Caravan World Issue 632

Some friends recently gave me a book on classic car design, which had me thinking about caravan design in Australia. Like the timeless classic 50s and 60s automobiles from America and Europe, some earlier caravan designs from the States still look stunning. The Airstream is a standout design that earns admiring attention wherever it appears. But unfortunately, on the local scene, so many vans look the same. If I described a van as high, oversize, square and boxy with large toolboxes, a couple of spares down the back and checkerplate all around, then you could name one of 20 or more brands that fit the bill. Even colours have morphed into the ubiquitous tones of dark grey and black. Have we reached peak caravan design or is there room for some long…

The Victorian Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow returns to Melbourne this month showcasing Australia’s best caravan, camping, 4WD and offroad products and accessories, with Truma the major sponsor again in 2023. To be held at Melbourne Showgrounds, Ascot Vale, the 2023 Victorian Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow will be bigger than ever with more caravans, poptops, tents, camper trailers, motorhomes, campervans, fridges, safety equipment, 4WD and touring accessories than ever before. As the major sponsor, Truma will also feature at the show, with a stand under the famous Pie In The Sky, site 409. Leisure-Tec Australia, home of worldfamous brands Truma, myCOOLMAN and Milenco will also have a second stand, the myCOOLMAN stand at site two, featuring the latest from myCOOLMAN, Milenco, Navigator, Sirocco and many other leading brands. The Victorian Caravan, Camping and…

Lyn and Phil Deaves are the organisers of the Annual National Retreat Caravans Owners and Family Group rally, which is held in a different location each year. Since 2017, the group has raised approximately $46,000 which has been donated to the Cancer Council of Australia over three different states. The first rally was held at the Australian Rural Education Centre (AREC) in Mudgee, NSW, attended by 89 Retreat caravans and owners from all over Australia. In 2018, the rally was held in Maryborough Showgrounds in Queensland, with 83 caravans in attendance. The last event was held at the Geelong Showgrounds in Victoria in 2019 with 66 caravans attending. Since then, Lyn and Phil tried to organise the next rally in South Australia, which was cancelled four times due to COVID-19. With events returning…

It’s Australia’s most loved camel races, the richest, the longest and the most prestigious to win! Pack up your caravan, camper to tent and head to outback Queensland from 14-16 July to watch the Boulia Camel Races take off against the backdrop of the Channel Country, in the land of the mysterious Min Min Light. Free camping for up to eight nights onsite at Boulia Camel Races is available for all ticket holders from Sunday 9 to Monday 17 July. There’s plenty of room for camping, but sites are not allocated - so arrive early if you want your pick of the lot. The campground is unpowered, but generators are welcome. Toilets, hot showers and potable water can be found on site. Pets are welcome within the campgrounds, but not permitted in…

Some friends recently gave me a book on classic car design, which had me thinking about caravan design in Australia. Like the timeless classic 50s and 60s automobiles from America and Europe, some earlier caravan designs from the States still look stunning. The Airstream is a standout design that earns admiring attention wherever it appears. But unfortunately, on the local scene, so many vans look the same. If I described a van as high, oversize, square and boxy with large toolboxes, a couple of spares down the back and checkerplate all around, then you could name one of 20 or more brands that fit the bill. Even colours have morphed into the ubiquitous tones of dark grey and black. Have we reached peak caravan design or is there room for…

There are some cool ways to extend the summer in central NSW with a bucket-load of new tourism attractions and events announced from January to March 2023. Hit the road with your van or camper of choice to check out the two-millionlitre natural swimming hole at Bathurst’s Wilga Station or enjoy world-class art at the Archies 100 exhibition, exclusive to Bathurst. A groovy new Blayney in the 80s festival demands power ballads and big hair, and there are so many places to pick summer fruits, eat and drink in this renowned foodie region. “Central NSW needs travellers more than ever, after devastating floods that impacted so many communities, we have collated all the best new things to see, do and taste on a road trip. Come out, we’re open,” said Jenny Bennett,…