feedback/suggestions required please.

sufil · Guru

feedback/suggestions required please.

dazren · Guru

smile 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 · Guru

Happy to pay $10, small price to pay for added security
cheers
blaze

jonathan · Guru

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 · Guru

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_ · Master (of Mischief)

I would go along with the fee of $10 and wombat's get in free. biggrin

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 · Guru

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_ · Master (of Mischief)

sounds like the sort of thing we would enjoy

dazren · Guru

confuse 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 ?? biggrin biggrin

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 biggrin biggrin dazren

ozjohn · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

sufil wrote:
Would people use this type of facility?
Sue

In a heartbeat Sue, absolutely.

Boroma577 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Senior Member

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_ · Master (of Mischief)

you cannot have a compulsory donation, once it's compulsory it becomes a fee and regulations & licences become involved.

Boroma577 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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.

Regards
Brian

Esmeralda · Guru

Great idea Sufil!!!