Coronavirus ban ignites backyard camping movement over Easter

With the traditional Easter holiday falling victim to the ban on non-essential travel, some are turning their backyards into campgrounds so they can still enjoy part of the experience.

Flynn McIntyre, 5, and sister Kirah, 9, are among the people who have set up camp in their backyard because of the coronavirus travel ban. Photo: Kirsty McIntyre

Coronavirus might have killed off the Easter camping trip this year, but some people are refusing to let it completely rob them of the experience.

Among them is the McIntyre family from Arana Hills, for whom the Easter holidays was their favourite school holiday for camping because of the usually beautiful weather.

Kirsty McIntyre said: “We love Nuerum Creek Bush Retreat (near Woodford), not far to drive and perfect for the kids.”

“My two (aged 5 and 9) were disappointed we couldn’t go anywhere so we decided to have a holiday in our backyard,” Mrs McIntyre said.

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“We are so grateful to have a big backyard and this idea has certainly encouraged everyone to play outside more.”

The McIntyres were one of many families to post photos of their backyard campsites, and camping activities to local social media this week.

Some “home campers” commented on the clean amenities, free Wi-Fi and the great waterfront views (of their pool).

Kirah McIntyre, 9, is enjoying camping in the backyard of her family's Arana Hills home.

Annabelle Briggs, Emmaline Carter, Mary Carter and Abigail McClennan are camping in the Carter's backyard because of the coronavirus travel ban.

Louisa Carter said her niece usually went camping with her family at Easter and the camp at their Ferny Hills home was as a way of making up for that.

“We often go away in our camper, but not usually at Easter time, so this was a treat for our girls as well,” Mrs Carter said.

“We have gone away a couple of times at Easter - usually to a unit or cabin at the Sunshine Coast or Hervey Bay.”

The Caravan Industry Association of Australia said more than 300,000 people nationally would normally go on a camping trip over the Easter long weekend.

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