Host Spotlight: Scenic Rim Bush Camping at Frog’s Hollow

Landowners across Australia are partnering with Hipcamp to earn extra money by connecting their properties with folks looking to go camping. All you need to get started is a flat spot where someone can pitch a tent or park a caravan, or a structure (such as a yurt, canvas tent, or cabin) for them to spend the night in.

In southeast Queensland‘s lush Scenic Rim—recently named one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 regions to visit in 2022—Hipcamp Hosts Jackie and Ken opened Frog’s Hollow for bush camping in August 2021. We sat down with the couple to learn about their land nestled in the foothills of the McPherson Range.

Tell us about your land and what makes it special.

“Frog’s Hollow is a 169.5-hectare working cattle property in the far corner of the Scenic Rim near Rathdowney on the New South Wales border. We are on the McPherson Range, so the farm is situated on steep land with lovely grassy valley flats for camping by a winding creek. It’s so beautiful—no cars go by and it’s very quiet and peaceful. There are 70 Droughtmaster cattle and two horses that roam freely on the property and are very inquisitive. We don’t separate campers and cattle, so a close encounter with our animals is something that makes for a special stay.”

How did you get started with Hipcamp?

“We always wanted to offer camping on the property but were just too busy. When life allowed us to look into camping, Hipcamp was the easiest option. We both work full-time on the property—hosting campers is a side endeavour for us but we love it. Hipcamp takes care of the booking process and the insurance is a plus, so we don’t have to worry about that side of things. Hipcamp just makes it easy.”

What kind of guests have you hosted on your property?

“We have had more than 100 guests stay on our property from 18-year-olds to 80-year-olds. We are about to host a group for a 78th birthday! Most of our guests come from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, as we are only a 1.5- to two-hour drive away; however, we have also welcomed visitors from China, Canada, and New Zealand. The people we get to meet have been from different places and nationalities, and we have been very lucky as our guests have all been awesome people so far.”

What kinds of activities can Hipcampers enjoy at Frog’s Hollow?

“People mainly come to relax. You can go bushwalking on the tracks all around the property and up the mountain to the top of McPherson Range. The creek winds its way through the camping sites with some little holes where you can sit and cool off or the kids can splash around. Many visitors like birdwatching or watching the cattle roam around. As we are in a big valley, the stars are magnificent at nighttime when there are no clouds—you can see the Milky Way.”

Why is sharing your land with others important to you?

“As my husband always says, this is God’s country—where else would you want to live? There is nowhere better than home, and we have an amazing property in a big valley with rainforest on one side and bushland on the other—it is absolutely stunning. We like to share this special spot with everyone else so they can experience the peace and quiet in a beautiful part of Australia.”

Any memorable experiences with Hipcampers?

“We love sharing our farm with Hipcampers—they have all been so lovely. We have had one couple who has come back three times already and quite a few have offered to look after the property if we ever go away. People always tell us how beautiful it is—we are only a 10-minute drive off the highway but people say it takes them 30 minutes because they want to look around at everything. Hearing that is always fantastic.”

Do you have any advice for fellow Hosts?

“If you put the hours into getting the camping experience right from the beginning, it makes it easier. We are always learning and looking at new ways to create an amazing experience with our campsites and self-contained cabin. All of the Hipcampers treat us and our farm with so much respect, the only thing we regret is not opening up our farm years ago. Hipcamp is the best thing we have ever done.”

How to start earning extra money hosting campers on your land

Want to earn extra income to help pay for property taxes, home expenses, and future dream projects? Learn more about becoming a Hipcamp Host.