For once...
... we agree. While the Mars Society "Mars Research Station" is kind of a nifty publicity stunt, it has about as much scientific merit as ICAMSR.
Frankly, the best way we can prepare for a human excursion to Mars, is to continue to develop the ISS and to eventually return permanently to the moon. These experiences will do far more than any camping trip down under ever can.
As for ICAMSR, it ranks about as high as Richard Hoagland's "Enterprise Mission."