20 January 2018

Escape The Crowds - Youcamp's 'Secret' Top 5 Canberra Camping Destinations

| Emily Morris
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Don’t want to fight for a place in a crowded campsite down the coast? Prefer to have lots of space or maybe an entire 100 acres to yourself to pitch your tent? Looking to meet a farmer or maybe just be able to take your dog camping? Youcamp is a website that connects landholders with travellers and campers looking for spectacular campsites on private land. The founders, James Woodford and Prue Bartlett, who live on the coast, south of Batemans Bay, set up their national website with the goal of creating an Airbnb for the outdoors and farmers. “We love the fact that every single property offers a unique experience for visitors,” said James. “Our family has always loved simple camping – a fire, cooking outside, toasting marshmallows, lots of swimming, laughs and telling stories with friends and family. We want all Australians to experience the authentic outdoor experiences that we love.”

James and Prue have selected five of their favourite and most popular escapes close to Canberra:

Corang River Camping

What the hosts say: A beautiful location where you can switch off from the hustle bustle and noise, and just tune into nature and all it has to offer. A large relatively flat camping area, where we take a maximum of six site bookings at a time to ensure campers are not crowded. There are no facilities so you must be totally self-sufficient.

What the guests say: Ashley Leedman – 14 Jan

“Great stay. Excellent open campground. It was hot when we stayed and the nearby swimming hole was a welcome relief! Dog also seemed to enjoy himself. Will definitely be coming back, but next time hopefully for a couple of nights.”

Redlands

What the hosts say: “Nestled among the hills on Old Man Gunyah Creek, this 1400 acre property is owned & run by John & Jennifer. It’s a sheep farm running 1600 sheep producing fine wool and fat lambs.

Plenty of room to move, walk the hills, catch a fish, or just sit by the camp fire & watch the stars.

Bring your motor home, caravan, camper, tent or swag, the choice is yours. The shearing shed has a fully equipped kitchen (no hot running water) & plenty of fresh rain water. You are welcome to roll out your swag in the shearing shed if you prefer.”

What the guests say: Paul Harvey – 07 Jan

“Jen and John were great hosts. Helping with farm work was a good way to check out and learn about the property. It is a beautiful place with creek for swimming (which we did) and lots of space. We went for nice walks and got fantastic photos. Lots of quiet time too. Really great place for kids too.”

Remote and Rugged Escape in the Snowies

What the hosts say:

“Available for camping is a 40 acre block boasting beautiful views and isolation, yet just 20 minutes drive from Cooma.

There is an amazing creek and an interesting canyon on the property and the views are spectacular.

This property would suit someone looking to enjoy some peace and quiet while not being too far away from civilisation. You need to be self-sufficient as there is no toilet or shower.”

What the guests say: Shaun Ross – 05 Jan

“This property is absolutely amazing. The view from the campsite is spectacular. Lots of great bushwalking, plenty of available firewood and Cooma is only 20 mins drive. The host, David, is great and very accommodating. He is easily contactable and ready to help out with any issues. Loved this place.”

Ross Carswell – 22 Oct

“This is a serene rural space with a lot of sky. Open to the elements high on a hillside but the payoff is the great view. We enjoyed being alone and having a nice campfire and a good walk.”

Warreen Farmstay Camping

What the hosts say:

“Warreen is located 32 kms east of Cooma on the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range, 1.5 hours from Canberra.

Warreen Farmstay is the perfect spot to come and stay to experience the tranquility of country life or discover a whole range of outdoor activities such as bushwalking, birdwatching, cycling, 4WD driving in the nearby Wadbilliga or Badga National Parks, visit the Tuross Falls and Cascades or fish for trout in the nearby creeks and rivers.

This is a 130 acre property running sheep and cattle. It is the perfect place to stay and relax. You might like to help with feeding the farm animals.

Set up camp and feel free to use our shared covered area with fridge, gas BBQ, sink and fire pit with free firewood. Toilets & hot showers available.”

What the guests say: Jennie Southern: 13 Jan

“Absolutely had a wonderful time. Fantastic scenery, beautiful property, Kids loved all the animals especially Bruce. Wendy and Graham were so welcoming and friendly. Left feeling relaxed and would high recommend a stay to anyone. Close to Cascade Falls which is a must to visit.”

Morton Park

What the hosts say:

“Set in 130 acres, Morton Park is situated centrally between Sydney, Canberra and Wollongong. The property is a mix of cleared paddocks and heavily wooded areas, and a large gorge on the northern end.

The campsite area has 6 cabins, an amenities block (male and female showers with hot water, toilets) , camp kitchen (oven, cooktop, fridges, microwave, cutlery, plates etc), dining area, large games room, and plenty of space for tents, caravans, RVs and campervans.

We have plenty of activities including bush walking, abseiling, aquaponics, animal feeding (horses, alpacas, sheep, goats), 2 km motocross track, wood fired pizza oven, spit roast, pool table, darts, table tennis, gym, foosball, poker table, big screen TV, Karaoke, bar area and more!!! Group bookings welcome.”

What the guests say: Martin Da Silva 09 Aug

“We both had an amazing time on the farm. Frank was very nice and welcoming. He gave us a full tour of the property. Best/biggest man cave games room l have ever seen. Lots of farm animals and pets to see. Huge fire pit area as well. We did a nice bushwalk to the valley. We will be back 🙂 “

 

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