We are helping out at Avoca Farmstay for a few weeks. (Avoca is about 60km north of Ballarat in the Pyrenees Ranges). One of the plans for here is a "grey nomad" cheap camp area, probably about 72 hrs stay.At this stage we are looking at putting in an area for self contained travellers. We have the bbq area, campfire and pizza oven already set up as part of the existing business which would be made available to campers. Our thinking is it would suit those who wish to A just chill out for a day or so or B unhook and go and do the tourist thing (and leave your van in a safe area).Ballarat is 1/2 hr away, Grampians less than an hour away, Melbourne 2 hrs., lots of wineries etc.Only about 3 kms from town.Avoca has the basic town facilities(fuel,supermarket.pub,takeaways, laundromat etc) and Maryborough 25kms away has a shop for just about everything you could possibly want.
At this stage we can't offer power ,water or ablution facilities.( basic shower and toilet facilities are on the drawing board but not in this years budget!!)We are happy for you to use gennies as long as they are reasonably quiet and used reasonably.We are a farmstay and so have animals close by(and often have families in the cottages which means kids running around!!) so as long as your pets are controlled they are welcome.
We don't want to run a "caravan park" with all the rules and regs required but want to provide a secure place for people to use as a base.
Would people use this type of facility?
What would be a reasonable fee? obviously we have a figure in mind but what would you be happy to pay?
is 72 hrs too long/too short? We don't want people to camp for weeks but are willing to be flexible about stays.
Sue
dazren said
10:29 PM Sep 3, 2011
Personally i think it a great idea, I know the area fairly well as there is a lot to do and see in the surrounding area's at this stage all the travellers would need to be self sufficient with toilet and showers etc and i think a 3 to 5 night maximum would be about as long as 'self sufficiecy would last'??
The only real advantage, against free bushcamping, would be the convenience and safety of being able to leave your van in a safe and secure place while one could be away all day exploring, and know they have still got a van to come home to,
What would i pay for that envoiroment to relax and explore ?? about $10 a night max. but that is only my input, i am sure you will get many more opinions, and knowing these forums as i do some will be positive, and some will be negative, but do not let that worry you as you will only need to cater to the positive ones ?? Regards dazren
blaze said
11:08 PM Sep 3, 2011
Happy to pay $10, small price to pay for added security cheers blaze
jonathan said
07:45 AM Sep 4, 2011
I think $10.00 would be fine for a couple .. lotsa singles out there though and many have limited "self-contained" facilities and might therefore simply bypass for other destinations.
.. there is another small consideration .. once you have accepted 'funds' from a patron, you are automatically accepting responsibilities which would induce you to establish an insurance against liability which can be rather expensive as you are inviting people to go there ..
I've been discussing similar situations with the forrestry in NSW that manage this lovely Macquarie Woods .. Even for them, this being a free camping ground, they're battling for a way to keep it open. Only one ranger tends the grounds and his job is floating under pressure ..
I wish you well .. the concept is great .. and being the nosey person I am, I would drop in and check it out ..
Jon
briche said
08:31 AM Sep 4, 2011
What a great idea. The time frame listed sounds about right but I guess it's open to need.
The real plus for this site is the security of knowing your van (Home) is still going to be there on your return. All other aspects should come under normal camp etiquette. The fee for the use of your site sounds right at about $10. As far the expansion of the facilities are concerned, I think slowly, slowly is the way to go. As you said, don't turn it into a full flight park, too many hassles I think. Congratulations on the concept and Cheryl and I are looking forward to our first visit.
-- Edited by briche on Sunday 4th of September 2011 08:35:21 AM
_wombat_ said
11:24 AM Sep 4, 2011
I would go along with the fee of $10 and wombat's get in free.
You cannot make it a set fee charged or insurance would come into it, it has to be classed as a donation, that way you are not charging a fee as such.
Looking forward to our next trip over that way.
kandagal said
11:56 AM Sep 4, 2011
As we are already here I can recommend this place. Very friendly people. Lots of animals. This morning I went on the feed run in the back of a trailer behind a tractor. Fed goats, ducks, donkeys, chooks, cows. Great fun.
_wombat_ said
11:59 AM Sep 4, 2011
sounds like the sort of thing we would enjoy
dazren said
03:15 PM Sep 4, 2011
geez wombat, just when gubby and vic had me convinced about what type of guy you are. you come out with a good idea about the 'Donation' instead of a fee,
I was about to change my opinion of you and then had one more look at your avatar, and i am afraid that wombat grin, cannot be trusted ??
So ''sufil'' if your still tuned in may i suggest if you decide to let this wombat stay for free you should charge him a $200 a night Non- Refundable deposit dazren
ozjohn said
04:21 PM Sep 4, 2011
Sorry to throw a spanner into the works.
I think you idea has merit and you'd make a lot of new mates, but, and it's a big but, is that if you introduce a fee then you will have to have permits and comply with appropriate legislation as required by the council and State.
A donation sounds good, but if a donation is complulsory it's no longer a donation, but a fee.
The ACC is currently setting up a number of Farmstay options for members and your plans may be aolng similar lines. I suggest you make enquiries to them.
Best of luck, Ozjohn.
-- Edited by ozjohn on Sunday 4th of September 2011 04:23:44 PM
pricey43 said
04:36 PM Sep 4, 2011
Sounds like an excellent idea. We usually stop at Avoca on our way from Ocean Grove to Mildura to visit our daughter. It is a lovely little town with a great new toilet block, great bakeries and a unique Take Away shop. The little specialty butcher is also a good stop off.
A donation rather than a fee would probably be the way to go with a suggested $7 single and $10 double.
Definately an idea with merit!!!!!!
Beth54 said
04:50 PM Sep 4, 2011
It sounds great to me too. As others have said, I think you'd have to make it a donation. If we need to be self sufficient, I'd happily donate $5, as a solo nomad.
Boroma577 said
04:51 PM Sep 4, 2011
sufil wrote:Would people use this type of facility?
Sue
In a heartbeat Sue, absolutely.
Boroma577 said
04:53 PM Sep 4, 2011
ozjohn wrote:if you introduce a fee then you will have to have permits and comply with appropriate legislation as required by the council and State.
A donation sounds good, but if a donation is complulsory it's no longer a donation, but a fee.
I totally agree with ozjohn's comments here, it needs to remain by donation.
Cruising Granny said
07:17 PM Sep 4, 2011
When you charge fees you have to comply with licences and registrations set out by the local council and any other administration bodies who make the rules. If it's just a private "home stay" with a voluntary donation it should be good. Otherwise you'll have to fit amenities in, budget or not. They would be a priority. Just a word-of-mouth camp would be the way to go.
Dave83 said
09:24 PM Sep 4, 2011
As opposed to a "compulsory" donation, why not a "minimum" donation? That way people still have the option to decide an amount to donate, but you set a minimum to cover your costs. Of course, the flip side of this is that some people who especially enjoy their time there may elect to make a larger donation.
_wombat_ said
07:37 AM Sep 5, 2011
you cannot have a compulsory donation, once it's compulsory it becomes a fee and regulations & licences become involved.
Boroma577 said
10:28 AM Sep 5, 2011
Dave83 wrote:
As opposed to a "compulsory" donation, why not a "minimum" donation?
Good idea Dave, minimum donation sounds good BUT I wonder if it still implies that a fee has to be paid!!
sufil said
04:46 PM Sep 5, 2011
Thanks for your comments. The property is already a farmstay with all the appropriate insurances and licences.This will just be another part of the existing business.
beiffe said
09:15 AM Sep 6, 2011
When you are ready for GUESTS, a simple addition of the GPS co-ordinates would be a great help to get people to visit.
I am a bush camper but I would be happy to have a look as I enjoy the farm life etc.
Could also be an avenue for them /you to gain an extra hand when required. Spend a morning /afternoon giving a genuine hand around the farm means no fee / donation. Many of us have skills that could be used to improve you farm site with only the cost of materials where necessary.
Just a suggestion but congratulations for taking the chance and I hope more farms will follow.
We are helping out at Avoca Farmstay for a few weeks. (Avoca is about 60km north of Ballarat in the Pyrenees Ranges). One of the plans for here is a "grey nomad" cheap camp area, probably about 72 hrs stay.At this stage we are looking at putting in an area for self contained travellers. We have the bbq area, campfire and pizza oven already set up as part of the existing business which would be made available to campers. Our thinking is it would suit those who wish to A just chill out for a day or so or B unhook and go and do the tourist thing (and leave your van in a safe area).Ballarat is 1/2 hr away, Grampians less than an hour away, Melbourne 2 hrs., lots of wineries etc.Only about 3 kms from town.Avoca has the basic town facilities(fuel,supermarket.pub,takeaways, laundromat etc) and Maryborough 25kms away has a shop for just about everything you could possibly want.
At this stage we can't offer power ,water or ablution facilities.( basic shower and toilet facilities are on the drawing board but not in this years budget!!)We are happy for you to use gennies as long as they are reasonably quiet and used reasonably.We are a farmstay and so have animals close by(and often have families in the cottages which means kids running around!!) so as long as your pets are controlled they are welcome.
We don't want to run a "caravan park" with all the rules and regs required but want to provide a secure place for people to use as a base.
Would people use this type of facility?
What would be a reasonable fee? obviously we have a figure in mind but what would you be happy to pay?
is 72 hrs too long/too short? We don't want people to camp for weeks but are willing to be flexible about stays.
Sue
The only real advantage, against free bushcamping, would be the convenience and safety of being able to leave your van in a safe and secure place while one could be away all day exploring, and know they have still got a van to come home to,
What would i pay for that envoiroment to relax and explore ?? about $10 a night max. but that is only my input, i am sure you will get many more opinions, and knowing these forums as i do some will be positive, and some will be negative, but do not let that worry you as you will only need to cater to the positive ones ?? Regards dazren
cheers
blaze
I think $10.00 would be fine for a couple .. lotsa singles out there though and many have limited "self-contained" facilities and might therefore simply bypass for other destinations.
.. there is another small consideration .. once you have accepted 'funds' from a patron, you are automatically accepting responsibilities which would induce you to establish an insurance against liability which can be rather expensive as you are inviting people to go there ..
I've been discussing similar situations with the forrestry in NSW that manage this lovely Macquarie Woods .. Even for them, this being a free camping ground, they're battling for a way to keep it open. Only one ranger tends the grounds and his job is floating under pressure ..
I wish you well .. the concept is great .. and being the nosey person I am, I would drop in and check it out ..
Jon
-- Edited by briche on Sunday 4th of September 2011 08:35:21 AM
I would go along with the fee of $10 and wombat's get in free.
You cannot make it a set fee charged or insurance would come into it, it has to be classed as a donation, that way you are not charging a fee as such.
Looking forward to our next trip over that way.
sounds like the sort of thing we would enjoy
I was about to change my opinion of you and then had one more look at your avatar, and i am afraid that wombat grin, cannot be trusted ??
So ''sufil'' if your still tuned in may i suggest if you decide to let this wombat stay for free you should charge him a $200 a night Non- Refundable deposit
dazren
Sorry to throw a spanner into the works.
I think you idea has merit and you'd make a lot of new mates, but, and it's a big but, is that if you introduce a fee then you will have to have permits and comply with appropriate legislation as required by the council and State.
A donation sounds good, but if a donation is complulsory it's no longer a donation, but a fee.
The ACC is currently setting up a number of Farmstay options for members and your plans may be aolng similar lines. I suggest you make enquiries to them.
Best of luck, Ozjohn.
-- Edited by ozjohn on Sunday 4th of September 2011 04:23:44 PM
Sounds like an excellent idea. We usually stop at Avoca on our way from Ocean Grove to Mildura to visit our daughter. It is a lovely little town with a great new toilet block, great bakeries and a unique Take Away shop. The little specialty butcher is also a good stop off.
A donation rather than a fee would probably be the way to go with a suggested $7 single and $10 double.
Definately an idea with merit!!!!!!
It sounds great to me too. As others have said, I think you'd have to make it a donation. If we need to be self sufficient, I'd happily donate $5, as a solo nomad.
In a heartbeat Sue, absolutely.
I totally agree with ozjohn's comments here, it needs to remain by donation.
If it's just a private "home stay" with a voluntary donation it should be good.
Otherwise you'll have to fit amenities in, budget or not. They would be a priority.
Just a word-of-mouth camp would be the way to go.
you cannot have a compulsory donation, once it's compulsory it becomes a fee and regulations & licences become involved.
Good idea Dave, minimum donation sounds good BUT I wonder if it still implies that a fee has to be paid!!
I am a bush camper but I would be happy to have a look as I enjoy the farm life etc.
Could also be an avenue for them /you to gain an extra hand when required. Spend a morning /afternoon giving a genuine hand around the farm means no fee / donation. Many of us have skills that could be used to improve you farm site with only the cost of materials where necessary.
Just a suggestion but congratulations for taking the chance and I hope more farms will follow.
Regards
Brian
Great idea Sufil!!!