HOME COMFORTS: Claire Hordern focuses on the demand for backpacker accommodation at her Nashdale vineyard. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0116sgbackpackers1
Backpackers staying in the area can now enjoy the comforts of home instead of roughing it in a tent, since Claire Hordern started her farmstay accommodation at Nashdale last month.
So far, the venture has been successful with international backpackers already flocking to the vineyard during the busy cherry picking season.
After initially planning to make her home’s extension a high-end bed and breakfast she decided to turn her attention to the demand for lower-end accommodation.
“The only people we’re competing with is the camping ground,” she said.
“There’s a huge gap in the market. We get a lot of complaints from people coming in who can’t find that sort of accommodation.
“We’ve had calls from people wanting us to take 80 [backpackers].”
While she acknowledges the accommodation is unlikely to be full during the off-season she expects backpackers to look for the comforts of home during winter.
The four bedrooms and common room at the back of her home will soon have another bathroom and a kitchen area for guests.
Until then, Ms Hordern is charging $85 per week to stay at the vineyard and currently takes up to 12 guests at a time.
clare.colley@fairfaxmedia.com.au
