Hipcamp Australia - a different type of campground.

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Hipcamp might be a popular option during the Christmas break when all the Big 4, NRMA and Reflections holiday parks are heaving and full of groups who have had perpetual bookings for the last 20 years. But Hipcamp is so much more than that.

Firstly, there is absolutely nothing wrong with traditional Holiday Parks, or what anyone over the age of 30 called Caravan Parks of just plain old Camp Grounds. But lovers of camping have as varied tastes for location and style as any other interest sector and Hipcamp meets a lot of those desires.

Rawnsley Park Station - South Australia

So what exactly is Hipcamp?

Hipcamp unlocks the private paradises on rural farms and coastal properties that are only otherwise enjoyed by a precious few. It is to private camping what Airbnb is to private homes. As well as all the sites in National, State and Regional Parks in every State and Territory of Australia. That equates to 4,402 Parks, 6,147 Campgrounds and 34,709 Campsites.

Ski Park, Hawkesbury - New South Wales

Camping has always been a popular Australian holiday option, a large percentage of Aussie families camp at least once a year, and Hipcamp is allowing them to get even closer to nature than ever. There really isn't a Hipcamp target audience, but you don't need to be Bear Grylls! It's not about roughing it, it's about immersing you, your family or friendship group, into the great outdoors.

Who are the Hipcamp hosts?

A lot of Hipcamp hosts are farmers or hobby farmers who are interested in sharing the land they love, they want to increase awareness of the fragile agricultural systems of the country by exposing more people directly to the land. With awareness comes empathy and knowledge of nature. Being part of the Hipcamp network also allows farmers to earn extra much needed income.

Millingandi Station - Near Merimbula, New South Wales

Some farmers like to be proactively involved with their Hipcampers and show the kids how the farm works or what animals they have. Others are content to give you directions. Some Hipcamps have a lot of facilities others are basic.

What about toilets?

I hear you asking! All campsites listed on Hipcamp will tell you if they have a toilet on site or if you need to bring your own. If your host isn't providing one you need to be a self-contained camper. Either with your own toilet onboard your campervan or motorhome, or bring your own camping toilet. The listing description and the property will also advise where the nearest dump point is.

How do you book a Hipcamp

The Hipcamp website gives you access to all the sites, all the information about each site to help you make your choice and the availability and cost of the site. There will be photos and comments and ratings from past campers.

A lot of Hipcamps will allow you to bring your fury friends with you.

But I don't have a lot of camping gear!!

Not everyone wants, or has room for a lot of camping gear. Maybe you live in an apartment or only want to go camping at irregular intervals. That's where DriveNow can help you, we can introduce you to all the Campervan, Motorhome rental companies and show you what's available all in one place. When you are exploring what Hipcamp you want to visit you will discover if you can rent a regular vehicle or you need a 4WD camper, you won't always need to be in a 4WD.

Get your friends together and go with a couple of families, it's the type of holiday that your kids will talk about forever.

Warning: the added bonus - there won't be any WIFI !

As always we encourage you to pay your respects to the traditional custodians of the land on which you travel and camp, their elders past, present and emerging. Step lightly on the land, leave only foot prints, take only photos.

Shelley Richardson

Shelley has been working in the travel industry for over 30 years, in aviation, for tour operators and since 2016 for DriveNow. Having travelled extensively worldwide, alone, as a couple and with her family, Shelley has experience to share about how to make the most of your holiday, especially road-trips to amazing destinations.