Hipcamp farm stay in Logan under investigation after Easter campers left in lurch

Dozens of campers who paid deposits and arrived at a property south of Brisbane advertised as an ‘exclusive’ farm stay had to scramble for a new place to stay after discovering it was a private family home.

Hipcamp is investigating after concerns about an ad for an Easter campsite in Greenbank. Pictures: Hipcamp and Google Maps

Online camping business Hipcamp is investigating an Easter long weekend debacle after dozens of caravan campers paid deposits to stay at “an exclusive” Logan Hipcamp farm only to be turned away after finding the address was a private family residence.

What was supposed to be a serene getaway for families and friends over the long weekend turned into a nightmare as dozens of campers arrived at a location advertised by online marketplace Hipcamp, only to be turned away after paying deposits.

Bewildered campers shared on social media their experiences of arriving at a property on New Beith Rd in Greenbank, expecting to find “Harris Farm” for their camping retreat.

They said there was confusion and disappointment at the front gate as the address listed was for a private home and was not open for public camping.

Owners of the property on New Beith Rd, who did not want to be identified, said their address had been incorrectly used to advertise the Easter campsite.

New Beith Rd at Greenbank, where Hipcamp is investigating complaints about an Easter camp site. Picture: Google Maps and Hipcamp

There is no suggestion that the owners had any involvement with, or knowledge of, the listing.

An advertisement on Hipcamp.com before Easter told campers they could relax on “over four acres of tranquillity” overlooking a large private lake with fish and wildlife.

The ad said campers could enjoy fishing, paddling boarding or canoeing and were also welcome to feed the donkeys, goats and chickens.

“Self contained campers are welcome to choose their own space to set up. The property is conveniently located two minutes from Woolies and BWS,” it said.

An excerpt from the Hipcamp advertisement for New Beith Rd. Pictures: Hipcamp.com

But the New Beith Rd property that many campers tried to enter on Good Friday was not a campsite and the owner spent much of the weekend turning away furious holiday-makers.

The distressing situation was further compounded for campers who feared they were going to lose what they had already paid, a minimum $48 per night deposit for their camping spots.

Hipcamp brand builder and marketing leader Jared Graf said the issue was under investigation.

“We’re investigating this issue and can get back to you with more details as we have them,” he said.

“In the meantime, the host in question has been suspended while we look into it.

“So far, we haven’t seen evidence of a scam here, but rather an address mix-up.”

Efforts to track down the alleged host had been fruitless on Good Friday and the New Beith Rd property owner whose address was advertised said the phone number on the ad did not appear to exist.

New Beith Rd businesswoman Ros Bird said she had never seen any camping grounds on her road since she moved there 20 years ago.

Photos showing the Harris farm campsite and a map showing the address. Pictures: Contributed

“New Beith Road has many acreage blocks and Logan City Council signs are non existent – maybe it’s time the council put in some proper signs,” Ms Bird said.

“There has been a lot of confusion over street addresses and lot numbers and the council needs to do more to make it clear which is which.”

Authorities were notified after the outcry from affected campers and the incident has been reported to both the police and Hipcamp.

In a heartening display of community solidarity, residents and neighbours suggested alternative camping options for those left in the lurch.

Suggestions included Tully Memorial Park in North Maclean, where free camping was available over the weekend.

As investigations into the advertisement continued, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution when making online transactions, especially when booking accommodation for recreational activities.