FAMILY ISOLATION IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

With many Australians encouraged to stay indoors and limit personal interactions, one Australian businessman offered up his own private property to help families enjoy isolation in a unique way. 

Global trampolining empire Flip Out was created in 2012, with original founder and entrepreneur Brent Grundy seeing his franchise extend to over 90 locations across 12 different countries, and landing the 39-year-old on some of Australia’s prestigious ‘rich lists.’

As the owner of a near 7000-acre land in the Blue Mountains region, Grundy was in the midst of building an outback resort theme park, when plans were halted dramatically. Recognising the increasingly rapid COVID-19 situation facing all Australians during this time, Grundy put his theme park plans on hold and instead thought of an exceptionally unique opportunity to give families time to escape from the city and enjoy the great outdoors, while still abiding by the current restrictions.

What was to be the theme park has now turned into an ‘Outback Escape’ – a Build Your Own Bunker initiative, that gave 10 Australian families the chance to spend time together in private isolation on a remote property, far away from the worries of COVID-19.

Each family was invited to select their own isolated part of the property to enjoy their favourite family activities including camping, fishing and hiking, while also getting the opportunity to build their very own bunker or cabin. A great alternative for those whose favourite camping sites have been closed due to coronavirus restrictions, crafty families will put their skills to the test and create the most aesthetic and functional ‘Outback Escape Bunker’. The winner received $15,000 to help provide financial support during this difficult season. 

Families were given a 12-metre-high cube container, which they could cut or shape it any way they liked. A range of machinery was available to weld it back together as desired and the bunkers were equipped with all the materials needed to complete the build. Assets such as fireplaces, glass windows, floorings and doors, insulations, bathroom amenities, toilets, tools, stone/timber mills and power equipment including huge generators were available to help cater for all electricity needs. A dedicated onsite engineer and team of builders were also available to consult with via phone, in accordance with current interaction guidelines.

Grundy, who saw a unique opportunity to give back to the community said, “Lots of families are facing it tough during this season and with lots of restrictions being imposed daily, many people are seeing their favourite activities and locations prohibited. I created Outback Escape as a truly unique experience for families to hit the outdoors and spend time together, but take comfort in knowing they are abiding by the rules.”

Like any good camping trip, families were self-sufficient on the property to enjoy their surroundings for 30 days, while also building their bunker in their own design and at their own pace. Food and groceries could be purchased, with the nearest township a short 15-minute drive away.

“Now feels like a good time to be bold and do something out of the box,” Grundy continued. “With how quickly rules and regulations are changing in Australia, there’s a need for business owners, especially those in the entertainment and hospitality industries, to adapt quickly and genuinely think about how they can get creative with customers.”

Additional outdoor activities available on the property include fishing and animal spotlighting. 

Outbackescape.com.au