Hipcamp/Youcamp
The BEST Way to Camp in Australia
This article on Hipcamp/Youcamp – the BEST way to camp in Australia – first appeared first in Issue 2 of Family Holiday Destinations digital magazine
Awesome for Aussies seeking an alternative to overcrowded campsites!
Last Christmas, (pre-Covid-19 reaching our shores) we wanted to get away and explore more of Australia. We decided to head straight down the east coast from our home in Hervey Bay, Queensland to Victoria’s Great Ocean Road …. enjoying the beaches along the way.
I knew early on this was going to be a budget adventure and as for most, tight purse strings usually means camping. So imagine my disappointment when I discovered that some of the caravan and private parks along our route were charging a triple-digit number for the privilege of camping at their overcrowded campsite.
No thanks!
That’s when I discovered Hipcamp (formerly known as Youcamp) and never looked back. Hipcamp is hands down, the BEST way to camp in Australia. Also, if you use the code JESSICAP766B55 when you sign up, you’ll get $10 off your first trip.
Yes .. there are even a few Hipcamps along the Great Ocean Road. We stayed at a wonderfully quiet, uncrowded site around 15 minutes from the beautiful beach town of Lorne.
Hipcamp/Youcamp is a private land camping adventure, kind of like Airbnb for campers. Basically, private landowners with property to spare, rent out their land for campers to enjoy a more peaceful experience…or if you have noisy kids like me…a more peaceful experience for the rest of the campers.
It’s a win-win situation as it offers property owners an additional source of income and families a unique place to camp with space to breathe. Youcamp/Hipcamp offers authentic camping how it should be, in a group (if you wish), surrounded by nature, sitting around a fire and connecting with loved ones.
Image: Youcamp
How Youcamp Started
Youcamp was born around a campfire in NSW in 2013. The first property that went ‘’live’’ belonged to the founders after they realised that opening private land up to campers could return an authentic holiday where families could choose the kind of getaway they want.
Youcamp merged with Hipcamp in 2020 and now offer more functionality, like a mobile phone app for booking!
Private landowners set their own rules so families can search for a Youcamp/Hipcamp suited to their own needs and wants. You may wish to bring your pet, light a campfire, escape crowds or make a lot of noise. You may be completely self-sufficient, or you may appreciate a property that has a toilet and shower.
Either way, the properties are varied and you’re sure to find one that suits your family!
Image: Youcamp
Sounds Great … How do I Book Into a Youcamp/Hipcamp?
Head on over to the Hip Camp website and create an account. If you use the code JESSICAP766B55 when you sign up, you’ll get $10 off your first trip.
Search a location and if you wish, refine the results even further. Make sure to read the property description, reviews and check out the photos to make an informed decision. Once you have found the perfect site, select the number of adults and children and your travel dates.
There are three ways to contact the host and this depends on what your host prefers. Guests can send an inquiry first, make an instant booking or send a booking request. Any booking requests must be accepted or declined with 24 hours and you won’t be charged until the booking is confirmed.
Payment is made via credit card and your confirmed booking appears under a tab on your account called ‘’My Trips’’, which keeps track of communication with your host.
INSURANCE INCLUDED in Every Eligible Youcamp/Hipcamp Booking!
Every eligible Youcamp/Hipcamp booking has $10 million host public liability insurance (subject to T&Cs)
Not Sure Where to Start?
Check Out These Great Youcamp/Hipcamp Sites!
Sarabah Camping in Queensland
Sarabah is located in the foothills of the Lamington National Park along the upper reaches of Canungra Creek. This 300-acre working cattle property features creekside camping with five different campsites to choose from.
Bolinda Vale Farm in Western Australia
Located in the foothills of the Darling Range in Keysbrook, Bolinda Vale is a family run beef & sheep farm that has been in the same family since 1926. Campsites are offered on the banks of the Dirk Brook and on top of the hills.
Bossberries Camping in New South Wales
Bossberries is a working blueberry and cattle farm that features riverside camping. Family and friends who are not campers may be enticed by the 3-bedroom self-contained B&B up at the farm, five minutes drive from the campground.
Image: Youcamp
Semaphore Farm in Tasmania
Semaphore Farm is a 400-acre property conveniently located near a beach and the Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula. There are walking and bike trails through the 150 acres of forest and pasture accessible to campers.
Pine Ridge in South Australia
Pine Ridge offers peaceful sites in a back paddock on 90 acres of farm. Only 15 minutes to town, this camp is not far from the popular ‘The Blue Lake’.
Kick Back & Relax in the Northern Territory
The Kick Back & Relax camp offers a beachfront bush block at Dundee Beach. They only hire out the site to one van or travelling group at any one time so you’ve got the spot all to yourself!
