in their lifetime. Half of all Australians have visited a camp site in the past 2 years.
“Camping, and travelling around is a part of the Aussie culture, and that’s why Homecamp makes sense here in Australia.”
On average the platform’s users pay $30 for each night of their stay. Payment is made between the host and customer in person, however, online transactions and insurance will be available in the coming months.
But for the slightly more sceptical, or the general law-conscious citizens, there are still a few questions relating to the legality of Homecamp.
In order to establish a safe booking that both host and campers feel comfortable with, Abitbol suggests speaking to each other well in advance of the actual booking dates.
“It is always worthwhile speaking on the phone with an interested visitor to make sure that the host offering meets their requirements and so that the host can get a feel for them,” he said.
“The hosts can also take precautions such as charging a deposit or bond and collecting their personal details including car licence and plate numbers.”
In the coming months, Homecamp also hopes to set up a reviewing system, insurance, and the collection of ID info to bring the safety standards up a notch.
“Our aim is for both, the traveller and the property owner to have a safe and enjoyable experience using Homecamp,” Abitbol said.
But according to a story that popped up on SMH, the company could still potentially run into a few legal issues.
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment requires caravan sites and camping grounds to be approved by their local council.
In addition, SMH writes that under Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993, approval is contingent on the site complying with a wide range of rules and regulations, including access to amenities and fire safety.
A site may be exempy, however, if there are fewer than two tents on it for a maximum of 60 days a year, according to SMH.
A spokesman for Waverley Council told Fairfax Media residents who want to rent parts of their property as short-term accommodation would need to seek approval.
“Council investigates complaints about the illegal use of properties, which are being used as short term accommodation without approval,” SMH reported.
“Where appropriate fines are issued and in some cases legal action is taken.”
When asked about this issue, Abitbol said that while extensive, their research hasn’t covered all Aussie camping and property rules.
“We haven’t checked every single council in Australia, but we’ve done heaps of research,” he said.
“Camping on private properties is most of the time allowed, under certain conditions, often referring to the duration of the stay, and the use of the amenities. As the regulations differ across Australia, depending on your state or council, it is worthwhile checking to make sure that you stay on the right side of the law. So far, we haven’t had any issues.”
So for any backpackers, grey nomads or families looking for more affordable alternatives to exxy hotels, or people wanting to cash in on their backyards and driveways, Homecamp is a free platform – for now at least!
Abitbol says they plan on monetising the platform soon by taking a percentage booking fee.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
-
Latest comments
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
the stupid part of this is, that many backpackers camp in public parks/carparks at no cost & councils don’t ever seem to move them on for some strange reason.