ISSUE

AUTHENTIC ADVENTURES AND EXPERT ADVICE 640

World
SUMMER
TOURING AT
ITS FINEST

ISSUE 640
ON SALE OCT 16, 2023

TOP 10 COASTAL

$12.50

CARAVAN PARKS
AROUND AUSTRALIA
(INC GST)

SUMMER ESCAPES:
AUSTRALIA’S BEST BEACHES
BRUDER EXP-7 REVIEW

HOME OF LEGEND CARAVANS

WWW.LEGENDCARAVANS.COM.AU

- AUSTRALIAN MADE CARAVANS
- AUSTRALIAN MADE CHASSIS
- ALUMINIUM FRAME CARAVANS
- MACHINE SELF-PIERCING RIVETS
- AIR CELL FIRE RATED INSULATION
- ONE PIECE ALUMINIUM ROOF
- ONE PIECE HONEYCOMB FLOOR
ALL SALES ENQUIRES
- SOLID SURFACE BENCHTOPS
Email: info@goldenhandrv.com.au
Website: www.goldenhandrv.com.au

Ph: 03 9308 9550

Ph: 03 9308 8992

2 FLOREY COURT SOMERTON, MELBOURNE VIC

AUSTRL

OF

L

ID RE
A

IA

WIDE D

VERY

ICING

G

STRA

GR

LI

F

Y

IN

AU

WIDE S
E

D

IA

RV

M

S

H

PRE

M FINI

E

IU

At Titan Caravans, we base our foundations on
over 10 years in the caravan and camping industry.
Our research and design team strive to develop
innovative products for the Australian market.

QUEENSLAND
07 3216 4555
252 BRUCE HWY
BURPENGARY EAST
(35MINS FROM BRISBANE CBD)

VICTORIA\WESTERN AUSTRALIA
07 3216 4555
SALES@TITANCARAVANS.COM.AU

NEW SOUTH WALES
PH (02) 4272 6000
CARLONS CARAVANS
WOLLONGONG
SALES@CARLONS.COM.AU

WWW.TITANCARAVANS.COM.AU

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF
AUSTRALIA’S BEST OFF-ROAD CARAVANS
&RQȴGHQWO\WUDYHORQDQGR΍URDGLQVW\OHDFFRPSDQLHGE\DOOWKHOX[XULHVDQG
ODWHVWWHFKQRORJLHV\RXFXUUHQWO\HQMR\DWKRPH2XUFXVWRPEXLOWFDUDYDQV
IHDWXULQJRXUXQULYDOOHGLQGXVWU\OHDGLQJDOXPLQLXPIUDPHZRUNDUHGHVLJQHG
WR\RXUOD\RXWDQGVSHFLȴFDWLRQVPDNLQJ%XVKWUDFNHUWKHXOWLPDWH
LQGHSHQGHG[FDUDYDQDWKRPHLQWKHEXVK
Get in touch to book an appointment with us today.

07 5476 5833 | www.bushtracker.com

FIRST WORDS

JOHN FORD

EDITORIAL
EDITOR-AT-LARGE John Ford
jford@emprisegroup.com.au
FIELD EDITOR Malcolm Street
PRODUCTION EDITOR Amelia Mansell
DEPUTY EDITORS Allison Watt, Julija Zivanovic
PRODUCTION AND DESIGN MANAGER
Danielle Beadman
DESIGNER Nicholas Ramsamy
COLUMNISTS John Ford, Malcolm Street, John
Hughes, David Bayliss, Anji Bignell, Gemma
Sliwinski, Melissa Scott, Stuart Lamont, Colin Kerr
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Ford, Malcolm
Street, John Hughes, Allison Watt, Amelia Mansell,
Chris Whitelaw, Miriam Blaker, Catherine Best, Julia
D’Orazio
EDITORIAL AND NEWS
3 Wyman Place, Braeside, VIC 3195
submissions@emprisegroup.com.au
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTRIBUTORS
John Ford, Malcolm Street, John Hughes, Allison
Watt, Ray Oliver, Chris Whitelaw, Julia D’Orazio,
Miriam Blaker, Catherine Best, Colin Kerr, Gemma
Sliwinski, Melissa Scott
PRINT/DIGITAL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
sales@emprisegroup.com.au
emprisegroup.com.au
HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS AND SALES
Dominic O’Brien 0416 154 429
dobrien@emprisegroup.com.au
NATIONAL ADVERTISING MANAGER
Serena Prasad 0429 489 615
sprasad@emprisegroup.com.au
PRIVATE ADVERTISING
tradervs.com.au/sell
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
info@emprisegroup.com.au
EXECUTIVE GROUP
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Robert Gallagher
rgallagher@emprisegroup.com.au
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Matthew O’Meara
momeara@emprisegroup.com.au
SUBSCRIPTIONS
PHONE: CRM Australia 02 8227 6486
EMAIL: subscriptions@emprisegroup.com.au
WEB: subscribe.caravanworld.com.au
ADVERTISING TERMS & CONDITIONS
caravanworld.com.au
Caravan World is printed in Australia.
We are proudly Australian-owned and members
of a number of industry bodies which are working
to grow the caravan and RV market in Australia.
Total printed copies: 12,350
powered by

Caravan World is published by Emprise Group Holdings.
ACN: 155 672 192 ABN: 29 155 672 192
All material in Caravan World is protected by the Commonwealth Copyright Act, 1968. No material
may be reproduced without written consent.
*Recommended maximum retail price.
Distributed in Australia by Are Direct, 26 Rodborough Road, Frenchs Forest NSW 2086. Printed by
IVE, Unit 1/83 Derby Street, Silverwater NSW 2128.
The materials, opinions, advice and guidance stated in Caravan World are not necessarily the views
of Emprise Group Holdings Pty Ltd. They are not, and are not intended to be advice by Emprise
Group on any specific matter. Individuals should make their own inquiries and take independent
advice tailored to their specific circumstances prior to making any decisions. Emprise Group does
not accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for loss arising from any acts or omissions
resulting from reliance upon the information contained in Caravan World. Emprise Group makes no
representation, warranty or guarantee, express or implied, that any materials, opinions, advice or
guidance contained in Caravan World are accurate, complete or up-to-date. Emprise Group does
not necessarily endorse products or messages advertised in Caravan World

N

o rest for the wicked, they say. We
were home for only a day after our
four-and-a-half-month journey to the
west and back across the top before
duty called. The team at the magazine’s base
in Melbourne thought we had enough of
swanning around the country and suggested
it was time to show my face in the office.
We had to plan for next year’s magazine
content and direction plus the upcoming
battle of the hybrids which will take place
in my hometown, Merimbula, NSW, in late
November. At this stage, as many as a dozen
hybrids will battle for the crown of Australia’s
Best Hybrid, with the winners announced
in early 2024. As part of the event, we will
be running a showcase day in Merimbula
on Saturday 25 November, so come along to
check out the entrants and say hello if you
are in the area. We will announce further
details as we move closer to the event.
While in the Melbourne headquarters, our
CEO showed me a copy of Caravan World that
he had stumbled across. It was our first issue
from 1970, where the editorial focused on
caravan safety. Nothing much has changed
because we try to bring safety to the forefront
as much as possible. Sometimes, I wonder
if we push that barrow too often, to the

extent of putting readers offside. But it’s an
important issue. We have many readers new
to caravanning who are looking for guidance,
and we must play a role as an authentic voice.
Even some of us old hands need reminding
occasionally.
So, it was heartening when reviewing
two vans last week to see manufacturers
including sway control as a standard feature,
even on entry-level models. The new builder,
My Dream RV, has the BMPRO system, and
New Age has the new Bosch anti-sway and
ABS combination. Both of these vans towed
exceptionally well, and while these electronic
devices don’t alleviate the need to pack the
van correctly and drive to conditions, they
are a valuable aid in keeping you safer on the
road.
Back to our plans for next year. Expect a
variety of caravan reviews and lots of travel
features. Safety will be upfront, but it would
be great to hear from you about what you
want to see. We have a valuable letter prize
every issue and will add a Caravan World
subscription for the best idea at the end of
January.
Have fun,
John

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

7

ISSUE
640

Cover Image:
Bruder EXP-7
Photographed by John Ford

CONTENTS

60
Jayco All-Terrain Off-Grid X 19.61-2
REVIEWS

FEATURES

Bruder EXP-7

28

The latest in Bruder’s exciting lineup of offroad
caravans, the EXP-7 combines features from
existing models into a new platform ready for
adventure

Jayco All-Terrain Off-Grid X 19.61-2

60

The Jayco empire has been built on making vans
affordable to more people and the All-Terrain OffGrid X is no exception

Vision RV VH-14

94

The VH-14 is a small pop-top caravan packed with
features and designed to handle offroad travel

Evernew RT-X 30

122

Evernew is celebrating its 60th anniversary, and the
RT-X 30 brings together the best of traditional
build quality and contemporary fit-out in a
functional offroad tourer

Zone RV Sojourn

154

The definition of sojourn might well be a temporary
stay, but there’s nothing temporary about one of
the latest vans from Zone RV

8 caravanworld.com.au

TRAVEL

The biggest caravan park in the world 72

Wave Rock, WA

For three days every year the Mundi Mundi Bash
becomes the biggest caravan park in the world

Not all waves are found in the sea with Western
Australia’s largest break located far from water

Operation 200: Part six

Australia’s best beaches

104

John Ford continues refining his 200 Series
LandCruiser for cruising and towing with some
innovative electronics

The coast is calling

42

48

Australia has no shortage of beautiful beaches,
some iconic and others are hidden gems just
waiting to be discovered

132

With summer approaching, now is the best time
to start planning your beachside getaway. We’ve
put together a list of our top 10 coastal caravan
parks to visit this year

Wilsons Promontory, Vic

84

A favourite summer haunt for Victorians, Wilsons
Prom is a wonderland of secluded beaches,
coastal wilderness and mountain trails

Kakadu, NT

112

Julia D’Orazio discovers why Kakadu is best
experienced from all angles

Townsville–Cairns, Qld

144

Journey along the coast from Townsville to Cairns
and discover some of the brilliant spots to park
the van

The Newell Highway, NSW-Qld

164

The Newell is NSW’s longest highway and if you
take the time, there are many quaint and quirky
towns to explore along the way

48
AUSTRALIA’S BEST BEACHES

112
KAKADU, NT

REGULARS

COLUMNS

First Words

7

Editor-At-Large John Ford’s letter

News

10

MDC launches new hybrid model, the Forte 9+;
Hema Maps announces two new products; Cub
Campers releases the H16 luxury pop-top caravan;
CIAA discusses the importance of rural road
safety

Postbag

22

Have your say

Readers’ Rigs

24

Real people, real rigs

What’s On

Street Talk

16

Malcolm Street drives a German-built Dethleffs
Just Go motorhome with a Ford Transit as a
base

12V Guru

18

David explores the basic power systems you’ll
need for getting off-grid

CIAA

20

Van Roam’n

176

Gemma explains her family’s off-grid setup and
how they utilise gas and solar

173

Boots All In

Picture Perfect

Melissa Scott had a chance encounter with the
local cook of the Bedourie Royal Hotel in Qld

174

Mount Bishop, Wilsons Promontory, Vic

Sidetracks
180

Simple but tasty tapas treats

Getaway Gear

THE COAST IS
CALLING

Stuart Lamont discusses caravan industry
protection in the age of cyber threats

A calendar of events and festivals Australia-wide

Recipes on the Road

132

178

182

Detour from the destination and explore some
of Australia’s unique locations

188

New playthings for caravan owners

TECHNICAL
DIY Happy Housekeeping

184

This month John Hughes begins his lessons on
basic 12V knowledge to help you during your DIY
tasks or conversations with professionals

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

9

BELOW The new MDC Forte 9+

introducing the latest
MDC Camper Trailers and Offroad Caravans
has launched its new 9ft hybrid caravan
model, the Forte 9+, which joins the
manufacturer’s growing range of offroad
hybrids.
The Forte 9+ is designed for ultimate
flexibility when it comes to adventuring,
and provides the perfect balance of
comfort, versatility and offroad capability
without skimping on features. The model
is lightweight enough to be easily towed
behind medium-sized SUVs and full-sized
sedans, meaning almost anyone can Escape
with Confidence®. And the light weight will
also help reduce how much fuel needed to
go adventuring, which is part of MDC’s aim
to help make caravanning accessible and
economical to more Australians.
“The Forte 9+ will redefine the way you
experience the great outdoors, as this hybrid

10 caravanworld.com.au

camper effortlessly blends comfort, style and
offroad capability at an unbelievable price
point,” said Vaughan Hindley, Managing
Director of MDC.
“It bridges the gap between exploration
and relaxation, allowing you to create lasting
memories and escape with confidence.”
The Forte 9+ is a compact offroad hybrid.
It’s under 2.5m high when closed and under
5m in overall length, meaning it can fit
almost anywhere and still deliver all the
features expected of an MDC product.
Features include a robust, FEA-certified
chassis with lifetime warranty and
independent X-TRACK suspension, a fully
equipped external kitchen, large portable
fridge slide, external ensuite shower,
plumbed hot water, diesel heating and a
rear-view camera for safety.
As standard this model comes with a

massive 525W of solar power coupled with
a quality 200Ah lithium iron phosphate
(LiFePO4) battery to store that precious
power.
An impressive 270 degree free-standing
awning comes with the fully enclosed annex
kit which can be set up in just a few minutes,
providing up to 12sqm of private living
space.
The Forte 9+ weight comes in at just over
1400kg and has a standard maximum
loading capacity of 2T — which will help
many travellers avoid the need to upgrade
their tow vehicle.
This latest model from MDC is available
from $34,990. More information can be
found online: marketdirect.com.au/product/
forte-9-plus-hybrid-offroad-caravan

news

REGULARS

Check out
Hema Maps’
latest products
Continuing its legacy of providing detailed,
up-to-date maps of Australia, Hema Maps has
launched its two latest products.
Hema’s Atlas & Guide options are
expanding with the first edition of the K’gari
(Fraser Island) and the Brisbane Islands
Atlas & Guide joining their ranks. This
meticulously detailed guide will be available
for purchase via the Hema Maps website

from 3 November 2023. To find out more,
head to Getaway Gear on page 188 where we
take a closer look at everything this Atlas &
Guide covers.
The second product to keep your eye out
for is the Big Lap Bible. This name might be
familiar to some, and you’re not wrong. This
is the second edition of the Big Lap Bible and

includes some fantastic additions from both
contributors and the Hema Maps team. Head
to page 189 in Getaway Gear to find out more
about these new additions and all the other
helpful tips and tricks for planning your next
Big Lap. There’s no need to wait to get your
hands on this one. It’s available to purchase
on the Hema Maps website now: hemamaps.
com

ABOVE AND RIGHT The K’gari (Fraser Island) and the Brisbane Islands Atlas & Guide; The second edition of the Big Lap Bible

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

11

REGULARS

news

ABOVE The H16 joins Cub Campers’ growing offroad hybrid caravan range

Cub Campers launches first
pop-top hybrid caravan: the H16
It’s almost been a year since Cub Campers
launched its first luxury hybrid caravan,
the C16 (check out issues 628 and 636 for
reviews).
Entering into the hybrid market with
fresh eyes, Cub was able to think outside the
traditional design box and produce a new
and exciting product that is backed with
Australian made quality and 55 years of
experience for which Cub is renowned.
In April this year Cub welcomed the L16, a
cost-effective and lighter-weight model that
included much of what had made the C16 so
successful. It didn’t take long for the L16 to
gain popularity, but Cub hasn’t slowed down.
Keeping an eye on the trends and listening
to what the market is looking for, Cub has
launched its latest model: the H16, a luxury
hybrid pop-top caravan.
The H16 is purpose-built for travelling,
is comfortable both on and off the road
and with a lighter footprint it’s an ideal
van for families who want to get into the
caravanning lifestyle without also having to
budget for a big tow vehicle.
Here are some of the H16’s basic specs:
• Tare: 1700kg*
• ATM: 2500kg*
• Ball weight: 160kg*
Designed by Aaron Sheen, Cub’s lead
product designer who also worked on the
C16 and L16, the H16 includes a number
of innovative features. This includes the
impressive remote-controlled pop-top roof

12 caravanworld.com.au

which is designed to open electronically
and has an extended height from 2.91m*
and a non-extended low-profile height from
2.45m*. The pop-top includes four spring
cross canopy lifters at critical extrusion
points, capable of holding up to 160kg,
further enhanced with a synchronous
control board that aligns the pop-top roof
perfectly when opening.
There are many benefits to the H16’s poptop design. The lower height means you’ll
be able to reach trickier destinations while
also consuming less fuel. As a shorter van,
and featuring a tapered body construction,
there’s less drag while towing.
Cub ensures all its models are made with
the highest quality materials possible,
and the H16 is no different. Canvas used in
pop-top caravans is vulnerable to dust and
tears, so Cub equipped the H16 with a highquality PVC material that provides a more
rugged feel combined with improved ease
of cleaning and a higher resistance to tears
than canvas.
Affordability was also a main aim of the
Cub team when designing the H16, and it
has joined the brand’s range of entry-level
caravans. But there are still plenty of luxury
features despite the lower cost.
Inside, there’s a fresh and luxurious look
courtesy of lead designer, Amy Fagan. The
H16 features a standard Cub king pillow
top mattress, an integrated 110L Dometic
CoolMatic fridge, a four-speaker Fusion

Bluetooth stereo system (two speakers
inside, two outside) and a massive Fiamma
awning.
There’s a 150Ah lithium battery with a
five-year warranty and two 180W Redarc
Monocrystalline solar panels for all your
power needs when heading off-grid. The
100L freshwater tank and 100L grey water
tank will cover your water needs.
Hybrids are defined by their exterior
kitchen, and the H16 doesn’t let down the
team in this department, sharing the same
premium outdoor kitchen as the rest of the
Cub hybrid range. This setup includes a
Smev three-burner stainless-steel stove and
sink, as well as Cub’s renowned textured
stainless-steel work surface.
There are three layout options available
for the H16: the Cub King bed, a double bunk
and a twin bed.
The H16 is available for purchase through
a pre-order campaign which works on a
first come, first served basis with interested
buyers able to lock in a H16 production slot
via a risk-free and fully refundable $2000
deposit. Cub expects the first orders to be
delivered before Christmas.
Contact your local Cub branch or dealer
for a guided H16 virtual tour, or find out
more on Cub’s website: cubcampers.com.au
*Specifications and features may change
without notice.

V4

More than 20,000 kms of new
and updated off-road tracks
Improved responsiveness
Enhanced on-road
navigation and routing

The ultimate navigator
from Hema Maps

G
REVERSRIN
A
CAME
le with the
Compatib
or
HX-2 Navigat

OFF-ROAD

•
•
•
•

NO WIFI
NEEDED
ON GPS

ADVENTURE MAPS

Featuring on-road, off-road, and adventure maps to guide your adventure
The most comprehensive collection of Australian maps of any GPS currently on the market
100,000+ Points of interest featuring 10,000+ campsites, caravan parks and free camping spots
Plan and record your trip and share it with your friends and family

Prepared to explore.
Hema products are available at leading outdoor retailers or www.hemamaps.com

REGULARS

news

CIAA supports
movement to address
rural road safety
ABOVE Unpreparedness and bad behaviour when driving on rural roads can be a lethal combination

With more than 90 per cent of camping
trips taking place in regional areas, rural
road safety is an important topic to discuss,
and one that the CIAA took very seriously
throughout the September Rural Road Safety
Month. And as we head into summer, and the
Christmas period approaches, it remains a
relevant safety issue.
With two in three road deaths occurring
on regional roads, new research from the
Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF)
has detailed why all Australians have a
personal responsibility to take greater
action.
This research has shown that during
school holiday periods, 71 per cent of
campers will travel more than 250km from
their home and stay away for an average of
4.8 nights.
“All road users have a responsibility
to road safety when using our roads. We
encourage our camping families these
school holidays to be patient and not rush,”
said Luke Chippendale, GM of Government
Relations.
“Planning starts before the key is turned.
Get your car and RV serviced, take a
refresher towing course if needed and plan
your trip. Plan your trip before you leave,
how far you intend to travel each day, plan
your rest and fatigue management stops and

14 caravanworld.com.au

book your accommodation in advance.”
The ARSF said the most concerning piece
of research was the number of respondents
who admitted to unpreparedness and bad
behaviour when driving in rural areas,
which can be a lethal combination.
Safe behaviours are the greatest
prevention of accidents, the CIAA reminds
readers.
“Research demonstrates that speeding,
inattention and driving tired are the leading
causes of accidents on regional roads,” said
Stuart Lamont, CEO of the Caravan Industry
Association of Australia (CIAA).
“Putting the phone away, planning your
trip with rest stops and being well rested is
key. Travellers might be tired from an early
start from home or after a big camping trip
and focused on just getting home. We urge
travellers to stop for a minute and make sure
you have planned your trip, make sure you
are rested and don’t rush. The roads will be
busy as other campers return home.”
Coexisting with other road users,
particularly heavy vehicles, is another
important way to stay safe on regional roads.
Use a UHF with your channel displayed
clearly on the back of your van to facilitate
good communication for overtaking or
reporting hazards to oncoming vehicles.
If you’re travelling long distances between

towns, it’s important to have a good night’s
sleep and to take appropriate rest breaks (15
minutes every two hours), as this heightens your
alertness to hazards — which can be much more
frequent on rural roads. Plan your breaks ahead
of time, and do not use designated truck stops
for your overnight rest breaks.
Rural road hazards can include narrow
sealed or unsealed roads with soft shoulders or
loose gravel causing less traction, and roaming
livestock or wildlife.
It’s a good idea to include a mechanical toolkit
with spare bearings, seals and grease in case
you have to perform basic repairs, plus ample
water in case of a breakdown (5–7 litres per
person per day), and a basic first aid kit.
Before you hit the road, consider a towing
education course and/or a first aid course. And
it’s always worth checking that you remember
how to use your communication devices
properly.
If you want to find out more about ways you
can stay safe when driving on rural roads, check
out the below websites:
• Rural road safety: arsf.com.au
• Towing information: caravantowingguide.
com.au
• Trucks and caravans education and
information: coexist.org.au

One of Australia's Most Experienced
Manufacturers Est 1963.

2021 PEOPLES CHOICE
SILVER AWARD

We have had a passion for creating amazing travel experiences
and the memories that go alongside for nearly 60 years.
$ 5HVHUYH 6WUHHW 3UHVWRQ 9LFWRULD 
3KRQH   
LQIR#HYHUQHZFDUDYDQVFRPDX

, H

0RQGD\ WR )ULGD\
6DWXUGD\

DP  SP
9am - 1pm

www.evernewcaravans.com.au

COLUMNS

S t r e e t Ta l k

TRANSIT HAS THE EDGE
With

Malcolm
Street

I

Malcom recently travelled in New Zealand in a
German-built Dethleffs Just Go motorhome with a Ford
Transit as a base and was suitably impressed.

n Australia, motive power for motorhomes
has been consistent over the past 10 years
or so. Most of it comes from Europe in
the form of Fiat Ducato, Iveco Daily and
Volkswagen Crafter. Isuzu provides the
Japanese input, and Chinese LDV trucks
have a slowly increasing presence. Ford's
Transit was a frequent base vehicle for many
motorhome manufacturers for many years,
but the venerable Transit has not been
seen for much of the past decade. Given the
Transit's recent development in Europe and
the US, I've often wondered why.
I recently travelled through part of the
South Island of New Zealand. It was mostly
a ski trip, and to be flexible with our agenda
of ski locations, we opted for a motorhome.
Imagine my surprise when the motorhome's
base vehicle was the latest generation Ford
Transit. This was just a little odd because the
motorhome was a German-built Dethleffs
Just Go, and I'd have expected a Benz or VW
for motive power. Back in January 2022, the
Hymer group (owner of the Dethleffs range)
signed an agreement for the supply of the
Ford Transits, and the results are now starting
to flow through.
I noted a few facts about the Transit. In
keeping with the European way of doing
things, i.e., using lower powered engines
compared to Australian preferences (think
130kW), the Transit has a 130PS/96kW rated

turbo diesel and a six-speed automatic
gearbox. How would that go on our
travels from Christchurch to Wanaka and
Queenstown? It turns out, very well. Indeed, I
was quite impressed with the performance of
the Transit.
Like the Fiat, the Transit is front-wheel
drive; in some ways, the Transit has the edge.
The fuel economy achieved was between
11L/100km and 12L/100km, depending on
the terrain. That varies between the billiard
table flatness of the Canterbury Plains and
the more mountainous terrain further south.
As anyone who has been there will know,
ski field roads in NZ are a challenge to any
motorhome.
European-built motorhomes tend to be
lighter than those built in Australia and the
Dethleffs motorhome had a tare mass of only
3080kg, which for a 7.4m (24ft) motorhome
is quite good. The GVM is rated at 3499kg,
mostly for registration reasons in NZ, but the
Transit chassis is actually rated to 5000kg.
The Transit was a good performer, and the
Just Go motorhome was comfortable to ride
in. Fitted with Goldschmitt adjustable air
suspension that's very impressive for a rental
motorhome and a feature much appreciated.
Notable about motorhomes in New
Zealand is that there's a proliferation of
registration-related labels attached to the
front windscreen. Those are very useful

because not only is the tare mass stated but
also the maximum front axle loading, rear
axle loading and GVM. It is extremely handy
for anyone wondering about vehicle weights
or RV journos who need facts and figures.
The Dethleffs Just Go was a classy rental
motorhome, better than the usual standard
rental motorhomes. One of the reasons for
our choice was the large ‘garage’ area under
the rear of the motorhome. It was large
enough for our travel bags, ski gear and boots.
It is convenient when everything is damp
at the end of the ski day. A feature that was
appreciated was the Truma LPG ducted space
heater. Outlets, including the garage, were
fitted everywhere — very handy for drying ski
gear overnight.
A downside to our particular layout was
that it featured a dropdown roof bed and a
folding third passenger seat under the nearby
lounge seat. Both these features, while being
clever German design, meant that internal
storage space was considerably reduced.
Had we realised it then, we'd have opted for
a motorhome that did not have a roof bed
but offered much better internal overhead
locker space. Even the old hands mess it up
sometimes. Apart from that, we enjoyed our
travels.

LEFT AND ABOVE Ford Transit base vehicle
makes an interesting change; New Zealand
registration stickers are very informative

16 caravanworld.com.au

presents

CARAVAN
OF THE

Sponsored by

adventure
your way

luxury off-road caravans
Want to get off the
beaten track in style?
Take the plunge and share
life-changing adventures
with loved ones.

Wonderland’s exceptional off-road
caravans have all the creature
comforts of a boutique hotel on
wheels, giving solos, couples and
families the freedom to explore
the rugged beauty of Australia
without sparing a single luxury.

Wonderland RV Caravans
Visit us at wonderlandrv.com.au
or call us on 03 8692 0032

COLUMNS

12V guru

With

D av i d
B ay l i s s

POWERING
Write to:
Caravan World Postbag,
3 Wyman Place,
Braeside,
Victoria 3195
or email:
submissions@
emprisegroup.com.au
Please include your
full address (not for
publication). Letters
chosen will be edited
for publication, may be
shortened and may
appear online.

SUBMIT A
QUESTION FOR A
CHANCE TO WIN!
We are giving away a copy of the
BMPRO Hema Road + 4WD Atlas
valued at $39.95! This handy spiralbound atlas features points of interest,
caravan parks, campsites, rest areas, fuel
and detailed 4WD tracks for your next
trip. Just email your question to David
Bayliss at submissions@emprisegroup.
com.au with ‘12V Guru’ in the subject line
to be in the running to win.

18 caravanworld.com.au

YOUR OFF-GRID
ADVENTURE: PART 1
In this first of a two-part series, David explores the basic
power systems you’ll need for getting off-grid.

W

hether you’re setting off on the Big
Lap with the kids for a term, moving
into retirement and looking for
something a bit more interesting
than a caravan park, or maybe
getting away with mates fishing in remote
Queensland … embarking on an off-grid RV
adventure is an exhilarating experience.
However, to fully enjoy the off-grid lifestyle,
you’ll need a reliable power system that can
meet your energy demands while keeping
you self-sufficient. At BMPRO HQ we receive
heaps of email requests from RVers wanting
to set off and explore, asking questions
about upgrading their current systems to be
able to tackle the bigger trips. When taking
ownership of your new campers or caravans,
keep in mind they are normally only set up
with basic power management systems and
limited batteries.
While many of these systems can be
upgraded, it is worth exploring whether they
could have solar or DC power as a direct
input. Can the battery charging part of the
system adequately charge a larger battery
setup or what sort of battery chemistries can
be charged – can it handle lithium batteries?
So that you don’t have to start again it is
worthwhile checking out these questions as
they could save you around $2000 in
additional costs.
Off-grid RVing demands a well-designed
power system to ensure you have electricity
for all your needs.
There are several main considerations for
power requirements in an off-grid RV.
First, is lighting. Obviously, LED is the most
energy-efficient and provides ample
illumination while minimising power
consumption. If you are heading off-grid you
will most likely want to be able to enjoy more
of the outdoors, so consider different
coloured lighting that doesn’t attract every
mosquito within a kilometre.
The second item to consider is water. You
will need to power the water pump, which
will be 12V, and the electronics on the water
heater. While the water heater element will

be powered by gas, the switching on/off and
controls will need 12V.
And thirdly, from a practical perspective, is
the fridge. Again, most setups will require 12V
for the controls, however, the refrigeration
section will be gas-powered.
The next consideration is how you will
power all your handheld devices. Phones,
laptops, iPads, cameras and so on. While
they might not seem too relevant initially,
consider your potential reaction to overtired
kids not being able to drift off to sleep
watching their favourite episode of Bluey. It is
worthwhile considering having a couple of
easily accessible USB charging ports that
can fast charge. Also, investigate installing
USB C port(s) which will enable a faster
charge and have more versatility for
peripherals such as laptop computers.
Installation should include some ports near
beds and in the main living area, however,
ensure that their position will enable no
cable interference, such as near a stove or
easy to get tangled in living areas.
Lastly, we need to consider heating and
cooling. Off-grid can often mean areas that
are hot by day and super cold once the sun
disappears. Without having to invest in
massive battery banks and inverters to
power AC systems that provide heating and
cooling, it is worthwhile to ensure that you
have simple 12V fans that can circulate the
airflow to make it more bearable and 12V
available to power the controls of a diesel
heater which can counteract those sub-zero
temperatures of the desert.
In summary, without going overboard, a
simple setup using 200Ah of lead acid
batteries and a DC-DC charger that can also
handle solar panels will get you the basics of
getting off-grid. Experiment on smaller trips
and build up as you go. Next month we will
explore how to set up your system with larger
battery systems for all the essentials you
‘need’ to have such as coffee machines and
microwaves.
Safe travels,
12V Guru

Get Lost in Luxury

* Interior image of Cub C16 shown above

The new Luxury Hybrid Caravan range, by Cub.
$XVWUDOLDLVD JUHDW SODFHWRJHWORVWHVSHFLDOO\R΍URDG7KDWȇVZK\ZHGHVLJQHG
DQGEXLOWDQHZUDQJHRI/X[XU\+\EULG&DUDYDQV)HDWXULQJZLGHSDQRUDPLF
ZLQGRZVWRIUDPHWKHSHUIHFWYLHZDVSDFLRXVHQVXLWHIRUKRWVKRZHUVDIWHU
VNLLQJDQGWRXJK$XVWUDOLDQPDGHEXLOGTXDOLW\IURPWKHFUDIWVPHQDW&XE
KRQHGRYHUWKHODVW\HDUV
:LWKWKHZHOODSSRLQWHGRXWGRRUNLWFKHQ\RXFDQSUHSDUHDJRXUPHWIHDVWRU
DVLPSOHVDXVDJHVL]]OHZKHUHYHU\RXDUHZKLOHWKHSRZHUDQGZDWHUVWRUDJH
FDSDELOLWLHVOHW\RXVWD\R΍WKHJULGDQGXQZLQGIRUORQJHU
([SORULQJ$XVWUDOLDFDQEHWLULQJZRUNVRZKHQLWȇVWLPHIRUOLJKWVRXW\RXȇOO
DSSUHFLDWHWKHNLQJEHGVL]HGSLOORZWRSPDWWUHVVDQGLI\RXZDQWWREULQJWKH
NLGVPXOWLSOHOD\RXWRSWLRQVDUHDYDLODEOHLQFOXGLQJEXQNV)URPWKH%OXH6FRSH
VWHHOFKDVVLVDQGOLJKWZHLJKWFRPSRVLWHFRQVWUXFWLRQWRWKHGXDOVKRFNVDQG
WRXJKLQGHSHQGHQWVXVSHQVLRQ\RXFDQJHWORVWLQOX[XU\ZKHUHYHU\RXOLNH
Contact your local Cub representative or ȴQGRXWPRUHWKURXJKWKH45FRGHEHORZ

www.cubcampers.com.au

COLUMNS

CIAA

With

stuart
lamont

INDUSTRY PROTECTION IN
THE AGE OF CYBER THREATS

I

n an era where digitisation offers
unparalleled convenience and efficiency,
the Australian caravan industry has not
been exempted from evolving with this
trend. Whether it be in the workshops,
design studios or on the manufacturing
floor, the ‘Internet of Things’ and
connectivity have become the new norm for
business.
Yet, with the embrace of technology
comes new challenges in cybersecurity
and a rising wave of scams targeting
unsuspecting caravan buyers, the trend
sends a warning signal for more invasive
things to come for consumers and
businesses. To ensure our future protection,
security and digital awareness, let’s look at
the key cybersecurity challenges and scams
plaguing the industry and offer advice on
how buyers can protect themselves.

Data breaches
There is rarely a week that passes without
a media article announcing new data
breaches. Like many other sectors,
the caravan industry manages vast
amounts of personal and financial data.
Booking systems, customer relationship
management software and online
sales platforms are treasure troves for
cybercriminals.
According to the Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner (OAIC), data
breaches have been on the rise in Australia,
with malicious or criminal attacks
accounting for the majority. Through our
ongoing discussions with the Federal
Government and relevant agencies, we
know that incidences of breaches are
not going to decrease in the short term.
Ensuring our security protocols, practices
and infrastructure is the best line of defence
against such breaches.

Phishing attacks
Many of these breaches occur as a result
of invasive attacks. Phishing attacks target
consumers, caravan dealerships and
associated businesses through targeted
phishing campaigns. These deceptive
emails aim to extract valuable information

20 caravanworld.com.au

or introduce malware into systems. They
might appear as legitimate supplier invoices
or customer queries, but a single click can
grant cybercriminals access.
The attacks are designed to test
consumers’ and businesses’ security
infrastructure weaknesses. With many
businesses in the caravan industry being
small to medium-sized, they might not
always possess the robust cybersecurity
infrastructure or IT teams that larger
corporations have. This makes them
attractive targets for hackers.

Consumer attacks and scams
Industry and business attacks are one
piece of the cyber puzzle, the other is the
consumer attacks and scams plaguing
the internet. Buyer scams to watch out
for generally take the form of three main
tactics.
Fake listings see scammers post fake
caravan listings on popular sales platforms
or even create entirely counterfeit websites.
These listings often feature prices that are
too good to be true and may utilise photos
stolen from genuine listings. Once a buyer
shows interest, the scammer might ask for
a deposit or full payment upfront and then
vanish with the money.
Another is fraudulent payment requests.
After a legitimate purchase, buyers might
receive an email asking for additional
payments or redirecting them to a different
bank account. These emails can appear
official, mimicking the style and branding of
a genuine dealership or financial institution.
Lastly and often more invasive and
damaging is identity theft. In more
sophisticated scams, criminals might pose
as sellers and request personal information
from buyers, purportedly for paperwork
or financing purposes. This information is
then used for identity theft or sold on the
dark web.

research on the seller or dealership. Check
reviews, verify their physical address, and
seek testimonials from previous buyers.
Avoid sellers that only provide a mobile
number or insist on communicating solely
via email.
Beware of suspicious payment methods.
Scammers often ask for payment via nontraditional methods, such as wire transfers,
gift cards or cryptocurrency. Always use a
secure and traceable method of payment.
If in doubt, contact the seller or dealership
directly using a verified contact method.
Lastly, stay on top of what is out there by
informing yourself of the risks and scams.
Staying informed and aware of the most
recent and common scams is the best line
of defence for your personal cybersecurity.
The Australian Competition and Consumer
Commission (ACCC) provides regular
updates on scams targeting Australians
through its Scamwatch platform
(scamwatch.gov.au).
Staying informed also goes hand in
hand with making sure your personal
digital security systems and hardware
are secure. Ensure your computer, tablet
and smartphone are up to date with the
latest software patches. Use reputable
antivirus software and be wary of clicking
on unfamiliar links or downloading
attachments from unknown sources.
By staying informed, exercising caution
and seeking expert advice when needed,
buyers can confidently navigate the market,
ensuring their dream caravan experience
remains untainted by cyber threats.
Stuart Lamont,
Chief Executive Officer

Be safe and do your research
Protecting yourself and being alerted to
the traps is key. It is crucial that you do
your research. Before making a purchase
or placing a deposit, conduct thorough

Caravan Industry

Association of Australia

JAYCO JPOD-X

DESIGNED
FOR FREEDOM
BIG ADVENTURE IN A SMALL PACKAGE

Slide out kitchen
with 2-Burner
cooktop

65 Litre Upright
fridge/freezer

100 Ah
AGM Battery

Innerspring
Mattress

LARGEST SERVICE
NETWORK

UNMATCHED
ACCESS TO PARTS

BEST VALUE
FOR MONEY

GREAT
RESALE VALUE

FIND YOUR NEXT ESCAPE AT YOUR LOCAL JAYCO DEALER TODAY

www.jayco.com.au

or phone

1300 JAYCO RV

LETTER

Swift caravans

OF THE

MONTH

in Australia
Hi John,
We’ve been following your trip around
Australia and enjoy hearing about your
adventures. We have been travelling also and
have just returned home after a six-week trip
to Charters Towers, Qld. Our Swift Explorer
584 has been to the Towers three times now.
We left Sydney via the Pacific and New
England highways, diverting west at
Tamworth. We travelled inland roads to
Goondiwindi, Kingaroy and then to
Maryborough, Qld. We then travelled to
Gander, Moira, Emerald, Clermont before
heading onto Charters Towers. Roads have
improved since our last trip, although still
rough in places.
This brings me to the subject of Swift
caravans. Having purchased our Swift
caravan eight years ago, we were advised by
others that it would not handle the rough
Australian roads. I am happy to say we have
had no real issues with the Swift Explorer. It
is serviced annually, and we have had one set
of wheel bearings replaced. Had no leaks, the
Truma Combi 4E is just great, providing hot

water, gas or electric, a combination of both,
plus ducted heating. The radio was always a
problem, difficult to tune in to stations. Audio
Insite is a small custom car specialist
company in Maryborough, Qld, and I talked
with Michael the owner about this problem.
He diagnosed that the aerial was not
compatible with the Aussie signal and
replaced it with a Nissan X Trail aerial model
AP199. No more problems since. The radio
tunes in, even in remote areas. The Thetford
cooking range with oven under has given no
problems. The AL-KO suspension with
AL-KO's anti sway control works a treat.
What is happening as to the future of Swift
in Australia? My dealer is not handling the
brand anymore, just selling box trailers. They
still service the Swift for us and others. We
ran into another couple at Forster, NSW, on
the way home who have had a Swift
Challenger, tandem model, for 10 years. They
are happy with the Swift, and it has given no
problems. At Charters Towers one of our
family members had a new caravan which
had to go back to the manufacturers as the

Towing mirror requirements

We have tried Milenco and MSA mirrors and
found both very stable.
Let me know if we can help.

Hi John,
I am new to caravanning and I guess I am a
bit of a problem solver. I struggled with
finding mirrors that stayed in place.
So, I thought laterally and purchased a
good quality reversing mirror for my van,
however I had it wired to my park lights.
This has provided me with a highly
effective rear view mirror at all times while I
am driving with my park lights on, which I do
all the time.
Therefore, I have full view behind the van
at all times and I don't need any towing
mirrors.

A Hi Julie

Regards,
Julie

Thanks for your contact.
Reverse cameras are great that’s for sure, and
wiring to the lights is a great idea.
Unfortunately, they don’t overcome the legal
need for suitable towing mirrors which show
views to the sides.

22 caravanworld.com.au

right side of the van was parting company with
the meranti frame. Lots of Aussie
manufactured vans have had teething
problems. We met one Victorian couple who
had a new offroad van. The manufacturer in
Melbourne has gone broke, no warranty, they
have had to get others to fix issues. Swift in the
UK has released a wide body van, 8ft wide. If it
was imported into Australia I would be
interested in upgrading. As Malcolm Street has
reviewed vans such as Swift, Bailey and Adrea
maybe he could enquire as to what is
happening as to the future for Swift in
Australia.
Enjoy your holiday.

A Hi Maurice

Regards,
Maurice Kemp

Thanks for your interesting comments. Some of
the European brands have some smart thinking
and as you have shown, a sensibly driven van will
get you into some pretty remote spots. We don’t
believe Swift are represented in Australia at present,
but we’ll keep our ear to the ground.
All the best,
John

All the best,
John

Re: An unexpected visitor
Hi Caravan World,
In reference to the article in Postbag in
issue 639, ‘An unexpected visitor’, the lizard
in question is a bearded dragon in the Genus
Pogona. There are five species of bearded
dragons in the Genus and the one found in
most of WA and western SA is the dwarf
bearded dragon, Pogona minor. This
Dongara, WA, individual is a hatchling and
probably no more than a couple of weeks
old, which probably explains its shellshocked behaviour. They are a common
species, native to that area and unlikely to be
a hitchhiker.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
John Wombey

ABOVE The hatchling bearded dragon in question
(Image John Burges)

postbag

REGULARS

A Hi John,

Thanks for writing back and sharing your
knowledge on this lizard. We’re glad to hear he
was a local and not an unexpected hitchhiker,
as we’re sure that would be quite a shock for
any lizard, let alone a hatchling!
Thanks,
The Caravan World team

An eye-catching subheading
Hi John,
My children gifted me a Caravan World
subscription for which I am very grateful.
One thing that is becoming a little
annoying is that most of the subheadings
in bold print for articles can be read again
somewhere in the article itself. Perhaps
you could compile an original eyecatching subheading as part of your
editing process that will be read once
only.
A bit picky I know. Love the mag.

A Hi Peter

Cheers,
Peter and Myree

Thanks for your comment.
The use of subheadings and breakouts is a
deliberate technique in modern publications
to highlight main points.
Sorry you don’t like it.
I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the
magazine.
All the best,
John

ABOVE This simple battery-powered pump
empties fuel drums quickly and efficiently

A handy accessory
Hi John,
I noticed in issue 639 your report on
outback refuelling.
I have a bad back and lifting
complications, and before a caravan
trip I purchased one of these JRoc
water and fuel pump kits (see above
picture). It just needs two D cell
batteries and empties 20L drums in
roughly four minutes. Mine sits in the
ute bed, so I just have to undo ratchet
straps, pull the kit to the side of ute
and press the button — simple.
Hope you enjoyed your trip.

A Hi John,

Regards,
John Day

That looks like a simple and compact
accessory and a great idea for saving your
back. Thanks for sharing.
Have fun,
John

RV Inline Water Filter
from B.E.S.T.
Water Filters

WIN!
THIS

With a B.E.S.T. (Bacteria Elimination Silver Treatment)
water filter, you can ensure you have clean, safe water –
wherever the road may take you. The filter means you can
safely draw water from town, tank, creek or bore water sources
to fill your caravan’s tanks, while the chemicals and sediment
will be removed and the bacteria destroyed. The filter is multidirectional, can be used after long periods of non-use and
involves a simple, DIY installation.

How to win

If you’re stumped by a technical or
towing problem, send your question to
submissions@emprisegroup.com.au with
‘Tech Talk’ in the subject line or send a letter
to Caravan World Tech Talk, 3 Wyman Place,
Braeside, Vic 3195. All entries must include
your full address (not for publication).

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

23

We shine the spotlight on caravanners, their rigs and their travel tales
send

PICS
to win

Cath and Dave sent in this pic of them posing in front of the iconic Betoota
Hotel with their Y62 Patrol and Mountain Trail LXV 5.8.
“We’re on the way back from the Big Red Bash. ‘Where’s Birdsville? Somewhere near
Betoota.’ We had a great time at the Bash (very difficult not to).”

This pic was taken by Pat Tarrant while visiting Thallon, Qld.
“Taken in front of the Thallon painted grain silos, with our 2017 Jayco Journey Outback
and 2018 Isuzu D-MAX.”

Peter and Caroline Harrop sent in this snap of the beautiful sunset they
enjoyed on a recent trip.
“Our New Age caravan wouldn’t quite fit into this shot of the sunset at Lara Wetlands,
Queensland.”

Leon and Leanne Seaman took this picture while travelling in WA with
their 17.6ft Supreme Classic and 2021 Fortuner tow vehicle.
“Enjoying a lunch break under a boab tree before the T-intersection to head to either
Derby or Broome in WA.”

WIN!
24 caravanworld.com.au

This month’s winner will receive a Purple Line Saracen Ultra Hitch
Lock valued at $189. Saracen Ultra is a highly visible, compact, highsecurity lock which works both hitched and unhitched to keep would-be
caravan thieves at bay. It fits to most standard 50mm ball hitches on
caravans, camper trailers, boat and car trailers, and even work trailers.
For more information about this and a host of other vanning
accessories, visit purpleline.com.au

READERS' RIGS

REGULARS

This month’s winner is Tina and Alex Artes,
who sent us this pic taken in sunny Denham, WA.
“Here we are on our three-month trip of Western Australia
(currently in Denham), with our Ford Ranger Raptor 2019 towing
a Van Cruiser Interceptor, a full offroad van.”

Just email your most travel-inspiring picture (2-3Mb) of
yourself, family or friends with your rig along with a brief
description to submissions@emprisegroup.com.au with
‘Readers’ Rigs’ in the subject line, or send a print to Caravan
World Readers’ Rigs, 3 Wyman Place, Braeside Vic 3195. All
entries must include your full postal address (not for
publication). Photo submissions may also appear on Caravan
World socials and caravanworld.com.au

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

25

MSA 4X4

BUILT FOR WORK & PLAY!

s
U
e
Tak h You
Wit
MSA4X4.COM.AU | GEAR FOR LIFE

Available through our 800+ stockists network Australia wide.

®

Four mirror positions to suit all driving situations...

Position 1

Position 2

Position 3

Position 4

Enhance a vehicle’s appearance with MSA 4X4’s patented, ‘SEMA AWARD-WINNING’
all-around driving and towing mirrors!
MSA 4X4’s patented, SEMA award-winning Towing Mirrors feature a large single mirror that
pivots on a heavy-duty extension slide. Allowing the mirror to extend out when towing and return
to a normal driving position, when not towing.

The best looking Towing Mirrors available!

W
THE AY

S AFETY

G

LK

LEAD
IN

Government guidelines state that the driver is required to see 20m past the widest point of the
towed vehicle. MSA 4X4 has created a range of Towing Mirrors that meet this guideline and are
specifically designed for Australian towing vehicles.

L E T’S

TA

The concept of the mirror is the subject of patent applications in Australia and overseas, including Australian patent application No. 2017268622 and international
patent application No. PCT/AU2017/051320, as well as a granted Chinese utility model No. 20172162844.
The shape of the mirror is also covered by Australian design registration No. 201614622 and Chinese design application No. 201830077185.5.

CARAWLD
CARA
WLD DPS 062
0623

28 caravanworld.com.au

B r u d e r E X P -7 REVIEWS

IN BRIEF
Equipped for
extreme remote travel
Sleeping for up to six
Indoor/outdoor
kitchen

Words
and Pics

John
Ford

Bruder is a market leader in offroad caravan design and execution.
Its latest version was released in August and combines features from
existing models into a new platform ready for adventure.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

29

O

nly a year or so after the release of its
range-topping all-weather caravan,
the EXP-8, Brisbane builder Bruder
has unveiled yet another model. The
new EXP-7 — unsurprisingly given the
name — sits between the remarkable EXP-8
and the more modest EXP-6 but retains the
expedition-capable genre of the brand.
Bruder is a Brisbane-based manufacturer
that has become a success story worldwide.
Integral to the success is how brothers
and company owners Dan and Toby take
product testing to unprecedented levels.

30 caravanworld.com.au

I’m confident there isn’t a caravan builder
anywhere that tests across thousands of
kilometres on five continents, at heights
up to 10,000ft, in conditions ranging from
freezing to the hottest desert regions and at
speeds of 240km/h.
Our PT (pop-top) model review van is the
first in production and features a patented
lifting roof powered by an electronic scissor
action for effortless deployment. Extra clipon skirts are an option to improve thermal
insulation on the pop-top. Still, a fixed
roof GT version is available for customers

expecting to travel in extremely low
temperatures.
The new Bruder follows the style of
previous vans and wows with a hard-hitting
first impression, emphasised by the black
exterior of our review van which was colour
matched to the 300 Series LandCruiser tow
vehicle. The van looks lithe and aerodynamic
in travel mode with the roof lowered,
courtesy of virtual wind tunnel testing. Even
so, it’s a big van when compared for context
next to the LandCruiser and at 5.76m, it’s
155mm longer than an EXP-8.

B r u d e r E X P -7 REVIEWS

“I’m confident there isn’t a caravan builder
anywhere that tests across thousands of
kilometres on five continents”

MEASURING

UP
PROS

Superb engineering
Remoter off-grid
equipped
Sleeping for six

CONS
The price isn’t
for everyone

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE The air suspension; Jerry can holder on the rear;
The EXP-7 is superbly engineered, but it’s still a big van

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

31

REVIEWS B r u d e r E X P -7

ABOVE There isn’t much real estate on the inside, but with the awnings spread out you can go camping comfortably with up to six people

“The insulation method is so effective that inside temperatures
are unaffected by the signature black exterior”
THE BUILD
At the heart of all Bruders is a unique
chassis constructed in-house from sealed
box section Australian steel that leads back
from an extended A-frame to arch over the
suspension and back to the rear support.
By angling the chassis rails high under the
body, the air suspension achieves up to
300mm of wheel travel, and the twin remote
reservoir shock absorbers can work at their
most efficient vertical angle. Remote control
of the pressure in the airbag suspension
achieves independent height settings for
each wheel. The benefits of the setup include
levelling the van when camping, lowering it
for easy entry and when using the outside
kitchen. You can also travel on three or even
two wheels in the event of tyre failure.
The EXP-7’s chassis is built lighter and more
robust from thinner gauge but higher quality

32 caravanworld.com.au

steel. A special rubber coating protects the
metal for a lifetime of rugged use.
Quad weave epoxy bonded closed cell
composite panels for the floor, roof and
walls are permanently fixed together to
form a monocoque body that is engineered
to be lighter and stronger than previous
versions. The panels avoid pathways for
heat and cold to penetrate the interior, and
the insulation method is so effective that
inside temperatures are unaffected by the
signature black exterior. Even so, standard
colours include grey and sand for a less
macho vibe.
At the front is a DO35 hitch, suitable for
rough terrain and matched to the van’s
3500kg ATM. A spare wheel is mounted on
a heavy-duty bracket, while a couple of jerry
can holders and a wood rack fit into the
streamlined architecture. Up top, a filtration

system keeps the cabin dust-free, and three
415W solar panels taper back to be selfcleaning when travelling.
Along the passenger side is the innovative
indoor/outdoor kitchen first seen in the
EXP-6, and it’s a ripper. Protected by an
electric awning, the space combines a
composite slide for a 57L Engel compressor
slide-out fridge and storage, a lifting hatch
to shelves for cooking items and an opening
to the internal kitchen bench and sink.
With the suspension dropped to its lowest
position, there’s an accessible bench for most
folk.
At the rear are more storage options and
a hatch where an optional 2kg washing
machine lives. Lower down, there’s also the
option of a chassis-mounted winch, which
isn’t a bad idea given the places most owners
will expect to travel.

SOUTHERN STAR

HARDCORE

ATX

INCLUDES:
CRUISEMASTER ATX AIRBAG SUSPENSION
CRUISEMASTER VENTILATED DISC BRAKES
COMPOSITE ROOF & LIGHTWEIGHT FLOOR
800W SOLAR & 400A LITHIUM BATTERY PACK
ENERDRIVE DC2DC CHARGER, 2600W INVERTER
255L FRESH & 1 x 95L GREY WATER TANKS
TOOLBOX WITH WEBER & GENERATOR SLIDES
ALUMINIUM FRAMES, COMPOSITE CLADDING
HOT DIPPED GAL AUSTRALIAN CHASSIS

HARDCORE ATX

PH: 02 6652 5523
EMAIL: SALES@CARAVANSCOFFSCOAST.COM.AU
WEB: WWW.CARAVANSCOFFSCOAST.COM.AU

RIGHT AND BELOW The Bruder’s wheel travel is
a remarkable 300mm; The plumbing and
electronics are neatly presented

THE INTERIOR
The upmarket nature of the Bruder
guarantees a simplified and fast setup, so
the roof rises 400mm to a generous 2.1m
ceiling height. At the same time, electric
awnings spread out from each side for ample
undercover protection.
Entry is to the back, where a compact
kitchen and storage unit flows over the back
wall before opening to a combination ensuite
on the driver’s side, while a wine rack to
the left of the entry promises conviviality
along the track. The combination ensuite has
zippered infills to the ceiling and a driverside door that opens wide for direct access
from outside. This also introduces a loo with
a view and quick access to clean off after a
swim, although there’s an outside shower
and an optional privacy tent.
The layout is versatile and harmonious,
even considering the van’s relatively narrow
1.92m width. Across the back wall is a storage
unit with shelves and provision for the 136L
Dometic fridge/freezer and an optional
microwave. Along the passenger side, the
two-way kitchen has a concertina slider to
close it off when needed and allows cooking
inside if the weather isn’t friendly.
Opposite the kitchen is a beautifully
crafted lounge and a removable swivelling
table is supplied for dining. The way a
section of the bed folds back for extra eastwest seating is a master stroke of clever
design and not the only smart thinking
Bruder employs. The EXP-8’s recent win
at the prestigious Australian Good Design
Awards is a testament to Bruder’s company-

34 caravanworld.com.au

“The layout is versatile and
harmonious, even considering the
van’s relatively narrow 1.92m width”

B r u d e r E X P -7 REVIEWS

IN BRIEF:
The EXP-7 reinforces Bruder’s position at
the top of the game for offroad vehicles.
The van combines features of the
existing range into a capable adventure
van with accommodation for up to six.

BRUDER EXP-7
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Body length 5.76m (18ft 9in)
Overall length 7m (22ft 11in)
Width 1.92m (6ft 3in)
Max height 2.6m (8ft 7in)
Low height 2.35m (7ft 7in)
Tare 2474kg (2400kg standard)
ATM 3500kg
Payload 1026kg (calculated) (1100kg
standard)

EXTERNAL
Frame Aluminium 3mm
Cladding Composite
Chassis 125 x 75 x 4mm fully sealed
Suspension Tandem Independent air bag
Coupling Cruisemaster DO35
Brakes 12in discs
Wheels 18in alloy 305x60R18 MT tyres
Water 1 x 200L freshwater and 1 x 80L
additional tank optioned on
Battery 10.8kWh lithium
Solar 3 x 415W (total 1245W)
Air-conditioner Reverse cycle
Gas No
Sway control No

INTERNAL
Cooking Portable two-burner induction
cooktop

Microwave Optional
Fridge 136L Dometic internal fridge/freezer
and 57L Engel external slide-out fridge

Bathroom Combination shower and
composting toilet, additional external
shower
Hot water Diesel

PRICE FROM $258,500
OPTIONS
Washing machine, 80L water tank, rear
winch, leather sofa, wood and jerry can
holders, and more

PRICE AS SHOWN $276,562
MORE INFORMATION
Bruder
115 Muriel Avenue
Moorooka Qld 4105
P: 07 3172 8838
W: bruderx.com

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

35

REVIEWS B r u d e r E X P -7

RATINGS

ABOVE On the back wall is the storage
unit and room for a fridge/freezer and
optional microwave

VALUE FOR MONEY
Great van with a great big price
TOWABILITY
Tows perfectly, but it’s a weighty
prospect
SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED
TOURING
The new Bruder will take you
almost anywhere and look after
you when you get there
BUILD QUALITY
Top quality inside and out

“The EXP-7 will be ideal for a group of
mates on a fishing trip or for a family
on the journey of a lifetime”

STORAGE

LIVEABILITY
Some compromises for six people,
but as good as it could be
SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Plenty of off-grid ability
CUSTOMER CARE
Worldwide three-year warranty
and a dedication to happy
customers
INNOVATION
Award-winning design
X-FACTOR
Makes me wanna sell the house

36 caravanworld.com.au

wide experience and smarts. Talking
about the award for the EXP-8, the judges
said that “the caravan offers levels of
luxury and offroad ability its competitors
can only dream of. We appreciate the
design team’s deep understanding of the
harshness of the Australian outback, with
each self-sustainable innovation not at all
compromising a striking aesthetic”.
Up front, a full-size queen bed is
surrounded by storage spaces and handy
nooks for personal items. You have to love
how an overhead hatch offers a panorama of
night sky to ponder before nodding off.
The brochure suggests sleeping for up
to six, but first impressions leave some
doubt. It’s not until you start moving things
around that it makes sense. First, lower the
top bunk over the lounge, remove the back
of the lounge to open it into a double and
deploy the back into its place over the foot
of the queen bed, and you have two doubles
and two singles. The single bunks have side
netting to keep young ones safe and are
broad enough at 650mm for adults. So, the
EXP-7 will be ideal for a group of mates on a
fishing trip or for a family on the journey of
a lifetime.
It would be a stretch to describe the
interior as spacious because its narrow
1.92m body width limits the available real
estate. It’s a compromise for getting down
narrow tracks to beautiful campsites and an
expectation that a lot of downtime will be
spent outside. On that note, the awnings on
both sides let the crew spread out and take
advantage of the view from sunrise to the
afterglow.

SEAT

SHOWER

TOILET

QUEEN BED

FRIDGE
STORAGE

,
r
e
h
t
r
u
f
l
e
v
a
r
T
.
.
.
r
e
g
n
stay lo

t
u
o
with
s
t
i
m
li

At CRZRVAN we provide a
completely custom built
option to your remote
travel caravan.
Every build completed by
CRZRVAN is a truly one off
piece created from customer
design and ideas.
E:rhys@crzrindustries.com

222

RIGHT AND BELOW The fantastic external
kitchen from the EXP-6 returns; The interior
kitchen with portable induction cooktop

“What I can reveal is
that the Bruder EXP-7
is a joy to tow”
OFF-GRID LIVING
The Bruder range is dedicated to getting
into lesser-known places and staying
there comfortably, and the EXP-7 doesn’t
disappoint. It might have less battery power
in standard form than the EXP-8, but 1245W
of solar energy and a 10.8kWh lithium
battery bank will keep you going longer
than most, and it’s upgradable to 15.6kWh.
A 3000W inverter will run most appliances,
including coffee machines and air fryers.
The 200L of fresh water is stored internally
to avoid freezing, and there’s an extra 80L
tank as an option, as well as built-in pumps
to extract water from a safe supply.

THE DRIVE
Our review took us north of Noosa,
Queensland, along Cooloola Beach, where
60km of shifting sand presents some
challenges for a caravan. Of course, we
managed to test our recovery skills, but
to protect the culprits, let’s just say what
happens on the review stays on the review.
What I can reveal is that the Bruder EXP-7
is a joy to tow over the changing ruts and
washouts and the steep sand banks of
freshwater creeks. It travels like it’s on rails
with an uncanny ability to stay level over
humps and bumps even at the 80km/h
speed limit. Nothing bangs. Nothing shakes.
It doesn’t wobble or lurch like a regular van
would in these conditions. It’s impossible not
to be impressed.

38 caravanworld.com.au

B r u d e r E X P -7 REVIEWS

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

39

REVIEWS B r u d e r E X P -7

“It’s an offroad caravan in the literal sense of the
word, not the marketing speak of some pretenders”

THE WRAP
The van is covered by a three-year
worldwide warranty, and Bruder will
arrange local repairs as required.
The EXP-7 continues the remarkable
Australian story of Bruder. It’s an offroad
caravan in the literal sense of the word, not
the marketing speak of some pretenders. The
engineering and testing have given rise to a
superb and enduring adventure machine.
We sometimes wrap up our reviews by
answering the age-old question — would I
buy one? Having just completed a 22,000km
trip in my own big offroad van across some
of the roughest significant roads in the
country, I have a fresh appreciation for a
van like the Bruder with over-executed
engineering and a sensible size to get down
gnarlier tracks. So, my conclusion is yes, I
would buy an EXP-7. I’d probably order the
sand-coloured one to blend into the crowd
at the Kiwirrkurra supermarket. The only
proviso is the $258,500 price tag, which
sadly counts me out. If it’s not a barrier to
you, you’d be mad not to snap one up for
your next adventure into the unknown.

40 caravanworld.com.au

ABOVE AND BELOW The main bed folds up for additional seating;
The removable swivelling table is a great space-saver

World

ISSUE

640
EXPERT ADVICE
D
AN
ES
R
TU
N
VE
AUTHENTIC AD

AUTHENT
IC ADVEN
TURES AN
D EXPERT
ADVICE

ISSUE 640

THE SUN

SUMMER
TOURING AT
ITS FINEST

Caravan

HERE COMES

THE SUN

ISSUE

HERE COMES

World

640

World

SUMMER
TOURING A
T
ITS FINEST

ISSUE 640

ON SALE OCT 16, 2023

TOP 10 COASTAL

CARAVAN PARKS
AROUND AUSTRALIA

$12.50

SUMMER ESCAPES:
ISSUE
’S BE640ST BEACHES
LIA
RA
AUST
W
BRUDER EXP-7 REVIE
ON SALE

OCT 16, 2023

TOP 10 CO
AS

(INC GST)

$12.50
CVW
VW6640
40 001 COV
ER.indd
1

(INC GST

)

TA
CARA28/09/2
0 AML
VAN023PA11:20:1
RK
AROUND AU S
STRALIA

SUM
AUSTRALIA MER ESCAPES:
’S BEST BE
ACHES
BRUDER EX
P-7 REVIEW

To subscribe, visit www.caravanworld.com.au/subscribe

MAIN Wave Rock (Image Tourism WA)

THE

Words J u l i a D ' O r az i o
Pics J u l i a D ' O r az i o a n d s u p p l i e d

Not all waves are found in the sea with Western Australia’s
largest break located far from water.

42 caravanworld.com.au

WAV E R O C K , WA TRAVEL

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

43

“More than 150,000 visitors per year descend on the Wheatbelt
town with a population just shy of 500 to see the remarkable
granite formation that looms over the hamlet”

ABOVE Canola fields in bloom in the Wheatbelt

T

ravelling Western Australia's Wheatbelt
region during the springtime rewards
handsomely. It becomes a region in
bloom, where wildflowers and yellow
seas of canola fields take over. It's
a stark contrast to what it is like for the
remainder of the year, where the more
inland you go, the more barren it becomes —
or so it seems.
One attraction offers permanent adoration
and thrills between arid and woodlands.
Some 336km east of Perth via Brookton
Highway is Wave Rock. Its name is to the
point. The geological wonder is the state's
most famous break despite it being nowhere
near the coast. Hyden is the closest town
to the stony swell, a perfect soft-adventure
destination for a weekend break with a few
off-kilter surprises.

44 caravanworld.com.au

A natural icon
It took my father and I just under four
hours to drive to Hyden from Perth. More
than 150,000 visitors per year descend on
the Wheatbelt town with a population just
shy of 500 to see the remarkable granite
formation that looms over the hamlet. It was
also my first time visiting the WA landmark
that caught global attention in 1963 after
an image of it won a photo competition
and subsequently appeared in National
Geographic magazine.
Wave Rock is roughly 2.7 billion years old,
with the ochre and black tiger-striped rock
curling 15m high into the air and 110m long.
The wave-shaped rock is located on the
north side of Hyden Rock. There’s hardly any
build-up of anticipation for viewing the rock’s
curvier side; its banded grandeur is quickly
realised on the 100m walk from the car park.

An inland wave rises from outback plains,
a break ceasing to recede. I felt so small
standing under the wave's lip. Hardly an
original pose, I joined other wave chasers
along the stretch, standing goofy-footed
with hands out and posing like a surfer for a
quirky photo op. This wave is the only break
where I will always be ahead of the curve.
Although far from the ocean, the
movement of water shaped its formation.
Millions of years ago, the water level was at
the top of the wave. Over time, the water that
ran off Hyden Rock penetrated through the
granite outcrop's cracks. Although the rock's
subsoil was deeply soaked, the top remained
dry. With the rock underneath rotting away,
it eventually led it to crumble and create a
flared slope or wave.
We stepped out from the famed overhang
to view the rest of the unusual formation

WAV E R O C K , WA TRAVEL

following the Hyden Rock Walk. The 1.3km
loop follows from the Wave Rock Walk,
which departs from the car park to the foot
of the wave and continues to the top of the
timeworn outcrop with interpretation panels
along the way.
At the end of the wave is a steel staircase to
reach the top of Hyden Rock. Ironically, next
to the wave is Hyden Dam, which serves the
town. Large boulders — big enough to stand
under — speck across the plateau. Closer to
the waves' edge is a 1920s-built stone wall to
pivot rainwater to the dam. The views are
incredible regardless of where you stand on
top of the rock, observing a patchwork of
towering woodlands, farmlands, parched
hills, salt lakes and other granite outcrops.
The top of the rock was dotted with small
groups of people to watch the sunset, a
perfect vantage point and, for some with
better foresight, a picnic spot. From the
rock's frozen ripple (ledge), we watched the
scenery intensify in colour. It was a profound
experience.

Rock on

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Handprints in
Mulka's Cave; Top of Wave Rock (Image
Tourism WA); Hippo's Yawn is the region's
other oversized wonder

Wave Rock isn't the only standout rock in the
region.
Hippo’s Yawn is the region's other
oversized wonder, just a 1.7km easy-grade
loop from the Wave Rock car park. Millions
of years of erosion have sculptured the cave
to mimic the wide mouth of a hippopotamus
— nostril indents included.
Another rock that captures the
imaginations of many is Mulka's Cave, located
18km north of Wave Rock, within The Humps
Nature Reserve. The cave is one of WA's
most significant rock art sites due to its high
density of motifs. It features 452 artworks,
including hand stencils, reddish handprints,
paintings, and drawings in three chambers.
Aboriginal legend has it that the cave was
named after an illegitimate son of a woman
who fell in love with a man, their union
outlawed. Because of their forbidden love,
she gave birth to a son with crossed eyes. Due
to his impairment, he couldn't hunt properly
and ate children to survive, becoming a
much-feared figure. He lived in the cave as
a safe haven, and his handprint impressions
can be seen higher than the other handprints
found.
From the cave, there are two walk trails
— Kalari and Gnamma — to explore the
surrounding granite outcrops known as
The Humps. We embarked on the moderate
1.8km Kalari trail, which included a steep
climb to summit The Humps. Large boulders
and shallow gnammas fleck the patched
reddish-brown outcrop with interpretative
panels highlighting flora, fauna and many
Indigenous stories along the way.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

45

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT The Lace Place in Hyden; There are plenty
of animals to see at Wave Rock Wildlife Park (Image Tourism WA);
Magic Lake (Image Tourism WA)

A town of collectors
It was time to see some animation in the
area. Wave Rock Wildlife Park is sprawled
over three hectares of native bushland, just
500m from Wave Rock. It contains over 40
simple enclosures, including a who's who of
native Australian animals: koalas, wombats,
golden and ringtail possums, rare white
kangaroos, and wallabies. Farm favourites
such as alpacas, pheasants and peacocks also
call the family-managed park home.

46 caravanworld.com.au

The other half of the park features a roll
call of bird species — numerous cockatoos,
wedge-tail eagles, galahs, lorikeets, werros,
corellas and more — among large dinosaur
sculptures.
We spent over an hour wandering around
the park; perhaps anticipate a longer visit if
kids are involved.
Hyden's other amusement park comes as
a true outback oddity — a lace museum. The
Lace Place displays one of Australia's most

extensive collections of lace, with snippets
dating back to the 1600s. Confined to one
room, the small museum details the history
of lace making and the variety of laces with
mannequins showcasing timeworn pieces.
The museum's most prized possessions
come from royalty, with offcuts from
Princess Diana's wedding veil and a Chantilly
from Queen Victoria's gown on display. It is a
kooky yet remarkable outback exclusive.

WAV E R O C K , WA TRAVEL
FAST FACTS
Entrance to Wave Rock is $12 per vehicle.
Wave Rock Caravan Park & Resort
P: 08 9880 5022
E: waverock@wn.com.au
W: waverock.com.au
Wave Rock Hotel
P: 08 9880 5041 / 0429 511 511
E: hydenhotel@bigpond.com.au
W: waverock.com.au
Wave Rock Wildlife Park
P: 08 9880 5182
E: waverock@wn.com.au
The Lace Place
P: 08 9885 05052
E: waverock@wn.com.au
A new tool to plan your next WA
getaway
Western Australian Museum's new online
portal, WAnderland, showcases 220 of
the most intriguing private and public
collections across the state.
The interactive website features some
of the most interesting places, stories and
collections and includes a special tool to
build your itinerary with these pitstops for
the curious.
W: visitwanderland.com.au
Wave Rock Weekender
Each year, Western Australia’s famous
wave plays host to an intimate and
boutique music festival over the King’s
Birthday long weekend in September.
Hosted by Wave Rock Caravan Park, the
three-day camping festival features a
lineup of roughly 20 Australian and
international acts with light displays
projected on the prehistoric rock and
incredible stargazing opportunities.

“The inland beach gets its name from the
gypsum minerals found at the base, causing
the lake to change colours”

W: waverockweekender.com.au

More magic to be found

Toast to adventure

Although Hyden's famous surf remains dry,
there's another way to make a splash in town.
Minutes from Wave Rock is Lake Magic. The
lake is WA's version of the Dead Sea, with its
high salt-density lake making it a tough slog
to sink. Surrounded by sandy shores, the
inland beach gets its name from the gypsum
minerals found at the base, causing the lake
to change colours — whites, yellows, orange,
blues — throughout the day.
For a luxury float, we headed to Magic
Lake Swimming Pond, 800m from Wave
Rock. Entrance is included with a stay at
Wave Rock Caravan Park & Resort, and the
pond is within short walking distance from
the campground with its shady salmon gum
trees. The circular bubble-gum blue pond is
surrounded by simple cabanas with day beds
and changing blocks to make a day of being
buoyant in the bush.
With the sun beating down, we opt for an
express dip session in the pond. Another
cheap thrill and surprise therapy session,
with skin feeling great afterwards.

What better way to cap off 48 hours of
unusual adventures than with a nourishing
feed at Wave Rock Bar & Bistro. The bush
bistro is attached to the Wave Rock Hotel,
5km from its namesake. It offers a different
pub experience, allowing guests to cook meat
on an indoor barbecue.
Although sounding no different from
cooking dinner at the caravan park, it
was a nice change of scene, mingling with
other travellers in wooden cabin comforts,
flipping locally sourced Mallee rump steak
to your liking with a salad bar at your peril.
Of course, if you want to avoid cooking your
own meal, the restaurant has an a la carte
menu.
After all the wave chasing and hiking of
multiple outcrops, the wholesome dining
experience was a perfect way to cap off 48
hours of making waves in the outback.

ABOVE AND BELOW Magic Lake Swimming Pond
(Image Tourism WA); Visit Wave Rock in Spring for a
riot of wildflowers (Image Tourism WA)

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

47

MAIN The crystal-clear waters of Jervis Bay lap idyllic Green Patch

48 caravanworld.com.au

B e s t b e a c h e s TRAVEL

Words C h r i s W h i t e l aw
Pics C h r i s W h i t e l aw a n d s u p p l i e d

AUSTRALIA’S BEST BEACHES
Australia has no shortage of beautiful beaches, some
iconic and others are hidden gems just waiting to
be discovered. Here are seven of Chris Whitelaw’s
favourite summer escapes.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

49

TRAVEL B e s t b e a c h e s

ABOVE Take a stroll on the sugar-white beach at Green Patch

“The beach's sheltered location and calm emerald waters make
it a popular destination for holidaymakers with young families,
paddleboarders and snorkelers"

W

hen I was a lad growing up in
Wollongong, south of Sydney, I
spent a lot of time on North Beach,
especially during the summer
school holidays. I have many fond
memories of those halcyon days — catching a
tan on the baking hot sand (long before the
‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ campaign), hot chips from
the local kiosk, The Mamas & The Papas
blaring out of the tranny and bodysurfing
creamy rollers from dawn ‘til dusk. Since
then, I’ve travelled widely in Australia and
visited many of the 10,000 or so beautiful
beaches that grace our coastline. Some are
internationally renowned icons, emblematic
of Aussie beach culture, like Whitehaven
Beach on Whitsunday Island, Wineglass
Bay in Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park
and 80 Mile Beach on the Pilbara Coast. But
here is a short compilation of some lesserknown gems that I’ve discovered off the
beaten track. You may not read about some

50 caravanworld.com.au

of them in the Qantas in-flight magazine
or Australian Geographic, but they are all
unique in their own special way and make
fantastic summer escape locations for your
next road trip or Big Lap itinerary.

Green Patch, Jervis Bay
New South Wales

The idyllic Green Patch Beach is one of many
beaches fringing the shore of Jervis Bay, a
vast inlet 200km south of Sydney. Green
Patch is located in the southern end of the
bay on the edge of the Booderee National
Park. In the language of the local Aboriginal
people Booderee means 'bay of plenty' and
this little beach lives up to the name, with
superb sugar-white sand (among the whitest
in Australia) lapped by crystal-clear wavelets
teeming with marine life.
Although it’s not patrolled by lifesavers,
the beach’s sheltered location and calm
emerald waters make it a popular destination

for holidaymakers with young families,
paddleboarders and snorkelers. Scuba diving
enthusiasts will enjoy the underwater scenery
of rocky outcrops, while anglers will find a boat
ramp and wharf at nearby Murrays Beach for
ready access to the bay.
Booderee is an easy place to explore on foot
with many walking trails ranging from short
strolls to full-day hikes. One of the best short
walks connects Murrays Beach to the lookout at
Governor Head, with fantastic views to Bowen
Island and over Jervis Bay.
Nestled behind the beach in natural bushland,
the popular Green Patch camping area offers
discrete, unpowered sites suitable for caravans,
camper trailers and tents, with amenities that
include potable water, toilets, hot-water showers
and sheltered barbecues. Demand for sites in
peak periods (December–January, Easter and
school holidays) far exceeds availability and
they are allocated according to a ballot, with
applicants notified by 1 September.

Swag’s range of narrow body Hybrids & RVs are light weight, easy to use & simple to tow.
Best of all they will travel everywhere your car can go so the opportunities are endless.
Featuring a permanently made king size bed (no fold out rear), loads of storage, huge
external kitchens, and on board ensuites - You can Explore like never before…
Call Nationwide

1800 SWAG CAMPERS
for a showroom near you

AUSTRALIAN

OWNED &

OPERATED

ABOVE Surfers will enjoy the Bass Strait swells on Jan Juc Beach

Jan Juc Beach
Victoria

The coastal township of Jan Juc overlooks
Bass Strait, immediately southwest of
Torquay, the self-styled Surf Capital of
Australia. Jan Juc Beach stretches 1.2km from
Rocky Point in the east to the 20m limestone
cliffs of Bird Rock in the west. The goldensand beach is backed along its length by
low bluffs and scrub-covered sand dunes,
separated in the middle by ephemeral Spring
Creek, which collects in a lagoon and seldom
crosses the beach.
Facing almost due south, the beach

52 caravanworld.com.au

receives quality surf breaks averaging 1.5m
generated by swells rolling in from the
Southern Ocean. (These are the same swells
that power world-famous Bells Beach a
few kilometres to the west.) Bird Rock can
provide excellent right-hand barrels with a
moderate swell on a mid to high tide.
Jan Juc gets a hazard rating of 7/10 by
Surf Life Saving Australia owing to the high
waves, persistent rips, shallow sandbars
and sharks (as in all southern beaches). The
conditions are better suited to experienced
swimmers and surfers. Since 1963, the beach
has been patrolled during summer months

by the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club, which
rescues an average of 30 people annually
— a good reason why you should always
swim between the flags.
An extensive foreshore reserve has
recreation facilities, a sealed 100-car
parking area, toilets, showers and mobile
phone reception at the beach. The nearby
Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park offers
glamping tents and pods, cabins, powered
and unpowered sites with excellent
facilities that include covered barbecues, a
children’s playground, laundry and a large
camp kitchen.

B e s t b e a c h e s TRAVEL

“The delightful 2.5km beach is generally calm, particularly at
the southern end, and the water is warm enough for swimming
during summer and early autumn”

ABOVE The sheltered beach at Adventure Bay is ideal for young kids and paddleboarders

Adventure Bay, South Bruny Island
Tasmania

Adventure Bay was named by Tobias
Furneaux in honour of his ship HMS
Adventure, which he anchored here for
five days in March 1773. Furneaux was one
of many early mariners to visit the bay,
including James Cook (1777), William Bligh
(1788, 1791) and the French explorers, Antoine
Bruny (Bruni) d'Entrecasteaux (1792) — after
whom the island and adjacent channel are
named — and Nicolas Baudin (1802).
The township of Adventure Bay is strung

out along a curved northeast-facing beach
that is sheltered by the densely forested
slopes of the South Bruny Range to the west
and the towering eastern headland of Fluted
Cape. The delightful 2.5km beach is generally
calm, particularly at the southern end, and
the water is warm enough for swimming
during summer and early autumn (although
you might need a wetsuit at other times). It’s
an ideal location for relaxing beach walks,
kayaking, paddleboarding and families with
young children learning to swim. A boat
ramp provides easy access to the bay for

fishing and Bruny Island Cruises operates a
three-hour powerboat excursion around the
cape to enjoy better views of the stunning sea
cliffs and marine wildlife.
The town is the largest community on the
island, boasting a general store that sells fuel,
a cafe and an excellent museum showcasing
the bay's rich seafaring history.
A stone’s throw from the beach and all
local attractions, the Captain Cook Holiday
Park offers powered and unpowered sites,
on-site caravans and cabins, making it a great
base for exploring the island.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

53

TRAVEL B e s t b e a c h e s
BELOW Historic Memory Cove is a hidden gem in the Lincoln National Park (Image SA Tourism)

“Only low waves disturb the turquoise tranquillity of the cove,
and its sheltered location makes for relatively safe swimming
and a calm anchorage for boats”

Memory Cove, Lincoln National Park
South Australia

In February 1802, explorer Matthew
Flinders reached the Jussieu Peninsula
(south of present-day Port Lincoln) on
his circumnavigation of Australia in HMS
Investigator. As the ship’s water supply was
very low, he dispatched eight crew members
in a boat to search for fresh water. They
never returned. The boat was later recovered
but there was no sign of the missing crew.
Flinders landed in a small inlet on the
southeast tip of the peninsula, naming it
Memory Cove and erected a copper plaque in

54 caravanworld.com.au

honour of the crewmen who lost their lives.
He also named several nearby islands after
each of them.
The main beach of Memory Cove is
a secluded 220m white-sand arc in the
southern end, cradled between densely
vegetated granite headlands and surrounded
by a wilderness of coastal mallee. Only low
waves disturb the turquoise tranquillity of
the cove, and its sheltered location makes
for relatively safe swimming and a calm
anchorage for boats.
Set back from the beach is a shady
camping area of five sites suitable for tents

and camper trailers (no caravans permitted),
with toilets the only facilities. Camping is
limited to a maximum of three nights. Fourwheel drive vehicles are recommended for
the access road.
The cove is 50km from Port Lincoln within
a wilderness protection area, to which access
is limited to 15 vehicles a day through a
locked gate. A key is provided with a special
entry permit and bookings are essential.
Fees apply. More information about the entry
permits and bookings can be found on the
Parks SA website (parks.sa.gov.au) or at the
Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre.

“As its name implies,
the beach is composed
entirely of shells ...
trillions of them”

ABOVE AND BELOW Shell Beach is one of the only places in the world where shells replace sand;
A close-up of the snow-white cockles that comprise Shell Beach

FAST FACTS
Booderee Visitor Centre
Village Road, Jervis Bay, NSW
P: 02 4443 0977
E: booderee.mail@environment.gov.au
W: parksaustralia.gov.au/booderee
Captain Cook Holiday Park
786 Adventure Bay Road, Adventure Bay,
Tas
P: 03 6293 1128
E: info@captaincookpark.com
W: captaincookpark.com
Mindil Beach Sunset Market
Maria Liveris Drive, Darwin, NT
P: 08 8981 3454
E: admin@mindil.com.au
W: mindil.com.au
Mons Repos Turtle Centre
141 Mon Repos Road, Mon Repos, Qld
P: 07 4159 1652
W: npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/mon-repos/
turtle-centre.html
Port Lincoln Visitor Information
Centre
60 Tasman Terrace, Port Lincoln, SA
P: 1300 788 378
E: info@portlincoln.com.au
W: portlincoln.com.au
Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
35 Bell Street, Torquay, Vic
Ph: 03 5261 2496 / 1300 736 533
E: torquay@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.
gov.au
W: torquaycaravanpark.com.au
WA Parks and Wildlife Service: Shark
Bay Office
61–63 Knight Terrace, Denham, WA
P: 08 9948 2226
E: sharkbayenquiries@dbca.wa.gov.au
W: dpaw.wa.gov.au

56 caravanworld.com.au

Shell Beach, Shark Bay
Western Australia

Shell Beach, 45km southeast of Denham,
is one of the many outstanding natural
attractions of the Shark Bay World Heritage
Area. As its name implies, the beach is
composed entirely of shells ... trillions of
them. They are the tiny snow-white remnants
of a single species known as the Shark Bay
cockle (Fragum erugatum). It is the only
beach of its kind in Australia and one of only
two places in the world where shells replace
sand in such a dramatic and picturesque way.
The beach stretches for about 70km
around the shore of the shallow L'Haridon
Bight. A combination of restricted tidal flow
and high evaporation makes the Bight’s clear,
aqua-blue waters twice as salty as the sea.
This high salt concentration is harmful to
nearly all creatures in it, except the cockle,

which has adapted and flourished here for
more than 4000 years. Through natural
attrition, vast numbers of cockles have died,
and their shells have been washed ashore
to accumulate in banks up to 10m deep
extending 200m into the bay in a series of
low ridges. Over time, the older, deeper layers
have been compacted and cemented into
a soft, lightweight form of limestone called
‘coquina’. In the early 1900s, the coquina
was cut into blocks and used to construct
a number of buildings in the nearby town
of Denham, some of which can still be seen
today, such as The Old Pearler Restaurant.
The old coquina quarry can be visited
at Hamelin Pool, near the historic Old
Telegraph Station. The beach is easily
accessed from the Denham Road and is a
popular stop for a walk and a swim (float) in
the Bight’s crystal-clear waters.

B e s t b e a c h e s TRAVEL

ABOVE AND RIGHT The golden strand of Mindil Beach at low tide;
The Sunset Market operates twice-weekly at Mindil Beach (Image NT Tourism)

Mindil Beach, Darwin
Northern Territory

Mindil Beach is Darwin’s most famous and
popular beach, located in the suburb of The
Gardens near the city centre. Set between
two low headlands, the kilometre-long
beach faces west into Fannie Bay. At high
tide it has a moderately steep entry, but low
tide reveals a 200m sand flat running out
into the bay. Conditions are usually calm,
with prevailing offshore trade winds, and
the beach is patrolled by the Mindil Beach
Surf Life Saving Club on Sunday afternoons

during winter. However, swimming is
not recommended due to the presence of
dangerous marine stingers and, and if you
believe the locals, the occasional crocodile.
Fortunately, Mindil Beach is much more
than just a place to swim. During the dry
season (April–October), the Mindil Beach
Sunset Market operates in the reserve behind
the beach on Thursday and Sunday evenings
(4–9pm). From humble beginnings in 1987,
the Market has grown into a multicultural
extravaganza with around 200 stalls offering
international cuisine, creative arts and

Arafura
Sea

T i m o r S e a Bathurst Is
Mindil Beach !!! Melville Is
0

400

Darwin

800
km

Indigenous crafts. Adding to the heady
mix of exotic food, buzzing crowds and
tropical ambience, local and travelling
musicians, street performers, dance
groups and buskers from all walks of life
perform in a grassy arena under a canopy
of coconut palms. As the sun dips towards
the horizon, many people wander down
to the sand to watch the spectacular
sunset over the Timor Sea.

Groote Gulf
Eylandt Of

© Hema Maps

!

Broome

Indian

!

Karratha !

!

Western

Ocean

Cairns

Northern

Port Hedland

Australia

Shell Beach

Coral
Sea

Carpentaria

Territory
!

Townsville
!
Mount !
Isa

Alice
Springs

!

Mackay
!

Rockhampton

Queensland

!
!

!
!

South

Geraldton !

KalgoorlieBoulder

!

Perth

!

!

Albany

Mon Repos
K'gari (Fraser Is)

!

Brisbane
!

Australia

Broken
Hill !

Great
Memory Cove !!
!
Australian
Adelaide
Bight
Kangaroo Is

New South
Walkes

!

!

!

Gold Coast

Coffs Harbour

Newcastle

Sydney

Green Patch Beach
ACT Canberra
Victoria
!

!
!
!

!
!

Melbourne

Jan Juc
Beach

Devonport

Tasmania

!

!
!
!

Tasman
Sea

Hobart

Adventure Bay Beach

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

57

TRAVEL B e s t b e a c h e s

“Under cover of darkness, up to 450 female turtles of several
species, mainly loggerheads, come ashore to lay their eggs”

ABOVE AND BELOW Mon Repos is a mecca for turtle lovers during the summer season; Kids get a close-up of hatchlings at Mon Repos

Mon Repos, Bundaberg
Queensland

Mon Repos is the longest beach on the
Woongarra Coast, 14km east of Bundaberg.
It lies within a conservation park which
protects the largest nesting site of marine
turtles on Australia’s eastern seaboard.
Facing the Coral Sea near the Southern Great
Barrier Reef, this golden-sand beach extends
nearly 2km between low basalt headlands
with boulder fields to either side. Waves are
usually low but there may be surf during
occasional periods of higher swell.
The beach is backed for its entire length by

58 caravanworld.com.au

a 150m-wide vegetated foredune, which is
where the turtles nest. Behind the foredune,
sugarcane grows on rich red-soil plains. The
beach is open all year round and, during the
day, it is a great place for walking, fossicking
in tidal rock pools and swimming in the
warm subtropical waters.
However, during turtle season (midOctober to late-March) access to the park is
controlled and the beach is closed to visitors
between 6pm and 6am. Under cover of
darkness, up to 450 female turtles of several
species, mainly loggerheads, come ashore to
lay their eggs in holes they excavate in the

sandy foredune. To witness this ancient
ritual is unquestionably one of the most
unique and memorable experiences of
the animal kingdom, although it can
only be done through an official Turtle
Encounter guided tour. About eight weeks
later, the young hatchlings emerge from
the nests and scramble down to the open
sea. During January and February, you
might be lucky enough to see both events
in the one night. A ranger-guided ‘Turtle
Encounter’ must be booked in advance
and fees apply.

Be at home anywhere
In a Willow... why wouldn’t you?
A Range of Floorplans and Options to Suit Your Lifestyle.
Fully Insulated, Composite Body Shell.
ALKO Independent Suspension.
Hot Dip Galvanized Chassis.
Built With 45+ Years of Industry Experience.
Designed with Latest CAD Technology.

Ph: 0482 580 967
info@rvcentrevictoria.com.au

Ph: 08 8532 4777
sales@caravancentre.com.au

Ph: 02 4409 2543
www.aussierv.com.au

FOR MORE
INFORMATION

Proudly
Designed and
Manufactured
in Australia

Ph: 08 9550 8030
caravans@bergmansautogroup.com.au

Willow RV, 79 Bald Hill Rd, Pakenham, VIC | info@willowrv.com.au

Ph: 07 4151 3000
searlesrvcentre.com.au

willowrv.com.au

to the
Pics Capture Factory

IN BRIEF
6m couple’s van
with all terrain specs
ATM under 3200kg
with 600kg payload
Impressive off-grid
electrical power

60 caravanworld.com.au

Words

John
Hughes

Twin axle, offroad vans with plenty
of off-grid electrical power are now
the go-to choice for many couples
and families looking to travel
further afield. This style of van is
often in the $130–150k range. Yet
Jayco manages to do it for around
$100k. Does it cut the mustard?

J ay c o A l l-T e r r a i n O f f - G r i d X 19 . 6 1- 2

REVIEWS

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

61

LEFT AND BELOW The bowl-style wash basin
that sits above the bench is very roomy for
washing your hands; We see a lot of vans with
this style of layout and that’s because it works

J

ayco is the undisputed Australian
RV manufacturing powerhouse
employing over 1000 people and
producing units from tiny entrylevel camper trailers through to
substantial motorhomes and everything in
between. In this review, we take a look at the
All-Terrain Off-Grid X 19.61-2 couple’s van. A
glance through the Jayco brochure reveals
the breakdown of the All-Terrain range. The
couple’s version comes in one size — 19ft.
Bunk vans are available in two sizes — 19ft
and 22ft. Each of these vans is available as
a standard ‘All-Terrain’ or an up-spec ‘AllTerrain Off-Grid X’. The All-Terrain name
clearly tells us these vans are intended for
more than bitumen touring. The Off-Grid
X makes its mark with increased electrical
capacity for extended stays away from mains
power.

The Jayco way
Most other caravan manufacturers ‘shop’
from the same handful of external suppliers
to source virtually all the necessary van
components. This includes major elements
such as the chassis, walls and appliances.
Jayco is quite different — the team’s
production volume makes them the masters
of vertical integration, developing and
manufacturing many of the components
in-house or sourcing them from affiliate
companies. Jayco also has the buying power
to source some components that have been
specifically developed by suppliers for

62 caravanworld.com.au

Jayco’s exclusive use.
The Jayco-designed Endurance 2.0 chassis
is fabricated in-house before being sent
off-site for a hot dip galvanised treatment.
The main rails and A-frame are the typical
Australian offroad spec of 150mm x 50mm
RHS steel. The additional longitudinal rails
are pressed steel C-section to minimise
weight.
The All-Terrain Off-Grid X features Jayco’s
proprietary suspension system known as
JTECH 2.0. Jayco launched its first iteration
of this style of trailing arm independent
suspension back in 2014. It drove a
significant shift in the market away from leaf
springs with many of Jayco’s competitors
following suit over time. JTECH features
Pedders heavy-duty shock absorbers and
springs tuned to the van and toe-in-toe-out
adjustment for wheel alignment.
Continuing with the in-house theme, Jayco
makes its own one-piece walls and roofs.
It starts with a welded aluminium frame
marketed as Tough Frame. A fibreglass skin,
outer and inner ply along with polystyrene
insulation is then laminated to the frame in a
vacuum press.
Of course, not everything is built in-house.
Upfront there is a DO35 hitch which local
maker Cruisemaster dominates across
offroad models throughout the industry.
Sway control and braking is taken care of
by the huge US-based company Lippert,
and AL-KO plays its part with a variety of
undercarriage components.

MEASURING

UP
PROS

Impressive bang
for buck
Well-appointed
offroad touring
specification
Decent 12V and
inverter package

CONS
Internal
fasteners are
more visible than
in other vans

J ay c o A l l-T e r r a i n O f f - G r i d X 19 . 6 1- 2

REVIEWS

“A real plus is that this van comes in lighter than many of its
competitors with a tare weight of 2561kg”

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

63

REVIEWS J ay c o A l l-T e r r a i n O f f - G r i d X 19 . 6 1- 2
Functional layout
We see a lot of vans with this style of layout
and that’s because it works. We have a
rearward door with a full-width bathroom
across the back, kitchen and dining in the
middle and bed to the front. Drilling into
a little more detail, the bathroom features
a separate shower and toilet with a vanity
in between. The vanity benchtop is quite
shallow, as are the under-bench drawers
and cupboards, which gives you a bit more
space to move around in the bathroom. The
bowl-style wash basin that sits above the
bench is very roomy for washing your hands,
and as the bowl is above the bench there is
more cupboard space beneath that can be

utilised for storage. The bench at the toilet
end is wider to accommodate a Sphere 3.3kg
floor-mounted, top loader washing machine.
The floor-mounted position (as opposed
to a wall mount) allows for a full-width
mirror but eats some storage space. You do
make up some storage space with a useful
nook behind the toilet. Overall, I think the
bathroom is very well laid out and the big
mirror makes it feel extra roomy.
Bathroom privacy is achieved with a
concertina door that folds neatly out of
the way. The kitchen is kitted out with an
optional Dometic 216L compressor fridge
with a Sphere 23L microwave above. The
Thetford four-burner cooktop with grill and

oven, and range hood, complete the cooking
suite. The sink with drainboard features the
now popular, dual tap system with one outlet
delivering water from the water filter.
Overhead and under-bench storage in the
kitchen area is again functional. The subtly
curved doors above the dinette add a touch
of class and I think Jayco does a nice job of
pleasant, ‘safe’ colours throughout the van.
Aesthetically, the van is let down a little with
many interior fastening points being more
visible than in other vans.
On the ceiling, we have a Dometic Ibis 4
reverse cycle air-con and dust reduction
system to keep the inside comfortable and
clean.

“Bathroom privacy is achieved with a concertina door
that folds neatly out of the way”

ABOVE The internal kitchen features a Thetford four-burner cooktop with grill, oven and range hood

64 caravanworld.com.au

“No complaints about the optioned-on
external slide-out kitchen”

Outside
The All-Terrain Off-Grid X’s good
functionality extends to many of the
outside features. I like the design of the
toolbox upfront. It has a shallow top-access
compartment which is great for small items
so that you don’t have to reach down to the
bottom of a deep box. The main part of the
box is separated into two compartments
which are accessed from the sides. The
advantage of separating the compartments
is that it restricts fuel vapours to one area
if you carry a generator. I also like that the
jerry can holders are not mounted on the
toolbox doors, as you see on some vans. The
holders are mounted on the A-frame which
intuitively makes more sense to me than
putting all that dynamic load on the door
hinges. It’s hard to keep me happy all the
time though! The clamps holding the two

66 caravanworld.com.au

9kg gas bottles require a fair bit of flexing
to remove them. Also, positioning the gas
bottles between the jerry can holders makes
it a bit difficult to remove the bottles without
having to stand on the A-frame.
No complaints about the optioned-on
external slide-out kitchen. We used it to
prepare a couple of meals and the twin
hob gas burner and sink with hot and cold
running water worked a treat. I am also a
fan of the electronically controlled awning
provided compared to manual roll-out
awnings as they are just so much more userfriendly.
Moving to the rear of the van, the firewood
rack mounted on the bumper bar looks up to
the job. The firewood rack is an exclusive OffGrid X feature. On the All-Terrain Off-Grid X
we also have a single spare wheel centrally
mounted on the rear, and a second spare

underslung to the chassis. I am guessing this
has been done to optimise weight distribution
in the van. It also gives you a bet each way in
terms of the preferred method for accessing
a spare. The rear mount is easy to access but
it is quite a job to lift the spare up and down
by hand. The underslung mount might be
harder to access but the hand winder provides
a mechanical advantage for raising and
lowering the spare.
The bike rack sits above the rear-mounted
spare wheel and did a great job of holding the
e-bikes we had on board as we covered some
rugged, corrugated and pothole-strewn roads
during our tow test. These bikes weigh around
20kg each and I think it would be fair to say
that the average grey nomad will have varying
degrees of challenge lifting the bikes up that
high.

J ay c o A l l-T e r r a i n O f f - G r i d X 19 . 6 1- 2

REVIEWS

LEFT AND BELOW The electronically controlled
awning is much more user-friendly compared to
manual roll-out awnings; The rear includes the
Off-Grid X exclusive firewood rack, bike rack and
one spare

JAYCO
ALL-TERRAIN
OFF-GRID X 19.61-2
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Body length 6m (19ft 6in)
Overall length 8.41m (27ft 6in)
Width 2.47m (8ft 1in)
Height 3.06m (10ft)
Tare 2561kg
ATM 3161kg
Payload 600kg (calculated)
Ball weight at tare 227kg
EXTERNAL
Frame Aluminium
Cladding Fibreglass composite panel
Chassis Hot dipped galvanised Endurance
Suspension JTECH 2.0 independent coil
with heavy-duty shock absorbers
Coupling Cruisemaster DO35
Brakes Lippert 12in electric
Wheels Alloy rims, 245/70R16 AT
Water 2 x 95L freshwater, 1 x 95L grey
water
Battery 1 x 400Ah lithium
Solar 3 x 200W solar panels with 40Ah
solar controller
Inverter 3000W
Air-conditioner Roof-mounted Dometic
Ibis 4 reverse cycle
Gas 2 x 9kg
Sway control Lippert Sway Command Tow
Control

INTERNAL
Cooking Thetford four-burner cooktop with
grill and oven
Microwave Sphere 23L microwave
Fridge Dometic RUC8 216L compressor
fridge/freezer (optional) (Standard is a
Thetford T2175C 171L fridge/freezer)
Bathroom Separate toilet and shower —
Thetford ceramic swivel toilet and ceramic
bench-mounted basin
Washing machine Sphere 3.3kg top loader,
floor mounted
Hot water 22L tank — gas/electric

PRICE FROM $101,790
OPTIONS FITTED
• Slide-out external kitchen with twin
gas hob
• Additional external 12V socket
• Additional annexe light above external
shower
• Deluxe pillow top mattress
• Fold-up table
• Upgrade to Dometic RUC8 216L
compressor fridge/freezer

PRICE AS SHOWN $107,307
MORE INFORMATION
Jayco Australia
W: jayco.com.au

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

67

BELOW AND RIGHT Fancy touchscreen
display for battery and water monitoring;
Roof-mounted Dometic Ibis 4 reverse cycle
air-con

RATINGS
VALUE FOR MONEY
I don’t think there would be too
many local challengers delivering
this much van for around $100k
TOWABILITY
A twin axle with a 600kg payload
and an ATM under 3200kg is a
winner
SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED
TOURING
It hits the mark
BUILD QUALITY
Overall, it’s great apart from interior
fasteners being more obtrusive than
some others

“The extra electrical power on board is what
defines the All-Terrain Off-Grid model”

LIVEABILITY
The layout and external features
come together for a very workable
package
SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Rates well with increased electrical
capacity for extended stays with a
reasonable water supply

ROBE
FRIDGE

CUSTOMER CARE
Two-year manufacturing and fiveyear structural warranty, along with
an enormous dealership network,
are reassuring
INNOVATION
While not at the cutting edge, it is
great to see such functional power
systems flowing through to mass
production vans
X-FACTOR
Affordability, affordability,
affordability

68 caravanworld.com.au

TOILET

QUEEN BED

SEAT
ROBE

TABLE

SEAT
SHOWER

WM

J ay c o A l l-T e r r a i n O f f - G r i d X 19 . 6 1- 2

REVIEWS

Power and water
The extra electrical power on board is what
defines the All-Terrain Off-Grid X model.
The key upgrades compared to the standard
version are a 400Ah lithium battery versus
two 120Ah lithium batteries, a 3000W
inverter compared to no inverter and a more
sophisticated power management system
to cope with the extra juice. (Both variants
run three roof-mounted 200W solar panels.)
You also get a fancier touchscreen display for
battery and water monitoring.
So, is this extra power (and rear wood
box mentioned earlier) worthwhile for
you? On the Jayco website, the standard
19.61-2 is listed as tow away from $88,790
and the Off-Grid X version is tow away from
$101,790. That’s a difference of $13k. It really
boils down to how long you want to stay
away and how much you value using 240V
appliances off-grid. The upgraded package
will theoretically keep your fridge running
and your lights on for nearly double the time
or enable you to happily run stuff like, coffee
machines, hairdryers and kettles — but not
necessarily all at once.
For water storage, there is a very typical
two 95L freshwater tanks and one 95L grey
water tank. Overall, this is a highly desirable
package at a price point well below most of
the competition.

ABOVE AND BELOW The internal layout works well; The Off-Grid X makes its mark
with increased electrical capacity for extended stays away from mains power

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

69

REVIEWS J ay c o A l l-T e r r a i n O f f - G r i d X 19 . 6 1- 2

BELOW AND RIGHT Enjoying the external
slide-out kitchen; The All-Terrain Off-Grid
Jayco packs a lot of off-grid touring punch

“The Jayco empire
has been built
on making vans
affordable to more
people and this van
is no exception”
Towability
We were hooked up to a brand-new Ford
Everest and ended up covering a good
cross-section of road conditions. I had some
time in the driver’s seat, and then some
more following the reviewed van in a chase
vehicle and the van appeared poised in all
conditions. A real plus is that this van comes
in lighter than many of its competitors with
a tare weight of 2561kg. A sensible payload
of 600kg brings us to an ATM of 3161kg. This
gives you a reasonable buffer on the 3500kg
towing capacity of the Everest and many
comparable vehicles.

The bottom line
The Jayco empire has been built on making
vans affordable to more people and the AllTerrain Off-Grid X is no exception. It packs
a lot of off-grid touring punch and the longrange electrical power system that comes as
part of the package is a very useful step up
from the standard model. If you are looking
for a locally built go-anywhere tandem axle
you will be hard-pressed to find better bang
for your buck elsewhere.

70 caravanworld.com.au

CARAVAN PARK IN THE WORLD
The red dust of the Mundi Mundi Plains just out of Broken Hill, NSW, has settled
after the third Mundi Mundi Bash. Much more than just a rock concert, for three
days it becomes a mini city and the biggest caravan park in the world.
Words Allison Watt Pics Allison Watt, Ray Oliver and Supplied

72 caravanworld.com.au

M U N D I M U N D I B AS H

FEATURE

ABOVE Incredible views across the Mundi Mundi Plains at this year's bash (Image Matt Williams)

F

or three days in August, the privately
owned Belmont Station on the windy
Mundi Mundi Plains just out of Silverton,
NSW, becomes the location for the
largest caravan park in the world (well, at
least Australia) for the annual Mundi Mundi
Bash.
Affectionately known as ‘Bashville,’ this
mini city of a record 12,246 people in about
4500 caravans, camper trailers and RVs and
a handful of tents and swags emerges from

the desert plains with military precision.
Rigs of all shapes and sizes are spread over
5000 sites in a semicircular plot of roads and
interconnecting pathways.
Bash founder and CEO Greg Donovan
told me that he’s estimated the combined
total value of all the RV equipment on site
including vans, campers, motorhomes and
tow vehicles at about $1 billion, based on a
figure of $200,000 per rig. My guestimate
is more conservative based on the rigs I

observed while sitting in the line waiting
to get into the site. Even at $100,000 per
rig, there’s $450 million worth of vehicles
sitting at Bashville. The true figure
probably lies somewhere between the two.
Regardless of what they’re worth, these
rigs travelled a combined 27 million
kilometres to this iconic location 40km
from the outback city of Broken Hill for
three days of music, mateship and so
much more.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

73

FEATURE M U N D I M U N D I B AS H

ABOVE AND BELOW 6594 people danced the Nutbush to break the world record for 2023; Festival founder Greg Donovan (Images Matt Williams)

“This year's Mundi crowd broke the Guinness World Record for the
number of people dancing the Nutbush, almost 50 years to the day
it was released by Ike and Tina Turner"
The accidental music promoter
The story of festival founder Greg Donovan
is well known. In 2012, he took on a global
desert running challenge which saw him run
250km across a desert on four of the world’s
continents. At the time, no such challenge
existed in Australia, so he created the Big
Red Run, staged in the Simpson Desert,
just outside of Birdsville, Queensland, to
raise funds for medical research into Type
1 Diabetes with which his son had been
diagnosed.
Legendary Australian musician John
Williamson was organised to play on top of

74 caravanworld.com.au

the Big Red Dune for runners and volunteers
at the conclusion of the inaugural run in
2013. A small number of tickets were sold to
the public to help towards the costs of the
performance and the Bash was born. Over six
years (2013–18), the Big Red Run raised more
than $1.1 million for the Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation.
In 2014, the lineup expanded into two
days of Aussie music with onsite camping.
A crowd of 1200 turned out to the festival,
well short of the numbers required to
cover costs. Donovan knew the potential
for a music festival in such an amazing

O

RO
FF A

D

IN C LU D ES
440 AMP
0
LI TH IU M & 9 2
R
W A TT SO LA

ONLY AVAILABLE DIRECT FROM OUR FACTORY - 28 PRODUCTION DRIVE, CAMPBELLFIELD PHONE 0408 194 481

* 15-10 WILD WHEELS
* 16-10 IRONBARK
* 17-10 IRONBARK
* 17-10 BLUEGUM
* 18 -10 IRONBARK
* 18 -10 BLUEGUM
* 20-6 BLUEGUM
* 20-10 IRONBARK

ME
ALUMINIUM FRA
L
O
TR
N
G+S CO
D
RIDER OFF ROA
N
O
SI
EN
SUSP
DISC BRAKES &
N
AIR SUSPENSIO
OPTIONAL

ALL THIS IS INCLUDED - ALUMINIUM FRAME, 265 X 75 X 16 TOUGH TYRES, OFF-ROAD COUPLING, TOOLBOX WITH HIDE AWAY GAS BOTTLES AND
JERRY CAN STORAGE, GENERATOR STORAGE BOX, BIG TUNNEL BOOT, DOONA AND PILLOW CASES, GAS B.B.Q POINT, 40 AMP BATTERY
CHARGER, BREAK AWAY, ALKO ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, 4 X WHEEL 12 INCH OFF ROAD BRAKES, TWIN L.E.D AWNING LIGHTS, UNIQUE
WATER TANK FILLING SYSTEM, 3 X 95 LITRE FRESH WATER TANKS PLUS GREY WATER TANK, 4 DRAWER IN VANITY YOUR CHOICE OF WINDOWS,
REVERSE CYCLE AIR CONDITIONER, 5 SOLAR PANELS WITH 40 A REGULATOR AND BATTERY MONITOR, 2 DOOR 274 LT COMPRESSOR FRIDGE,
4 X 110 AMP LITHIUM BATTERIES, WATER FILTER AND MIXER TAPS, BACK SUPPORT MATTRESS, FULL OVEN AND GRILL,CERAMIC TOILET, 12 POWER
POINTS, 5 STAR LED AND STRIP LIGHT PACKAGE, REVERSING CAMERA, EXTRA SIDE INDICATORS, 4 SETS OF BIG BOLD STOP & TAIL LIGHTS, 10
OUTSIDE COLOURS, ELECTRIC AWNING, PICNIC TABLE, L.E.D “BOOSTED” TV ANTENNA, ALUMINIUM PULL OUT STEP, CAFE OR L SHAPED DINETTE,
REAL LEATHER UPHOLSTERY SEATS AND POCKETS, 6 INSIDE 12 VOLT POWER OUTLETS, 2 LARGE WIND UP SKY LIGHTS, TOUCH SCREEN DVD, RADIO,
CD PLAYER WITH USB PORT, 24” TV, WHIRLPOOL COOK N’ CRISP MICROWAVE, FULL HEIGHT PANTRY, CHOICE OF LAYOUTS WITH CHOICE OF
WINDOWS, FRONT LOAD WASHING MACHINE, G+S CONTROL RIDER INDEPENDENT OFF ROAD SUSPENSION FRONT, WORK LIGHT, GREY WATER.
5 YEAR WARRANTY AND MUCH MORE.

NOW
AY
ISPL
D
ON

NOW
AY
ISPL
D
ON

FULL
2 DOOR
FRIDGE

19FT 10

QUEEN
BED

SEAT

ROBE

STEP

FULL HEIGHT
PANTRY

TRI
FOLD
TABLE

TOILET
V

LARGE
TUNNEL BOOT

D.T

RAISED FRONT
LOADER W/M

LED TV/DVD

PANTRY

ROBE

ING
ADD
L
C
TE
PLA
CKA
E
H
C

DRAWER

SEAT
12 V
HATCH

SHOWER

GEN BOX

10”
19’-

RK
NBA
O
R
I

D
ROA
F
F
O

20-10 ULTIMATE IRONBARK

AUSTRALIA’S
TOUGHEST
OFFROAD
CARAVANS

20’10” BLUEGUM -HUGE KITCHEN
NOW
AY
ISPL
D
ON

17’10

AUSTRALIAN TOUGH OFF ROAD CARAVAN

16-10 IRONBARK - FULL ENSUITE
BLUEGUM - FULL ENSUITE - ISLAND BED

CUSTOM BUILDING AVAILABLE

SEE OUR WEBSITE WWW.BUSHMASTEROFFROADCARAVANS.COM

location was obvious, the challenge was now
attracting enough people to make the festival
financially sustainable and continue to invest
in great Australian talent.
In 2015, Donovan left the insurance sector
where he’d worked for 20 years and made the
risky decision to invest his superannuation
in the artists, marketing, staffing and
infrastructure and hoped that the crowds
would come. Jimmy Barnes fronted the
lineup along with Jon Stevens, Diesel, The
McClymonts and more. More than 3000
people attended, had a fantastic time and
continued to spread the word far and wide.
This year the 10th Big Red Bash was held
in July. It is now the most remote music
festival in the world, attracting a who’s who of
Australian music royalty and 10,000 revellers
annually.
Donovan explained the rationale for
creating the Mundi Mundi Bash, first held
in April 2022, which is accessible on sealed
roads and close to the big regional city of
Broken Hill.
“We wanted somewhere that was going to
be more accessible, as about 80 per cent of
the caravan market is people with on-road
vans and a lot of those people are not keen

to do a lot of dirt road travel,” he said. “We
wanted to provide the Big Red experience
to those people with normal vans or
motorhomes or a sedan or SUV with camping
gear.
“We wanted to be able to pick up that
whole experience and drop it into an
awesome outback area and close to an iconic
outback town that people want to visit.”
The Mundi Mundi crowd peaked at 12,246
this year — a record — and while there is
capacity to grow it further, Donovan said they
will assess it after this year’s event.
“Up to a certain size the event is great
— there’s a real buzz about the place but I
don’t want to grow for the sake of growing
and get to the point where it has an effect
on the experience for people, where they
have to wait longer in queues or walk further
distances to get to facilities.”
At this stage there are no plans for any
further Bash locations. Donovan is now in
his 60s and is handing the mantel over to his
adult children who are taking on more dayto-day responsibilities at the events. Besides,
he and his wife have their own caravan and
are keen to do some travelling.

“The Mundi Mundi crowd peaked at 12,246 this year — a record
— and while there is capacity to grow it further, Donovan said
they will assess it after this year's event"

76 caravanworld.com.au

M U N D I M U N D I B AS H

FEATURE

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Rigs of all sizes rolling
into this year's Bash (Image Matt Williams); The
local constabulary enjoying a camel ride; Dressed
in pink for the Mundi Undi Run; and the 2023
Mundi Undi Run in action (Images Matt Williams)

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

77

FEATURE M U N D I M U N D I B AS H

ABOVE AND BELOW 'Bashville' is a mini city which emerges from the plains in a matter of days and then disappears again
(Image Matt Williams); Signage helps you find the way back to camp

Numbers and logistics
With an event of the sheer size and scale of
the third Mundi Mundi Bash, the numbers
are mind-boggling:
• 427 volunteers
• 425 dogs
• 200,846 cans recycled
• 27,153 plastic bottles recycled
• 200,000 litres of water saved
• 630 composting loos
• 615km of loo paper used
• $162,000 in funds raised for the Royal
Flying Doctor Service
• 6594 people danced the Nutbush to
break the world record
• 80km/h maximum wind speed — a
storm came through on Thursday night
just after Hoodoo Gurus which sent
tents and umbrellas flying and awnings
ripped from caravans.

78 caravanworld.com.au

Bashville is a mini city which emerges
from the plains in a matter of days and then
disappears again, leaving nothing in its wake.
There are roads and pathways, all signed
so you can find your way back to camp.
However, there are also many ingenious
ways that campers ‘signpost’ their campsites,
ranging from flags to flashing lights.
There is no phone reception, but public
wi-fi was available for purchase in the plaza
area. More than 20 food vendors provided
everything from coffee and juice to pizzas
and arancini. There was a giant merchandise
tent, an FM radio station, a dedicated app
for your phone to access the concert and
activities schedule easily, a medical centre,
vet, firewood, ice and a huge number of
stallholders including local artists from the
West Darling Arts Precinct in regional NSW.

“Rigs of all shapes
and sizes are spread
over 5000 sites
in a semicircular
plot of roads and
interconnecting
pathways"

Dunny angels and others
Volunteers get a free ticket to the Bash and
the best campsites in exchange for a few
hours work each day undertaking a multitude
of tasks before, during and after the event.
They come from all walks of life and bring a
huge and diverse range of life skills and work
experience with them. Volunteer places go
very quickly.
Jobs include set up and pack down, traffic
marshalling, working in the merch tent,
electricians, general hands and the famous
‘dunny angels’ who keep the 630 composting
toilets clean and stocked with paper and
sawdust. While the thought of attending an
event with more than 12,000 people using
more than 600 compost loos sounds offputting, these are some of the cleanest and
least smelly dunnies you will ever see at a
mass participation event.

80 caravanworld.com.au

ABOVE AND BELOW A few of the Bash's 'Dunny angels' (Image Matt Williams);
Mad Max 2 characters attempting another world record

M U N D I M U N D I B AS H

FEATURE

“In between the three days of Aussie rock music, there are a
multitude of events and activities that make the Bash so iconic"

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Smiling festivalgoers at this year's Bash (Image Matt Williams); Ready for the Doggie Fashions on the Plains competition; A
Mundi Undi Run team; Sunrise yoga (Image Matt Williams)

More than music
In between the three days of Aussie rock
music, there are a multitude of events and
activities that make the Bash so iconic.
This year’s Mundi crowd broke the
Guinness World Record for the number of
people dancing the Nutbush, almost 50 years
to the day that the song was released by Ike
and Tina Turner. A total of 6594 — including
yours truly — kicked up the dust for a total of
five minutes to beat the previous record set
at the Big Red Bash in July. At $15 per person

to enter, this event alone raised more than
$160,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
There was also an attempt at the world
record for the number of people dressed as
characters from Mad Max 2 — the 1981 iconic
post-apocalyptic action thriller directed
by George Miller and filmed on the Mundi
Mundi Plains where the Bash is held.
The Mundi Undi Run is another
fundraising event for the RFDS in which
festivalgoers don their best boxers, briefs,
bras, bikinis and budgie smugglers for a 1km

run or walk around Bashville. While some of
the costumes go a bit outside the brief — think
incontinence wear and crocheted elephant
undies with appropriately placed trunks — it
is laugh-out-loud funny and all for a great
cause.
The doggos didn’t miss out — there was a
fashion parade just for pooches as well as
Mundi’s Got Talent, camel and helicopter
rides, dunny door painting, a petting zoo and
sunrise yoga each day.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

81

FEATURE M U N D I M U N D I B AS H

“Human Nature headlined the Saturday night set at Mundi Mundi
this year — their first and hopefully not last appearance"
Australia’s finest
The music lineups at Bashes over the years is
a who’s who of Australian rock royalty.
John Williamson played guitar on the top
of Big Red at the first Bash in 2013, but he has
returned many times since, along with the
likes of this year’s headline act — Icehouse
— and Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes, John
Farnham, Midnight Oil, Missy Higgins, Lee
Kernaghan, Daryl Braithwaite, James Reyne,
Mark Seymour, Kasey Chambers and Kate
Ceberano.
Many are regulars at both Birdsville and
Broken Hill including Shane Howard, Russell
Morris, Glenn Shorrock, Ian Moss, The
Angels, Mi-Sex, Dragon, Chocolate Starfish
and Furnace and the Fundamentals. Human
Nature headlined the Saturday night set
at Mundi Mundi this year — their first and
hopefully not last appearance.
This year’s set also featured a special
tribute to Tina Turner who passed away in
May aged 83 years. Some of this country’s
best female vocalists including Kate
Ceberano, Wendy Matthews and Grace
Knight belted out some of Tina’s best-known
hits which got the crowd on their feet.
The music lineup for the 2024 Mundi
Mundi Bash and further event information
can be found at mundimundibash.com.au.

82 caravanworld.com.au

ABOVE AND BELOW The Saturday night set at this year's Mundi Mundi Bash
(Image Matt Williams); A stunning Mundi Mundi Plains sky at sunset

MAIN Sweeping views of Norman Beach from Mount Oberon

84 caravanworld.com.au

WILSONS PROM, VIC

TRAVEL

AT THE
A favourite summer haunt for Victorians, Wilsons Promontory
offers travellers the chance to visit the southernmost point
of mainland Australia and explore secluded beaches, coastal
wilderness and mountain trails.
Words and Pics C at h e r i n e B e s t

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

85

“At the top enjoy 360-degree views extending from the inland forested
peaks to the sapphire-jewelled curves of the coastline"

ABOVE Better than screens - the view from Mount Oberon

T

he sky is angry. Saltwater spittle stings
my face as the boat hurtles across
a monochrome sea greyer than the
brooding clouds. The skipper kills
the engine, and we drift alongside a
granite boulder field extending across the
ocean like a natural causeway to nowhere.
About 12,000 years ago, this granite shelf
was the start of a land bridge to Tasmania.
Today, there’s nothing beyond it but the cold,
treacherous waters of Bass Strait.
If you’ve ever stood at the tip of Cape York
in Qld, at Steep Point or Cape Byron (on
the western and easternmost extremities
of Australia), this is another one for your
bucket list. South Point, the nondescript big

86 caravanworld.com.au

toe on the windswept shores of Victoria’s
Wilsons Promontory, is the southernmost
point of mainland Australia. To get here,
you can either hoof it 19km on an overland
trail or take the easy route and visit by boat.
Cruises with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
(promcruises.com.au) not only save you a
hefty hike, but also provide an ocean-side
window into Victoria’s oldest national park,
also home to the state’s largest marine park.
Wilsons Promontory National Park (Yiruk/
Wamoon) dangles like a beehive off the
coast of South Gippsland, connected to the
mainland by a sandy isthmus. The 50,000ha
park, about 210km southeast of Melbourne,
is a wilderness colossus, beloved for its

glinting white-sand beaches, rouged granite
boulders and craggy peaks. It’s landscapes
— heathland, wetlands, sand drifts and
eucalypt forests — are furrowed with walking
trails that have made the Prom a favourite
holiday destination for Melburnians for
generations. Yet, despite its magnetism to
a whole gamut of bushwalkers, surfers,
boaters, naturalists and photographers, the
Prom remains remarkably undeveloped.
There’s only one road in and one main
campground, which is at Tidal River,
sandwiched between the river and the 1.6km
swathe of Norman Beach and lorded over by
the lofty summit of Mount Oberon.

WILSONS PROM, VIC

TRAVEL

ABOVE AND BELOW A prime campsite opposite the Tidal River foreshore; South Point from the boat

Back in time
Wilsons Promontory is the Traditional
Land of the Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and
Gunaikurnai Peoples, who first inhabited
the area more than 6000 years ago, drawn
to its abundant natural resources. When
Europeans arrived, the land and sea were
pillaged — for seals, whales, timber, tin and
grazing. In the 1880s, early field naturalists
started campaigning for the Prom to
become a national park, and by the turn of
the century the first nature reserves were
declared. Battered by bushfires and floods in
recent years, the Prom remains an enduring
natural wilderness, preserved in the vision of
those early eco-warriors as a ‘summer haunt
of lovers of nature and scenery’.
The Prom also has wartime significance.
In WWII, this remote coastal pocket was
used as a top-secret training facility for
thousands of Australian and New Zealand
elite commandos in preparation for covert
missions in the Pacific islands. There’s a
memorial honouring their service at the
entrance to the Tidal River Campground.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

87

Of sand and summits
The Prom is a paradise of paradoxes.
A place where beautiful beaches invite
lazy days, yet the mountains beckon you
to lace up your hiking boots. Some of
the best beaches are easily accessed on
foot, so you can get idle and active on the
one excursion. There are more than 30
marked walking trails, many starting at
the campground. In summer, aim to set
out early in the day, then you can plonk
on the beach in the afternoon, when the
shallow river and broad foreshore morph
into a riot of kayaks, Eskies, beach cricket
and neoprene-clad kids. The river is
much warmer than the sea and watching
teenagers leap off the footbridge from
behind the pages of a good book is a
sublime way to round out the day.
The footbridge is also the starting
point for various walks, ranging from
the gentle 1km Loo-Errn Track along a
boardwalk skirting the river’s southern
banks, to the 12.4km return Three Bays
Walk, connecting the park’s spectacular
trio of western inlets — Squeaky Beach,
Picnic Bay and Whisky Bay. This walk
can be completed one way with a car

88 caravanworld.com.au

shuffle at Whisky Bay (allow two hours) or in
sections as there is a carpark at each beach.
Squeaky Beach (4.2km return) is one of the
Prom’s most popular walks and suitable for
kids. We tackle it with our five-year-old in
tow, who can achieve remarkable distances
with a bag of lolly snakes for encouragement.
Crossing the footbridge, the trail traces
the river towards the sea, climbing high
on the headland before peeling right and
descending through exposed heathland
to Leonard Bay, bookended by voluptuous
granite boulders. We take the 700m (one
way) detour to Pillar Point and scramble up

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Picnic Bay is
popular with surfers; A quiet spot at Squeaky
Beach; Tidal River footbridge; Views of
Leonard Bay

the giant granite rock face for views across
Norman and Leonard bays and out to the
Glennie Islands. At Squeaky Beach — the
Prom’s most photographed swathe of sand
— we make music as we walk thanks to the
rounded grains of quartz sand that squeak
underfoot. If you want a beach without
crowds, take the 8.2km return trail from
Tidal River east over Norman Point to Little
Oberon Bay (closed for repairs during our
visit).
For a more strenuous walk, tackle Mount
Oberon — one of the park’s highest peaks at
558m. The 6.8km return trek starts at the
Telegraph Saddle Carpark, 4km east of Tidal
River, and winds up a vehicle access road,
past soaring eucalypts and tree ferns. The
gravel path is wide and steep but reasonably
easy-going (friends have done it with a pram)
until you reach the communications towers,
then the final push is up over rocky, uneven
steps and stairs. At the top enjoy 360-degree
views extending from the inland forested
peaks to the sapphire-jewelled curves of the
coastline.
Mount Oberon is something of a trophy
walk and everyone of able fitness should do
it, however I prefer Mount Bishop (319m). It’s

WILSONS PROM, VIC

TRAVEL

LEFT AND BELOW The final push to the summit of Mount Oberon;
The summit at Mount Bishop

“Mount Bishop (319m) is not as tall as Oberon but
the vistas — over the Tidal River valley and bays — are
comparable and the walk itself is much more enjoyable”

PORTABLE & POWERFUL
The Optitec V3 Remote
Control Caravan and Trailer
Jockey Wheel is the newest,
most powerful portable
mover.
It’s simple to attach to
any drawbar and with the
handheld remote control,
you can park even the
largest 3500kg caravan into
extremely tight spaces.

Features:
Easy Operation to manoeuvre up to
3500kg Caravan or Boat
Advanced Radio Receiver/Controller
Full overload Protection
Over current Protection so you can’t
burn out the Motor
Under voltage protection to prevent
damage to your motor and your van
battery
Over temperature protection so

you can’t damage it even on the
hottest day
New Padlocking Lug to prevent theft
Can be powered from caravan
Anderson plug or Alligator Clamps
Weighs only 22kg so is very portable
Transmission manufactured with all
machined steel gears
Built in dynamic brakes
Full Warranty

See it in action at www.optitec.com.au
Call Gary on 0417 367 257 or email info@optitec.com.au

LATEST
V3 MODEL

NOW
AVAILABLE

ABOVE AND BELOW A scenic lookout over the Tidal River from the Lilly Pilly Link Trail; Camping in the shadow of Mount Oberon

“The scenic Lilly Pilly
Link Track starts
at the campground
and wends above the
northern banks of
Tidal River”

90 caravanworld.com.au

not as tall as Oberon but the vistas over the
Tidal River valley and bays are comparable
and the walk itself is much more enjoyable.
You can drive to Lilly Pilly Gully Carpark and
start the 7.4km return trail there, but we opt
for the scenic Lilly Pilly Link Track (1km),
which starts at the campground and wends
above the northern banks of Tidal River.
The summit walk climbs through temperate
rainforest thick with stringybark, tree ferns
and grass trees, across trickling gullies
and past moss-sheathed boulders, as whip
birds add to the chorus of panting hikers. A
couple of hundred metres from the summit,
a rock platform the size of a helipad forms a
clearing, offering an eye-popping outlook to
Mount Oberon. The jury is out whether this
view is better than the summit.

Cruise views
Watching the procession of bright-yellow
amphibious boats clamber along the sand to
their launch on Norman Beach is a twicedaily spectacle in summer. For non-boaters,
a cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
is the only way to get out on the water, see
seal colonies and explore some of the Prom’s
13 islands. Be prepared for all weather
conditions, even on a warm summer’s day,
and do take advantage of the supplied fulllength, red hooded raincoats, even if they
have you looking like an extra from The
Handmaid’s Tale. When we set off — propelled
into the water by big retractable wheels —
it’s a warm, blue-sky day. We motor south,
tracing the craggy coastline past Oberon and
Little Oberon bays. The white sand coves and

WILSONS PROM, VIC

TRAVEL

topaz sea have a whiff of the Mediterranean.
A bait ball of feverishly schooling fish
shimmers like a disco ball beneath the
water’s surface. We idle at Sea Eagle Bay and
skipper Sam points out a giant nest atop a
towering granite pillar. The nest has been
there for half a century, he says, outliving the
white-bellied sea eagles that first built it.
As we draw further south towards South
Point, the weather turns. A pall of menacing
clouds pins the boat between a slate sea.
Fortunately, the wind is mild and we’re able
to round the granite bluff and sidle up to
Wilsons Promontory Lightstation, built with
convict labour in 1859 and the southernmost
settlement on the Australian mainland. Cut
into the cliff are the remnants of a winch

ABOVE AND BELOW Returning to Norman Beach at Tidal River; A seal colony on the offshore islands

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

91

“The highlight of the cruise comes when
we approach Skull Rock”

RIGHT Skull Rock from the tour boat

and stairs where ships delivered six monthly
supplies. A black faced cormorant wheels
overhead and a lone seal lolls in the water.
There’s plenty more to come.
The boat retreats north, back towards Tidal
River, the clouds evaporate and we’re back in
blazing sunshine and on the lookout for seals.
Some 9,000 Australian fur seals live at the
Prom, sharing the offshore islands with little
penguins, fairy prions and silver and Pacific
gulls. I smell the seals before I see them. A
pungent stench betrays a colony basking on a
scrap of boulders in the water. The highlight
of the cruise comes when we approach Skull
Rock, an almost cartoonish monolith rearing
out of the ocean, with a hollowed-out grassy
amphitheatre yawning at its centre. The boat
bobs in the island’s shadows as playful seal
pups dart and pirouette through the water –
so clear you can make out their impish white
faces beneath the surface. Soon it’s time to
motor back to Norman Beach and rumble
back up onto the sand. But I’m not yet ready
to leave.

W
il s o

Gippsland

ns
C444
B

ge
be Ran
o
r
T
La

Tongue
Point

Wilsons Promontory
!
! !

!

Horn Head

! !

! ! !

! !

! ! !

!

!

! !

! !

!

! !

!

Hobbs Head

!

!

!

!

!

! !
!

!

!

! !

! !

!

! ! ! ! ! !
! ! !

!

!

!

Se a lers

! !

!

!

!
!

!

! ! !

!

!

! !

Cv

!

alking Tk
W
!

Leonard Point
Squeaky Tidal River
!
!
Beach
Tidal River
Pillar Point Norman Campground
Beach
!
!
Mount
Oberon
Norman Point

! ! ! ! !

Pr o

Mount

m o !! Bishop
nto
ry
Rd

!
!

! !
! !

!

!

!
!

!

!

!

!
! !

! !

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

! ! ! !
!

! ! !
! !
! !

!

! ! ! ! ! ! !

!

! !

Cape Wellington

Bay

!

! ! ! !

!

!
!

!

!

!

!
!
!

!

! !

!

2

!
!

!

!

!

!

© Hema Maps

!

!

!

!

!

! !
!

! !

!!

!

!

! !
! !

!

!

!

!
!

!
!

!

0

!

!
! !

e

!

!
! !

Waterloo Point

!

!

! !
! !
! !

!

Rang

South West Point

s

!

!
!

South Point

92 caravanworld.com.au

!

!

Waterloo

!

! !

! !

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

! ! ! ! !

!
!

!

! !

!

!

!

! !

!

!

!

National Park

lder

Bass
Strait

Brown Head

!

Bou

s

! !

!

Wilsons Promontory

Marine National Park

!

!

ck
Tra

Oberon Point

! !

!

!
!

! !

!

ph
Telegr a
MVO

!

Wils on Range

Wilsons Promontory
Lightstation

4

km

WILSONS PROM, VIC

TRAVEL

CONTACTS
Stay
Unless you’re hiking overnight, there’s only
one place to stay in the heart of Wilsons
Prom and that’s the Tidal River
Campground. The sprawling Parks
Victoria-managed park has 484 sites
divided between two sections — riverside
and beach facing. Only 20 sites are
powered, but the best ones are
unpowered. (Cabins are available for noncamping friends and family.) There are
plenty of water taps to refill your tanks
and sullage traps for disposing of grey
water, and there’s even a charging station
for 240V devices. Book online.
parks.vic.gov.au/stay
Food and activities
If you fancy a night off the pans, the Prom
Takeaway sells fish and chips, burgers, icecreams, wraps and salads, while the
adjoining Tidal River General Store stocks
the essentials, souvenirs and camping
supplies. Book a seat at the open-air
cinema in summer and take advantage of
free ranger-guided walks and activities
during school holidays.
Need to know
The nearest fuel is at Yanakie, 37km west
of Tidal River, so come prepared. During
peak periods, including summer school
holidays and long weekends, the road to
Telegraph Saddle carpark (starting point
for the Mount Oberon Track) is closed.
Free shuttle buses instead ferry hikers to
and from the campground. Beware of the
wombats. They are extremely friendly, and
I have seen them tear through canvas to
get at food!
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Tidal River is a paddler's paradise; The tea-tannin
waters of the Tidal River run past the campground; The Wilsons Prom
lightstation; Picnic Bay can be reached from Tidal River

More info
visitgippsland.com.au

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

93

94 caravanworld.com.au

V I S I O N R V V H -1 4

REVIEWS

IN BRIEF

W
Words
and Pics
a

Malcolm
Street

on

Offroad
pop-top van
Body length of
4.27m (14ft)
Single axle fitted
with airbag
suspension

A small pop-top caravan
packed with features and
designed to handle offroad
travel? No, you’re not
seeing things ...

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

95

B

ack in time, when the major oil
producers in the world were causing
severe economic problems with
high oil prices and everybody was
downsizing their tow vehicle sizes,
pop-top caravans were very popular.
Since then, the market for pop-top
caravans has waxed and waned somewhat.
Of course, there’s still a demand, particularly
among hybrid caravan travellers, and
Queensland-based Vision RV is one
manufacturer with pop-tops in its range. I
was able to take a typical example, a VH-14
hybrid, out for a run in the hinterland area
behind the Sunshine Coast — an excellent
location for finding plenty of rough road
tracks to give any van a workout.

96 caravanworld.com.au

MONOCOQUE CONSTRUCTION
Vision RV designs its own hot-dipped
galvanised chassis. It is made from
Australian steel and has 3.5mm thick 150 x
50mm (6in x 2in) rails and a drawbar. Built
for serious offroad travel, the pop-top has
a Cruisemaster DO35 hitch and Vision’s
independent trailing arm suspension with
airbags and ARB dual shock absorbers.
A benefit of the airbag suspension is that
it can be manually adjusted by switches
located behind a nearside panel. Mickey
Thompson 285/70 tyres are fitted to the
17in alloy wheels and for practical reasons,
the wheels are available in stud patterns
to suit most tow vehicles. There’s a spare
mounted on the rear bumper bar. Instead

of standard drum brakes, hydraulic disc
brakes provide the stopping power.
There are often clues about how the rest
of the caravan is built when you take a look
underneath it. The sub-chassis area of the
VH-14 hybrid is a good example, being very
neat and tidy. The water tanks all have alloy
sheet protection, and the pipework and
cabling are all neatly strapped up and in
minimal damage positions. That includes the
grommet protection, where the piping goes
through the chassis structural items.
The composite body is not made in
Australia, but it is manufactured into a
robust yet lightweight shell. It’s a whole
monocoque structure so that the body
can be lifted off the chassis as a single

V I S I O N R V V H -1 4

REVIEWS

“Vision RV likes to make a big point: its
caravans are 100 per cent timber-free”

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE The external slide-out kitchen has plenty of storage; The sub-chassis area
is very neat and tidy and all water tanks are fully protected; Packing up doesn’t take long at all

MEASURING

UP
PROS

component. This design means the body
does not rely on the chassis strength,
which keeps the weight down.
There’s something of a Teutonic
theme about the body construction;
the walls and roof are 30mm German
composite panels with 2mm fibreglass
inner and outer layers with a closed-cell
polypropylene inner core of efficient
insulation. Everything, including the
honeycomb floor, is bonded using a
German glue that joins the walls, roof,
and floor into a permanent structure.
Vision RV likes to make a big point: its
caravans are 100 per cent timber-free.

External and
internal kitchen
facilities
Ease of pop-top
operation
Practical storage
capacity
Good towing
prospect

CONS
Combo bathroom
might be a problem
for some

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

97

LEFT TO RIGHT The compact VH-14 packs a
punch in terms of features; The external slide-out
kitchen includes a Dometic three-burner gas hob

ON THE ROAD
There are several towing benefits to the
VH-14 pop top. It only has a width of 2.14m
(7ft), making it ideal for narrow bush tracks.
It has an overall towing length of just 6.59m
(21ft 7in), which is useful on undulating bush
tracks.
Because of its size, the VH-14 has a tare
mass of 2000kg and an ATM of 2900kg,
resulting in an excellent payload of 900kg.
All that tallies up to a towing package
suitable for a decent range of tow vehicles,
including any number of dual cab utes,
especially if the temptation to fully utilise
the payload is resisted.

EXTERNAL FITOUT
Given the impressive fit-out along the
nearside, the VH-14 hybrid is anything but
a normal caravan. Upfront and fitted into
the bodywork is a slide-out for a dual zone
fridge/freezer that is well incorporated into
the overall external kitchen layout.
Adjacent to the fridge, the stainless-steel
sink also slides out. It’s a decent size with hot
and cold running water. Above the sink is a
set of two drawers, which is an exceptional
use of the storage space. Above the drawers,
there’s a row of switches, mainly for the
external lights but also for the airbag
controls.
The rest of the external kitchen consists of
a hinged benchtop, part of which includes
a slide-out three-burner gas hob. Built into
the van’s bodywork are sets of narrow and
deep shelves, offering a generous amount of
storage capacity. Like much of the design in
the rest of the van, it’s all a very efficient use
of space.
The front storage box has been designed
to accommodate a small slide-out Weber
barbecue for extra cooking capability. In
addition to the barbecue, the storage box
is quite multifunctional. There’s a second
slide-out on the opposite side designed to
take a generator, as well as a firewood tray
on top of the box, and a front extension that
houses two 4kg gas cylinders and has space
on either side for water and fuel jerry cans.
The hot and cold taps fitted to either side of
the storage box are a practical inclusion.
A surprising feature of the VH-14 hybrid is
the amount external storage. In addition to
the items already mentioned, two decentsized storage bins are built into the front
offside of the van body. These bins are large
enough for all the camping essentials with
minimal size restrictions. A small part of
one of the compartments is taken up by an
air-holding tank, designed to be used with an
onboard air hose for easy tyre inflation.

98 caravanworld.com.au

“A suprising feature of the
VH-14 hybrid is the amount
of external storage”

V I S I O N R V V H -1 4

REVIEWS

VISION RV
VH-14

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Body length 4.27m (14ft)
Overall length 6.59m (21ft 7in)
Width 2.14m (7ft)
Travel height 2.6m (8ft 6in)
Tare 2000kg
ATM 2900kg
Payload 900kg (calculated)
Ball weight at tare 171kg
EXTERNAL
Frame Frameless, composite wall
structure

Cladding Fibreglass composite
Chassis Hot dipped galvanised, 150mm
(6in) rails

Suspension Independent airbag with dual
offroad shock absorbers — (button
controlled)
Coupling Cruisemaster DO35
Brakes Ventilated hydraulic disc brakes
Wheels 17in alloy, Mickey Thompson
285/70 tyres
Water 3 x 90L (270L total) freshwater, 1 x
70L grey water
Battery 300Ah lithium
Solar 2 x 330W (660Wtotal)
Air-conditioner Truma Aventa reverse
cycle air-conditioner (optional)
Gas 2 x 4kg
Sway control No

INTERNAL
Cooking Dometic external three-burner
gas hob, (Internal induction cooktop is
optional)
Fridge Vitrifrigo C115 115L 12V compressor
fridge/freezer
Bathroom Combo shower and
composting toilet
Hot water Truma AquaGo instant gas hot
water system

PRICE FROM $128,990
OPTIONS FITTED
• Truma Aventa reverse cycle air conditioner
• ARB Zero Dual 96L slide-out fridge/
freezer
• Waabiny decals
• 24in smart TV
• External TV point

PRICE AS SHOWN $139,288
MORE INFORMATION
Sunseeker Caravans
290 Nicklin Way
Warana, Qld 4575
W: visionrv.com.au

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

99

INTERNAL FITOUT
Setting up many a pop-top usually involves
unclipping the roof at the four corners
and getting some arm exercise by lifting
the roof inside from either end. With the
VH-14, the top still has to be unclipped, but
it takes just a push of a switch, and the roof
elevates. Inside, a straightforward layout is
a characteristic of this van. Ventilation and
natural light is assured by the lower wall
windows, all of which are double-glazed
acrylics, and the screened windows in the
gusset.
Up front, the bed takes up all the space.
Adjacent to the bed are two sideways-facing
lounge seats and the rear area is taken by an
offside corner combo shower/toilet cubicle
and a kitchen bench.
As well as the external kitchen facilities,
the VH-14 also offers internal cooking. The
bench is fitted out with a round stainlesssteel sink and a Vitrifrigo 115L compressor
fridge/freezer. Instead of a gas hob, an
optional induction cooktop is available.
Behind the kitchen bench, the electrical
panel has the necessary switches for
lighting, air compressor and water pump.

RATINGS
VALUE FOR MONEY
There are larger vans available for
the same money but this one is
packed with features
TOWABILITY
It’s an easy towing caravan and well
suited to a 4WD ute
SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED
TOURING
Well designed for outback travel but
not in an overly large towing
combination
BUILD QUALITY
Overall, the Vision RV van looks to be
very well put together

“A straightforward layout is a
characteristic of this van”

LIVEABILITY
It is not a big van, but it is very
practical with inside and outside
living/cooking areas
SELF SUFFICIENCY
Excellent battery and water capacity
for extended off-grid travel

SEAT

SEAT

INNOVATION
Disc brakes are certainly unusual, as
is the composting toilet

100 caravanworld.com.au

SLIDE OUT
FRIDGE

TOILET

TABLE

KING BED

CUSTOMER CARE
Vision RV offers a three-year, full
offroad, structural warranty

X-FACTOR
A great deal of thought has been put
into the effective use of storage
space, inside and out

SHOWER

FOLD DOWN
BENCH

FRIDGE

V I S I O N R V V H -1 4

REVIEWS

ABOVE AND BELOW Plenty of light and ventilation; The electrics are hidden under the lounge seat

Additionally, there’s a mains power point
and device charger sockets.
Tucked in the corner, the combo shower
and toilet cubicle has room to turn around,
is well-ventilated because of the pop-top roof
and has a small two-door cabinet built into
the rear wall. Unlike most cassette RV toilets,
the composting unit fitted to the VH-14 is
something that requires much less cleaning.
Adjacent to the bed are matching lounge
seats that face each other. There’s space to
move and when needed there’s a simple
slide-out table that sits under the bed when
not in use, which is an excellent minimalfuss arrangement. A notable feature in this
area is the number of drawers that can be
used for storage space.
Easily accessible, the bed is great for a
comfortable night’s sleep. It does sit a fair
way off the floor, but the seats on either side
make good steps. The windows on each side
of the bed are an attractive feature, and
there’s the bonus of wand reading lights and
Sirocco fans that help elevate the experience.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

101

REVIEWS

V I S I O N R V V H -1 4

“Anyone concerned about off-grid water and electrical
capacity doesn’t have to look much further than the VH-14”

HEADING OFF-GRID
Anyone concerned about off-grid water and
electrical capacity doesn’t have to look much
further than the VH-14. It has three 90L
freshwater tanks and one 70L grey tank. The
power system has a similar set of impressive
figures; the lithium LiFePO4 battery has a
capacity of 300Ah, and the two solar panels
are rated at 330W each. The composting
toilet considerably reduces dependency on
dump points.

CUSTOMER CARE
Warranties are not always as straightforward
as they could be, but Vision RV’s is relatively
clear. The manufacturer offers a three-

102 caravanworld.com.au

year, full offroad warranty on its van
build, but OEM appliances have their own
warranties. To assist customers in the event
of a problem, there’s a nationwide support
network, an in-house warranty manager and
a dedicated warranty portal on the Vision
RV website.

THE BOTTOM LINE
The VH-14 hybrid is packed with features
for a relatively small pop-top caravan. It’s all
quite impressive and results in a van that’s
well designed to handle offroad travel when
travelling in outback Australia. Best of all, it’s
not really a heavyweight towing prospect for
an offroad van.

ABOVE AND BELOW There’s a slide-out table
hidden under the bed; The combo ensuite

World

ISSUE

640
EXPERT ADVICE
D
AN
ES
R
TU
N
VE
AUTHENTIC AD

AUTHENT
IC ADVEN
TURES AN
D EXPERT
ADVICE

ISSUE 640

THE SUN

SUMMER
TOURING AT
ITS FINEST

Caravan

HERE COMES

THE SUN

ISSUE

HERE COMES

World

640

World

SUMMER
TOURING A
T
ITS FINEST

ISSUE 640

ON SALE OCT 16, 2023

TOP 10 COASTAL

CARAVAN PARKS
AROUND AUSTRALIA

$12.50

SUMMER ESCAPES:
ISSUE
’S BE640ST BEACHES
LIA
RA
AUST
W
BRUDER EXP-7 REVIE
ON SALE

OCT 16, 2023

TOP 10 CO
AS

(INC GST)

$12.50
CVW
VW6640
40 001 COV
ER.indd
1

(INC GST

)

TA
CARA28/09/2
0 AML
VAN023PA11:20:1
RK
AROUND AU S
STRALIA

SUM
AUSTRALIA MER ESCAPES:
’S BEST BE
ACHES
BRUDER EX
P-7 REVIEW

To subscribe, visit www.caravanworld.com.au/subscribe

RIGHT Leichhardt Falls,
Queensland

and
We continue refining our
200 Series LandCruiser
for cruising and towing
with some innovative
electronics.
Word and Pics John Ford

104 caravanworld.com.au

T

hose following our Operation 200 series
will know we have been travelling
around the country with our 200 Series
LandCruiser towing a 3200kg offroad

van.
Our motivation in taking on the project
was to ensure the vehicle was safe, legal
and practical. We started with a Tough Dog
GVM upgrade that allowed us to install
useful items like our MSA drawer system, a
60L myCOOLMAN freezer, Ironman bullbar
and roof rack, Redarc battery and inverter
and a set of Monster alloy wheels shod with
Yokohama X-AT GO16 tyres and a bunch of
vital accessories.

O p e r at i o n 2 0 0 :

Pa r t s i x FEATURE

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

105

LEFT AND BELOW The kit comes with everything
you need for a DIY install; Accessing the vehicle
ECU

Installing the kit

Locking it down
All the changes we’ve installed have made
the Toyota a better travelling companion
and allowed us to carry all the gear and food
we needed for remote travel, but the extra
weight comes at a price when you reach the
bowser. And out in the middle of everywhere,
we found diesel costs up to $3.40 a litre,
and we were guzzling it down like a thirsty
camel. Typical calculations were 25L/100km
on many legs over unsealed roads. In windy
conditions, we saw 28L/100km, which makes
it hard to calculate fuel range over longer
distances between pumps.
Under most conditions, we drive in S4,
which is direct drive on the 200 Series. But it
was rare for the box to lock into gear where
revs dropped into a steady range.

The Lockup-mate®PLUS+
Thinking about the fuel use issue, I was
reminded of a story we ran a year or so back
about an Adelaide-based company with its
lock-up kit for auto transmissions. Company
founder Marshall Muller is an electronics and
software engineer who, after a 30-year career
in the defence research and defence industry,
set out to solve just the issues around
protecting the transmission from overheating
and diesel consumption. He recognised that
the standard auto transmission is optimised
for average driving rather than towing or
offroad use. Marshall and his family are
practising offroad adventurers, and he
developed an automatic lock-up solution
for his own Pajero after overheating and

106 caravanworld.com.au

destroying his transmission.
Marshall designed and trialled his auto
lock-up solution across three variations
before perfecting it for the Mitzi range, and
he then moved on to his own LandCruiser
200. A man of my own heart. Realising he
was onto something, he established the
MM4X4 company to target Toyota and
Mitsubishi owners.
An automatic transmission uses a torque
converter or fluid coupling instead of the
friction clutch in a manual gearbox. The
pressurised fluid transfers power to the
gears through pressure variations and
input from the vehicle's main computer —
the electronic control unit (ECU).
While the factory ECU is set for standard
200 features, the increased tyre size we
have chosen plays games with the 200's
ECU. Towing places extra stress on the
gearbox and causes the torque converter
clutch to slip, resulting in higher engine
revs, increased fuel use and higher
transmission fluid temperatures. Over time,
prolonged excess temperature can result
in fluid degradation and even transmission
damage. This is why some mechanics
recommend a larger transmission cooler
when towing. The Lockup-mate®PLUS+ lockup kit eliminates the need for a modified
cooler. It works with the same electrical
control signals and low slip criteria as the
factory ECU for smooth operation and to
minimise wear on the clutch.

When I contacted Marshall about my
fuel economy problem, he confirmed his
experience towing a van with his 200 had
saved around 10 per cent. It sounded good to
me, so we arranged to ship a kit to our next
destination during our travels in Darwin.
Marshall suggested installation was a simple
enough DIY prospect but offered to walk us
through it if we got into strife. He also has
comprehensive videos on YouTube that help.
The kit comprises a control module (about
the size of an old flip phone), the LED switch
and harness, OBD2 and CANbus cables and
associated screws and cable ties. There's also
a comprehensive instruction booklet and a
splitter cable to plug in a scan tool like our
Autophix 9630 and monitor the gauge as you
drive while still connected to the MM4x4.
On reading through the manual, it was
clear the lock-up kit's module splices into two
wires of the 200's ECU harness, and to grab
your attention, the instructions emphasise
that getting the wiring wrong can damage
the ECU. That would be expensive. With that
in mind, I had a mate with strong electrical
experience lend a hand to double-check our
work as we went.
First up, we disconnected the vehicle
batteries, fitted the module into the driver
footwell, mounted a small load resistor onto
the body in the footwell, routed the long
cable from the controller through the firewall
and spliced it into the ECU. The instructions
here are very vehicle-specific, and we found
the process easy to follow. Next, we ran
the cable for the LED/switch to its location
on the A-pillar, where it's in clear view and
easy to reach when you need to turn it on

O p e r at i o n 2 0 0 :

Pa r t s i x FEATURE

or off. We then connected the CANbus cable
via a splitter cable to the OBD2 port under
the steering wheel. Finally, we plugged
all the wires into the control module and
reconnected the vehicle battery.
With the ignition on, you then run
the lockup-mate®PLUS+ through a selfdiagnostics test on the instrument cluster.
Here, it's possible to set different parameters
into the system, but we chose to run with the
standard setting.
A quick road test out onto the local
100km/h zone showed the system working
perfectly. The gear changes were smooth,
and we locked into the relevant gears in both
Drive and Sport (S) mode without a hitch.
Using the Sport mode is like driving with a
manual gearbox. Changes are more direct
and smoother and bring the benefits of better
engine braking.

Putting it to the test
It wasn't until a week later that we hit the
road south to Mataranka with the van in tow.
The difference in the way the car drove was
remarkable. MM4X4 recommends S4 or S5 if
conditions are suitable, and once travelling
at around 90km/h, we locked into fourth.
Engine revolutions settled, and there was
none of the rising and falling of revs with
every slight incline. The car felt smooth and
able to use its V8 torque properly. I felt more
relaxed not seeing and hearing the engine
speed changing continuously, and I'm sure
the car breathed a sigh of relief too.
What impressed me most and what sets
the kit apart was the set-and-forget, fully
automatic operation of the MM4X4 kit. To
my mind, towing a van can be hard work, so
anything that eases the load is a good thing
from a fatigue and safety perspective.
Fuel use to Mataranka improved to
23L/100km, the equivalent of 2L less. This
improvement stayed constant for the rest
of our trip, and the best we saw was on the
motorway between Brisbane and Sydney,
where we used 21L/100km at 100km/h for
most of the journey. I'm happy with that,
considering our setup.
In all, we have travelled 22,000km. At an
average of 25L/100km, we would have used
5500L or $13,750. Saving 2L would bring
the total fuel cost to $12,650, so the MM4X4
will pay for itself with change over the trip.
And that doesn't count in the much more
pleasant driving experience and less chance
of problems with overheating. I'm giving the
kit a 10 out of 10. It's great when the result
exceeds the promise.
MM4X4 make lock-up kits for most Toyota
and Mitsubishi offroaders, available online
at mm4x4.com.au. The lockup-mate®PLUS+
for the 200 Series is $695. Discounts apply to
veterans through APOD.

CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW A lock-up kit
makes travelling long distances much easier;
Installing the resistor in the foot well; MM4X4
spliced into the 200's ECU; Care is needed to
make sure you fit into the correct ECU lead; A
blue light tells you when the gear is locked

“The Lockup-mate®PLUS+ lock-up kit
eliminates the need for a modified cooler”
THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

107

Start me up
Have you ever had that sinking feeling when
running late for an important event, and you
jump in the car only to find that the battery is
flat. Imagine that experience, miles from the
nearest help, when you suddenly realise you
have left the ignition on overnight, and the
battery is dead. NRMA isn't coming to help,
and the dingos are already howling.
When the team at Projecta heard we were
heading into the unknown on our journey
with our new LandCruiser 200 Series, this
was the exact dilemma they had in mind
when they suggested we include one of their
Lithium jump starters in our kit. The IntelliStart 12V Lithium IS1400 Jump Starter unit is
not only a reputation saver when stuck with
flat batteries but also a portable power bank
to charge your devices through a 3A USB
socket.
The IS1400 is designed explicitly as a
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) cranking
battery purpose-built for jump-starting.

“They are safer than cheaper Lithium Cobalt types, offer more
starts per charge and have an operational life of 2000 cycles”

108 caravanworld.com.au

O p e r at i o n 2 0 0 :

Pa r t s i x FEATURE

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT You don't want to be stuck with a flat battery out here; Charging a phone; Starting the 200 with the IS1400

They are safer than cheaper Lithium Cobalt
types, offer more starts per charge and have
an operational life of 2000 cycles. The unit is
suitable for most 12V vehicles up to 7L petrol
or 5L diesel with a maximum of 500A at the
clamps.
Built-in technology allows the battery to
rapidly recharge from the vehicle's alternator
after a successful jump-start. Leaving the
clamps connected to the vehicle's battery
for around 40 seconds will restore the jump
starter to its original charge where the Rapid
Recharge will stop overcharging.
The unit is small enough at 7cm x 22cm x
16cm for easy storage. Weight is 1.7kg, and the
unit stores in a tough EVA moulded case.
A colour display shows battery charge and
instructions for operating the starter, and a
built-in torch is handy for night use. Reverse

polarity protection means no sparking
from accidental incorrect connection, but
an alarm warns you to connect it correctly.
Similarly, if connected to a battery over 14.6V
an alarm will sound, and the jump starter
will deactivate. Surge protection lets you
safely jump-start vehicles with electronic
fuel injection and computer management
systems.
We have used the IS1400 to charge phones
and a GPS tracker. I also helped someone
with a flat battery on an aging Mazda Bravo
diesel. We had him running on our first
attempt. We haven’t experienced a flat battery
on the 200 since we had the unit, so I had to
test the starting ability by disconnecting the
batteries and staging a jump-start. I hooked
the clamps to the passenger side battery
leads and turned on the ignition. The engine

turned over and started after a couple of
cranks. It wasn't immediate like with the two
house batteries, but the engine was alive. I
repeated the test three times, and the car
started each time.
The Projecta IS1400 is a valuable accessory
for travel, especially if you are travelling to
remote locations. Not only will it save you
with a flat battery, but it’s also a great way to
keep devices charged without compromising
other essential power sources. At $550 RRP,
it's cheap insurance against being stuck in
the bush, and because it is made to Projecta's
stringent quality, you know it will work when
you need it.
More information can be found on
Projecta’s website: projecta.com.au.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

109

“The condition was nearly new, and as well as
being practical, they added some visual appeal
to the fairly plain look of the white car”

As well as the significant improvements, we
have added a few accessories that have made
a difference.

A step up
The main addition is a set of second-hand
side steps from a GXL. Our basic GX model
doesn't have steps, which would be okay in
standard trim. However, the extra ride height
courtesy of the new suspension and bigger
tyres make it harder for some passengers to
climb aboard.
Happily, we found a set of alloy side steps
online that added only a few kilos in weight
and were light on the pocket at $50. The
condition was nearly new, and as well as
being practical, they added some visual
appeal to the fairly plain look of the white car.

110 caravanworld.com.au

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Side steps make climbing aboard the 200 easier;
There's also the bonus of added visual appeal; The steps bolt into existing holes

O p e r at i o n 2 0 0 :

Pa r t s i x FEATURE

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT The mesh protects the
lights; A stoneguard will save your lights on dirt
roads; Close-up of the DIY protective mesh
headlight guard; The mesh stops rocks and rodents

Stone the crows
Not everyone loves the look of our mesh
headlight guards, but after copping two
cracks in the windscreen early in the trip
from passing cars on gravel roads, I was
worried about damage to the headlights.
They are costly to replace and, unlike the
windscreen, don't come with a no-excess
insurance claim.
We cut a sheet of 15mm mesh wire into
shapes and cable-tied them to the bullbar for
protection. They don't look that elegant, it's
true, and I won't need them until we head
bush again, so they may be temporary.

Don’t let me down
Continuing the cheap and cheerful theme
are some no-name tyre pressure monitors
from Temu (temu.com.au). These solarpowered monitors give readings of four
tyres each, so we have one for the van
and another for the car sitting on the
dash. They are reasonably accurate, and
I notice each tyre increases pressure by
around 5psi once we move for half an hour
or so. The tyres on the sunny side have
higher readings. Initially, I worried that
they protruded too far outside the wheel's
protection, but they survived the trip
intact. The value of these monitors showed
one morning when one alarm sounded for
a caravan wheel, and it showed a slow leak
from a small screw imbedded in the tread.
We were able to plug the hole without
removing the wheel.
ABOVE AND RIGHT The monitors are easy to see; Solar-powered monitors

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

111

MAIN Maguk Waterfall, Kakadu (Image Tourism NT)

IN
Julia D'Orazio discovers why Kakadu is best experienced from all angles.
Words J u l i a D ' O r az i o Pics J u l i a D ’ O r az i o a n d s u p p l i e d

112 caravanworld.com.au

Ka ka d u , N T

TRAVEL

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

113

ABOVE AND BELOW Nourlangie Rock Art Kakadu; Yellow Water Cruise (Images Tourism NT)

“Besides cultural lures, Kakadu's
colourful and complex ecosystems make
it an extraordinary place to explore on
land, boat and air”

T

he Northern Territory's Kakadu
National Park is unlike any other
national park in Australia — well,
except for one. It joins Uluru-Kata Tjuta
National Park as a World Heritage-listed
Park for its cultural and natural significance.
Although it may not have an iconic colossal
red rock as its unique selling point, Kakadu's
varied landscapes make it just as remarkable
to roam.
But before I get into what makes it such an
outstanding patch of land, let's delve into its
vastness. Kakadu is a whopping 19,816sq km.
It's comparable with small countries such
as Slovenia (20,271sq km) and Fiji (18,272sq
km). Clearly, there is a lot of ground to cover
when exploring one of the country's largest
national parks, but where to begin?
The park has been occupied for more
than 65,000 years. Stories from its former
ancestors have stood the test of time, and

114 caravanworld.com.au

the park is abundant with intricate rock
art and carvings superimposed over one
another throughout.
Besides cultural lures, Kakadu's
colourful and complex ecosystems make it
an extraordinary place to explore on land,
boat and air. And trust me, you'll want to
do all three to appreciate its mishmash
of landscapes: stone country, savannah
woodlands, hills and ridges, wetlands,
tidal flats and coast and the outliers.
Within these distinct environments are
copious flora and fauna native to the
park. So, as you can imagine, it's quite the
stunner at every head turn.
And if you only have a few days to
explore this park, it can be hard to decide
what to see and do. I'll share my tried and
tested ways to make the most of Kakadu,
shall I?

Ka ka d u , N T

TRAVEL

Village in the outback
Continuing from our June adventures in
Katherine (as seen in issue 639), my sister
and I headed 255km northwest to arrive
at Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water)
Campground and Caravan Park and Cooinda
Lodge. Under one management, it offers
something for everyone — from a perfect
place to pull up the camper on grassed lands
to luxury glamping retreats, complete with a
bathtub on a deck shaded by tall paperbark
trees. How's that for soaking in the scenery?
The outback village felt reminiscent
of El Questro's The Station (WA), with its
cafes and adjacent open-air bistro bar. The
village’s pool area is an oasis, a rare dip in
the NT almost guaranteed to be croc-free.
The village also has an onsite petrol station,
convenience store and tour desk. Cooinda
Lodge is a perfect base and is well-positioned
to explore Kakadu's most famed attractions
on all kinds of transport.

LEFT AND ABOVE Rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie); Sunset during the Yellow Water Cruise

MEET YOUR NEW
B.E.S.T. MATE!
Australia's B.E.S.T. RV Inline Water Filter.
Clean, safe water… Wherever the road may take you!

Only
B.E.S.T.
uses the
SilverSafe®
Technology

From only

$119*

1800 240 822
www.bestwaterfilters.com.au
Buy direct from the manufacturer or see our website for B.E.S.T. Resellers.
*NOTE: Prices quoted are current at publication & are subject to change without notification.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

115

“I was glued to my window soaring over
stone country — once sandstone plateau
sculpted over time into a series of cliffs,
gorges and deep crevasses”

A view from above
You can get a great overview of Kakadu's
enormity and blended landscapes on a joy
flight. Kakadu Air offers airborne tours from
30 minutes to full-day air and land adventures.
Departing from Jabiru, 62km northwest of
Cooinda Lodge, we opted for the 30-minute
fixed-wing flight for just $150 per adult.
I was glued to my window in wonder, soaring
over stone country — once sandstone plateau
sculpted over time into a series of cliffs, gorges
and deep crevasses — in neighbouring Arnhem
Land. The surface below modelled a green and
grey marble effect, with dense forest swirling
between stony valleys.
One rocky outcrop stood out amid the giant

116 caravanworld.com.au

jumble. Dubbed 'The Archway', the natural
arch exemplifies the erosion this ancient
land has experienced, perhaps the country's
original 'coat hanger' landmark (sorry,
Sydney Harbour Bridge).
The stone country was split in two as we
flew over East Alligator River. The river was
also divided, one part filled with darkened
water and the other half thirsty — the effects
of the dry season. A zigzag of blond and beige
sand journeyed up the river like a rectilinear
snake crawling between crevices. With the
scenes switching below me, it was hard to
decide where to look.
The landscape morphed into grasslands,
with trees appearing like broccolis in Mikinj

Valley. I enjoyed a glance at the green
fields before we zoomed over Magela
Floodplain — a freshwater lagoon filled
with snappy inhabitants.
There was a lot to see in our half an
hour of airtime, and it made me even
more excited to hit the ground running
and start exploring Kakadu on foot.
Although, the airport terminal’s display of
NT News newspaper’s front-page clippings
featuring headlines such as ‘A croc walks
into a bar’ and a croc ‘as big as a truck’
alongside bizarre imagery did make
me reconsider getting too close to croc
country.

Ka ka d u , N T
Not your typical crossing
A half-hour drive (42km) north of Jabiru
is where you can witness tomorrow's
potential headlines unfold. Cahills
Crossing is one of the region’s best places
to observe crocodiles at play like it’s a
spectator sport.
The causeway along the East Alligator
River is notorious for its many saltwater
residents sharing passage with road trains
and high clearance 4WD vehicles. Cahills
Crossing is the only road access point
between Kakadu and Arnhem Land, with
a permit from the Northern Land Council
(NLC) required to make the daring drive
(nlc.org.au).
I would not be one of those brave
enough to take the wheel, but I was more

than happy to observe all the action unfold.
The area has three viewing platforms along
the western bank of the river to watch the
congregation of salties safely. It's advised to
check ahead for tide times during the dry
season as it will impact what unusual scenes
will unfold (the crossing is usually closed
during the wet season as water levels are too
high).
At high tide, vehicles are unable to pass
the river, with crocodiles able to do their
thing — swim, feed — without the disruption
of infrequent waves from oncoming traffic.
While low tide permits vehicles to traverse
the single road with crocodiles lurking in
murky olive-green waters beside it.
We had arrived just after high tide, with
water still flooding the causeway, not to

TRAVEL

mention some dark shapes that made us
pause. Is it a stick? Is it a log? Exposed
body parts — heads, scaly backs and tails —
appeared above water level, and it was fun
deciphering what was what.
More thrills came when a road train
entered the scene. The heavy load slowly
pushed through the river, with nearby
crocodiles nonchalant about their sudden
upheaval. It's a real man versus wild moment,
with drivers just metres from predators. It
was a gripping watch with all the suspense
and abnormal scenes of crocs and trucks
coming head-to-head. It sure is a different
world out here.
Please note: Do not venture outside the
designated viewing platform areas to see the
saltwater crocodiles.

LEFT AND ABOVE Flying over stone country; Cahills Crossing is one of the region's best place to observe crocs at play

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

117

“Mandy instantly
proved to be a walking
encyclopedia of the
World Heritage-listed
site, having led tours in
the area for more than
35 years”

FAST FACTS
Please note, you will need a Park Pass to
enter Kakadu National Park. These can be
purchased online and are valid for seven
days.
W: book.parksaustralia.gov.au/passes
Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water)
Campground and Caravan Park
P: 08 8979 1500
E: camping@yellowwater.com.au
W: kakadutourism.com/accommodation/
cooinda-campground-caravan-park
Yellow Water Cruises
Book at the tour desk at Ngurrungurrudjba
(Yellow Water) Campground and Caravan
Park or online: kakadutourism.com/tripplanning/yellow-water-cruises
Kakadu Air
P: 1800 089 113
E: reservations@kakaduair.com.au
W: kakaduair.com.au
Ubirr rock art
W: parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/do/
rock-art/ubirr
Kakadu Billabong Safari Camp
P: 0499 326 753
E: murdudjurlkakadu@gmail.com
W: kakadubillabongsafaricamp.com.au

118 caravanworld.com.au

ABOVE AND BELOW Walking through Ubirr, one of Kakadu's biggest rock art galleries;
Nourlangie rock art tour guide Mandy Muir

TRAVEL

Ka ka d u , N T
Uncovering ancient artworks
Within Kakadu's unparalleled sceneries are
ancient stories, many of which have been
displayed for thousands of years.
We joined local Murrumburrah tour
guide Mandy Muir of Kakadu Billabong
Safari Camp to understand artwork at the
sacred site, Nourlangie, locally known as
Burrungkuy, 44km east of the Cooinda Lodge
campground. Mandy instantly proved to be a
walking encyclopedia of the World Heritagelisted site, having led tours in the area for
more than 35 years.
"I love visiting this place. It always
refreshes me," Mandy told us as we hiked
along the Burrungkuy main gallery and
shelter walk.
It took us roughly two hours to complete
the moderate 1.5km loop. Mandy was
forthcoming with knowledge, providing
in-depth information about native flora and
fauna and a bounty of figures drawn on
overhangs and cliff faces.
"Some of our figures are drawn in weird
and wonderful ways," Mandy said as we
observed the intricate and well-preserved
painting of creation ancestor Namarrkon, or

ABOVE Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site

the Lightning Man, one of the park’s most
famous drawings in the Anbangbang gallery.
The influential Dreamtime figure has axes on
his head and is surrounded by lightning.
From Kunwarddehwardde lookout, three
pillar-like cliffs along the Arnhem Land
escarpment are believed to be the home
of Lightning Man — a sacred yet dangerous
place to venture, according to Lightning
Dreaming.
Another rock gallery that is a must-visit is
Ubirr, 93km north of the campground. The
park is regarded as one of the world's finest
collections of rock art, famous for its x-ray
paintings and contact art recording early
encounters between the Traditional Owners
and European explorers.

s

Eas

Timor Sea

Ro ad

Stuart
"

ar

Ar n hem

M

'Bark Hut
Inn'

et

k

!"
!

Patonga

Gunbalanya/
Oenpelli

!
!

"

Mikginj Valley

! The
!

Mudginberri
" Hunters Camp

Archway

"

Jabiru

"

Djirrbiyak
Anbangbang
Rock Shelter

Kakadu ALT

Kakadu Billabong
Safari Camp

k adu

Mary River National
Park (McKinlay River)

Djuwarr

Arnhem
Land ALT
Warddeken IPA
Namarrgon
Gorge

Arnhem Land

Coirwong
(Barneys) Gorge
R i ve

R i ve r

H

ar

e
o wl y

"
!
!

"
!

!

!
!

21
A

Cooinda

The Ngurrungurrudjba
(Yellow Water)
Ji
m Campground & CP &
Cooinda Lodge
Mount Bundey
Ro
ad
Training Area

r

1
A
23
A
A

Nourlangie/
Anlarrh

ay
ghw

ary

M

a rg

er
Kin l ay R i v

"

Mc

'Mount
Ringwood'

Mumakala

r

Jim

"

C

Hi

"

y

'Corroboree
Park
Tavern'

Kapalga

Hw

n

Rd

A del

M

Mary River National
Park (Wildman River)

Nabarlek

Ubirr

"

R.

ai
r ak

'Munmarlary/Manmalarri'

Ka

R i ve r

th

Kakadu
(Rock Art) &
National Park Ubirr
Cahills Crossing

li ga t o

de

t

or

Al

oi

at

R.

'Swim Creek "
Plains'

ig

Cannon
Hill "

Sou

ai

A ll

Finke Bay

P

36
A
A

Mangardubu "

t

Pococks
Beach

Chambers Bay
'Lake
Finniss "
Farm'

The best time to visit Ubirr is in the
early morning or late afternoon. We opted
for the latter, joining a rock art tour at
4.30pm during the dry season. It was a
one-of-a-kind tour with Indigenous guide/
joker Oscar Cooper at the helm, guiding a
prominent percussion around the sacred
site. We walked in the shadows of cliffs to
view the numerous outback masterpieces,
including the Rainbow Serpent — one of
the most powerful ancestors in Creation
Time. After 1.5 hours of jokes intertwined
with cultural curations, we wound our way
up onto the plateau. It's a perfect vantage
point to appreciate a Top End sunset and see
Kakadu's immense landscape change colour.
A stirring experience.

0

10

20
km

© Hema Maps

Mount Wells

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

119

Cruising along
Another incredible way to enjoy a sunset
is cruising Yellow Water Billabong, next
door to Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water)
Campground and Caravan Park and Cooinda
Lodge. The wetland is one of the park's top
tourist destinations, famed for its abundant
and unique wildlife at the end of Jim Jim
Creek — an offshoot of the South Alligator
River. The entire river system is within the
national park and is worth the distance to
explore.
Multiple 1.5-hour cruises are available
throughout the day; however, mornings
and sunsets are optimal for witnessing
wildlife activity. These cruises are a must
for birdwatches — at least 60 bird species,
including whistling ducks, white-bellied sea
eagles and magpie geese, are found frolicking
in the Yellow Water Billabong’s darkened
waters. The birdsong and squawks create a
beautiful ambience.
Other than birds, the famous wetland is a

120 caravanworld.com.au

haven for freshwater crocodiles. We spotted a
few in tall grasses and mangroves, pulling up
the boat to closely examine these predators.
Many appeared camera shy, quickly
submerging into the water, and we were all
wondering if we’d get to see one up close.
The boat pulled into a small inlet dubbed
'honey hole' — an ideal spot to observe the
sunset and abundant wildlife. Its name
quickly became apparent. Most of us
onboard didn't know where to look. So much
activity was happening in the air, water and
on land. It was the ultimate showdown. More
than 10 crocodiles surrounded the boat;
a few stood frozen with mouths opened,
such terrifying living statues. Being within
metres of these sharp-toothed predators
was intimidating, yet I loved the suspense of
sneaky movements, a sudden splash here and
there. Birds flapping about. It was a lot to take
in, running back and forth between sides of
the boat to the park's residents' movements.
Riveting stuff.

LEFT AND ABOVE Black-necked stork (Jabiru)
(Image Tourism NT); A croc seen from the Yellow
Water Cruise

Ka ka d u , N T

TRAVEL

LEFT Yellow Water Billabong (Image Tourism NT)

“The wetland is one of
the park's top tourist
destinations, famed
for its abundant and
unique wildlife at the
end of Jim Jim Creek”

The comedown
There are plenty of places to cool off in
Kakadu with its myriad waterholes. We opted
to head to Maguk, approximately 61km south
of the campgrounds. But to access the hidden
utopia is not without effort.
After traversing 14km along an unsealed
road, it's a 1km easy hike through monsoon
rainforest and across rock-strewn terrain to
arrive at the sacred site's natural waterfall
and plunge pool. We couldn't believe our
fortune, having this oasis cloaked by gorge
walls to ourselves. For the most part, Kakadu
always makes you feel that way, like you’re
the only explorer out there. After all, it's big
enough.

Is safety your priority?
Buy a 5th wheeler!
>
>
>
>
>

Australian-made for Australian roads
Hitches fully ADR compliant > No swaying
Easy reversing > Increased towing safety
More payload up to 1000kgs
Visit our factory in Toowoomba

www.winjana5thwheelers.com.au

WE DO
SERVICING!
Repairs, services, and
spare parts available.
See website for
details.

T 07 4638 3576 E sales@winjana5thwheelers.com.au A 2 Buchanan St, Toowoomba QLD 4350

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

121

in the

Words
and Pics

John
Hughes

Sixty years in the making, the Evernew RT-X 30 brings
together the best of traditional build quality and
contemporary fit-out in a functional rough road tourer.

122 caravanworld.com.au

E v e r n e w R T-X 3 0

REVIEWS

IN BRIEF
5.88m (19ft 3in)
couple’s van with highend offroad touring spec
3500kg ATM with a
healthy 866kg payload
Impressive attention
to detail in the build
quality

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

123

MEASURING

“The attention to detail in this van
is among the best I have seen”

W

e are getting to know the RT-X
series at Caravan World pretty
well, having reviewed the smaller
(RT-X 28) and larger (RT-X 35)
siblings in recent times. We have
learnt that the RT stands for rugged terrain
and the X designates extreme. The RT-X 30
on review sits in the middle of the range with
a 5.88m (19ft 3in) body and a 2634kg tare
weight.
Dani Bib, the owner of the company, joined
me for the day to run through the van and
share some more about the company. The
decals on the van proclaiming ‘Est. 1963’ tells
us Evernew has hit the 60-year anniversary
milestone, and they have every right to
crow about it. Dani bought the business
in 2017 and has passionately worked on
modernising product functionality while
maintaining traditional build quality.

124 caravanworld.com.au

UP
PROS

High level of
attention to detail and
the build quality
Lighter than most
vans of this size
Great spec chassis
and suspension

CONS
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Enerdrive 200Ah
lithium battery and charging system; Stylish
dinette; The space under the bed does not
have any hardware and can be fully utilised for
storage

Some people
might miss a front
toolbox

E v e r n e w R T-X 3 0

REVIEWS

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

125

Doing it right
I often like to open every external hatch
and internal door to get a feel for where
everything is located and to see how much
care the manufacturer takes with the
nitty-gritty parts of the build. It was quickly
apparent that the attention to detail in this
van is among the best I have seen.
The internal plumbing under each sink
was neatly routed which is a sign of good
workmanship but more importantly means
the storage space is not gobbled up like you
see in some vans. The plumbing lines are

a combination of copper and cross-linked
polyethylene pipe with push fit fittings
usually used in house builds. Evernew
prefers this over regular RV plumbing
because the teams find it less prone to leaks.
Continuing with the house plumbing theme,
the RT-X 30 featured traps under the sinks to
prevent nasty smells sneaking back up the
pipes from the grey water tank.
On my tour of the van, Dani pointed out
more plumbing smarts for me to get excited
about. The shower is not located directly
against the back wall, which allowed

for two very handy externally accessed
storage compartments to be included in
the design. Everyone loves storage space,
but the cool thing is that Evernew added
a small removeable panel in these storage
compartments which allows easy access
to the plumbing behind the shower wall if
repairs are required. Brilliant.
Further poking around in cupboards
reveals the Camec 3kg top loader washing
machine is secured with a functional travel
strap and has a drip tray underneath which
drains water onto the ground if the washing
machine were to have a leak.
Another feature I appreciated was
mounting mirrors on the bathroom’s upper
cabinet doors. This is a clever way to make
the most of the van’s real estate, enabling the
cupboards to be much taller for more storage
space. It does add a fair bit of weight to the
doors which puts more stress on the hinges
when travelling on bumpy roads, but Dani
assures me they have done the engineering
to ensure the doors will go the distance.
Evernew has changed from a sliding
door to a concertina door to separate the
bathroom from the main living area. This has
two advantages. Firstly, it eliminates the wall
cavity used to house a sliding door, making
the bathroom a smidge more spacious. And
secondly — and perhaps more importantly —
Dani tells me it saves 30kg.

“The internal plumbing under each sink was neatly routed which
is a sign of good workmanship but more importantly means the
storage space is not gobbled up like you see in some vans”

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Camec 3kg front loading washing machine; Neat plumbing beneath
the van; Mirrors mounted on the bathroom cabinet doors are a nice touch

126 caravanworld.com.au

E v e r n e w R T-X 3 0

REVIEWS

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Rear recovery point;
G&S chassis; Washing machine leak drain

EVERNEW
RT-X 30

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Body length 5.88m (19ft 3in)
Overall length 8.13m (26ft 8in)
Width 2.49m (8ft 2in)
Height 3m (9ft 11in)
Tare 2634kg
ATM 3500kg
Payload 866kg (calculated)
Ball weight at tare 225kg

Hardware
Evernew has been using G&S chassis for
a number of years and this version has a
6in A-frame and main rails. Dani is a firm
believer in the hot dip gal process for the
greatest corrosion protection, even though
it is more expensive. To help keep weight
down, the A-frame does not have a toolbox
up front but features a low-profile carrying
tray suitable for grey water hoses or alike. A
pair of 9kg gas bottles are mounted through
a simple bracket attached to the A-frame
and they are protected with a classic mesh
stoneguard. The rear of the chassis has
recovery points complete with shackles
staking its claim as a rugged terrain van.
The independent ATX suspension is the
flagship offroad offering from Cruisemaster.
This van sits on coil springs mated to 46mm
monotube shock absorbers with piggyback
reservoirs which keep shock temperatures
down for extended corrugated road travel.
The ATX system can be optioned with air
bags instead of coil springs to vary the ride
height and level out the van when parked on
uneven ground.
Dexter Sway Control (DSC) takes care of
sway protection. The van rolls on Cooper
Discoverer 16in All Terrain tyres, so there
have been no corners cut here. There is one
spare wheel on the rear bumper along with a
couple of jerry can holders. I think one spare
wheel is better than two for most explorers

as it saves roughly 40kg and probably
a bit more as the rear bar mounting
brackets would have to be a bit beefier to
hold the extra weight. If you are worried
about getting more than one flat tyre,
consider carrying a tyre plugging kit.
They are cheap, easy to use and will often
get you out of trouble until you can get a
proper tyre repair.
There are a few other points of interest
under the chassis. Grey water tanks are
generally mounted more or less under
the bathroom as this makes installing
the plumbing easier. Therefore, most
grey water tanks end up at the rear of the
van because that’s where the bathroom
usually is. This van has the grey water
tank forward of the axles as it prevents
the shift of weight to the rear of the van
as the grey water tank fills with water.
Evernew goes to this trouble to optimise
the balance of the van as most towing
stability issues arise from the van being
too light in the front. The water pump
is mounted under the chassis which is
another great move for leak protection. I
would rather have water running on the
ground than flooding my van any day.
The pump comes with a protective cover,
but it was removed for the photos. And
consistent with the rest of the build, the
underside plumbing was very neat and
well protected against stone damage.

EXTERNAL
Frame Meranti
Cladding 4mm composite aluminium
sheet

Chassis G&S hot dip galvanised
Suspension Cruisemaster ATX
independent coil spring suspension
Coupling Cruisemaster DO35
Brakes 12in electric drum
Wheels Grid alloy rims, Cooper Discoverer
ATX LT 265/75 R16 tyres
Water 2 x 95L freshwater, 1 x 95L grey
water
Battery Enerdrive 200Ah lithium
Solar 2 x 180W and external solar point
Air-conditioner Dometic 7 Series Pro
reverse cycle
Gas 2 x 9kg
Sway control Dexter DSC

INTERNAL
Cooking Hawker four-burner (1 x 240V, 3 x
gas) grill and oven
Microwave NCE 25L
Fridge Thetford 175L compressor
Bathroom Full ensuite
Hot water Swift gas/electric 25L

PRICE FROM $128,930
SPECIAL FEATURES
INCLUDED AS STANDARD
• Camec 3kg front loading washing
machine
• Camec Invictus front entry door with
tempered glass and keyless entry
• Savvy Level
• 2 x Sirocco Fans
• 24in Englaon Smart TV

MORE INFORMATION
Evernew Caravans
P: 03 9459 7516
E: info@evernewcaravans.com.au
W: evernewcaravans.com.au

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

127

Classic body
I visited the Evernew factory last year and
can report the company runs a meranti
frame with vertical studs at 300mm centres
and 70mm thick roof beams for added
strength. Foam insulation sheets are snuggly
fitted into the frame and ‘pink batt’ style
insulation is used in the roof. The team uses
4mm rather than 3mm composite panel
exterior cladding as it reduces the chance of
any rippling being apparent when you look
down the side of the wall, but it does add
some weight.
If you look closely at the aerial shot of
the roof you can see it has a light curve
built into it to prevent water pooling on the
roof. Talking about water protection, the
sealing process is comprehensive. To make
a join with the wall and roof, first tar tape is
applied, then silicone, then the composite
panel, followed by another application of
silicone, then the J mould and finally silicone
is applied in the screw holes.

RATINGS
VALUE FOR MONEY
Pricing comes in under some of the
competing premium Queensland
brands, making it a sound
investment
TOWABILITY
A light van is a good van
SUITABILITY FOR
INTENDED TOURING
It has all the important stuff you
need in a mid-price, light for its size
van
BUILD QUALITY
A leader in traditional build style
vans
LIVEABILITY
This is a proven and functional
layout with a few nice touches to
make it even better

ABOVE If you look closely at the aerial shot of the roof you can see it has a light curve
built into it to prevent water pooling on the roof

SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Premium brand power system with
average capacity and typical water
supply
CUSTOMER CARE
The owner of the company
personally takes care of warranty
claims

ROBE
FRIDGE

INNOVATION
There are no standouts but a good
combination of practical and
weight-saving ideas come together
in this van
X-FACTOR
Sixty years in business counts for
something

128 caravanworld.com.au

TOILET

QUEEN BED

WM

SEAT
ROBE

TABLE

SEAT
SHOWER

E v e r n e w R T-X 3 0

REVIEWS

“I love the Camec PIN-operated, keyless entry door concept —
battling a bunch of keys is one of my caravanning pet hates”
Classic layout with nice touches

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Keyless entry
door; A proven and functional layout with a
few nice touches to make it even better;
Thetford 175L compressor fridge

We have another classic layout here with the
plan view we publish and the interior photos
showing a rear bathroom, mid galley and
front bed. I love the Camec PIN-operated,
keyless entry door concept — battling a
bunch of keys is one of my caravanning pet
hates. Running through the appliances, the
Thetford 175L compressor fridge has been
designed such that it does not need external
venting, which means there is one less spot
for dust to try and work its way in. There
is a Hawker four-burner (1 x 240V, 3 x gas)
grill and oven which will please the bakers
because not all vans are sporting ovens
these days. The NCE rangehood and 25L
microwave oven are typical inclusions, as is
the Swift gas/electric 25L hot water service.
The space under the bed does not have
any hardware fitted in there which means it
can be fully utilised for storage, and lining
it with marine carpet is a nice touch on
Evernew’s part. The external rear storage
compartments are also carpet lined whereas
the front tunnel boot is your standard
utilitarian steel box. I like this setup because
you can put your ‘nice stuff’ in the carpeted
compartments and your other stuff in the
tunnel boot.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

129

RIGHT The RT-X 30 is among the lighter twinaxle vans available, with a tare weight of 2634kg

Roughing it
The RT-X 30 is fitted with a high-end brand
Enerdrive 200Ah lithium battery and
charging system powered by two 180W solar
panels. This van is not fitted with an inverter,
but Evernew can customise whatever you
want into your build as evidenced by the
range topping gasless RT-X 35 we reviewed
in September last year (issue 627). Water
capacity with two 95L freshwater tanks
and one 95L grey tank is pretty much the
norm for most vans these days. The two
jerry can holders at the rear of the van can
accommodate another 40L of water if you
prioritise that over fuel.

Towability
The RT-X 30 is one of the lighter twin-axle
vans I have reviewed with a tare of 2634kg.
The ATM of 3500kg means you can have
a potential payload of 866kg, or you can
pack smart and keep the weight down to
something more practical for a twin cab
ute such as the Nissan Navara pictured. We
towed with van and tow vehicle unladen. On
the flats and rolling hills it was all cruisy but
on some of my local steep hills the Navara
usually had to work a bit harder so it was a
good thing the van isn’t too heavy.

Customer care
Evernew rates well with a five-year
structural warranty on the body and
chassis. The suspension is covered for three
years with an additional two-year limited
warranty on parts only. Dani personally
handles warranty claims so he can have
a very immediate and hands-on response
to any issues that may need resolving.
Evernew does not have a formal service
agent network but works with the customer
to identify suitable providers to organise
solutions for customers on the road.

The bottom line
The Evernew team have established a
formula that works for them and their
customers. They build with care and take
their time to implement change. The result is
a high-end build with very well thought-out
features. The RT-X 30 is a nice sized van with
a proven layout that will appeal to many
couples looking to do extended touring. It
has a very sensible tare weight which makes
it a very practical option to pair with modern
twin cab utes if you pack sensibly.

130 caravanworld.com.au

E v e r n e w R T-X 3 0

REVIEWS

“It has a very sensible tare weight which makes
it a very practical option to pair with modern
twin cab utes if you pack sensibly”

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

131

RIGHT Explore the beautiful NSW coastline from
NRMA South West Rocks

Words Amelia Mansell Pics Supplied

IS CALLING
Australia is renowned
for its breathtaking
beaches and cruisy
coastal getaways.
So, with summer fast
approaching, we’ve put
together a list of 10 of
the most beautiful and
feature-filled parks that
can be found around
the country.

W

hile the idea of the ‘best’ caravan
park is quite subjective, we’ve
chosen caravan parks around
Australia that we believe will offer
a premium coastal getaway. Beachside
convenience, luxury on-site amenities and
tons of local activities all come into play.
So, pack your swimmers, pool noodles and
patience for finding sand in your belongings
for months to come, and start planning your
next beachside holiday now.

132 caravanworld.com.au

T O P 1 0 C O AS TA L
C A R AVA N PA R K S

FEATURE

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

133

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Glamping tent accomodation; Summer luxury at Treasure Island;
Pet-friendly caravan sites; Galleons Bistro; Pirate-themed mini-golf course

NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Park, Qld
The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most
iconic holiday destinations, and you’re sure
to find out why at the NRMA Treasure Island
Holiday Park. Located at the heart of the
Gold Coast and next to Biggera Creek, the
park is a fantastic basecamp for exploring
the beautiful scenery and attractions of
Queensland, from its sparkling beaches and
national parks to the many action-packed
theme parks (which are only a 15-minute
drive from Treasure Island).
The park itself has no shortage of things to
keep you enthralled though, with facilities
including a splash park, a year-round kids’
club (be sure to check what activities require
booking ahead of time), four resort-style
pools, a pirate-themed mini-golf course, three
playgrounds, an outdoor cinema and much
more. And if you’re looking for a spot to enjoy
a family meal or a tantalising cocktail, the
licensed Galleons Bistro is a great place to go.

134 caravanworld.com.au

If you’ve got your van in tow, you’ll have
different styles of caravan-friendly sites to
choose from. Or if you’re driving unladen, the
cabins, villas and glamping tents allow you to
choose your style of coastal paradise. Pets are
permitted at certain times of the year, so be
sure to check before booking.
Outside the park, beachside bliss is within
walking distance (or a short drive if you
prefer). Explore Surfers Paradise with its
golden beaches and bustling nightlife or
take the Treasure Island theme to heart and
set sail on a Tall Ship Cruise for a day trip to
nearby Stradbroke Island.
And while the coast may be calling
your name, don’t forget to explore the
nearby World Heritage-listed rainforests
complete with waterfalls, hiking trails and
breathtaking views. Or if you’re searching
for a different kind of sand, head to the
Australian Outback Spectacular theme park
for an outback Australia experience.

Contact details
117 Brisbane Road
Biggera Waters, Qld 4216
P: 1800 339 966
E: treasureisland@nrmaparksandresorts.com.au
W: nrmaparksandresorts.com.au/treasure-island

T O P 1 0 C O AS TA L
C A R AVA N PA R K S
BIG4 Ingenia Holiday Cairns Coconut, Qld
Dive into the lush landscape of Tropical
North Queensland at the BIG4 Ingenia
Holiday Cairns Coconut holiday park. Nestled
in 11 hectares of lush tropical gardens, Cairns
Coconut offers a premium stay for anyone
wanting to enjoy the coastal tropics of North
Queensland.
Cairns itself is only a 10-minute drive away
(or utilise the bus stop at the park’s entry) and
you can have your feet on the sand within 30
minutes.
There are 10 different styles of
accommodation options available, ensuring
every budget and travel style is accounted
for. This includes cabins, condos, villas and
units for those without a van or RV, and
caravan and tent-friendly sites with different
sizes and services available. And if you’ve got
pets — bring them along. Cairns Coconut is
pet-friendly all year round.
Park facilities include an on-site kiosk,
splash park, two resort-style pools, two
jumping cushions, a playground, tennis
courts, badminton and volleyball facilities,
pedal kart hire, an 18-hole mini-golf course,
an open-air cinema, big red fire engine rides
and plenty more.
While the park itself is a one-stop shop
for a memorable coastal getaway, be sure to
allocate some time to explore the local area.
Cairns is one of Australia’s most popular
beachside destinations and has plenty to
offer, including easy access to the Great

FEATURE

Barrier Reef. Book a local cruise and ride in a
glass bottom boat or go snorkelling for the best
way to appreciate the world's largest coral reef
system. The Cairns Coconut tour desk will have
plenty of information about these activities and
how you can book them.
To appreciate this tropical region and its
rainforests from a different vantage point,
check out the Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic
Railway. And if you’re heading further afield,
don’t miss visiting the World Heritage-listed
Daintree Rainforest (which includes Cape
Tribulation and Mossman Gorge) or head to the
Atherton Tablelands region for more stunning
natural scenery and charming towns.
Contact details
23–51 Anderson Road
Woree, Qld 4868
P: 07 4054 6644
W: ingeniaholidays.com.au/our-parks/
queensland/far-north-queensland/cairns-coconut

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Pedal kart hire;
Splash park; Resort-style pools; Cairns
Coconut is nestled in lush tropical surrounds

“Cairns is one of
Australia’s most
popular beachside
destinations and
has plenty to offer,
including easy
access to the Great
Barrier Reef”

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

135

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE NRMA South West Rocks is an ideal coastal destination; Set up camp at one of the caravan sites; Or check out the other
accomodation options, including the luxury Ngurra Lodge; The kids will love the Shipwreck Island waterpark

NRMA South West Rocks Holiday
Resort, NSW
Located in the serene coastal village of
South West Rocks on the NSW north coast,
the NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort
offers a premium coastal holiday experience
that the whole family can enjoy. And situated
halfway between Brisbane and Sydney, and
a 30-minute drive from Kempsey, it’s very
easily accessible from either state.
Explore the park’s bounty of facilities
and entertainment available, including a
year-round kids’ club, the Shipwreck Island
waterpark (which looks just like what you
would expect), playgrounds, live music,
mini-golf, pedal kart and e-bike hire and
an outdoor cinema. There’s also a great
camp kitchen and on-site cafe to refuel
before hitting the beach. And if the kids still
need a challenge, there’s always the Bear
Grylls Survival Academy which offers four
60-minute survival missions.
South West Rocks Holiday Resort doesn’t

136 caravanworld.com.au

skimp on accommodation options. There are
cabins, villas, lodges, glamping experiences,
camping and of course caravan sites with the
choice of ensuite, slab or grass.
Pets are only permitted in the down
seasons, and more information can be found
on the website.
And of course, we can’t forget the coastal
appeal factor, with swimming, hiking and
historical sites all on offer. Smoky Cape
Lighthouse in Hat Head National Park is a
fantastic spot for a picnic and scenic views, as
is Little Bay Beach (not to be confused with
the one in Sydney), a secluded beach nestled
between granite cliffs in Arakoon National
Park. Or for the brave at heart, organise a
dive at Fish Rock Cave (a 125m swim-through
cave) with South West Rocks Dive Centre to
truly appreciate the oceanic beauty of this
part of Australia. Visit Trial Bay Gaol in the
afternoon for a historical tour then sit back
and enjoy the sunset.

Contact details
161 Phillip Drive
South West Rocks, NSW 2431
P: 02 6566 6142
E: southwestrocks@nrmaparksandresorts.com.au
W: nrmaparksandresorts.com.au/south-west-rocks

“NRMA South West
Rocks Holiday
Resort offers a
premium coastal
holiday experience
that the whole
family can enjoy"

T O P 1 0 C O AS TA L
C A R AVA N PA R K S

FEATURE

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT Powered caravan
sites with beautiful surrounds; The famous
Sammy's Adventure Lagoon waterpark; Enjoy a
scrumptious meal at Ripples Licensed Cafe

North Star Holiday Resort, NSW
If you’re searching for a picture-perfect
coastal holiday on the east coast, then the
North Star Holiday Resort has you sorted.
Settled within the small town of Hastings
Point, the resort enjoys a relaxed coastal
environment while also being a convenient
half-hour drive to either Byron Bay or the
Gold Coast for those who also want to indulge
in day trips to more action-packed beach
scenes.
North Star Holiday Resort’s four hectares
of manicured sub-tropical gardens create
a lush atmosphere, and visitors will enjoy
easy access to the nearby tidal estuary with
its crystal-clear waters and the surrounding
national parkland.
There is a wide range of accommodation
options to suit all kinds of travellers, from
premium cabins, villas and apartments for
those without a rig, to powered caravanfriendly sites (ensuite options available).
No matter what style of accommodation
you opt for, almost all the kids’ activities are
free — from the famous Sammy’s Adventure
Lagoon waterpark (complete with two new
giant Super Slides) to the kids’ club, outdoor
playground, games room and more.
But the North Star Holiday Resort isn’t only
for the kids — adults of all ages can head to
the on-site Seascape Leisure Centre to treat
themselves at the day spa, infrared sauna,
25m lap pool, temperature-controlled spas,
hair salon or gym. Add a calming beach walk
to the mix and you’ll be living the coastal
lifestyle in true luxury.
Other activities on-site include the
Ripples Licensed Cafe and Marine Discovery
Centre Hastings Point, which is focused
on teaching visitors how they can play a
role in safeguarding Australia’s marine
environment.
There’s plenty to see and do in the
surrounding area, and you’ll easily fill your
days with fishing, swimming, bike riding
and all manner of water sport activities.
Hastings Point Lighthouse, Tropical Fruit
World and Tweed Eco Cruises are some of
the fan favourite local attractions and be
sure to head into the surrounding national
parks that comprise the World Heritage-listed
Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.
Contact details
1 Tweed Coast Road
Hastings Point, NSW 2489
P: 02 6676 1234
E: info@northstar.com.au
W: northstar.com.au

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

137

Phillip Island Park Lane Holiday Park, Vic
Phillip Island is one of Victoria’s most popular
and picturesque destinations, and the Phillip
Island Park Lane Holiday Park offers a luxury
experience and the perfect basecamp from
which to explore the area’s coastal delights.
And only a two-hour drive from Melbourne’s
CBD, it’s a great choice for both weekend
getaways and week-long escapes.
Coastal holidays come in many shapes and
forms and whether you’re looking for a bit of
quiet serenity, beachside fun or a fantastic
surf experience, Phillip Island has it all. The
park offers everything from cabin stays and
luxury glamping experiences to picturesque
sites for caravans and tents (with the option of
powered or unpowered sites).
On-site facilities include a charming camp
kitchen, pizza oven, barbecues, swimming
pool, tennis courts, rec room, bocce rink and
outdoor playground. There’s also a licensed
kiosk available for all the summer snacks. Or
if you’re looking for something a little fancier,
head over to Rusty Water Restaurant and
Bar for a mouthwatering meal followed by a
refreshing drink at Phillip Island Brewery —
both of which are located within the park.
And the whole family will want to put their
skills to the test at A Maze’N Things, a theme
park filled with puzzles, illusions, mazes and
mini-golf that also shares grounds with the
park.

138 caravanworld.com.au

Outside the park, Phillip Island is a natural
paradise well worth exploring. Enjoy one
of the local coastal walking trails or book a
cruise or helicopter ride for a different and
exciting way to view the stunning scenery.
Phillip Island is also home to many forms of
wildlife worth seeing. Head to Summerland
Beach at sunset to watch the Little Penguin
Parade or organise a seal-watching cruise.
Other popular attractions include the Phillip
Island Chocolate Factory, Koala Conservation
Reserve and the Phillip Island Grand Prix
Circuit Visitor Centre and Go Karts.
Contact details
1825 Phillip Island Road
Cowes, Vic 3922
P: 03 5952 2020
W: parklaneholidayparks.com.au

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Bocce rink; Cape
Woolomai Walk offers stunning coastal views;
Phillip Island Helicopter tours offer a unique
way to see the coast; Enjoy a bit of extra luxury
at Phillip Island's safari tents

T O P 1 0 C O AS TA L
C A R AVA N PA R K S

FEATURE

“The Great Ocean Road is a stunning natural
attraction all on its own, but there’s plenty to
do as you explore this winding coastal paradise”

ABOVE AND BELOW Wake to the sound of the waves at Anglesea Family Caravan
Park; The solar-heated outdoor swimming pool is great for the whole family

Anglesea Family Caravan Park, Vic
Explore the wondrous beauty of the Great
Ocean Road — one of Victoria’s most popular
coastline drives — from Anglesea Family
Caravan Park. Tucked between Anglesea
River and Surf Beach, this park offers true
beachside convenience and coastal luxury.
Facilities include a fabulous new camp
kitchen upgrade, mini-golf, jumping pillow,
solar-heated outdoor swimming pool,
basketball/multi-court, playgrounds, plus all
the standard amenities.
There’s plenty to choose from in terms of
accommodation. The Prime Camping sites
are all powered and located either next to
the river or beach, meaning you’ll only have
to walk a few metres before you hit the sand.
If you want to get closer to the amenities the
Tourist Sites are the way to go. Or, for those
who want an ultimate outdoor oasis, the
Bush Camping Sites enjoy the large shady
Indigenous Moonah trees and are only a
short walk from the beach. If you don’t have

a van in tow, there is a wide variety of cabins
and cottages to choose from. The park is
pet-friendly for most of the year but check
availability first.
The Great Ocean Road is a stunning natural
attraction all on its own, but there’s plenty
to do as you explore this winding coastal
paradise. For something sweet, check out
the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice
Creamery (a 10-minute drive away). If you
enjoy getting active, Anglesea’s Coogoorah
Park nature reserve is a fantastic spot for
hiking, fishing and water sports, or set up
at one of the picnic tables and watch the
kids play on the wooden ship-inspired
playground. There are plenty of small coastal
towns and villages to explore along the Great
Ocean Road, and stunning national parks —
so be sure to do some planning to make sure
you see it all! But if planning isn’t your forte,
the park’s website includes a thoughtful list of
all the ways you can appreciate this stunning
area.

Contact details
35 Cameron Road
Anglesea, Vic 3230
P: 03 5295 1990/1300 475 505
E: anglesea@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au
W: angleseafamilycaravanpark.com.au

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

139

NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park, Tas
If you’re exploring Tasmania, there is
no shortage of beautiful coastal vistas to
appreciate. This small state packs a punch
when it comes to natural beauty and historic
sites. Both of which can be appreciated at the
NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park. Located
on the Tasman Peninsula, a 1.5-hour drive
southeast of Hobart, the park is set within
16 hectares of lush bushland with a walking
track to the adjacent Port Arthur Historic Site,
a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site.
Enjoy the lovely caravan sites (ensuite,
powered and unpowered options available),
or if you don’t have your rig with you, check
out the luxurious safari tents for a glamping
experience with spectacular views or set up
your basecamp in one of the stylish cabins.
There are tons of park facilities to keep
you in the lap of luxury, from the BMX pump
track and playgrounds that the kids will love
to the woodfired pizza oven that will help
create some special memories. Other facilities
include a fully equipped camp kitchen,
barbecues, kiosk and laundry. Or make use
of on-site services such as requesting a firepit
at your campsite (when permitted), or the
park-run kids’ activities during the school
holidays.
The beach is only a short stroll from the
park. And if you’re wanting to see more of
the area, you can explore the self-guided
convict trail, head to the beautiful Port
Arthur Historic Site, Port Arthur Lavender
Farm or visit the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo
that is dedicated to preserving this critically
endangered species.

140 caravanworld.com.au

For those wanting a truly ultimate coastal
experience, a Tasman Island Cruise will
let you appreciate the magnitude of the
Southern Hemisphere’s tallest sea cliffs. Or if
you’ve got a few days to spare, the 46km-long
Three Capes Walking Track begins at the
Port Arthur Historic Site and offers a truly
unforgettable way to experience Tasmania’s
coastline.
Contact details
Lot 1 Garden Point Road
Port Arthur, Tas 7182
P: 1800 607 057
E: portarthur@nrmaparksandresorts.com.au
W: nrmaparksandresorts.com.au/port-arthur

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Three Capes Walking Track views; A caravan ensuite site; Explore the Port
Arhur Historic Site

T O P 1 0 C O AS TA L
C A R AVA N PA R K S

BIG4 West Beach Parks, SA
Set on 1.2km of coastline only a short drive
from Adelaide’s city centre, BIG4 West Parks
Beach definitely has the appeal factor when it
comes to a luxury coastal getaway. Location
is key at this park, and there’s no shortage of
nearby beaches, family-friendly activities,
cafes, restaurants and scenic locations where
you can enjoy a picnic before watching the
sun set over the ocean.
Just south of the park is the bayside suburb
of Glenelg where you’ll find more long sandy
beaches to stroll along, not to mention The
Beachouse, an amusement centre that offers
water slides, rides and arcade games to keep
the whole family enthralled. Glenelg is also
a go-to for fantastic fine dining experiences
and boutique shops. Henley Beach — another
of Adelaide’s popular beachside destinations
— is just north of the park. You truly are
spoilt for choice, and thankfully the park’s
website (and its staff) can provide plenty of
suggestions.
If you’re utilising the park’s caravan and RV
sites, then you’ll get to enjoy the lovely coastal
environment and the chance of ocean views
from the comfort of your own van. There are
a few kinds of caravan-friendly sites to choose
from (all powered), but the premium ensuite
sites will bring you the closest to the beach.
Alternatively, explore the cabin options —
including the stylish and modern Sand Dune
shacks built in 2020 — and the safari tents
that offer the camping experience with a little
luxury thrown in.
When it comes to facilities, West Parks
Beach has just a few crowning glories. Golfers
will easily while away their days at the on-site
West Parks Beach Golf facility, while the kids
can enjoy the West Beach Parks Skate and
BMX skatepark, the playground, jumping
pillows and go-karts. For those with younger
children, there is also a zero-depth water
play area. And once you’ve worked up your
appetite, hit the West Beach Patisserie and
Eatery before settling in for one of the park’s
movie nights.
But one of the park’s ultimate features
is the MegaClimb — a giant high ropes
course with more than 70 obstacles you can
overcome, including a three-person giant
swing. The MegaClimb is one of the largest
aerial adventure courses in Australia, so it’s
well worth a visit — but just be sure to book
ahead.
If you’ve brought a boat along, you can
make use of the West Beach Parks Marina
to launch your boat and take your coastal
adventure out onto the waves.

FEATURE

“When it comes to facilities, West Parks
Beach has just a few crowning glories”

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE The Beachouse (Image Josie Withers); The MegaClimb (Image Will
Epps); West Beach Parks caravan sites; Henley Beach Jetty (Image Nathan Godwin)

Contact details
1 Military Road
West Beach, SA 5024
P: 08 8355 7320
E: big4@westbeachparks.com.au
W: westbeachparks.com.au

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

141

Mandalay Holiday Resort and Tourist
Park, WA
Located in Busselton, and tucked between
Geographe Bay and the Margaret River wine
region, it’s easy to see why Mandalay Holiday
Resort and Tourist Park is considered one of
WA’s best coastal holiday destinations.
Enjoy the fabulous family-oriented facilities
around the park, which include everything
from undercover barbecue areas for the
ultimate summer feast to boat parking and
fish cleaning areas for the avid anglers. The
kids won’t know where to start with four
adventure playgrounds, indoor and outdoor
pools, a water slide, a games room and more
to keep them entertained.
There is a range of accommodation options
available at Mandalay, including chalets
that sleep up to six people, smaller cabins,
glamping tents and caravan-friendly sites
(powered and unpowered ensuite options).
The park has a pet-friendly season each
year, running from mid-March through to
November, but it’s always wise to check when
booking if you’re hoping to bring your furry
companions. Once you’ve arrived, be sure
to check out the ‘Mandalay Happenings’
calendar, which will let you know what events
and activities will be available to check out
during your stay.
For the explorers, there is plenty to see
and do in the surrounding region. Visit the
iconic 1.84km-long Heritage-listed Busselton
Jetty (complete with a tram for those who
want to sit and soak in the sites) to feel like
you’re walking on water. Or head under the
waves during a Busselton Jetty Underwater
Observatory Experience or SeaTREK
undersea walk.
Once you’ve exhausted Busselton’s many
coastal attractions, be sure to visit some of
the wineries that make up the renowned
Margaret River wine region.

“It’s easy to see why Mandalay Holiday
Resort and Tourist Park is considered one
of WA’s best coastal holiday destinations”

Contact details
652 Geographe Bay Road
Broadwater, WA 6280
P: 08 9752 1328
E: info@mandalayresort.com.au
W: mandalayresort.com.au

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Enjoy the relaxed atmosophere of the park; There's plenty of
accomodation options if you don't have a van with you; Underwater oasis at Busselton Jetty
(Image Tourism WA); The large outdoor waterslide; And of course, don't forget the nearby beach

142 caravanworld.com.au

T O P 1 0 C O AS TA L
C A R AVA N PA R K S

Darwin FreeSpirit Resort
Many might be cautious of visiting the
Northern Territory during the summer
months due to the heat and unpredictable
wet season (November to April). But don’t let
that deter you, as there are plenty of good
reasons to visit during this time of year — one
of which is avoiding the crowds. The wet
season is also the best time of year to see the
NT's waterfalls at their most powerful.
Darwin FreeSpirit Resort offers a luxurious
stay surrounded by a lush and tropical garden
and the convenience of having Darwin’s CBD
only a 15-minute drive away. The caravan and
camping sites offer you a chance to enjoy the
relaxed atmosphere surrounded by nature. If
you don’t have a rig, the modern cabins and
villas will have everything you need.
The park itself is a one-stop shop when it
comes to creating a fantastic coastal getaway.
The facilities include a restaurant, bar, camp
kitchen, barbecue areas, pool, bouncing
cushion, kiosk and more. But while all of
these will fulfill your need for a little bit of
luxury, the thrill of exploring the tropical NT
landscape can’t be ignored.

FEATURE

If you want to hit the beach around
Darwin, be sure to find a patrolled beach
as the NT is home to just a few crocodiles.
Alternatively, head out on a Sea Darwin
cruise for a unique and spectacular way to
see Darwin’s harbour and marine wildlife.
Darwin and the surrounding areas provide
a veritable cornucopia of activities to choose
from. If you’ve got your fishing gear on board,
try your hand at catching some of the NT’s
prized barramundi. Or a great way to get up
close and personal (safely) with a croc is at
Crocosaurus Cove with its ‘Cage of Death’
plunge. If you’re geared up for a day trip,
there are plenty of national parks to explore,
including Litchfield, Kakadu and Limmen
National Parks. If you’re not a local NT
resident, you will need a Parks Pass to enter
these national parks and many others in the
NT (nt.gov.au/parks/parks-pass).
Contact details
901 Stuart Highway
Holtze, NT 0829
P: 08 8935 0888
E: bookings@darwinfreespiritresort.com.au
W: aspenholidayparks.com.au/darwinfreespirit-resort

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Harbour tours
with Sea Darwin (Image Tourism NT); Enjoy
the luxury life in Darwin; The resort's caravan
sites are set in a lush tropical garden

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

143

144 caravanworld.com.au

T O W N S V I L L E – C A I R N S , Q L D TRAVEL

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Free
camping on the banks of Liverpool Creek
in Japoonvale; Miriam and her husband
Doug at Paronella Park; A red-tailed
black cockatoo

TROPICAL

FROM TOWNSVILLE
TO CAIRNS
From sleepy creek-side stops beside towering
sugarcane and tropical beachside delights we
uncovered some brilliant stops to park the van.
Words and Pics M i r i a m B l a k e r

A

dazzling coastline filled with natural
beauty and diversity typifies this
drive in North Queensland, which
encompasses the colourful Cassowary
Coast. The 350 kilometres between
Townsville and Cairns can be driven in
about five hours, but why rush it? Give
yourself a week, if not longer, to discover the
detours, surprising destinations and scenic
low-cost campgrounds, many of which are
nestled within the rainforest or overlook
rivers and beaches. Some places will require
a detour off the main Highway but it’s here
you’ll find the true gems. From sleepy creekside stops beside towering sugarcane and
tropical beachside delights we uncovered
some brilliant stops to park the van.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

145

Free camping around Townsville
While there are few free campsites within
Townsville itself on the northern side, you’re
spoilt for choice with a number of wellmaintained council-run campsites.
The closest one is Saunders Beach, located
off Saunders Beach Road, 10km off the
Bruce Highway. There’s room for about six
vans so arrive early to get a spot. Facilities
include flushing toilets, barbecue facilities
on the foreshore, water and a fabulous beach
you can walk on for miles. Being so close
to Townsville it’s a popular destination for
weekend visitors.
Not far away is Bluewater, with room for

about 20 vans on spacious grassy sites
and plenty of shade. Walk to the nearby
Bluewater Creek with stair access or simply
enjoy relaxing under the huge canopies.
There are toilets, a dump point, barbecues,
drinking water and plenty of space.
Balgal Beach is perhaps the most
popular of the council-run free sites.
Boasting a beautiful beach just metres
from camp with room for about 10 vans,
there are toilets, water, picnic tables and
barbecues on the adjoining foreshore
and parkland with both shady and sunny
spots. You can walk along the beach, fish
on the jetty across the road or enjoy a

“Balgal Beach is perhaps the most
popular of the council-run free
sites, boasting a beautiful beach
just metres from camp"

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Sunset at Balgal Beach; Bluewater
Park; Fishing off the jetty at Balgal; Art beneath the bridge at
Rollingstone; A visitor at Etty Bay

146 caravanworld.com.au

light meal from the on-site kiosk. Each
of the following, including Bushy Park,
require bookings online and have limits
of 48 hours … they can be organised at
townsville.bookable.net.au.
Vincent 'Bushy' Parker Park at
Rollingstone is a peaceful campground
that’s located off the main road. This is a
huge area with plenty of room to enjoy
peace and privacy. There’s plenty of shade,
toilets, barbecues, a playground and a
safe river nearby to enjoy. Walk towards
the old Rollingstone bridge to admire the
faded but amazing colourful art under the
bridge.

T O W N S V I L L E – C A I R N S , Q L D TRAVEL
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Miriam and Doug at
Cardwell jetty with Hinchinbrook Island in the
background; Cardwell Market; Paluma National
Park; Paradise Falls Waterhole; Little Crystal Creek;
The Golden Gumboot

Finding paradise
at Paluma National Park
Our days are short as we travel 15km from
Rollingstone to reach the Crystal Creek
Caravan Park, near the Mobil service station.
It’s a small and friendly caravan park with
grassed shady sites and perfectly positioned
to explore the surrounding attractions.
Take a drive to the misty mountain village
of Paluma and enjoy an easy rainforest walk
before heading to McClellands Lookout for
panoramic views out to the islands. Paluma
National Park is home to pristine waterholes,
natural rockslides and waterfalls including
Paradise Falls and Little Crystal Creek.
Nearby Big Crystal Creek is a favourite with
the big kids due to its natural water slide,
and the beautiful stone arch bridge at Little
Crystal Creek is a photographer’s dream.
Stop off at the seasonal roadside fruit stalls,
making sure to use the honesty box. At The
Frosty Mango, you can indulge in all things
mango … there are super-light scones with
mango jam, pancakes and many varieties of
ice cream and sorbet.
Ingham is just under an hour’s drive away,

a town renowned for its ingrained Italian
heritage and the sugar industry that led the
Italian migrants here. Wander down Mercer
Lane to see a wonderful tribute to the history
of the sugar industry and, if you’re around in
the last week of October, check out the action
of Ingham’s longest-running festival, the
annual Maraka Festival. A great place to stay,
especially for birdwatchers, is at the TYTO
self-contained RV Park near the 90 hectares
of wetlands with the art gallery and visitor
centre next door. Ingham is the gateway to
what’s known as The Hinchinbrook Way.
Don’t miss a visit to Wallaman Falls, the
highest single-drop waterfall in Australia,
about an hour’s drive away. Be aware that the
walk to the bottom is steep and not for the
faint-hearted, but wow, it’s an exhilarating
feeling when you get there. There are also
spectacular views of the falls from the top for
those who don’t fancy the heart-pounding
walk down.
On the highway south of Tully is Cardwell,
boasting a dynamic waterfront activity trail
and wetlands walk complete with views
over the islands of historic Rockingham Bay.

From Easter, markets are held every second
weekend on the jetty. If you’re looking to
stay overnight, just 5km out turn left into
the Meunga Creek Caravan Park. Don’t be
put off by the shabby entrance as down
the back and right by the flowing creek are
spacious, grassy sites all with river views and
power and water. At $28 per night and with
laundry and spotless amenities close by, it’s
the cheapest place to stay in the area. Travel
another 5km up the road to find the stunning
natural spa pool.
Tully is recognised as the capital of whitewater rafting, something my hubby Doug and
I did when we were first married, 30 years
ago. This time it’s more sedate and we merely
pass through. Tully did, however, live up to
its name as the wettest place in Australia as
we photographed the giant Golden Gumboot
under grey moody skies.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

147

From Kurrimine Beach to the scenic
Canecutter Way

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Views out to the islands at Kurramine Beach;
Kicking back at Kurramine Beach; Murdering Point Winery; Peaceful riverside
camping; Some takeaways from the winery

148 caravanworld.com.au

Mission Beach gets the glory and the
hype, and we stay one night, however, it’s
Kurrimine Beach 32km north that’s a real
winner for us. At this laid-back coastal
hamlet, it seems just about every home has a
tractor. They’re needed to launch boats from
the tidal boat ramp at the northern end of the
beach, which we saw happen daily from our
campsite.
There are a number of holiday parks in
town. While Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park
on the south side was voted number one for
families and nomads and has all the bells and
whistles, our choice is the low-key councilowned caravan park located near the boat
ramp. Next door, on the foreshore, is the
unpowered camping area and at $16 with
amenities nearby, we think it’s great value.
There’s plenty of room on shady sites with
glorious sea views. On our doorstep is a quiet
long beach that is perfect for sunrise walks,
cracking fresh coconuts from the palms that
line the beach and watching kite surfers.
Within walking distance, there’s a motel that
offers themed three-course dinners every
night for $20 and within a five-minute drive
is Murdering Point Winery. No grapes are
used in their wines and ports, only tropical
fruits, which makes for some intriguing
flavours as we try them all. It’s a great place
to stock up on some wines and ports for your
travels.

T O W N S V I L L E – C A I R N S , Q L D TRAVEL

“On our doorstep is a quiet long
beach that is perfect for sunrise
walks, cracking fresh coconuts
from the palms that line the beach
and watching kite surfers"

Mossman

!
!

Mount Carbine

De
ve
lo
p.

Port Douglas
Craiglie

Mount Molloy

Kuranda Trinity Beach
!

!

Mareeba

ad
Ro

Gulf
Country

!

.

G

!

Atherton
!

Bramston Beach

Innisfail

a

!

B

ie
rr

Herberton
Ravenshoe
Mount Garnet
d
en n e

Babinda

t

!

K

!

a

RA

Hw

e

Chillagoe

!

Cairns

A Gordonvale
A1
A

r

Dimbulah

!
!

y

Bu r k e

y

Hw

NG

Kurrimine Beach

1
A

!

Mission Beach
Otter Reef

GRE

Einasleigh

el
op
m

Ingham

0

50

100
km

© Hema Maps

ce

Paluma Range
A1 H
National Park A w y

A

v

De

!

B

'The Oasis Roadhouse'

G regory
Greenvale

Lucinda

!

ru

"

Wallaman Falls
Australia’s Highest !!
Permanent Waterfall

al
nt

e

'Bluewater
Springs
Roadhouse'

Deeragun

"

R

AT

Georgetown
Forsayth

Britomart
Reef

Girringun NP

f

Cardwell

!

!

Coral
Sea

e

Bruce

!

e

D IV

Tully

R

IDI

K

r

Mount
Surprise

y

!

!

Hervey
R a ng e
Ro
ad

!
!

oad

Mount
Low
!

Townsville
Ayr

!

A6
B

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

149

CONTACT DETAILS
FREE CAMPS FROM TOWNSVILLE
Saunders Beach
32km northwest of Townsville
48hr limit
Book online at townsville.bookable.net.au
Bluewater Park
37km northwest of Townsville
48hr limit
Book online at townsville.bookable.net.au
Balgal Beach
58km northwest of Townsville
48hr limit (Very popular — arrive by noon to get a spot)
Book online at townsville.bookable.net.au
Vincent ‘Bushy’ Parker
54km northwest of Townsville
Directly off Rollingstone Street at the southern end of the
Rollingstone
48hr limit
Book online at townsville.bookable.net.au

CARAVAN PARKS AND REST STOPS
Crystal Creek Caravan Park
Bruce Highway, Mutarnee
P: 07 4770 8198
W: crystalcreekcaravanpark.com.au
Cost: Powered site $38 per night for two people
TYTO Self-contained RV Park
59 Cooper Street, Ingham
P: 07 4776 4790
Register at Information Centre next door. Must be strictly selfcontained and no grey water is to be released on the ground. 48hr
limit. Backs onto wetlands.
Open from 1 March until 30 November each year.
Cost $10 per vehicle per night unpowered.
Meunga Creek Caravan Park
12 Ellerbeck Road, Ellerbeck (4km north of Cardwell)
P: 0429 728 913
Cost: Powered site $25 per night for two people
Kurrimine Beach Camping and Caravan Park
Robert Johnstone Parade, Kurrimine Beach
P: 0432 678 034
Cost: Powered site $26 per night per couple
Unpowered site in the foreshore reserve area $16 per night per
couple
See caretakers in the main caravan park next door before setting up
in unpowered area.
Japoonvale Rest Area (free)
2618 Innisfail Japoon Road, Japoonvale (10km south of Paronella
Park)
Located beside Liverpool Creek. Limited spots, facilities include
toilets, rubbish bin and picnic tables.
Paronella Park
1671 Innisfail Japoon Road, Mena Creek
P: 07 4065 0000
W: paronellapark.com.au
Cost: Adults $55, Pensioners $50, Children (Ages five to 15) $31,
Family (two adults, two children under 15) $162 per night
Admission price includes 30-minute guided walk tour, night tour and
one night in the caravan park. Open every day from 9am until
7.30pm except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Bramston Beach Campground
96 Evans Road, Bramston Beach
P: 07 4067 4121 (council run)
W: facebook.com/BramstonBeachCampground
Cost: $28 per night per couple for powered site. Or $24 per night per
couple for unpowered site.
Bookings recommended in peak season.
The Boulders Free Camping Ground
End of Boulders Road – sealed road. (6km from Babinda)
Toilets and cold showers. Short walk to the Babinda Boulders.
Limited but large sites, no power, no bookings required and as it’s
National Park, no dogs allowed. Free 72 hours stay.
ABOVE AND BELOW The coffee van at Silkwood; Mena Creek Falls at
Paronella Park

150 caravanworld.com.au

T O W N S V I L L E – C A I R N S , Q L D TRAVEL

“With a dream to create a castle in the rainforest, together with a grand
staircase, pleasure gardens, bridges and gardens among 7500 plants and
trees, it’s a fascinating place and story of a dream fulfilled"

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Kite surfers at Kurramine Beach; Driving through the canefields;
Wallaman Falls

The scenic Canecutter Way runs from
Kurrimine Beach to Innisfail, 52km of inland
detouring which is dubbed “the greatest
detour in the north.” Our first stop before
hitting the road again is a coffee from the
permanently set-up van just near the turn-off
from Kurrimine Beach — it’s the best in the
area.
We drive through small rural
communities, cane and sugar farms and
the small town of Silkwood where you’ll
find Australia’s only pepper farm and the
country’s smallest National Australia Bank.
Our destination is on the banks of Liverpool
Creek in Japoonvale. This beautiful free RV
stop is easily accessible for big rigs and is a
peaceful place to relax, fish and enjoy the
serenity.
Less than 10 minutes away is one of the
Cassowary Coast’s most notable spots, the
Mena Creek Falls — a sight so stunning that
in 1929 it inspired a Spanish immigrant by
the name of José Paronella to settle there
and begin creating what would become
Paronella Park. With a dream to create a

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

151

TRAVEL T O W N S V I L L E – C A I R N S , Q L D

“Bramston Beach is set about
6km off the Bruce Highway, a
calm tropical oasis with a relaxed
lifestyle and excellent fishing"

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE McClellands Lookout at Paluma National
Park; Boulders at Babinda; Kurramine Beach

castle in the rainforest, together with a
grand staircase, pleasure gardens, bridges
and gardens amongst 7500 plants and trees,
it’s a fascinating place and story of a dream
fulfilled.
Although José passed away years ago,
leaving his beloved park to fall into disrepair
through time and a string of natural
disasters, his dream remains alive, thanks
to current park owners Mark and Judy
Evans who have turned it into Queensland’s
number one attraction. No driving tour to
North Queensland is complete without a visit
here.
Stay overnight in the caravan park, when
you purchase a ticket, and be immersed in
the magic. And if you still haven’t had your
fill of rainforest wonder head out to the
Mamu Tropical Skywalk just 15 minutes from
Innisfail. A worthwhile detour is Etty Bay
where you’re almost guaranteed to see the
endangered Southern Cassowary patrolling
the beach. The Etty Bay Caravan Park, Surf

152 caravanworld.com.au

Life Saving Club and Kiosk have absolute
beach frontage, where the cassowary roams
freely.
It’s here we meet Bailey Seamer,
from Wondering Minds, an inspiring
young woman who’s walking from the
southernmost part of Australia, The Prom,
to the northernmost point, The Tip, all to
raise awareness of mental health and The
Black Dog Foundation. By the time this goes
to print she’ll have walked over 5000km solo
and raised over $58,000.
Bramston Beach is set about 6km off the
Bruce Highway, a calm tropical oasis with
a relaxed lifestyle and excellent fishing.
Powered sites are limited at the Bramston
Beach Caravan Park so ring ahead,
otherwise, there are plenty of unpowered
spots with most having a beautiful view of
the water. From Bramston Beach you can
access the Russell River National Park with a
4WD to camp or fish.
Our last stop before reaching Cairns

is at the Boulders Free Camping ground,
which sits in a fairy-tale landscape of lush
rainforest, clear blue pools and unusual rock
formations. Unfortunately, it rains for most
of the two days we’re there so the walk to
the boulders is wet, but still, it’s beautiful.
In warmer weather you can swim or kayak
in these clear waters and if you’re lucky you
might spot a platypus. There’s no phone
service out here making it feel blissfully
secluded but in town, the free Rotary RV area
has full phone coverage, plus there are art
deco buildings to explore, a historic hotel
and the Babinda Bakery, renowned for its
delicious pies.
We’re now less than an hour from Cairns
and it’s been a slow but wonderful journey
to savour the 350kms from Townsville.
From here, for us, it’s going to get even more
exciting as we head towards Cooktown and
onwards, towards the Cape York Peninsula
and to the very top of Australia. North
Queensland just keeps getting better.

THE ULTIMATE CARAVAN
BUY • SELL • TESTS • ADVICE

BUY

SELL

Heaps of used caravans for
sale, plus comprehensive
news, reviews and
specifications of the latests
touring gear.

Maximise your ad’s exposure
by advertising online.

ONLINE

List your private ad for as
low as $50*

MOBILE

*conditions apply

www.

.com.au

154 caravanworld.com.au

Z O N E R V S O J O U R N REVIEWS

a

Words
and Pics

Malcolm
Street

The definition of sojourn might well be a temporary stay but there’s
nothing temporary about one of the latest vans from Zone RV.

IN BRIEF
6.4m (21ft) caravan
Front bed, rear
bathroom layout
Offroad van fitted
with airbag suspension
Fully composite
build

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

155

156 caravanworld.com.au

Z O N E R V S O J O U R N REVIEWS

LEFT The kitchen bench has a very uncluttered
look about it, with just a Safiery dual induction
cooktop and a square stainless-steel sink built
into it

“T
The Sojourn has
a very generous
payload”

S
MEASURING

UP

unshine Coast-based Zone RV is a
manufacturer that knows something
about building offroad caravans.
Having been in business since 2015,
the manufacturer specialises in
caravans that are tough enough to handle
the Australian outback with an emphasis
on keeping the weight down as much as
possible.
Currently, there are three models in
the Zone RV range: the Expedition, a very
different style pop-top, the 19ft Peregrine
and the 21ft Sojourn. The latter, being the
largest, is available as a family caravan.
Still, my review van is designed for just two
people and, being a customer-ordered van, is
fitted with many options.

OPTIONS AND WEIGHTS

PROS
Electrical setup
Front storage box
External kitchen
Composting toilet

CONS
Options like extra
lithiumbatteriescan
add considerably to
the payload
Long options list

The options listed on this van are pretty
interesting, not only for the lengthy list
of them but also for what’s considered an
option. For instance, an air-conditioner
and microwave oven are standard features
on almost any caravan manufactured in
Australia today. A diesel heater would be de
rigueur on a caravan of this calibre, but not
here.
Of note is the effect of the options on the
tare mass and ATM. The van has a tare mass
of 2656kg in standard form, but with all
the options fitted that rises to 3038kg. The
ATM increases from 3500kg to 4000kg to
maintain a good payload. That certainly
pushes the review van well into US pickup
truck towing territory and is a consideration
when order time comes along. That said, the
Sojourn has a very generous payload.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

157

“A feature of the bodywork is the innovative bonded
composite monocoque structure characteristic of Zone
RV vans ... the entire van is a timberless construction”

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Mains pressure connections to the water tank are easily accessible; There’s plenty of storage upfront;
External power, charger and TV connections are fitted behind the kitchen bench

158 caravanworld.com.au

Z O N E R V S O J O U R N REVIEWS

CONSTRUCTION
A perusal under the van reveals a hot dipped
galvanised chassis with 150mm/6in rails
and drawbar. A characteristic of Zone RV
caravans is the slightly droopy look of the
drawbar, the pointy end of which has a
Cruisemaster DO45 tow coupling.
An upgrade to this model is Zone RV’s
Protection Pack. A rubberised coating is
applied to the side walls, drawbar and
rear bar. Designed to minimise damage
from debris and stones on the road. Alloy
checkerplate protects all the water tanks,
held firmly in place by aluminium strut
work. It’s a good piece of engineering.
Giving the van a very smooth ride is the
Cruisemaster ATX airbag suspension; it’s
rated at 4.5T and, therefore, eminently
suitable for rough offroad travel. Providing
extra stopping power are the optional
hydraulically operated disc brakes. The
undercarriage on the Sojourn is certainly

well-kitted out.
Above the chassis, a feature of the
bodywork is the innovative bonded
composite monocoque structure
characteristic of Zone RV vans. Indeed, the
entire van is of timberless construction. All
the joins are bonded together, including the
single-piece floor panel, laminated to the
chassis. Built into the bodywork is a front
tunnel storage but that’s dwarfed by the
drawbar-mounted storage box with gullwing
doors on either side. The offside is for the
two 4kg cylinders, but the nearside offers a
generous storage area. In front of the storage
box are two large metal pouches, one
containing the diesel tank for the heater. The
front wall of the van is utilised as a storage
space for the MAXTRAX. Similarly, the rear
wall is where the spare wheel and a folding
ladder (for roof access) are to be found.
Handy for cleaning the solar panels and roof
hatches, if nothing else.

ABOVE AND BELOW All the water tanks are very
neatly protected by alloy checkerplate; All Terrain
tyres and alloy wheels are standard

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

159

ABOVE AND BELOW The external kitchen is well-appointed and includes an induction hob; Internal kitchen looks a bit Spartan but it is fully functional

OUTSIDE CATERING
The Sojourn’s external kitchen is wellappointed. A large flap hinges down to reveal
a set of shelves large enough for all kinds of
cooking items, including a water supply. In
addition, there are both 240V and 12V hubs,
along with the necessary TV connections.
The lowered flap is large enough to
accommodate a portable wash basin and
induction cooktop yet still has space to
spare. It’s simply done but well-appointed.

ELECTRICS
Mid-offside, there’s a door that looks like
a storage compartment but is really the
department of electrics. At the top is the
Redarc battery management system with the
associated fuse links and circuit breakers.
The 200Ah Lithium LiFePO4 battery (part of
the 800Ah upgrade) and the Redarc 3000W
inverter are lower in a vented compartment.
The other three lithium 200A batteries
are located under one of the dinette seats.
Future installations like this will have to
be modified to meet new AS/NZ 3001.2
electrical standards. A feature I liked was the
large, laminated diagram stuck inside the
door. It showed how everything, including
the 1060W of solar panel capacity, is wired
together. It is very useful to understand how
it’s all connected and for fault tracing.

160 caravanworld.com.au

Z O N E R V S O J O U R N REVIEWS

“The Sojourn’s external kitchen
is well-appointed””

LEFT Redarc battery management system

ZONE RV
SOJOURN

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Body length 6.4m (21ft)
Overall length 8.8m (28ft 9in)
Width 2.5m (8ft 2in)
Height 3.1m (10ft 2in)
Tare 3038kg (standard is 2656kg)
ATM 4000kg (standard is 3500kg
Payload 962kg (standard is 844kg)
Ball weight 180kg standard
EXTERNAL
Frame Composite wall structure
Cladding Four-piece composite bonded
design, composite panels on floor, walls
and roof
Chassis Hot dipped galvanised chassis —
drawbar, rear bar and chassis one piece
Suspension Cruisemaster ATX air bag
Coupling Cruisemaster DO45 (standard is
DO35)
Brakes Disc (standard is drum brakes)
Wheels 18in alloy (standard 17in)
Water 3 x 80L (240L total)
Grey water 1 x 100L
Gas 2 x 4kg
Battery 4 x 200Ah (800Ah total)
(standard is 200Ah)
Solar 1060W (standard is 540W)
Inverter Redarc 3000W pure sine wave
Air-conditioner Webasto
Air Heater Webasto diesel air heater
Sway control N/A (not needed with disc)

INTERNAL
Cooking Safiery dual induction
Fridge Thetford T1274E, 274L, 12V
compressor

Bathroom Nature’s Head compost toilet,
separate shower cubicle

Hot water Webasto diesel 15L
PRICE FROM $143,000
OPTIONS FITTED
• 800Ah lithium batteries
• 1060W solar
• One tank isolated for drinking water
• Protection Pack – rubberised coating
• Disc brakes
• Auto-levelling airbags
• Two sets of MAXTRAX
• Pillow top queen bed
• Cafe lounge layout
• Leather and diamond-stitched upholstery
• Microwave
• Air-conditioner
• Diesel air heater
• 28in TV
• Satking Promox
• Cel-Fi Go Mobile Signal Booster
• 2.5kg washing machine
• Electric awning
• Rear ladder
• Barbecue slide

PRICE AS SHOWN $198,930
MORE INFORMATION
Zone RV
85-91 Quanda Road
Coolum Beach Qld 4573
P: 07 5471 6410
W: zonerv.com.au

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

161

INTERNAL LIVING
A double electric step leads the way into the
Sojourn interior which is done very much
in the contemporary look of bright white,
along with darker shades for the cabinetry
and upholstery. The layout is the popular
front bedroom, full-width rear bathroom
with kitchen and dinette in between. In
keeping with modern themes, the lighting is
mainly LED strip fittings, along with three
ceiling fittings and reading lights for the bed.
Large windows give good natural light and
ventilation.
Around the bed are the usual array
of overhead lockers and side cabinetry.
The wardrobes with hanging rails
have removable shelves fitted, so are
multifunctional. That includes pillow
cubbies hidden behind the cabinets.
The cafe-style dinette with the optional
leather and diamond-stitched upholstery
looks the part, especially with the wall back

RATINGS
VALUE FOR MONEY
It’s not a budget van at all, but one
built for a purpose, and that’s
reflected in the price
TOWABILITY
Fully optioned up, it’s quite a heavy
van
SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED
TOURING
Designed very much for offroad
travel, it certainly has all the gear
BUILD QUALITY
Overall, the van looks very well put
together. Certainly, the sub-chassis
area, often a bit messy, is very
neatly done

ABOVE AND RIGHT Composting toilet is a bathroom feature;
A cafe-style dinette with a ‘sit back and relax’ look

LIVEABILITY
Being a 6.4m (21ft) van, it’s
spacious inside but suitable for
living outside, too
SELF-SUFFICIENCY
It’s well equipped electrically and
water-wise, including the compost
toilet for some days of remote
camping

ROBE
FRIDGE
SEAT

CUSTOMER CARE
The warranty offered is quite good,
two years on many items, but it’s
pretty specific on several
components, mostly 12 months
INNOVATION
The front storage box and the
external kitchen rated for me
X-FACTOR
It’s all in the look. The Sojourn
doesn’t look like a boofy offroad
van, but that’s what it is!

162 caravanworld.com.au

TABLE

TOILET

SEAT

QUEEN BED

SHOWER
ROBE

WM

Z O N E R V S O J O U R N REVIEWS

“The cafe-style dinette with the optional leather
and diamond-stitched upholstery looks the part””
cushions and hinged footrest. It has what
might be described as a ‘sit down and relax’
look! The Nuova Mapa Table mounting
can be raised or lowered as required. As
mentioned, the batteries occupy one underseat area, and the Webasto diesel heater
partly occupies the other.
Across the aisle, the kitchen bench has
a very uncluttered look about it, with just
a Safiery dual induction cooktop and a
square stainless-steel sink built into it. As
a consequence, benchtop space is very
generous. Storage space is equally good, with
a good selection of drawers of various sizes
and overhead lockers. A microwave oven
takes up part of that same space, as does the
Satking Promox and Cel-Fi Go mobile Signal
Booster hardware in a separate locker.

By the doorway, the end of the kitchen
bench is where the Fusion radio, main light
switches and the airbag suspension controls
are located. The latter is an excellent
location when standing outside the van.
On the opposite side of the van, between
the dinette and the bathroom, the space is
filled by a Thetford 274L compressor fridge
and a full-height wire basket pantry, offering
substantive food and drink storage.
Across the rear, the bathroom area is quite
spacious. It contains all the expected items:
shower cubicle, vanity cabinet and wallmounted washing machine. There’s a toilet,
too, except that it’s not the usual cassette
style but a Nature’s Head composting toilet.
This means there’s no tank to be emptied on
a regular basis.

CUSTOMER CARE
Zone RV offers a very mixed warranty: Five
years on the chassis, two years on many
components, including structural, locks,
handles and lights and then 12 months on
other OEM items. As always, it’s a good idea
to read the warranty properly.

THE BOTTOM LINE
It’s been several years since I last checked
out a Zone RV caravan. There’s no doubt that
the Sojourn is an upmarket van, but clearly
one that has a fitness-for-purpose look and
feel about it. It is designed very much for
rough offroading but done in style and
comfort.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

163

NSW’s longest highway, the Newell, boasts
many quaint and quirky delights if you take
the time to stop at the many towns along its
route.

MAIN Lake Jerilderie, NSW

164 caravanworld.com.au

Words A L L I S O N WAT T
Pics A L L I S O N WAT T A N D R AY O L I V E R

T h e N e w e l l H i g h way, N S W – Q l d TRAVEL

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

165

LEFT AND RIGHT The historic Jerilderie Journal newspaper office in the
main street; The post office held up by Ned Kelly and his gang

“Over the course of three days Ned Kelly robbed the bank of over
2000 pounds, tricked and locked the town’s police officers into their
own cells and held more than 30 people hostage”

P

erhaps if we were American, we’d refer
to the Newell Highway as Route 39.
That’s its official designation, but we
tend to just call it the Newell.
Named after Hugh Hamilton Newell,
who was the first Commissioner for Main
Roads in NSW during 1932–41, the Newell
Highway stretches 1058 kilometres from
Goondiwindi in Queensland to its southern
terminus where it crosses the Murray River
at Tocumwal. It is NSW’s longest highway
and passes through 15 local government
areas including iconic townships such as
Boggabilla, Moree, Narrabri, Coonabarabran,
Gilgandra, Dubbo, Parkes, Forbes, West
Wyalong, Narrandera, Jerilderie and Finley.
While it is a north-south freight route
about 400km inland from the coast, it
also carries a huge number of travellers,
especially caravanners, who make the
pilgrimage north to warmer climes each
winter, passing through the Riverina,
national parks and wide-open spaces.
The Newell is also a delight for

166 caravanworld.com.au

astronomers, boasting numerous
observatories in the Big Sky country around
Coonabarabran, Narrabri, Gilgandra and
the famous Parkes Radio Telescope, better
known as ‘The Dish’ and immortalised on
film.
For the first time, we packed up our van
and joined the annual migration north,
driving up the Newell Highway in early
June this year on our way to Far North
Queensland.

Jerilderie
Although the Newell technically starts
at Tocumwal, just over the Murray River
from Victoria, we joined the highway at
Jerilderie after a couple of stops in Moama
and Conargo, and discovered a little town
that punches way above its weight in terms of
Australian history.
Just over 3.5 hours from Melbourne,
Jerilderie gained lasting renown as the first
and only NSW town to be held up by The
Kelly Gang in 1879. Over the course of three

days Ned Kelly robbed the bank of over 2000
pounds, chopped down telegraph poles to
ensure no message of his robbery escaped
the town, tricked and locked the town’s
police officers into their own cells and held
more than 30 people hostage.
A lesser-known fact is that the true
purpose of Ned Kelly’s time in this historic
town was to publish a document that is
now known as ‘The Jerilderie Letter’. The
Jerilderie and Urana Gazette had opened
the previous year (1878), and while Ned
was ultimately unsuccessful at having
it published, this 8000-word document
giving his personal account of his actions —
highlighting his plight and the corruption
of the law — is a valuable piece of his and
Jerilderie’s history.
Today you can walk in Ned’s footsteps
as you visit sites along the Raid Trail — a
self-guided tour of the 16 sites visited by
Ned and his sidekicks. Six of the buildings
directly associated with the 1879 raid are still
standing.

T h e N e w e l l H i g h way, N S W – Q l d TRAVEL

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE The Parkes Radio Telescope Visitor Discovery Centre; The Dish was immortalised in the 2000 film;
The statue of Sir Henry Parkes; The Elvis Festival is held in January each year

Parkes
The area around Parkes remained relatively
unsettled until 1862 when the discovery of
gold led to a hastily erected ‘canvas’ town
known as Currajong. There was a further
discovery of gold in 1871 at the nearby
Bushmans Gold Mine which helped the
district to become one of the richest gold
producing areas in the colony.
Then Premier of NSW, Sir Henry Parkes,
first visited Bushmans in 1873. He was greeted
by more than 3000 people and received
deputations from residents seeking a new
hospital, school and courthouse among other
things. As a result of a petition to the Minister
for Lands from local businessmen and other

residents, Bushmans was renamed Parkes in
honour of the great statesman.
Today there is an impressive statue of Sir
Henry on the corner of Clarinda and Dalton
Streets.
These days Parkes is just as famous for its
five-day Elvis Festival held annually in the
second week of January boasting more than
150 individual events including concerts,
the ever-popular Elvis Gospel Service, street
parade, the sashing of Miss Priscilla, the
Renewal of Vows Ceremony and of course,
lots of Elvis tribute artists.
About 20 minutes north of town is The
Dish — the 64m Parkes radio telescope

known as Murriyang — which has been
delighting travellers up and down the Newell
Highway since 1961. An icon of Australian
science, astronomers from across Australia
and around the world use Murriyang to
undertake world-class astronomical science.
The Dish was immortalised in the
Australian historical comedy-drama film
starring Sam Neil that tells the story of the
Parkes Observatory's role in relaying live
television of humanity's first steps on the
Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
The Dish was the top-grossing Australian film
in 2000.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

167

Dubbo
Dubbo is a thriving regional centre and
its location halfway between Melbourne
and Brisbane makes it a popular stop for
travellers.
Among its most popular attractions is the
Western Plains Zoo just out of town, which is
home to more than 4000 animals including
lions, giraffes, hippos, meerkats, rhinos,
cheetahs, elephants, spider monkeys, Tassie
Devils and much more.
The zoo is easily accessible from town by
bike on a shared pathway and, once there,
you can explore the 5km zoo circuit by car,
on foot or ride around on hired bikes or
carts.
Another Dubbo attraction is the Old Dubbo
Gaol where you can wander around the
unique collection of 19th century buildings
and artefacts and learn the stories of prison
life. This remarkably complete and intact gaol
operated for 119 years from 1847 to 1966.
There are a number of caravan parks in
Dubbo, but we chose to stay just out of town
at the Red Earth Estate Winery, not far from
the zoo. A powered site was $25 for the night,
and we enjoyed dinner at the on-site Chinese
dumpling restaurant with a very delicious
bottle of Red Earth rosé.

Coonabarabran
Pilliga Pottery and Barkala Farmstay is about
23km from Coonabarabran via the Newell
and then a further 10km off the highway
down the unsealed Dandry Road.
Barkala Farm was originally bought and
settled in 1986 by Maria and Richard Rickert,
two German immigrants who hoped to
create a new life and home in the Australian
bush for their growing family. Today, nestled
on the edge of the Pilliga Forest, it has been
transformed into an eclectic destination
featuring farmstay accommodation,
camping, a huge pottery workshop and an

168 caravanworld.com.au

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The big regional city of Dubbo is a halfway break for many travellers; Big
Sky Country — there are many observatories along the Newell; Camping at Pilliga Pottery; Pottery
gallery and sales; The Blue Wren Cafe serves meals six days a week; The Exchange Dubbo

on-site cafe.
Maria and Richard built all the unique
buildings on their property, most of which
are mud brick and rammed earth, sourcing
materials harvested from the farm, collected
second-hand, crafted by friends or created
from scratch in the pottery studio.
Farmstay accommodation includes the
Old Schoolhouse, the Studio, the Poet’s
Cottage and the Farmhouse, as well as
two campgrounds. The on-site Blue Wren
Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner six
days a week (closed Wednesday) including
pizza and German-inspired meals, such as

sausages and schnitzel.
Worth a visit in this region is the
nearby Sandstone Caves in Pilliga Forest.
This location is not signposted from the
Newell Highway at the request of the local
Indigenous people and is one of the only
areas of the forest that is open to the public.
The 1.7km loop is graded medium and follows
in the footsteps of the Gamilaroi (Kamilaroi)
people. The track passes through scenic
forest to the impressive sandstone hills, with
some containing ancient Aboriginal rock
engravings.

T h e N e w e l l H i g h way, N S W – Q l d TRAVEL

Narrabri
Narrabri has a lot to offer so spend a
couple of days if you can. The local Visitor
Information Centre is a good place to start
and speak to the knowledgeable staff about
the best places to check out.
We took a drive to the top of nearby Mt
Kaputar which offers stunning views from
its 1500m summit but unfortunately it was
too cloudy on the day we visited. On the
way back to town we stopped at the Black
Snake Distillery where we chatted to owner
Stephen Beale for well over an hour about
the fascinating process of making Mescal
type spirits from agave plants. Of course, we
had a taste as well.
About 20km out of Narrabri and also
worth a visit is Yarrie Lake — perfectly
round and formed by a meteorite — and the
Australian Telescope Compact Array which
comprises six miniature versions of the
Parkes Dish.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE A life-size cotton picker at the Narrabri Visitor Information Centre;
Black Snake Distillery; Stunning architecture in Inverell; the National Transport Museum; Mt
Kaputar near Narrabri; Sandstone Caves

Inverell
After a detour to Armidale for a few days,
we headed back towards the Newell via
Inverell on the western edge of the northern
tablelands, which is renowned for its
beautiful blue sapphires.
The town of Inverell is a delight to visit
and wander around, from the heritage
architecture of buildings such as the
courthouse and various hotels to the
charming boutiques and trendy cafes
offering Melbourne-quality coffee.
We spent a few days in the region, and I
can recommend visits to the Wing Hing Long
Museum in nearby Tingha for an insight
into the Chinese influence on the region’s
tin mining; the Pioneer Village and National
Transport Museum; Topper's Mountain
Wines — one of the highest altitude wineries
in Australia — and the beautiful Copeton Dam
where you can fish for Murray Cod yearround.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

169

Moree
Known as the artesian capital of Australia,
the Moree Plains sit on top of the Great
Artesian Basin, just below the Queensland
border on the black soil plains. The many
mineral springs make this area very popular
with tourists who flock to soak in the warm
soothing waters.
The artesian water that flows from the
ground into the hot pools around Moree
began as rain in southeastern Queensland
tens of thousands of years ago and ever
since has been flowing through the porous
Artesian rock basin, picking numerous
minerals and salts until it surfaces again.
Basin springs have enabled Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people to occupy
dry inland areas of Australia for more than
40,000 years, and communities maintain
cultural, social and spiritual connections
with Basin springs and their associated
ecological communities and landscapes.
The Moree bore started flowing in
November 1895. The original bore was
located on the same spot that is today the
Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, just a short
detour off the main drag. The centre has
a large artesian wellness pool where the
waters come straight out of the ground at
temperatures in the high 30 degrees Celsius.
I can attest to feeling amazing after an
artesian soak. I would have liked to emerge
looking 20 years younger, but alas not.
Research backs the century-old claims
about the health benefits of bathing in
these waters and judging by the number of
campers at the Moree Showgrounds the night
we were there, many travellers are keen to
test the theory.

“I can attest to feeling amazing after an
artesian soak ... I would have liked to emerge
looking 20 years younger, but alas not”

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Artesian mineral water bubbles to the surface
at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre; The Moree Showgrounds is popular
with travellers; The Art Trail in Jellicoe Park, Moree

170 caravanworld.com.au

T h e N e w e l l H i g h way, N S W – Q l d TRAVEL

ABOVE The hot mineral water of the wellness pool at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre is popular with locals and travellers

Darl ing

0

La

Mildura

B

Riverina
!

Swan Hill

140 Dubbo
km

iv
n R er
hl a

!
!

R.

!

!

Parkes!
!

Forbes

!

Orange ! Bathurst
!

!

Katoomba

M31
B

Wagga Wagga

Jerilderie

!

!

!

!

Coffs
Harbour

Nambucca
Heads

i f ic

Port
Macquarie

Canberra !

!

Maitland
! Newcastle

M1
B

A32
B

Griffith
A39
B
A20
B

Taree

Cessnock !

Cowra

Hay

Mallee

70

!

!

!

Tamworth

Coonabarabran

'Narrabri'

!

A20

Gilgandra

Gunbar

H ig
h w ay

!

c

!

!

© Hema Maps

Ivanhoe
bb
Co

hwa y
S ilv e r City Hi g

New South
Wales
"

Nyngan

A32
B

Armidale

!

!

Hig h w ay Cobar!

!

!

!

Pa
c

A32
B

!

Gunnedah

A1
B

Hwy

r

Bar ri e r

!

Coonamble

!

Coral
Sea

!

Grafton

New
England

DIN G

ve

!
!

A15
B

!

!
!

M1
B

Ballina

R

Glen
Innes

!

DIV I

Wilcannia

Narrabri

Inverell

EAT

ghway
Hi

r

Ri

Walgett

q ua r ie

!

!

Bourke

Louth

White
Cliffs

A39
B

on

M ac

Cit
y

!

!

ve r

B ar w

!

i
yr e R

Brewarrina

t

Moree !

!

Lismore!

r

in

Tibooburra

We

M

R.

!

Tweed
Heads

i

!

Goondiwindi

Lightning
Ridge

!

Gold Coast

!
!

!

ac

Goodooga

A55
B

er

A71
B

!

iv

Dirranbandi

Warwick

!

GR

Queensland

Bollon St George

Cunnamulla

R AN G E

!

Sydney

Tasman Sea

Wollongong

!

Goulburn !

ACT B

Nowra

A1

!

Queanbeyan

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

171

TRAVEL T h e N e w e l l H i g h way, N S W – Q l d

“In 1971–72 Gunsynd enjoyed seven
straight victories then a famous win in
the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley, which
made him the biggest money winner in
Australian racing history”

CONTACT DETAILS
Inverell Caravan Park
21 Glen Innes Road
Inverell NSW 2360
P: 02 6722 3036
E: admin@inverellcaravanpark.com.au
W: inverellcaravanpark.com.au
Moree Showground Caravan and
Camping
Corner Warialda and McElhone Streets
Moree NSW 2400
P: 0428 205 098
W: caravanandcamping.nsw.gov.au/
parks-and-reserves/moree-showgroundcaravan-and-camping
Narrabri Big Sky Caravan Park
11–35 Tibbereena Street
Narrabri NSW 2390
P: 02 6792 1294
E: narrabri@southerncrossparks.com.au
W: narrabribigsky.com.au
Parkes Showground
52 Victoria Street
Parkes, NSW 2870
P: 0467 622 580
Pilliga Pottery and Barkala Farmstay
2630 Dandry Road
Coonabarabran NSW 2357
P: 02 6842 2239
E: pilligapottery@gmail.com
W: pilligapottery.com.au
Red Earth Estate
18L Camp Road
Dubbo NSW 2830
P: 02 6885 6676
W: facebook.com/RedEarthEstateDubbo
ABOVE AND BELOW Gunsynd statue in Apex Park; Images of Gunsynd — the famous
Goondiwindi Grey — greet visitors just over the Queensland border

Goondiwindi
Just over the Queensland border on the
Macintyre River, Goondiwindi signals the
end of the Newell Highway. This is a popular
stop for travellers to enjoy the tree-lined
streets and attractive parks and to soak up
some of that warm Queensland sunshine.
Goondiwindi is most famous for
being the home of racehorse Gunsynd
— the Goondiwindi Grey — who features
prominently on welcome signage and a
statue in Apex Park.
As a colt he was purchased at the bargain
price of $1300 in 1969 by Goondiwindi
grazier Winks McMicking who had formed a

172 caravanworld.com.au

syndicate with three other local men. He was
put in the hands of a former Goondiwindi
station manager trying to break into horse
training in Brisbane by the name of Bill
Wehlow. They named the horse Gunsynd as a
short version of Goondiwindi Syndicate.
Gunsynd enjoyed early success under
Wehlow's training, but it was after he was
transferred to the stables of legendary trainer
Tommy Smith that Gunsynd started to win
major races. In 1971–72 Gunsynd enjoyed
seven straight victories then a famous win in
the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley, which made
him the biggest money winner in Australian
racing history. Gunsynd then ran third in

the Melbourne Cup carrying 60.5 kilograms.
Gunsynd was unanimously voted Horse of
the Year for 1972.
We didn’t linger in Goondiwindi, but
there’s plenty to see and do before heading
off to your next Queensland destination.
The Newell is a quick, straightforward
route to Queensland if you are heading for
warmer climes, but if you have some time
on your hands, it’s worth stopping at some
interesting and quirky towns along the way
to see what they have to offer.
For more information about travelling the
Newell Highway, visit newellhighway.org.au.

f e s t i va l s a n d e v e n t s

REGULARS

ABOVE National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant (Image SA Tourism Commission)

NSW
Millthorpe Garden Ramble
4–5 November 2023
Immerse yourself in the stunning rural gardens
and historic village of Millthorpe and much
more at this charming weekend festival. More
information and tickets can be found online:
millthorpegardenramble.com.au

Walcha Motorcycle Rally
17–18 November 2023
The annual Walcha Motorcycle Rally has rolled
around again. Get together with the Walcha
community and enjoy friendly hospitality,
stunning natural surroundings and amazing
rides the whole family will love. Get your ticket
now: walchamotorcyclerally.com.au

VIC
Omeo High Country Caravan & RV
Muster
3–8 November 2023
Head to the lovely Omeo Golf Course beside
Livingstone Creek this Melbourne Cup
weekend for live music, market stalls, putting
and hole-in-one competitions. More
information about campsites can be found
online: facebook.com/omeomuster

Bendigo Caravan and Camping
Leisurefest
17–19 November 2023
Head to the Bendigo Racecourse this
November for everything camping,
caravanning and outdoor leisure on display in
one convenient location. Further details online:
caravanshow.com.au/shows/the-2023bendigo-caravan-camping-leisurefest

WA

Gippsland Great Outdoor and 4x4
Expo
24–26 November 2023
Held at the Sale Racecourse, this three-day
event will showcase leading outdoor brands
and products, including the latest caravans,
campers, hybrids, 4WDs and much more.
There’ll also be retailer demonstrations along
with plenty of food vendors. Tickets can only
be purchased at the gate. Head online for more
information: greatoutdoorexpos.com.au

TAS

Perth 4WD and
Adventure Show
10–12 November 2023
Held at McCallum Park in Perth, the Perth
4WD and Adventure Show will feature all the
latest caravans, camper trailers, 4WDs and
SUVs, camping accessories, fishing gear,
navigation, electronics and more. Tickets can
be purchased at the gate or online:
perth.4wdshow.com.au

NT

The Highlands Bushfest
25–26 November 2023
Celebrate the Central Highlands region of
Tassie at the Highlands Bushfest this
November, with fishing, camping and plenty of
other outdoor activities to be enjoyed. Held in
Bothwell, the festival will also place a
deserved spotlight on local food, beverages,
tourism, art, music and small businesses. Head
online for more information: centralhighlands.
tas.gov.au/bushfest

SA

Odes to Joy
25 November 2023
Join the Darwin Symphony Orchestra for the
finale of its 2023 season program, featuring a
selection of beautiful arias and soloists.
Beethoven’s glorious Ninth Symphony,
featuring the famous ‘Ode to Joy’ final
movement, will complete this inspiring
program. Head to the DSO website for more
information: dso.org.au/event/odes-to-joy

QLD

National Pharmacies Christmas
Pageant

Airlie Beach Festival of Music

4 November 2023
Held since 1933, this annual pageant brings the
spirit and joy of Christmas to the streets of
Adelaide. Enjoy a massive parade of fairy tale
characters, clowns, marching bands, dancers
and more than 60 floats that lead the way to
Father Christmas and his iconic sleigh. Find out
more online: christmaspageant.com.au

9–12 November 2023
Live music and the Great Barrier Reef collide at
the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, which brings
74 bands to the heart of the Whitsundays and
its 74 magical islands. Don’t miss out! Tickets
are available online now:
airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

173

Enjoy views towards Mount Oberon from Mount Bishop,
Wilsons Promontory National Park, Vic
Photographer
C AT H E R I N E B E S T

Gear
c a m e r a : s o n y i l c e-7 m 3
F-stop: f/16
ISO: 100

174 caravanworld.com.au

pic perfect

REGULARS

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

175

With

GEMMA
Sliwinski

OUR OFF-GRID SETUP —
UTILISING GAS AND SOLAR

Off-grid camping adds plenty of flexibility when it comes to
choosing campsites, but it can be trial and error to see what
kind of setup best suits your caravanning lifestyle.

O

ur family loves having the freedom
and flexibility to camp off-grid, away
from the crowds and power points.
There are still some occasions when
we opt for a caravan park due to its location,
because sometimes there isn’t an off-grid
option nearby. However, it’s nice to be
fully self-sufficient and have the choice of
campgrounds.
There are many caravanners who are
content travelling from caravan park to
caravan park, hooking up to mains water and
240V power. And there is absolutely nothing
wrong with that. In fact, our first years of
travel with young children (born 2017 and
2018) were mostly spent in caravan parks
as we required air con for day naps and we
weren’t set up to be able to do that off-grid.

176 caravanworld.com.au

Fast forward a few years and we now prefer
to spend most of our time off-grid, usually
away from the hustle and bustle with lots of
space. Camping off-grid generally means you
are without access to some luxuries such as
mains power and water. However, neither
are absolutely necessary for caravanning.
We have done a Big Lap with a three-way gas
fridge and very basic 100Ah AGM battery to
power the 12V lights, pump and TV.
These days we have 1850W of solar on the
roof, two 270Ah lithium batteries, a 3000W
inverter, two 9kg gas bottles, three 95L water
tanks and a grey water tank. Our fridge is a
275L compressor fridge/freezer which runs
off the batteries at all times. We have had a
three-way gas fridge in the past, but prefer the
compressor option as we find it works better

in hotter temperatures. We struggled to keep
icy poles frozen in the three-way.
Our hot water is dual 240V or gas — we
mostly run it from the batteries using the
inverter but have gas as a back up for low
solar conditions. We mostly cook on a
portable induction plate and have a twoburner gas hob for when conserving power.
We no longer carry a barbecue, but everyone
cooks differently and has their preferences. As
well as the induction plate, we can also power
the microwave, toaster, kettle, rice cooker,
blender, washing machine and so on by using
the inverter.
We have a gas heater for the cold evenings
and mornings, and it works a treat. We have
previously had a diesel heater which works
just as well. But as we no longer have a diesel

Va n R o a m ' n

car it makes more sense for us to use gas as it
is already plumbed in and certified on the van.
We don’t go through much gas; however,
we still wouldn’t go fully gasless as we don’t
want to be caught out not being able to cook
or have hot water if the weather turns. Our
previous van had less solar input and there
were a few times when we needed to head
to a powered site to top-up due to extended
cloudy and rainy conditions. Having both gas
and solar allows you to travel in any weather
to any location. We don’t carry a generator,
but there are many travellers who do.
We have a 3kg front loader washing
machine which runs off 240V power or the
inverter. It uses mains water or our tank
water. When off-grid we use the quick cycle
which uses roughly 20L of water. If there are
stubborn stains, we pre-soak by pausing the
cycle for an hour or so.

Our aircon is powered either by 240V or
from our power system for a good few hours,
and during the middle of the day it runs
purely off the solar input and doesn’t deplete
the batteries. When in Darwin for a threemonth work stint we opted for a powered site,
and we ran the aircon pretty much 24/7 due
to the humidity.
We can last 10 days with our three 95L
water tanks (285L total) when needed. We
also carry a 100L water bladder which sits in
the rear footwell of our car. We use this when
going away from water sources for extended
periods of time. We can pump the water from
the bladder to the van tanks with a small 12V
pump.
Last but certainly not least, we carry two
toilet cassettes. We don’t want to end up in an
unpleasant situation looking for a dump point
when off-grid.

COLUMNS

There definitely isn’t a one-size-fits-all
method when it comes to off-grid setups.
We highly recommend you chat to a
specialist in the industry to work out your
ideal system. They should ask you what
items you wish to power and how often
you use your van. For us our van is our
home, and we like to be able to use all
appliances whether we are on or off-grid.
As mentioned above this isn’t a necessity
for caravanning, but it sure does make our
life easier and more comfortable.
Happy caravanning,
Gemma

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Off-grid caravanning is
popular; Mains water and power aren't always
essential; Getting back to nautre off-grid style;
Gas is a back-up for a cloudy day; Solar panels
charge the batteries

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

177

Words and Pics

Melissa J
Scott

Was it too many proseccos at the camel races?
Was it because my girlfriend loves horses?
Or perhaps it was just fate meeting Kim, the local cook of the
Bedourie Royal Hotel, in a horse paddock on the outskirts of town!

S

ometimes it is just fate the people you
get to meet when you are out travelling
around this big, friendly country! In July
this year, after attending the Birdsville
Big Red Bash, I travelled with a group of new
friends in convoy to the lovely little town
of Bedourie, 186km north of Birdsville, and
we enjoyed an awesome day at the annual
Bedourie Camel and Pig Races.
We were walking back into town late on the
Saturday afternoon, quite literally stumbling
across the paddock next to our camp on
our route back from the racetrack, when
we bumped into a lovely local woman, Kim
Conomos, who was feeding her horse.

178 caravanworld.com.au

We got chatting and it turned out that Kim
is also the local cook at the historic Bedourie
Royal Hotel (or Bedourie Pub as it is otherwise
known), where we had enjoyed a few drinks
the night before.
The town of Bedourie is as old as the pub
and was founded in the mid-1880s by Mary
Dolan née Ballard and was the first town in
Queensland to be founded by a woman.
And even though the pub is pretty basic, it
has that wonderful authentic and friendly feel
to it and is a real gem for the town. Still in its
original form and constructed from local mud,
it was opened in 1886 and has been trading
ever since. It is also one of the oldest working

hotels in western Queensland, and aside from
the replacement of the original thatched roof,
very little has changed.
Like most locals that you meet in small
outback towns, Kim has a fascinating story
and while she usually lives in Cloncurry with
her husband, she still considers Bedourie her
hometown and always finds herself coming
back when the publican rings and asks for a
hand at the pub. (Please note, Cloncurry is a
six-hour drive north of Bedourie.)
When she was a child, her father was a
windmill expert and they moved “all over the
place” working on water tanks and windmills.
Eventually, they found themselves in Birdsville

Boots all in

COLUMNS

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT A bird’s-eye view of
the Bedourie pig races; Enjoying the beautiful
sunset; Kim Conomos with Melissa in her horse
paddock; The historic Bedourie Royal Hotel; The
burger menu

and then ended up in Bedourie when Kim was
15 years old.
Kim went to boarding school at Charleville,
Qld, and spent 30 years living in Bedourie
before moving away. She has lived in Dalby,
Qld, and Halls Creek in the Kimberley, working
on cattle stations as a ringer and a station cook,
and also spent three years working for the
Department of Children’s Protection living in a
hostel looking after the Indigenous children.
She loves living in the outback and
acknowledges that while it is remote, she feels
like they have the best deal in life. “If you want
anything, you can send away for it, and Mt Isa’s
only five hours away. So, it’s not that far!”
Kim believes the best thing about living in the
outback is the freedom and the ease of being
with her horses. She knows that one day she
and her husband will leave the Bedourie area
and buy a farm that is a little closer to the east
coast and to all the facilities that you want as
you get older. But it would still be quite rural!
She explained, “I get headaches when
I’m down there (the city), because I sort of
stress, but out here I don’t. I think I overthink
everything when I’m down there, but out here
it’s like ‘Oh yeah, I can do that tomorrow!’”
She enjoys her job at the Bedourie Hotel
and gets on great with the manager. When I
asked her what her role was, she laughed and
said, “He says I’m the manager, but I’m not!”.
When she’s in town, she is their cook, and the
pub also employs backpackers. She admitted
that they weren’t as good as the local young
people — mainly because they were only in
town for three months, and then they’d leave.
Therefore, they just don’t seem to care as much
as somebody who is born and bred in the local
area.
I asked Kim if the pub relies heavily on
tourism, and she assured me that the locals
keep the pub going, but the tourists keep the
money flowing. She enjoys getting to meet new
people and commented on how important
local community is to small towns, and that it
is so important that the Bedourie people have
always been there for each other. “If you had a
party one night, everybody from town would
come to your party!”
When I asked Kim, “What keeps bringing you
back to Bedourie?” she simply smiled and said,
“It’s home.” The family connection runs deep,
the publican’s mother was like a second mum
to her, and every time he calls her up to come
and help out at the pub, she can’t help but keep
coming home. And I can see why, it’s a great
little town and definitely worth dropping in for
a beer and a burger if you’re in central outback
Queensland.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

179

It’s quality over quantity with these
simple tasty tapas treats
Words Anji Bignell Pics Supplied

TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes
SERVES: 8

INGREDIENTS
•
•
•
•
•

Vegetable oil, for frying
2 cups white rice, cooked
1/2 cup parmesan, grated
3 eggs
1/2 cup mozzarella, cubed (approximately
8 cubes)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 lemon (optional)

180 caravanworld.com.au

METHOD
Place a large frying pan over a medium-heat
fire and add up to 10cm of vegetable oil in
the pan.
Combine the rice, parmesan and one egg
in a medium bowl and mix thoroughly with
your hands.
Take a small portion of the mixture to
form a ball, squeeze it firmly and stuff one
cube of mozzarella inside the ball, repeat
this process to form eight arancini balls.

Whisk together the remaining two
eggs. Dip each arancini in the eggs and
then roll in the breadcrumbs, shaking off
any excess.
Fry in the oil until golden brown, drain
on paper towels and serve with lemon
slices.

R E C I P E S O N T H E R O A D COOKING

Bacon

wrapped
jalapenos
TOTAL TIME: 45 minutes
SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS
•
•
•
•
•

10 large jalapenos
12 tbsp cream cheese
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 tsp garlic powder
10 bacon rashers

METHOD
Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and
scrape out all the seeds.
Mix together cream cheese, cheddar
cheese and garlic powder and fill each
jalapeno half.
Wrap each half with bacon and cook on
the skillet or grill until bacon is crisp.

PREP TIME: 15 minutes
SERVES: 24 balls

INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut,
plus more for dusting
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

METHOD
Thoroughly mix together shredded coconut,
maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla extract and
roll into bite-sized balls.
Sprinkle with extra coconut and place in the
fridge for a few hours before storing in a large
container for offroad camping snacks.

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

181

THE TIN HORSE HIGHWAY
At just 15km this WA outback highway is
probably one of the shortest there is, but the
colour, interest and creativity lining both sides
of the road more than make up for it.

O

ut in the vibrant Wheatbelt area at Kulin,
just under 300km southeast of Perth,
the town’s popular bush race meeting
held at the beginning of October each
year brings out an unexpected creative talent
among the locals living along the road leading
to the racecourse.
The racetrack is located 15km east of town
in a picturesque setting near Jilakin Rock (a
huge granite outcrop overlooking the track)
and alongside Lake Jilakin, a natural salt lake
that is especially appealing when full of water
— usually around race time after normal winter
rains. It is a splendid setting for the annual
action-packed bush event that usually attracts
around 4000 visitors.

ABOVE A working team of tin horses

182 caravanworld.com.au

A number of years ago, Kulin resident Mary
Lucchesi started to enthusiastically encourage
local farmers to build horse statues in their
paddocks en route to the track. Mary had seen
the interest that scarecrows had brought to the
southwest town of Balingup and thought the
concept was worth a go in Kulin. Records show
that Anne-Marie Carmody and Serge Lucchesi
built the first couple of ‘horses’ and from there,
it seems everyone suddenly had a tin horse
idea and got to work in friendly rivalry to try to
outdo their neighbours.
Like farmers everywhere, the property
owners around Kulin can always put their
hands on farm junk — odd pieces of metal,
pipes, drums, kerosene tins, star pickets, push

Words and Pics

COLIN KERR

bikes, car bonnets, doors, mufflers, old plough
discs and the like. With creative flare and
talent previously untapped (and using their
bush welding and painting skills), they set their
minds on creating a unique, unexpected and
entertaining array of outback ‘horse’ sculptures
in all manner of shapes, sizes and poses along
the road.
Some are standing alone, some are pulling
ploughs and others are in groups. There’s a
family riding a Harley, some are drinking at a
bar and others dancing, playing golf, hockey,
darts and tennis. One is sitting on a loo reading
a ‘Playhorse’ magazine. There’s one up a tree,
one in an aeroplane, one on a rocket, a couple
playing backyard cricket and even a team of

SIDETRACKS

COLUMNS

horses playing football — truly ingenious!
At last count, there were around 100
humorous horsie creations now in place in
paddocks and on the verge along the highway
and the number continues to grow each year.
In fact, the Tin Horse Highway has become a
popular WA icon in its own right regardless of
the bush races it set out to promote.
When next in WA Wheatbelt country,
regardless of whether it coincides with the
colourful Kulin Bush Races, travel along the
Tin Horse Highway and enjoy the artworks
that the folk around Kulin have created. It is
also a popular alternate route for travellers on
their way to or from WA’s famous Wave Rock at
nearby Hyden.

FURTHER
INFORMATION

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Caught on the loo reading a ‘Playhorse’ magazine; A colourful
wagon; Serving up baked goods; The highway sign; Interpretive display; Keeping fit

• The Kulin Bush Races were held from 6
to 8 October. The weekend activities
included an art and craft exhibition,
horse races, gymkhana, track-side
Calcutta, trick riding, licensed bar,
children’s entertainment, games and
play area, a grand parade, novelty
events, two-up, fireworks, live bands/
supervised disco and genuine countrystyle food and hospitality.
• The first Kulin Bush Races at Jilakin
Rock took place in 1995.
• A camping area with hot showers and
toilets (including disabled facilities) is
available at the racecourse during the
Bush Race weekend.
• Other accommodation includes:
• Kulin Caravan Park — 08 9880 1053
• Kulin Hotel/Motel — 08 9880 1201
• Free overnight camping (72 hours
maximum) for fully self-contained RVs
near the Visitor Centre with a new
(free) shower and toilet block.
• A tin horse competition for new
creations to keep the highway growing
is conducted each year in conjunction
with the Bush Race weekend.
• The Tin Horse Highway (Kulin-Holt
Rock Road) is fully sealed from Kulin
except for the last few kilometres
(good gravel) into the Jilakin Race
Track, 15km east of Kulin. It is open all
year and is free.
• Also out at Jilakin Rock is the most
isolated known stand of Jarrah trees,
some 150km from the nearest Jarrah
growing region. There is a picnic area
and a climb to the top of the rock is
rewarded with a great view over the
lake and racecourse.
• Adjacent to Kulin’s Visitor Centre there
is a splendid Tin Horse Highway
interpretation display (a walk through
the history of the highway). There are
several other tin horse creations in
Kulin and along other roads heading
into town.
• Kulin Races website is kulinbushraces.
com.au
• Kulin Visitor Information Centre:
P: 08 9880 1021
E: crccounter@kulin.wa.gov.au

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

183

Words and Pics John Hughes

184 caravanworld.com.au

DIy

12V THEORY TECHNICAL

LEFT Having some basic 12V
theory under your belt can
help during your DIY projects
or when speaking with
professionals

This month John Hughes begins his
lessons on basic 12V knowledge to
help you during your DIY tasks or
conversations with professionals.

O

ne of the joys of caravanning is the
ability to camp in out-of-the-way places.
12V electrical systems (and more
recently 24V and 48V) are what makes
it possible to keep the lights on and the beers
cold wherever you are.
Over the next few issues, we are going to
share some basic 12V knowledge so you are
better equipped to understand how your
system works. This should enable you to
have more informed conversations with
professionals who work on your van or tackle
simple tasks yourself.
The kinds of tasks we are talking about
are adding another electrical device in the
system, swapping out a failed device or
troubleshooting devices. Before you start
on these tasks, there is some basic theory
you need to understand to ensure you are
selecting the right stuff for the job and then
there is the practical side of implementing
the job. In this issue, we will introduce some
very basic theory.
You don’t need qualifications to work on
12V systems, but you do need to know what
you are doing. So, here comes the caution — at
a minimum getting it wrong can wreck your
equipment while in worse-case scenarios
it can cause fires and potential death. This
article does not cover all bases and is a simple
guide — you need to be the judge on whether
taking on electrical tasks personally is for you.

Very basic theory

Issue

Simple Explanation

Unit of
Measure

Formula

Power

The amount of energy required
to make something work in the
electrical system.

Watts (W)

Power = Current x Voltage

The amount of electricity flowing
through the system

Amps (A)

Current

At the heart of the electrical system, we
have a battery that stores energy. This
energy is distributed through wires
connected to the battery which loop
from the positive terminal to the negative
terminal. This loop, known as a circuit,
allows devices to be powered by the flow
of energy. A couple of other fundamentals
in a circuit are the switch and the fuse. We
all know of switches because we use them
every day. When a switch is turned on the
circuit is completed and electricity can
flow through the system. When a switch
is turned off the circuit is interrupted and
electricity can’t flow through the system. A
fuse is an automatic emergency device to
interrupt the circuit and prevent the flow
of electricity if too much demand is put on
the system.
Each electrical device (light, fridge and
so on) requires a certain amount of power
to make it run. The wire in the circuit
has to be of sufficient rating to allow the
electricity to pass through it and the
battery has to have enough ‘oomph’ for
the electricity to get through the system.
This brings us to the three interrelated
phenomena — power, voltage and current
— which we explain in the table below.

Watts = Amps x Voltage
Current = Power ÷ Voltage
Amps = Watts ÷ Volts

Voltage

The amount of potential for the
energy to ‘want’ to move through
the electrical system

Volts (V)

Voltage = Power ÷ Current
Volts = Watts ÷ Amps

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

185

DIy

TECHNICAL 12V THEORY
Knowing this is important because when
we want to add a device into the system, we
need to know what size wire and fuse to use. If
too much energy passes through a wire, it can
overheat and catch fire. A correctly rated fuse
protects the system by preventing the flow of
energy before it becomes a problem.
Using the table, we can do a basic example
calculation. Let’s say we wanted to add a
device with a new circuit into the system.
Specs for the device may include the amp
draw but if they don’t, we can calculate it if we
know the power and volts.
Let’s say we know the maximum power
consumption is 48W and the battery is
nominally 12V we could calculate the amp
draw as follows:
• 48 Watts ÷ 12 Volts = 4 Amps
If you happened to have a nominal 24V
system the formula would change to:
• 48 Watts ÷ 24 Volts = 2 Amps

In order to select the correctly rated wire,
we must first select the correctly rated fuse.
This is because we want the fuse to have a
lower rating than the wire so it does its job
before the wires can potentially overheat.
We want the fuse to have a slightly higher
rating than the expected current draw
because if we matched it exactly the fuse
would blow/trip all the time. The accepted
multiplier is 1.25
Therefore, continuing with our example:
• 4 Amps x 1.25 = 5 Amps rated fuse
Fuses come in set sizes so we would select a
fuse with a rating equal to or slightly greater
than 5 Amps. In this instance, 5A is a standardsize fuse so we could use 5A.
Next, we need to select suitable wire to
carry current greater than the fuse rating
so that the fuse is the weaker link in the
system. Wire comes in different diameters
— smaller to carry less current and larger to

ABOVE Switches open and close the circuit to turn devices on and off

carry more current. Unfortunately, a given
wire diameter does not come with a set
Amp rating because of a pesky thing called
voltage drop. In simple terms the longer the
run of wire, the more the voltage drops and
the larger the diameter wire needs to be in
order to compensate. Fortunately, there are
simple tables available to look up a suitable
diameter wire to use given the current and
cable length requirement of your task. There
is a good example of a cable sizing chart on
the Enderdrive website: enerdrive.com.au, or
simply Google ‘Enerdrive cable chart’.
We stress again, that this is an introduction
to concepts and does not fully equip you with
the knowledge and skills for the job. In the
next issue, we will explore some practical
tips on working with wire such as cutting,
stripping, joining and routing.

ABOVE Fuses protect the system by breaking the flow of electricity

through the circuit if overloaded

Switch
ON
ABOVE Electrical wire comes in various diameters to allow for varying

current and voltage drop

IF IN DOUBT, CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL
Improper maintenance can lead to injury, death or property damage.
Maintenance work of this nature should only be undertaken by people
with suitable competence. The information provided is general in nature,
not comprehensive and should only be taken as a guide. Individual
discretion must be exercised and persons undertaking described tasks do
so completely at their own risk. Publishers and creators of this content
accept no responsibility for loss or damage.
Thanks to Andrew Phillips and the team from the RV Repair Centre, 120
Canterbury Rd, Bayswater North Vic 3151, P: (03) 9761 4189.

186 caravanworld.com.au

OFF

Fuse

+

-

Battery

ABOVE A simple diagram of a battery circuit

ADD VALUE TO YOUR

DEALERSHIP
Inspire consumers and drive Camper Trailer sales

Fast & Easy

Trade RVs is a new
platform designed to
enhance the dealer
business by driving leads.

Multi-Channel

Š‡”ƒ†‡ Žƒ••‹ϐ‹‡†•‹–‡•
put your listings in front of
1,000s of active buyers each
month. Conditions apply.

Dealer Portal

The BTW portal module is
built to help you administer
your listings and enhance
your dealer ads.

"We’ve recently joined the site
and during this time have found
the service and affordability to
be fantastic, we look forward to
see what the future holds!"
— Chad, Dealer Principal,
New Age Sydney

Register your dealership today from $150 per month at dealer.tradervs.com.au
For more information please contact our customer service team (07) 3340 0000 or info@emprisegroup.com.au

Words Julija Zivanovic Pics Supplied

K’GARI (FRASER
ISLAND) AND
THE BRISBANE
ISLANDS ATLAS &
GUIDE RELEASED
Hema Maps, Australia’s leading publisher of
trusted and verified maps, has launched its latest
product, the K’gari (Fraser Island) and the
Brisbane Islands Atlas & Guide.
In the first edition of this new Atlas & Guide,
author Chris Whitelaw takes readers on a
meticulously detailed journey through the history,
development and natural environment of the
world-famous sand islands in South East
Queensland.
K’gari (Fraser Island) is not just the biggest
sand island in Australia, it is the biggest in the
world, cultivating a unique environment for a
bounty of flora and fauna not found anywhere
else.

188 caravanworld.com.au

This comprehensive Atlas & Guide features
GPS-surveyed roads and tracks, detailed national
park and track inset maps, self-drive 4WD tracks,
visitor information, history and culture, all the best
campsites, adventure activities, trip planning tips
and 26 walking tracks.
Available for purchase online or from leading
retailers across Australia from 3 November, it is
priced at $49.95.
Hema Maps General Manager Matt O’Meara
says of the new release: “K’gari (Fraser Island)
and the Brisbane Islands are a natural wonder of
Australia, and our mission with this Atlas & Guide
is to offer a comprehensive guidebook that
elevates the exploration of this extraordinary

region. Through detailed mapping, verified
walking and 4WD tracks and expert insight from
author Chris Whitelaw, we aim to empower
adventurers to make the most of their journey to
the world’s largest sand islands.”
Hema Maps is a leading publisher of maps and
guides for Australia and beyond. And this year it’s
proudly celebrating its 40th birthday! That’s
right, Hema Maps has been around since 1983,
maintaining its position as Australia’s
preeminent supplier of trusted and verified
maps, atlases and guides and navigators.
For more information about atlas and guides
from Hema Maps visit hemamaps.com/
collections/hema-atlas-guides

g e taway g e a r

BIG LAP BIBLE SECOND EDITION
NOW AVAILABLE
Words Allison Watt Pics Supplied

When planning her own Big Lap, author of
the Big Lap Bible, Rose Foster, found herself
looking for a product that didn’t exist.
“I found myself searching for a product
that would allow me to plan a Big Lap, find
the hidden gems and act as a planner/
journal for my trip,” Rose said. “What I found
were two options: the Instagram pages and
YouTube channels of fellow Big Lappers and
general travel information not specifically
suited to full-time or long-term travellers.”
For Rose, neither option cut it.
Initially, the Big Lap Bible was an Instagram
page and website that sought to bring
together the stories and experiences of Big
Lappers.
“We brought together all of the stories
[that] people were sharing to create a much
more comprehensive resource for Big
Lappers. Then, we moved this into a physical
format with the first edition of the BLB
published in November 2020.”
Forty ‘local area experts’ were invited to
consult and provide the ‘best bits’ of each
region. Rose said the reason for this is that
she wanted to make sure people knew
about the touristy things and also wanted to
make sure they were aware of local secrets
and hidden gems – exploring off the beaten
track is the prerogative of our demographic.
“We launched the first edition during
COVID-19 because we had seen the
commentary on our social media of people
not being able to go overseas,” Rose said.
“There was a big uptake of people changing
their plans and travelling Australia which
was great for the BLB.” The first edition sold
7500 copies.
For the second edition, more contributors
were invited to provide information about
each region and there are more state maps,
provided by Hema Maps, as well as:
• A more comprehensive view of what
camping is like in the area and advice on
the best free and paid camps
• More information for dog owners such
as dog-friendly locations
• More information for families such as
kid-friendly beaches and playgrounds
and so on
• Region maps to give people a means to
get their bearings
• Bucket lists — allowing Lappers to tick
off the best experiences/places/
attractions Australia has to offer
To help travellers pre, during and post their
Big Lap, the fill-in-able planning, tracking
and memory pages make the Big Lap Bible
an essential travel companion. As an added
bonus, the Big Lap Bible comes with
12-month access to the Livin’ Barry discount
platform (worth $60), allowing travellers to
save money on the road too!
Priced at $99.95, the Big Lap Bible is now
available for purchase on the Hema Maps
website: hemamaps.com

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

189

MSA 4X4 100 SERIES TOWING MIRRORS
MSA 4X4 has launched its Toyota
LandCruiser 100 Series Towing Mirrors.
Featuring a large single-mirror lens that
creates less confusion than double-lens
mirrors while driving, these patented
mirrors are fully ADR compliant, ensuring
peace of mind while out on the road.
Easily adjustable into four different
viewing positions, MSA 4X4 Towing
Mirrors offer great vision on either side of
the towed vehicle creating optimal
visibility.
Adding another feather to its cap, the
range of MSA 4X4 Towing Mirrors won
the 2020 SEMA Global Media Award in
Las Vegas.
The MSA 4X4 Towing Mirrors are
designed specifically for Australian
vehicles and are built to cope with the
harsh environments of the Australian
outback. The range of Toyota
LandCruiser 100 Series Towing Mirrors
are available in chrome or black, electric
or manual. On vehicles with the preexisting electric feature, where the angle
of the mirror is controlled electronically
by a switch, the electric model option is
required. Others require the manual
model option.
The recommended retail price for
black/chrome electric is $877 and $821
for the manual.
For information visit msa4x4.com.au

ITECHWORLD RELEASES
NEW LITHIUM BATTERY
Known for its dedication to improving
products without compromising on
affordability, iTechworld has recently
unveiled the upgraded iTECH120X Lithium
Battery.
The new iTECH120X maintains the
features and power output of its
predecessor, with the most significant
change being its compact 255mm width,
reduced by 22 per cent. This size makes it a
perfect fit, even under the bonnet of a
Toyota Prado, serving as an ideal drop-in
replacement.
A favourite among caravan enthusiasts,
the iTECH120X battery can be externally
mounted, safeguarded by its IP67
waterproof casing. Boasting an impressive
105Ah and a maximum 270A discharge, it
can power 12V devices such as an Engel
fridge for over four days. It's an essential for
camping, ensuring cooled food, illuminated
nights and device functionality.
It’s also backed by a five-year Australian
warranty covering under-bonnet use.
The new iTECH120X is priced at $899.
iTechworld is offering a 5 per cent discount
for Caravan World readers using the code
GETAWAY at checkout.
For further information call 1300 483
249 or visit itechworld.com.au

190 caravanworld.com.au

g e taway g e a r

REGULARS

UNIDEN DASH CAMS FOR
SAFER DRIVING

In a world where tech gadgets are fast
becoming necessities, dash cameras have
evolved from a luxury add-on to an essential
component of modern driving. These handy
cameras serve as a second set of eyes when
you're on the road, ensuring that during every
drive or parked location you are able to record
incidents as they happen.
Uniden is a familiar name in these pages, and
produces a wide range of high-quality
communication devices, including plenty of dash
cams for different requirements and touring
styles.
Among the most popular are the Uniden Dash
View 50R , which retails for $499.95, and the
Uniden iGO CAM 90R is priced at $349.95.
There are many benefits of adding a dash
camera to your rig's tech collection.
Dash cameras offer an extra layer of security
and peace of mind for all drivers, whether you're
travelling with a van in tow or not, and are a
beneficial bit of gear to add to your setup for the

following reasons:
1. Capturing first-hand evidence: In the
unfortunate event of a car accident, a dash
camera provides the most reliable and accurate
first-hand evidence. It can clear up any ambiguity
about who is at fault, potentially saving you from
unwarranted liability or insurance complications.
2. Helpful teaching tools: Dash cameras are
not just great for your personal use. They can
come in handy when teaching kids to drive or
when practicing towing, as it offers an unfiltered
view of what happens during a drive, providing
an excellent tool to correct driving errors and
ensure driver safety.
3. 24/7 car surveillance: Your dash camera can
serve as an invisible security guard for your car
and van. Equipped with a parking mode feature,
it starts recording as soon as it detects any
movement or activity around your vehicle. This
means you’re always aware of what happens
near your car even when you’re not there.
4. Promotes safer driving habits: Some dash

cameras come with advanced features that alert
drivers about upcoming fixed speed and redlight cameras, helping avoid possible traffic
violations. They can also come with a footage
lock protection feature, ensuring critical evidence
remains safe and unaltered.
Brad Hales, National Marketing Manager at
Uniden, said: “In our increasingly digital age,
staying connected and having immediate access
to crucial information has never been more
important.
“Investing in a dash cam is as important as
having a good insurance policy. While we hope
you’ll never have to use the footage your dash
cam records, the peace of mind that comes with
knowing you’re well-protected in any situation is
invaluable.”
For further information about the benefits of
dash cams, call 1300 366 895, or check out
Uniden's range on uniden.com.au

THE CARAVAN YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND tradervs.com.au

191

REGULARS

g e taway g e a r

SLOW ROAD
COOKBOOK

Kirianna Poole spent five years travelling with
her husband and three kids in their vintage
Kombi and that gave her a lot of time to dream
up simple, hearty food that’s perfect for cooking
while camping.
Schooled in her Dad’s restaurants and inspired
by a slow-paced life, she knows that good food is
the foundation of awesome family adventures.
From the small burner in her van or a campfire
at camp, Kirianna’s simple, delicious and
wholesome recipes are perfect for families who
want to eat better outdoors. Forget two-minute
noodles, The Slow Road Cookbook is filled with
the meals she grew up with in a Maori family in
New Zealand, flavours she’s savoured around the

192 caravanworld.com.au

world and camping classics born in the Aussie
bush. With more than 80 recipes and chapters
covering meat, chicken, seafood, desserts,
breakfasts and even some sneaky cocktails,
you’ll never lack for choice.
“Travelling slowly lends itself to a lifestyle of
eating slowly,” says Kirianna. “Australia is a
wonderland for passionate cooks, where
sustainable seafood, grass-fed beef and spring
lamb are easy to get. There’s plenty of space for
foraging and heaps of roadside stalls with fresh
fruit and veg scattered around the countryside.
“On long drives, I would spend hours dreaming
up recipes, then bring them to life when we
camped that night. Slow became an ideology of

how I think about our food, summed up in the
words seasonal, local, organic and whole
(SLOW).”
With a baby strapped to her chest and two
barefooted kids exploring around her, this is food
for families who crave a slower life, more
connection with people, the land and, just as
importantly, themselves.
The Slow Road Cookbook goes on sale on 1
November but can be pre-ordered from
exploringedenbooks.com and everywhere good
books are sold. For every copy sold, one tree is
planted to help make sure the book does more
good than harm. Its recommended retail price is
$44.95.

POWERING
YOUR NEXT
ADVENTURE

Power your home away from home with Century Batteries.
The Century Lithium Pro Deep Cycle range of batteries incorporate
advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate LiFePO4 technology and are designed
to provide long lasting power when you need it most. Capable of
delivering over 3000 cycles1 , longer service life, more usable energy
and up to 10x faster recharging* they are suitable as a replacement for
standard 12V flooded, GEL or AGM Deep Cycle batteries. 2
Need help finding the right deep cycle for you?
Call 13 22 87 | Visit www.centurybatteries.com.au
1

Scan or visit:
centurybatteries.com.au/lithium
for more information

At 80% DOD / #Not suitable for cranking/starting and under bonnet, grid connected solar systems or float charge applications. *Compared with standard flooded
lead acid battery. 2When used within recommended operating conditions and in conjunction with a compatible Lithium charger or charging system.

CB123-3358b

ON SALE

9 Nov

Journey into the great Aussie outback with us in November. Chris Whitelaw will guide
you through his favourite outback locations, and we’ll also look at how to stay safe
and what gear you need when heading into the bush.
194 caravanworld.com.au

Subscribe
TO CARAVAN WORLD’S
YOUTUBE CHANNEL
to watch our
latest review videos.

We’re adding videos
constantly so subscribe to
make sure you don’t miss out!

SPINIFEX ARE ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S LEADING CUSTOM OFF-ROAD
CARAVAN MANUFACTURERS IN QUEENSLAND SINCE 2007.
By keeping our production to a manageable level of up to 50 caravans per year, we ensure our attention to detail
and quality is of the highest standard. Our range caters for every need including Fully Electric, Family Bunks and
the ultimate luxury off road experience in our signature Electrex & Nomadix Premier custom-built caravans.
Book your appointment today and design the perfect caravan to suit your needs.
07 3888 2221
www.spinifexcaravans.com.au

admin@spinifexcaravans.com.au
facebook.com/SpinifexCaravans