AS many as 300,000 people who would normally be packing their bags and jumping in their cars and vans this weekend could be left stranded with nothing to do.
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So baring this in mind, a Ballarat man has launched an idea which is already gaining international attention.
Lake Wendouree's David Marriott and his family are putting up the tent, turning on the campfire and roasting a few marshmallows all in their backyard to celebrate Easter.
And even a fickle Ballarat forecast isn't going to stop them from camping out and having quality family time together...okay maybe the shower inside might still get used.
Mr Marriott, who teaches at Ballarat Grammar, said he had started a Facebook page to share camping experiences at home with a few mates, but the idea had gone viral, with more than 2000 people - some from overseas - joining his group.
"It's taking off in leaps and bounds," Mr Marriott said. "The idea was just to think outside the box a little bit, how could we entertain the kids and get them camping.
"Normally we would go to Forrest in the Otways, but it's a great chance to share a bit of fun with each other and the community across the Easter long weekend.
"We've got a little wood cooker, so we should be able to toast marshmallows."
And making camping in the backyard even more an experience this weekend will be the fact that fire restrictions have been lifted, allowing people to build small fires in their backyard.
District 15 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Gavin Hope said while fire restrictions are off, it was important campfires in backyards were kept small or to a pit and he said not to burn rubbish.
"Unfortunately you can't invite your neighbours over to join, but just make sure you let them know via a text or a message, or yell over the fence if you plan to have a small fire in your yard so we're not getting unnecessary call outs," he said.
"Always keep safety ion mind if you plan on camping and check your local bylaws with the council to make sure it's okay.:
The Caravan Industry of Australia general manager of marketing and communications Keelan Howard is backing the camp at home initiative.
"Remaining positive and trying to continue some normality in our lives is more important than ever in these challenging times," he said.
"Camping offers so many benefits to our health both physically and mentally, and these benefits can still be enjoyed from your own home."
People wishing to join the backyard camping revolution can log onto Mr Marriott's group at facebook.com/thebackyardcampsite
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