If I build it, will they come?

**wally** · 16th July 2009, 09:38 AM

It's an idea I've been toying with for some time. There is a part of my property (well kind of... there is a small tenure issue to sort out but that's beside the point) that would lend itself to camping. So I'm considering setting up something that's low-key bush camping with a composting toilet - a minimum of facilities - and charging a small fee. The area is adjacent to a pictuesque little waterhole with resident platypus. It's no Cape Trib but it's pleasant enough for a night's camping. Farm tours would be a possibility and we sell value-added macadamia products direct from the farm. We're about an hour from each of the Fraser Island barges at Hervey Bay and Inskip Point and about ten minutes off the Bruce Highway. I wouldn't expect to make much money - it would be as much an interest thing as a money-making thing. Basically I would just love to be able to sit around a fire with Land Rover people of an evening and talk about Land Rovers. People with lesser vehicles would still be welcome but I would probably charge them more and just leave them to it

. The input costs wouldn't be that great. There is a local bloke making fairly cheap composting toilets - some fire pits, a bit of fencing - and then there's public liability (that might be the killer). I don't know really. Would anyone come? Is my location strategic enough? What am I not considering? Any thoughts?

**JDNSW** · 16th July 2009, 01:31 PM

I gather you have a farm of some sort. I believe there is a farm stay organisationthat should be able to give you all the information you are after. Not too sure how to find it, but your local chamber of commerce or Farmers Federation branch would be a good start. It is likely that you would need a planning permit, and your local council would be another good starting point. I know that there are quite expensive (sorry, extensive) regulations on what you have to have for camping areas, but I think they start at some minimum number of sites, perhaps about six.

Some sort of water supply would be a good idea - if you have a toilet building, you could collect water off its roof into a small tank, for example.

John

**Outlaw** · 16th July 2009, 02:08 PM

Sounds interesting and could be willing to make a trek up for a night

PL could be an issue as said above but sure your council could say for sure... if aiming for clubs etc. then there PL is in play until you charge them

**dullbird** · 16th July 2009, 04:32 PM

thats were a donation comes in

**willem** · 16th July 2009, 04:33 PM

I reckon the public liability issue is the one to look closely at - but don't be too scared of it. Get some good advice and put the recommendations into place and get a good pl insurance policy and you should be right. Good legal advice is worth every penny you pay for it.

Having said all that, I reckon the more camping places there are the better, so I would like to encourage you to go ahead and investigate it and if it works out, go ahead. And if I'm ever up that way I will make use of it and come and visit you.

And good on you for having the initiative. Its a great dream and worth following.

Willem

**Bigbjorn** · 16th July 2009, 04:42 PM

HMMM. Start up as godbotherer born again 4WD park and camping site. You can incorporate as a church/ charity. I can then come and preach and solicit donations. If it is good enough for Oral Roberts and Billy Graham and the old guy with the false teeth, lilac robes, and crystal cathedral, there must be a decent dollar in it.

**pop058** · 16th July 2009, 06:11 PM

The more stuff on the north side of Brisvegas, the better. Get good advice and go for it.

Paul

**digger** · 17th July 2009, 01:46 AM

question....

wont this freak out the platypus?
they are a very shy creature that doesnt cope well with contaminants?

just a thought!

but good luck to you, i reckon you may do ok!

**wally** · 17th July 2009, 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by JDNSW

I gather you have a farm of some sort. I believe there is a farm stay organisationthat should be able to give you all the information you are after. Not too sure how to find it, but your local chamber of commerce or Farmers Federation branch would be a good start. It is likely that you would need a planning permit, and your local council would be another good starting point. I know that there are quite expensive (sorry, extensive) regulations on what you have to have for camping areas, but I think they start at some minimum number of sites, perhaps about six.

Some sort of water supply would be a good idea - if you have a toilet building, you could collect water off its roof into a small tank, for example.

John

Yes we do have a farm. We grow macadamias and run a small Droughtmaster herd. I haven't looked into regulations yet, John, it's purely at the "idea" stage. Thanks for your input.

**wally** · 17th July 2009, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by dullbird

thats were a donation comes in

Good thinking there, dullbird.

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