Caravanners Share Tips to Save Thousands While Traveling Australia
Aussie caravanners reveal how they cut costs by staying on farms
Caravanning, Australia, Farm Stays, Travel Tips, Budget Travel
Brisbane: More Aussies are packing their caravans and hitting the road now that the holidays are here. A couple recently shared with Yahoo News how they save a ton of cash while exploring the country.
Bridie Clarke-Wells and her partner Jamie have been on the road full-time for six months. They often choose to stay at private farms instead of pricey state-run camping grounds, which has saved them thousands.
“We’ve spent 67 nights at Caravan Overnight Farmstays,” Bridie said. “It’s a super affordable option, and we’ve met some really friendly property owners along the way.”
They use a platform that connects caravanners with farmers willing to host visitors. It only costs them $25 a year to access this database, and they can negotiate nightly rates directly with the farmers, sometimes as low as $15.
Debra Symes, who runs Caravan Overnight Farmstay, explained how it works. “Farmers create their own pages on the site, sharing details about their farms and what they offer. Travellers reach out to arrange their stay and pay the farmer directly.”
There’s a variety of farms available, and while travellers need to be self-contained with a bathroom in their vehicle, there are no other strict requirements.
“Farmers typically charge between $15 and $20 a night, which is a great deal for families. Caravan parks can get really pricey, especially since they charge per person and for kids too. So, when you’re looking at $130 a night for a family, this option really helps save money,” Debra added.
With 240 farms listed on the platform, there are options in every state and territory. Travellers can stay on goat farms, dairy farms, wineries, and more, with plenty of space to enjoy.
So, if you’re thinking about hitting the road, this could be a fantastic way to save some cash while enjoying the Aussie countryside!