Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 581 i Caravan World

All roads led to Deniliquin, NSW in September as more than 18,000 celebrated 20 years of the iconic Deni Ute Muster. The sports arena was bustling with action, with ute circlework and the horseback barrel races sending ripples of vicarious adrenaline through the audience and dust plumes high into the air. The more low-key Go to Wo, Show ‘n Shine and best ute competitions provided a break from the mayhem. The Muster holds two Guinness World Records —one for the highest number of blue singlets worn at one time, the other for the greatest number of utility vehicles gathered in one place. This year’s blue singlet count was an impressive 2998 while more than 7,000 utes turned up. The main stage featured Aussie music stars Kasey Chambers and Troy Cassar-Daley…

There’s little more frustrating than being bent on your haunches searching through your pot cupboard looking for that special saucepan. The reality is we always seem to take more than we need and all that clutter may have a negative impact on our trip. Clutter may be at the lower end of the enjoyment-curtailing spectrum, but it all adds to anxiety and stress levels, and can affect our general sense of wellbeing. The beauty of summer touring trips is they are generally short mid-week jaunts or extended weekend excursions, which in theory require less gear. But for those who love to cook, it's easy to load up on equipment. Barbecues such as the Weber Baby Q have entrenched themselves as a staple in the RV world. Compact, lightweight and versatile,…

From the December issue of Caravan World, Hema Chief Exploration Officer Rob Boegheim will be sharing his extensive knowledge of Australia's highways, byways and backroads with readers heading out on their next adventure. Boegheim has explored and mapped more than 150,000km of Australia’s most remote roads and tracks, and is one of the country's most knowledgable people on places to go and explore, including what unique experiences can be had in any given area. To ask the CXO a question, simply email submissions@adventuresgroup.com.au with Chief Exploration Officer in the subject line.…

As increasing numbers of Australians take to the roads in caravans, and the value of those vans climbs ever higher, it's little wonder caravan security has become a hot topic. A combination of new technology, trusty old-fashioned devices and new laws have all made it more difficult for thieves to make off with our caravans and our possessions, yet too many owners leave things to chance. That's despite increasing awareness of security thanks to the prevalence of built-in GPS trackers in new vans and the rising number of owners fitting older vans with after-market tracking technology. At the same time, new Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR) laws have made it more difficult for thieves to 'rebirth' stolen vans — a practice whereby crims transfer vehicle identification numbers (VINs) from damaged vehicles…

Once you've taken measures to secure your van and your possessions, it's also worth thinking about keeping yourself and your loved ones safe while exploring the great outdoors. Here are some tips for keeping secure on the road. 1. Know where you are – install the Emergency+ App Knowing exactly where you are is key to getting prompt police or other assistance when a felon robs you or your van, or worse still, becomes a potential threat to your safety. Knowing your latitude and longitude (GPS coordinates) might mean the difference between a quick emergency response and a devastatingly slow one. The Emergency+ App provides your coordinates in the event of an emergency, even when you’re out of phone range. 2. Calling Triple-Zero The key here is to remain calm,…

Cooled by the ocean breezes on the southern tip of the Yorke Peninsula, Innes National Park is an excellent summer camping destination. This relatively small national park packs a punch, offering great camping, fishing, swimming and walking, all easily accessible by 2WD. Long, sweeping beaches where you can fish for Australian salmon add to the appeal, along with a selection of caravan-friendly campsites with an access track to Pondalowie Bay. Exploring the national park is a must during your stay. Around 40 shipwrecks lie off the Yorke Peninsula and you can visit the remains of the park’s most famous wreck, the Ethel, although it’s not always visible — at times hidden beneath the shifting sands. Stop off at the Cape Spencer and West Cape lighthouses for sweeping ocean views. Walk…

There are an estimated 200 dingoes on Fraser Island and it’s not unusual to encounter one in your travels there. They are beautiful animals and seeing one in its natural habitat is a special experience. But, while they may look like a family pet, they are wild, predatory animals, one of the purest strains of wild dog in the world. They are unpredictable and can be aggressive, especially in autumn and summer, and should be regarded with caution. Certain townships and campgrounds on the island are now fenced to stop dingoes accessing rubbish bins or stealing food from people. This has resulted in a noticeable reduction in dingo bites around these areas. While the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has taken steps to protect people, visitors must take responsibility for…

VALUE FOR MONEY “Can you find a more polished offroader under $90K?” TOWABILITY “Rides behind like an absolute dream” LIVEABILITY “Quite simply it’s a home away from home” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “Loaded with virtually everything to take you anywhere!” LAYOUT “Showcases a design that will put a smile on the most discerning caravan buyer” QUALITY OF FINISH “Amazing… Outstanding…Phenomenal” BUILD QUALITY “Damn well near perfect” CREATURE COMFORTS “Basically comprises the whole kit and caboodle” INNOVATION “The R&D and technological investment is obvious” X-FACTOR “Both ‘beauty’ and ‘beast’… Wow!”…

VALUE FOR MONEY "Well-appointed van with a difference" SELF-SUFFICIENCY "Didn’t have a grey tank but apart from that quite good" LIVEABILITY "Has all the desirable features where they should be" SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING "On-road tourer with a bit of rough road capability" LAYOUT "Fairly spacious with room to move around, no major compromises" QUALITY OF FINISH "Items such as the windows reflect the quality of the rest of the van" BUILD QUALITY "Seems fairly well constructed to me" CREATURE COMFORTS "Has all the essentials" INNOVATION "Different sort of construction technique to the usual" X-FACTOR "Definitely the chassis construction"…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 7.5m (24ft 7in) External body length 5.3m (17ft 5in) External body width 2.35m (7ft 8in) Travel height 3m (9ft 10in) Internal height 1.95m (6ft 5in) Tare 2090kg ATM 2600kg Payload 510kg Ball weight 210kg EXTERNAL Frame Meranti (300mm spacings) Cladding Aluminium flat panel composite Chassis 6inx2in G&S hot-dipped, galvanised Suspension Cruisemaster XT coil spring independent with twin shock absorbers Coupling Cruisemaster DO35 V3 Brakes Dexter 12in electric Wheels 16in alloys, with 265/75 R16 all-terrain tyres Water 2x95L Battery 1x120Ah AGM Solar 1x150W Air-conditioner Aircommand Ibis 3 Gas 2x9kg Sway control Dexter DSC Kitchen No INTERNAL Cooking Swift gas/electric stove, with grill Fridge Dometic RMDX21 three-way 190L Microwave NCE 25L Bathroom Thetford C263 cassette toilet and full-height one-piece fibreglass shower Washing machine No Hot water Swift…

VALUE FOR MONEY "Family van with a bit of class that won't destroy the budget" TOWABILITY "Excellent for a wide range of tow tugs" LIVEABILITY "No real compromises in overall design and features" SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING "Excellent for family touring" LAYOUT "Mostly practical for family use" QUALITY OF FINISH "Most fittings and appliances seemed to be of the usual standard" BUILD QUALITY "Few minor issues but nothing major" CREATURE COMFORTS "Kitted out with most of the essentials, including a washing machine" INNOVATION "It’s different but nothing particularly innovative" X-FACTOR "Mostly the bunk bed layout"…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 7.71m (25ft 4in) External body length 6.58m (21ft 6in) External body width 2.45m (8ft) Travel height 2.95m (9ft 8in) Internal height 1.95m (6ft 5in) Tare 2700kg ATM 3200kg Payload 500kg Ball weight 260kg EXTERNAL Frame Meranti Cladding Aluminium composite Chassis 6inx2in G&S DuraGal Suspension Control Rider TS2 Coupling Cruisemaster DO35 Brakes 12in electric drum Wheels 16in black & silver alloys, with 235/75 R15 tyres Water 2x95L (fresh water); 1x95L (drinking) Battery 4x100Ah Solar 3x120W Air-conditioner Aircommand Ibis 3 Gas 2x9kg Sway control Dexter DSC Kitchen No INTERNAL Cooking Swift gas/electric cooktop, grill and fan-forced full oven Fridge Dometic RPD 218 compressor 218L Microwave Sphere Bathroom Dometic ceramic bowl toilet, with one-piece fibreglass shower Washing machine NCE top-loader 2.5kg Hot water Swift gas/electric 28L OPTIONS FITTED…

Atlantic Caravans commenced operations in 2010 when owners Nick and Peter handed in their many years of experience in building caravans for other manufacturers to begin their own business. In the first month of operation, they turned out one caravan a week with the help of two staff from their 600sqm factory. Today the business spreads over two 1500sqm buildings in Campbellfield, VIC, with more than 40 staff and an extensive network of dealers for their annual production of 250 vans. In this, their top range on-road caravan, Atlantic has tried to impress by building with extra 'wow' factor. They want buyers to walk through the door and fall for the modern styling and impressive design. So, is it a matter of form over function or have they got the…

I find it heartwarming to see that proud traditions of premium Australian design and manufacture are still popular in this topsy-turvy world of dog-eat-dog. One of our premium RV manufacturers is the Sunshine Coast's Rhinomax. Its Discovery MK2 Hybrid is not only pleasing to the senses, but comes at a reasonable price and towing capacity, while revealing tremendous comfort and facilities. Quality abounds in the range, with former Rolls Royce engineer and Rhinomax partner Andy Dean bringing the manufacturing standard up to a superb presentation. But make no mistake, the Discovery Hybrid ain't no princess. Its level of comfort may suit royalty, but this unit has the strength and attitude of its Rhinoceros namesake when it comes to its bushability. “Its level of comfort may suit royalty, but this unit…

Many people reading this may be seasoned veterans when it comes to embarking on spectacular caravan trips. But for those new to the RV scene who are considering purchasing a caravan, this article is for you. Here we chat with Credit One's managing director, Michael Rojek, to get some expert advice on how you can afford to buy your dream RV and still have some spare change to take it travelling. WHAT'S YOUR BUDGET? This is obviously the starting point on any potential RV owner's list. You need to know what you can afford, and not over-extend yourself financially. “Your budget will obviously be one of the main contributing factors as to what type of caravan you purchase,” says Rojek. “Whether you opt for a new or a pre-owned caravan,…

In the last issue of Caravan World we had a question from reader Matt Taylor who asked our 12V Guru David Bayliss about charging your batteries using solar panels while remote camping. Mark wanted to know about how the panels' output is affected by their direction and position. This issue, David has completed some in-field testing out in the bush while on a trip with his family to expand upon his response. Hi again Mark, Last month we talked about how you can replenish your energy requirements when you are camping in remote areas. Solar is an excellent way to do this, and using portable solar panels is very common nowadays. I made the point that solar panel energy production varies widely, and depends upon the angle at which the…

AN OVER-PRICED PART I am writing to express my disgust at the exorbitant pricing I had to pay for a mass air flow sensor for my 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter motorhome. I was charged $866.39 for the part, plus labour. The sensor consists of a hollow hard plastic tube (8cm diameter, 10cm long) that has an air sampling tube (pitot tube) inserted into it to sample the airflow entering the combustion chambers, and connected via a minuscule electronic circuit board, which converts the airflow to an electronic signal, which is then fed into the main engine computer to regulate air/ fuel mixtures. It is a very basic part and in technological terms does not in any way compare to an iPhone or a Smart TV, both of which are available for…

Jeff and Val Mathie were travelling through Normanton, QLD, when their Lotus Off-Grid caravan was almost swallowed by an enormous crocodile. Luckily, they managed to escape, continuing their journey across the stunning Savannah Way towards Borroloola. “A great trip on rugged and sometimes challenging roads,” they write. Just email your most travel-inspiring picture (2-3Mb) of yourself, family and friends with your rig along with a brief description to: submissions@adventuresgroup.com.au with ‘Readers’ Rigs’ in the subject line, or send a print to Caravan World Readers’ Rigs, 125 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North, Vic 3161. All entries must include your full postal address (not for publication). Photo submissions may also appear on caravanworld.com.au.…

Summer is fast approaching and, as the weather heats up, many of us will take to favourite water holes to cool down. And when we do, we may remember the water safety mantra from Aussie swim coach Laurie Laurence’s ‘Kids Alive — Do the Five’ campaign from 1988, the initiative that aimed to reduce the number of children who are drowned, particularly in backyard swimming pools. However, it’s worth remembering that the risks around water aren’t limited to children. In the Royal Life Saving 2018 National Drowning Report, 249 people drowned in Australian waterways and more than 550 people were hospitalised for non-fatal drowning. Of those drownings, 76 per cent involved people over 25 years old. Indeed, more than 46 per cent were aged 45 and over — almost half!…

Travellers need to be just as security conscious when travelling as they would be at home, says Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO Stuart Lamont. He says securing your RV is easy, whether you’re at home or away. “Regardless of where you camp, you can take additional measures to avoid becoming the target of an opportunistic thief,” he says. Caravan owners should secure their vans with a choice from the good range of products on the market specifically designed for caravans and campers. “From the research we’ve reviewed, most offenders are petty thieves and opportunistic criminals,” says Lamont. Whenever you need to park the van somewhere, it’s imperative to keep your prized home-away-from-home safe. At home, leaving your van in the driveway without securing it is an invitation to observant…

I’ve hauled a kayak or a canoe on almost every road trip I’ve ever taken, along with an excess of fishing rods and snorkelling gear, balls, boogie boards and bicycles that weigh down our rig, hog space and, more often than not, get in the way. Why? Because toys make life fun, get us exploring and, without them, we simply stand on the sidelines while other people enjoy themselves. Travelling with outdoor toys can save you lots of hard-earned cash that you might otherwise spend on gear rentals, tours and trips, but the trick is to work out what you will use most and how to stow your gear so it won’t impact on everyday set-up routines. The best gear to make room for in your rig is whatever you…

Beautiful Barmah National Park offers vanners a majestic camping experience among (but never under!) the extensive forest of river red gums that are protected by the park. River reds are renowned for dropping their branches, so setting up your van beneath their limbs is a mistake you don't want to make. The park extends along the banks of the Murray River, whose sandy beaches and fresh water offer a less frenetic alternative to the summer crowds on the coast. There’s a pleasant camping and day use area at Barmah Lakes, or you can explore further afield and find your own peaceful patch of riverfront to set up camp. Watching the skies above the river come alive with birds in the stillness of a summer evening is a sight to behold.…

Fraser Island is strictly 4WD territory. Outside the main villages at Kingfisher Bay and Eurong, every track and thoroughfare on the island is made entirely of sand in varying depths and degrees of difficulty. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle should be considered essential if you want to get out and explore Fraser - a 2WD or AWD softroader simply won’t cut the mustard when the going gets tough in deep sand. You can travel in high range most of the time but occasionally you’ll need low range, especially when ploughing soft sand at beach entry/exit points, negotiating gnarly, guttered uphill sections in the forests or if you’re towing. Here are some helpful tips to help you stay safe and get the most out of your Fraser Island holiday: 1. Vehicle access…

Badged as Legend Caravans’ ‘middle pin’ full offroader, the Kick Back sits between the Groundbreaker and Trackline. But make no mistake, it’s purpose-built for off-grid relaxation. Quite simply, you can ‘kick back’ and enjoy life with Legend’s midrange van. And meticulous is the best way to depict the Kick Back’s myriad external and internal attributes. Legend Caravans is renowned for painstaking attention to detail, and the Kick Back is unequivocally no exception. This savvy caravan manufacturer spares no expense in utilising the latest technology and the proof is in the pudding on inspecting the Kick Back. “Legend Caravans is renowned for painstaking attention to detail, and the Kick Back is unequivocally no exception” LEGENDARY STUFF Having previously reviewed a couple of Legend models, I’m privy to hallmarks of the marque.…

For many manufacturers, caravan construction follows a familiar theme — galvanised steel RHS chassis, timber or aluminium frame and aluminium or fibreglass cladding. It’s a tried and trusted technique but comes with something of a weight disadvantage. There have been some alternative designs that have evolved in recent times. Earlier this year Coromal made the surprising announcement of a new range of Evolution caravans, the principal difference when compared to Coromal’s older models being the way the van was constructed. “A Tare mass of 2440kg, which apart from anything else gives it a very good payload of 650kg” To check this out, Coromal Windsor in Brisbane loaned me an Element Evolution 632S RTV for a look-over. The RTV stands for Rural Terrain Vehicle. Just viewing a few statistics, the 632S…

Like myriad entities that have flourished into thriving businesses, Evernew Caravans has emerged from humble beginnings. It’s well documented that way back in 1963, a youthful Bruce Bailey and his father sold caravans from the front yard of a rented residence in Melbourne’s northeast — an unpretentious genesis to say the least! And, as fate would have it, around a decade later the Bailey family were manufacturing their own custom-built caravans from leased premises in Heidelberg. MODERN FAMILY Roll on more than half a century from its simple origins and this marquee brand’s tradition continues, but on this occasion it’s another family that has assumed the Evernew reins. Bruce Bailey decided upon a well-earned retirement last year, which provided Dani Bib with the opportunity to establish a family business of…

A recurring problem caravan layout designers have is that for a given length of caravan, there are only so many layouts that will be practical or acceptable to users. Which is why for a length such as 6.05m (19ft 10in), a family layout only has a certain number of permutations. I don’t know if there’s a trend for family vans at the moment, but the team at Caravan World, Chevallum, QLD, seem to have a few in stock and the Option RV Tornado is one of the latest models. Generally speaking, a bunk bed layout like this Tornado is a bit longer but, by having a transverse double bed up front, the rest of the layout fits in. The layout consists of a nearside kitchen, offside dinette and a rear…

Recently, I looked back to Caravan World (Issue 542) where my first published review was of a Roma Elegance, which was tested in Maryborough, Victoria. Three years and 39 editions later, I feel somewhat like the homecoming prodigal son. Certainly, there was a sense of nostalgia recently, when I reviewed another Roma, a 6.58m (21ft 6in) Elegance. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since that maiden review, both personally and professionally. But as I discovered during this test, some things just don't change: the timeless grandeur of a Roma caravan is empowering! LIFE EXPERIENCE “This Elegance incarnation reflects 90 years of caravan design and manufacturing expertise” This incarnation of the Elegance reflects 90 years of caravan design and manufacturing expertise. And Roma Caravans, a caravan-building ‘nonagenarian’, proves…

VALUE FOR MONEY “Considering the grandiosity, at just under $90K it’s an enticing asking price” TOWABILITY “Demonstrated a smooth ride and exceptional handling” LIVEABILITY “Think luxurious home away from home” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “Augmented capacities guarantee touring versatility” LAYOUT “Lateral design thinking ensures a spacious interior” QUALITY OF FINISH “All the furniture fits like a glove” BUILD QUALITY “Construction flair and passion really comes to the fore” CREATURE COMFORTS “Simply comprises every conceivable mod con” INNOVATION “Who’s the mastermind behind the pull-out pantries setup?” X-FACTOR “Let’s just say it starts in the kitchen and just keeps going’”…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 8.70m (28ft 6in) External body length 6.82m (22ft 4in) Internal body length 6.5m (21ft 6in) External body width 2.45m (8ft) Travel height 2.85m (9ft 4in) Internal height 1.96m (6ft 3in) Tare 2540kg ATM 3040kg Payload 500kg Ball weight 230kg EXTERNAL Frame Meranti Cladding Alucobond Chassis 6in Road Runner; 6in A-Frame Suspension Tandem axle Roller Rocker Coupling 50mm ball Brakes 10in Wheels 15in alloy Water 2x95L Battery 1x100Ah Solar 1x120W Air-conditioner Ibis Air Command Gas 2x9kg Sway control Optional Kitchen No INTERNAL Cooking Thetford Caprice Mk3 Fridge Thetford 185L three-way Microwave Sphere 20L Bathroom Thetford china bowl, full-height corner shower Washing machine Sphere 3kg top-loader Hot water Suburban gas-electric 20L OPTIONS FITTED Angled kitchen PRICE AS SHOWN $79,990 driveaway ex-factory (VIC) MORE INFORMATION Atlantic Caravans 37…

TRAILER Tare 1740kg ATM 2500kg Suspension Cruisemaster XT fully independent trailing arm suspension Brakes 12in electric Coupling DO35 offroad Chassis Galvanised box section Drawbar 150 x 50 x 4mm galvanised A-frame Body 30mm insulated fibreglass composite Wheel/tyre 17in alloy with 265/70 R17 all-terrain tyres Style Steel mag DIMENSIONS Box size 4.5m x 1.95m Length 6.5m (hitch to tail lights) Body size 4500mm x 1950mm wind-out Thule annex ACCESSORIES Gas cylinders 2x4.5kg holders Water 125L poly (Std) plus optional 110L Cooktop Thetford three-burner gas Kitchen Stainless steel large sink, hot/cold mixer, large stainless bench space, under sink compartment, large cutlery drawer and two big pantry drawers above, fridge slide with huge pot/pan and pantry storage with sliding storage drawer, plus 85 litre fridge/freezer from Eva Cool Battery 2x120 AMP AGM (Std)…

"I wonder just how much uncertainties in the Federal Government arena are affecting … potential buyers' spending power on large luxury items such as caravans" This might seem a funny comment to make in the RV world where white and silver are predominant colours, but I had a look around our local supermarket carpark the other day and realised a fair chunk of the cars were less than five years old and were coloured various shades of black, grey and white, with any number of metallic silvers. Talk about the monochromatic look! Have car makers forgotten what colour is? A month or so ago I spent a week on the ski slopes at Wanaka, New Zealand. Yes, the snow was very white, but the Jucy Cabana camping car we were…

ON TRACK Q Hi CW, I keep hearing that having the same track width between my caravan and tow vehicle is good on a beach as well as offroad. Can you explain why? Tom Davies, via email A Hi Tom, As I understand it, having the track width of both tow vehicle and caravan/camper trailer the same is desirable because on soft ground, mud or sand, the trailer wheels simply follow the tracks already made by the tow vehicle, so there is less drag. Of course that only works when travelling in a straight line but that is better than nothing. It’s the same on seriously rocky tracks, where the trailer will follow the same course as the tow vehicle, assuming that the driver has picked the…

I thought I would write to tell readers what can happen when a wheel bearing collapses on a van. This happened to my van in Forbes, NSW. John and I were lucky we had wonderful help and that it happened where it did, and that neither ourselves or anyone else was injured. We broke down across the road from Alan, a caravan repairer who came over to help us and drove 20km into Forbes to see if we could find a wheel (with no luck). At first it looked like we would have to wait a week in town for a new axle to arrive from Melbourne, then after another look we discovered that the stub axle was broken and Alan said he knew someone who might be able to…

Exploration is in Rob Boegheim’s DNA, thanks to his adventuring parents, Henry and Margaret. The couple founded Hema Maps in 1983 — the name is a combination of the first two letters of their first names — initially distributing and selling maps and marine charts. They then branched into 4WD map-making with maps of Cape York, the Kimberley, the Flinders Ranges and Top End, after Henry and Margaret began to travel and noted the poor map quality for Australia’s rugged remote locations. Rob joined the business and became Hema's managing director in 2005. He says his parents gave him the freedom to explore and discover his gifts, strengths and passions along the way. Yes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! “They backed me (and the rest of the…

Each year, hundreds of caravans are lost to theft. Moreover, the thief often has detailed knowledge of caravans, their value and vulnerabilities. They also know about caravan locks and are keenly aware that canvas annexes are easily accessible. Authorities understand that an accomplished burglar knows, not only about caravan security, but also how to enter a van when occupants are asleep, without making the van rock. Owners need to lock up and secure their caravan and its contents, whether they are on the road, choosing a place to park and even when storing their caravan at home. As well as taking sensible precautions and installing anti-theft technology, preparation should include adequate insurance cover to provide RV owners with peace of mind. The caravan's identifying VIN number can be inscribed on…

Pebbly Beach Campground is around 50km north of Coffs Harbour. Access is via unsealed roads, dune tracks, beach and a saltwater creek crossing. This campground is suitable only for smaller vans, towed by high clearance 4WDs. Camping costs $12 per adult, per night. Sites cannot be booked in advance, so it’s best to arrive early, particularly in summer. Camping fees are collected on site. Park entry fees also apply. Facilities are limited to non-flush toilets. More info at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au…

Research first: Summer is often the busiest time of year for camping, so check whether you need to book ahead to avoid disappointment. Where you can’t book, arrive early in the day for the best pick of the sites. Sun shelter: Keep your cool and try to pick a campsite with some shade. This will not only provide shelter, your batteries will also thank you for keeping for van out of the full sun. Get your awning out early, too, for extra coverage. Water toys: Nothing cools you off like splashing around in the water and long summer days lend themselves to an array of water-based activities, so pack accordingly. Don’t forget your snorkel, fishing gear, surfboard, inflatable tube or kayak. Summer treats: There’s nothing like an icy-cold drink or…

Cathedrals on Fraser is the island’s only privately-owned camping ground, with a variety of accommodation to suit all budgets and lifestyles. Nestled within coastal bushland behind the beach that takes its name from the ridge of brilliantly coloured sand cliffs called The Cathedrals (aka The Pinnacles), it’s the perfect setting for an island getaway. Just 30km from Indian Head, it’s also a great base for exploring the less-visited northern attractions of Orchid Beach and Sandy Cape. High-clearance 4WD vehicles will have no problem reaching Cathedrals via the cross-island tracks. But if you're an inexperienced driver or towing a van or trailer, it’s advisable to take the Inskip barge out of Rainbow Beach to avoid the inland tracks and opt for a smoother journey along the eastern beach. Campers, 'vanners and…

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/fraser www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/permits www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/fraser/pdf/fraserconditions-report.pdf Ph: 13 74 68 Kingfisher Bay Barge/Fraser Venture Barge (River Heads) www.kingfisherbay.com reservations@kingfisherbay.com Ph: 1800 227 437 Mantaray Barge (Inskip Point) www.mantarayfraserislandbarge.com.aumantaraybargeqld@bigpond.com Ph: 0418 872 599 or (07) 5486 3935 Kingfisher Bay Resort & Village www.kingfisherbay.comreservations@kingfisherbay.com Ph: 1800 072 555 or (07) 4120 3333 Eurong Beach Resort www.eurong.com.auenquiries@eurong.com www.eurong.com.auPh: 1800 111 808 or (07) 4194 9300 Cathedrals on Fraser www.cathedralsonfraser.com.auinfo@cathedralsonfraser.com.au Ph: (07) 4127 9177 Hervey Bay Visitor Information Centre 227 Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road, Urraween www.ourfrasercoast.com.au www.visitfrasercoast.comPh: 1800 811 728 Mechanical assistance (Eurong) Ph: 0427 279 173 Towing services (Eurong) Ph: (07) 4127 9449 and 0428 353 164 Fraser Island Taxi (Eurong) Ph: (07) 4127 9188 and 0429 379 188 Police (Eurong) Ph: 4127 9288…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 8.69m (28ft 6in) External body length 6.25m (20ft 6in) External body width 2.5m (8ft 2in) incl. accessories Travel height 3.05m (10ft) Internal height 1.97m (6ft 6in) Tare 2700kg ATM 3500kg Payload 800kg Ball weight 176kg EXTERNAL Frame Aluminium (machine riveted) Cladding Alucomp Chassis 6in G&S SupaGal, with 4in raiser Suspension G&S Control Rider TS Coupling Cruisemaster DO35 Brakes 12in electric Wheels 16in Dominator alloys, with all-terrain tyres Water 2x95L Battery 2x120Ah AGM Solar 2x160W Air-conditioner Aircommand Ibis 3 Gas 2x9kg Sway control Optional Kitchen Slide-out Weber INTERNAL Cooking Swift four-burner cooktop, grill and oven Fridge Dometic two-way 224L Microwave Sphere 24L Bathroom Thetford cassette toilet, with fully-moulded one-piece fibreglass shower Washing machine Camec 4kg front-loader Hot water Suburban gas/electric 22.6L OPTIONS FITTED None PRICE AS…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 8.4m (27ft 7in) External body length 6.6m (21ft 8in) External body width 2.47m (8ft 1in) Travel height 3.05m (10ft) Internal height 1.98m (6ft 6in) Tare 2440kg ATM 3090kg Payload 650kg Ball weight 127kg EXTERNAL Frame Fibreglass composite walls and single roof panel from drawbar to the rear bumper bar Cladding N/A Chassis High tensile 550 grade steel ,CNC folded and laser cut and held together with Huck rivets Suspension Esy-Tow independent Coupling AL-KO Click Lock Brakes 10in electric Wheels 16in alloy Water 2x80L Battery 1x100Ah Solar 1x150W Air-conditioner Dometic Gas 2x9g Sway control AL-KO ESC Kitchen (external) No INTERNAL Cooking Dometic four-burner and grill Fridge Nova Kool 190L compressor Microwave Camec 25L Bathroom Dometic cassette toilet and separate shower cubicle Hot water Camec instantaneous OPTIONS…

VALUE FOR MONEY “It offers bang for buck with its off-grid cred and pleasing interior” TOWABILITY “Smooth as butter on all types of terrain” LIVEABILITY “You’d like a few more additions but there’s sufficient requisites” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “It’ll take you to most far-flung places in peace of mind and comfort LAYOUT “I liked the practical and voguish interior” QUALITY OF FINISH “It certainly looks the goods on the outside and the inside” BUILD QUALITY “Unquestionable high attention to detail and quality craftsmanship” CREATURE COMFORTS “Unfortunately missing several mod cons” INNOVATION “New design decals lead the way here” X-FACTOR “’Due recognition must be given to its under $70K price tag and pocket rocket status”…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 8.06m (26ft 5in) External body length 6.05m (19ft 10in) External body width 2.44m (8ft) Travel height 2.95m (9ft 8in) Internal height 1.96m (6ft 5in) Tare 2240kg ATM 2740kg Payload 500kg Ball weight 120kg EXTERNAL Frame Timber Cladding Walls and roof, aluminium/ front and rear, composite Chassis SupaGal 100mmx50mm (4inx2in) chassis, 150mmx50mm (6inx2in) Suspension Tandem axle leaf spring Coupling Ball Brakes 10in electric Wheels 16in alloy Water 2x95L Battery 1x110Ah Solar 1x150W Air-conditioner Air Command Ibis Gas 2x9kg Sway control Not standard External kitchen No INTERNAL Cooking Swift 500 four-burner and grill Fridge Dometic RMDC21 190L three-way Microwave NCE Bathroom Thetford cassette and separate shower cubicle Hot water Suburban 23L OPTIONS FITTED None PRICE AS SHOWN $61,990 driveaway, QLD MORE INFORMATION To enquire about this caravan,…

VALUE FOR MONEY "A big van with quality appointments for the money" TOWABILITY “Well balanced and a sensible 3040kg ATM" LIVEABILITY “Room to move and a bathroom like home" SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING "It's designed for long distances and long stays, and it fits the brief perfectly" LAYOUT "Sensible layout makes the best use of space” QUALITY OF FINISH “Perfectly cut CNC joinery and beautiful upholstery" BUILD QUALITY “Everything looks properly completed and neat" CREATURE COMFORTS “Homely living space, comfortable seating and big shower" INNOVATION “If you want a big ensuite it’s right here” X-FACTOR "X factor was the designers' brief, and they have delivered 'lightweight touring!'…

VALUE FOR MONEY "I thought it may have been more money!" SELF SUFFICIENCY "Great supply of essential power and water" SUITABILITY "Comfortable and spacious hybrid with a smart array of features" LAYOUT "Very comfortable with great use of space and storage" QUALITY OF FINISH "Rolls Royce quality at an excellent price" BUILD QUALITY "Tough construction – well engineered" CREATURE COMFORTS "It was comfy! Big, safe, insulated internal with excellent outdoor facility" INNOVATION "Some real experience has evolved in this hybrid" X-FACTOR "Yep, I’d love to own one!"…