$300 backyard swag rental sparks outrage

A backyard swag rental in Brunswick Heads has gone viral, drawing national outrage as Australians confront surging rents and a worsening housing crisis.

The listing, located in the Northern Rivers near the coastal town of Brunswick Heads, offered a raised wooden platform under a tin roof for $300 a week. It came with access to a shared outdoor camp kitchen, basic shower facilities and a TV room.

Tenants were expected to bring their own sleeping gear, including doonas and sleeping bags. The setup had no indoor space or storage, offering minimal shelter and privacy.

Promoted as ideal for “true nature lovers” aged between 20 and 40, the listing encouraged mindfulness, including “walking meditation up and down steps”. It also warned renters not to “bring too much clutter, whether physical belongings or thoughts of the past or future”.

The ad quickly triggered outrage online. One commenter wrote,

“Three hundred bucks a week for a swag in a donga? That’s deplorable.”

Others described it as tone-deaf and exploitative, especially given the ongoing housing challenges in the region.

“It’s sick that after the flood, everyone has put their prices up for rent,” one user said.

Some compared the rate to rising national park camping fees, arguing the backyard swag rental in Brunswick Heads might actually be cheaper than pitching a tent in some reserves.

Another commenter asked,

“Where is people’s sense of community and charity? It’s a money-hungry, sad state of affairs.”

The post has since been removed, and the property owner has not responded to media inquiries.

People seeking emergency accommodation can contact Link2Home on 1800 152 152 or visit socialfutures.org.au/service-category/housing-and-homelessness.