Innehållsförteckning för Issue 570 från Caravan World

Winners are grinners so I hope you are all happy. This issue starts our celebration of Best Aussie Vans, our signature event where we bring together the best caravans on sale today and pair them with the best industry experts to appraise them for you. The outcome includes winners across a range of categories but as much as the manufacturers with the highest total score can rightfully hold their heads high, all entrants should be celebrated as not a single van on display was a dud. Enjoy the first half this issue, we will be back for more in January. TOWSTAR We had a few calls and emails about a review done in CW567, on the Roadstar Voyager. Comments came fast and from afar that we must have had an…

“Our kids might have a chance of seeing Australia’s outback rivers the way our grandparents knew them” Anyone who regularly goes fishing or boating on our southern inland waters – especially the vast Murray-Darling Basin - knows the problems created by the spread of introduced common or European carp. Over the past half-century or so, these invasive ‘rabbits of the river’ have spread and multiplied, displacing native species, muddying the waters with their bottom-sucking habits, spreading disease and undermining banks. In some parts of the Murray, carp now represent as much as 90 per cent of the total fish biomass, to the detriment of highly desirable native species such as Murray cod and yellowbelly. For almost as long as these dreaded carp have been swimming in our rivers and lakes,…

1. Value for money Does this van offer good value for money? How many features are included, and what are its the dimensions? And does it give buyers what they’re paying for? 2. Self-sufficiency Is this van suitable for extended periods of remote touring, or a couple of days of free camping? 3. Liveability This is all about the small touches, where a manufacturer’s love of camping is seen. Could you call this van home? Is it intuitive to use? 4.Suitability for intended touring How does the van perform in its intended purpose, and is it adequately fitted out and built for the purpose? 5. Layout Is the van visually appealing inside, and has enough thought gone into the layout for easy, convenient touring? Is there enough storage, and is…

“A five-year structural, drawbar and chassis warranty is enough to give anybody a vote of confidence.” – Michael Borg – The lightweight MDC XT12 2018 is ready for action offroad, but the long list of comforts and $40K+ price tag are what earned it a second look at Caravan World's Best Aussie Vans program for 2017. The XT12's grand external kitchen allows for 'all hands on deck' after a full day of camping fun with shower facilities inside and out for a clean camp – no matter how muddy your adventures get. But did it meet the judges' expectations? Let's check it out. ALL-ROUNDER The XT12 2018 is a great all-round touring package. It’s perfect for weekends away or long distance touring, and has had plenty of testing and…

Only months before, new kid AusRV impressed us with the Byfield All Terrain, a striking all-roader sporting a fibreglass body working in tandem with the chassis for optimal strength on our national park tracks. So when our judging crew heard CW would be inspecting the Byfield Extreme Terrain at Best Aussie Vans, they were thrilled. But did it take the cake at camp? Read on and find out. DELIVERING THE GOODS The Byfield XT was like a breath of fresh air to review, mainly because it’s unique to the rest of the mob. The caravan we tested and judged was fluoro green in colour, which I reckon looks tops but actually serves an even greater purpose – you’ll see it coming through clouds of bulldust from a bloody mile away!…

LINCOLN NATIONAL PARK Eyre Peninsula, SA At the very end of the Eyre Peninsula where wild seas wrap around windswept Lincoln National Park, a rugged coastline of monstrous sand hills, limestone lookouts and long, white-sand beaches awaits. The beachfront campgrounds at Surfleet Cove, September Beach, Taylors Landing and Fisherman Point all suit caravanners, but Taylors is a favourite, tucked into the lee of Taylor Island with calm, see-through seas just perfect for paddling. Head here to spot Australian sea lions and dolphins, and exploring south, a sealed, scenic drive leads to the giant, shifting edge of Wanna Dunes. Offroaders can reach Mary Ellis Wreck Beach, named for the wooden sailing ketch marooned on the sand for 110 years. Fast facts Travel 13km southwest of Port Lincoln Camping costs $12/vehicle per…

It’s often called the ‘silly season’ and we all know why. Christmas can be a mixed bag of wonderful, shared experiences with family and friends, as well as a hectic time filled with endless shopping trips, too much food and rushing from house to house on Christmas Day in a desperate attempt to please distant rellies. But what if you could just pack up your van and take your Christmas cheer with you, leaving the chaos behind? It sounds like a dream, which means, of course, you’re not the only one planning a getaway. Camping over the festive season is a fantastic way to spend time with loved ones, but is also one of the busiest times of year, with many campgrounds full to the brim. But, if you’re well…

I’ve got a secret and I don’t want you to tell anybody. I’m in love with the Kimberley. There, I said it. Since the first time we met three long years ago, she has haunted my dreams and distracted me in my waking hours. Hell, I can’t even open Instagram without being taunted by images of her, looking more radiant than ever, flirting shamelessly with smug white-toothed content creators while I sit estranged and shivering in the midst of an East Coast winter. Well, this year I was going to take matters into my own hands; I was going to get out there and win her back. Serendipitously, I was also asked to take Caravan World’s latest giveaway camper trailer, the Dingo Hardfloor from Skamper Kamper, somewhere epic to create…

There’s a generation of retirees who are intent on not doing things the traditional way. These are Baby Boomers who have re-imagined and reinvented the 50-plus lifestyle, redefined the term ‘old rocker’ and are up and out of their chairs, out of the family home and on the road out of town. Looking for lifestyle, many of those who have reached retirement age (15 per cent are over 65) and others in their 50s and early 60s (18 per cent are aged 50 to 64), are cashing up and opting out of the perceived restrictions of the brick veneer and quarter-acre block. Having unleashed the tethers, which increasingly means getting rid of the mortgage in favour of a mobile lifestyle such as an RV or a luxury caravan - they’re…

I love Aussie inventions. When I stumbled across the Shader, a portable multipurpose sun shade designed by South Australian Mark Stellar that protects the face from harmful UV rays, I knew it had winning potential. Former tradie and winner of Sevens’s 2014 reality show The Big Adventure, Mark Sellar, is an entrepreneur at heart. As a true blue Aussie who’s grown up in sunny Adelaide, Mark recognised the need for a compact, stylish sun shade suitable for a wide audience. So he set out to design an attractive-looking fully-adjustable shader that was windproof and comes with a range of amazing technological accessories. Forget about covering your face with a hat, cap, T-shirt, magazine or any other creative fix, this product provides a practical and colourful solution to prevent a sunburnt…

When you're covering kays with an overflowing trunk, your gear needs to be lightweight and strong, especially if it’s riding on top of your fourbie van. Thankfully, Coast to Coast introduces its new range of roof rack kits made from tough lightweight tubular aluminium. Available in either black or white in a smart low-profile design, the kits weigh just 20kg and can offer up to 100kg carrying capacity, in accordance to your van's roof load. Designed for a variety of applications, the roof racks can be shortened in both length and width and come with fittings for roof and side mounting option. Adjustable cross bars allow for roof-mounted accessories such as air conditioners and TV antennas Coast to Coast Roof Racks RRP: $417 Where: Coast to Coast network, Australia-wide More…

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort in Airlie Beach has retained its crown at the Queensland Tourism Awards receiving gold for the highly coveted “Caravan and Holiday Parks” category. After winning the award three years in a row, the park earned a place in the award program's prestigious Hall of Fame with park owners, the McKinnon family, celebrated at a gala event in Brisbane in November. Thirteen new waterslides and an increase in resort-style accommodation formed part of the multi-million dollar expansion to the 10ha site. Greg McKinnon for the McKinnon family said: “I think the tourism industry in the Whitsundays is as good as it’s ever been. We have bounced back after Cyclone Debbie in March this year and there are now more operators and choice of quality products for tourists…

More Aussie families are tipped to spend Christmas caravanning and camping, with more than 16,000 attendees flowing through the gates of Caravanning Queensland's Pre-Christmas Caravan and Camping Sale. More than $30 million worth of product was sold and crowds were up seven per cent compared to previous years. There were more than 100 exhibitors showcasing more than 550 RVs including everything from entry-level tents to top-of-the-range caravans and motorhomes. Caravanning Queensland's General Manager Jason Plant said the sheer variety of product on offer was the major contributor to the event's success. “There was a wide mix of purchasers across all age groups, showing just how popular and diverse the caravanning and camping lifestyle is in Queensland,” he said. The feedback was also positive from exhibitors at the event. Ben Menzies,…

Best Aussie Vans 2017 was a stretch is many ways. We pushed the limits of what we could do in an effort to make the event and its outcomes the best they could be. We travelled more kilometres, we stayed at more parks and we shot at more locations than any year before. With 12 caravans to film, photograph and importantly assess, it would push the limits of ability but again, like years been we bandied together to pull it off. THE LOCATIONS We did things different this year staying at multiple parks across the gorgeous Grampians region around three and a half hours west of Melbourne. Our first base was to the northwest in the capital of the Wimmera region, Horsham. Here we stayed at Wimmera Lakes Caravan Park,…

“The Endeavour felt slightly better behaved than some of the independently sprung models we towed,” – Michael Borg – In a world where the biggest and boldest broadcasts loud, the confident hum of 'best fit' sometimes drowns. Yet building a quality entry-level item takes certain smarts, which Atlantic seemed to have in spades when Caravan World inspected the Endeavour just months before. Well chosen comforts and considered compromises allow otherwise-tyre kickers a real opportunity to get out there and explore. So is the Atlantic Endeavour money wisely spent? Let's see what our judges think. FIT FOR THE JOB Competitively priced, the Endeavour is set to be a real winner with young families stepping into the caravan lifestyle. It’s not overdone, but has more than enough to keep the fuss-pots…

Built by iconic offroad caravan manufacturer Adventure Caravans, the name behind Kakoda and Grand Salute, the Dreamseekerbadged F1 made its debut at Caravan World's Best Aussie Vans for 2017 on the promise it could deliver touring comforts off the beaten track. Happily, the BAV judging crew weren't disappointed with this plucky number. At just 14ft long, the Dreamseeker F1 rolls on fully independent suspension and includes a comprehensive cooking capabilities inside and out. So what did the judges have to say about F1? Read on and find out! COMPACT AND COMFORTABLE Ah, the Dreamseeker F1. This really is a fine piece of machinery. The internal layout was a massive winner for me. In fact, I’m absolutely blown away by just how spacious it feels inside from the second you walk…

“They got us in straight away because we had an accident in our previous van,” – Zelma Shipton – Evans Head, a gem on the far North Coast of NSW, is known for sun, surf and beautiful beaches. However, on a weekend in October when the Option RV Owners Club met for its inaugural rally celebrating Options’ 10th anniversary, the sun and sand gave way to rain. It seemed as though it wouldn’t stop. The rain played the blues, flooding portions of the North Coast Holiday Parks Evans Head, washing out the barefoot bowls, causing a couple of lengthy blackouts and putting a damper on the sausage sizzle. But for the more than 100 caravanners, including men, women and children, it didn’t matter – at least not too much.…

Just because you’re on the road doesn’t mean you should miss out on the festive vibes. The best thing about decorating your caravan and campsite for Christmas is you can take it as far as you want - from a few simple decorations picked up at the supermarket to a full-blown Christmas caravan display, packed full of DIY creations. Whatever your preference, here are some fun and easy ideas to get your creative juices flowing and your van ready for the Christmas season. So don your Santa hat, turn up the carols and get decorating! TINSEL TOWN A Christmas classic, you can’t go wrong with a bit of tinsel strung across your van’s ceiling or wound around your car’s bullbar for instant Christmas cheer. It’s cheap, lightweight and with a…

1. Hike through the giant beehive rock structures of the Bungle Bungles, in Purnululu National Park in the East Kimberley. Don’t miss Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm. 2. Don a head torch and trek up an underground waterway at Tunnel Creek, off the Gibb towards Derby in the west. This incredible cave network is like something from a fairytale. 3. Learn about the customs of the Dampier Peninsula’s traditional landowners at Kooljaman indigenous community on Cape Leveque, north of Broome. Discover local bush tucker and learn to hunt traditionally for mud crabs. 4. Cruise the coastal waters off Broome, where seasonal humpback whales are as abundant as turtles, dolphins, sea snakes and sharks. The fishing here is also pretty incredible, with a good mix of tropical and pelagic species. 5.…

“This project is quite rare in that four local governments in two development boundaries have worked together in one development,”– Nicole Nelson, Shire of Irwin While more and more coastal caravan parks are being turned into commercial developments, four shires in Western Australia have gone to great lengths to preserve a chunk of the WA coastline for future generations to enjoy coastal camping. This stretch, along the Coral Coast in the Mid West of Western Australia, is a three-hour drive north of Perth, an area which sees many RVs pass through via the Brand Highway (particularly during wildflower season) or along the Indian Ocean Drive, meandering through Nambung National Park to see the famous Pinnacles desert. There are plenty of walking and cycling trails and local residents day trip to…

When you're out in the bush exploring, your choice of clothing can either be your best friend or worst enemy Thankfully, the KÜHL Renegade Stealth Pant for men made with softshell Duralux fabric performs beautifully, without sacrificing comfort and style. It feels like cotton to the touch, but is stronger and more breathable, with excellent anti-abrasion and quick-dry properties for convenient use while you’re out on the tracks. What's more, it offers reliable UPF 50 sun protection. The Stealth Pant features a full seat and thigh for a more relaxed fit, and a waistband lined with a comfortable soft micro-chamois. Stealth compartment pockets inside large cargo pockets keep items secure and organised, while the mesh fabric allows essential ventilation. Renegade Stealth Pant RRP: $79 Where: www.paddypallin.com.au More info:…

A Melbourne RV solar system company has been awarded for its innovation, at the Optus My Business Awards. Solar 4 RVs was named the Australian Retail Business of the Year, selected from among seven finalists. The judges said it was chosen because of its creativity as an industry leader, best practices, and excellence in customer service. As the only company in Australia offering a dsesign and advice service for lightweight solar systems, Solar 4 RVs launched in 2014, and today support and sells to more than 300 businesses, as well as the public. The business is run by husband and wife team Trish and Phil Chapallaz, who say they conduct extensive research and testing on all of their products, and use the latest technology. Solar 4 RVs has recently launched…

The cream of the NSW caravan and camping industry have been recognised at the Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW's Awards of Excellence in Sydney. Winning the 'Best of the Best' were BIG4 Great Lakes at Forster-Tuncurry (Holiday, Tourist and Resort Parks category) and Horizon Motorhomes (Products and Services category). CCIA NSW president Theo Whitmont said there was an unprecedented number of nominations this year. “Our awards look closely at the customer experience, so these winners have really excelled in their service delivery,” Whitmont said. He said the Awards not only recognised outstanding achievement, but also helped grow the Australian holiday experience. “Our industry caters to so many individual needs,” he said. “From families looking for a fantastic resort-style holiday, travellers embarking on a road trip adventure, couples seeking a…

REDCLAW GALORE FOR LUNCH AND MORE Recently Boondoora Dam (aka German Creek ) in Qld proved a 10 day free camping delight for us in our new Evernew caravan. I’d like to share this story with fellow readers and hopefully encourage others to travel there. You will know you are in danger of being a “scenery snob” when you subconsciously mutter “I’ve seen better” upon arriving at new locations. Yes... this traveller is guilty of the above but not this time upon sighting Boondoora Dam, Qld It was an adventure in itself just to find this idyllic spot, with Lady Navman and Mr Hema Maps arguing the toss over the direction to take. WikiCamps resolved the matter and directed us over a railway line and onto a gravel road (complete…

HITCHMASTER® DO35 All-Terrain Drop-On Coupling The HITCHMASTER® DO35 is designed, tested and manufactured in Australia by Vehicle Components and valued at $405. This coupling provides an easy drop-on connection no matter the road surface. Featuring a smooth, spring loaded lock mechanism, a bumper and safety cap, an ultra low profile housing, and weight distribution hitch (WDH) compatibility for most vehicles. The winner will receive a HITCHMASTER® DO35 V2-R which includes a spanner, tow pin and tow pin cover. How to win If you’re stumped by a technical or towing problem, send your question to submissions@adventuresgroup.com.au with ‘Tech Talk’ in the subject line or send a letter to Caravan World Tech Talk, 125 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North, Vic 3161. All entries must include your full address (not for publication).…

Campsite cradles can inspire a lifetime of adventures, which is how the Kokoda Cadet II Xli Platinum earned its spot at Caravan World’s Best Aussie Vans for 2017. Capable of a little rough and tumble, the Cadet pays it forward with room for the crew and ample mod-cons to ease tensions when touring gets tough. But has it got the full kit to deliver its promise? Only one way to find out. AUSSIE APPEAL I walked away from judging the cadet thinking “geez, that’s a great overall package, especially for the price”. I mean it’s not setting any new records in terms of technology. It’s not gold plated with flashing disco lights when you open the door, but it is dependable and obviously built with the average Aussie in mind.…

Roadstar is an industry icon, having produced top quality vans in Australia for more than 38 years. Built with alloy frames and employing CNC machinery, Roadstar vans have stood the test of time. The Voyager presented at Best Aussie Vans is aimed at seasoned travellers who are seeking luxury appointments and a bit of rough road grunt without the premium price tag. But does it have the touring credentials to impress the judges? Read on. DETAILS, DETAILS The Voyager is just a great overall travelling package. It’s all upon an Australian-made SupaGal chassis and comes complete with AL-KO’s full offroad suspension, so you know the backbone is nice and strong right from the get-go. When compared to its direct competition, the AusRV Byfield model, it’s slightly lighter and a foot…

So you want to spend the festive season in a holiday park, but are wondering how far ahead you really need to book? We got the lowdown from two major players: Discovery Parks and BIG4. Discovery Parks opens its bookings for the Christmas and New Year period up to 18 months in advance and recommends booking as early as possible, as many of its guests book up to a year beforehand. If you’re looking to stay at a BIG4 park, booking openings for the Christmas season vary, although most parks list their availability online after the Easter school holidays. BIG4 suggests that if you’re looking for something quite specific, you should start looking around six months prior and book at least three to four months in advance. However, if you’ve…

1. Home Valley Station Perched on the banks of the Pentecost River with a breathtaking outlook across the Cockburn Ranges in the East Kimberley, Home Valley Station offers riverfront bush camping, powered sites and accommodation, plus meals and cold beer. 2. Mount Barnett Station Home to the very pretty Manning Gorge, Mount Barnett Station and roadhouse is in the King Leopold Ranges and offers bush camping, hot meals, cold drinks and fuel. 3. El Questro The Kimberley’s best known tourism hub with more than one restaurant and luxe accommodation options, you can also simply camp and explore on El Questro Station. In the midst of the rugged Cockburn Ranges, it’s home to some of the Kimberley’s most treasured destinations, including Emma Gorge and Zebedee Springs. 4. Drysdale River Station Located…

Ferg le Juge de Segrais and his wife share a quiet moment at The Breakaways taken during their trip along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail from Noresman to Wave Rock in WA. The couple, who travelled 300km in their 2013 LandCruiser 200 GX and Jayco Westport rig on the well-maintained dirt road, were surprised with the diverse, native vegetation they encountered on the way. “The wildflowers were quite stunning,” they said. “We took our time enjoying the surroundings bush camping at both campgrounds Johnson Lake then The Breakaways; we recommend this trip as a must-do, especially in spring!” On a recent trip from the Sunshine Coast to Bourke via the Darling River Run, Ian and Barbara snapped their rig in front of these “fantastic” silos in the small country…

The third time a towing mirror fell off we were determined it would be the last. But what to buy? Options for detachable mirrors range from $20 to $200, including slide-on, strap-on, and third-arm supports. Fixed mirror upgrades are $200 to $800, excluding fitting costs. With no time for postage or fitting, a detachable mirror was our aim – and Google was our guide. Soon, we found Milenco, a leading brand in towing mirrors in Europe for 20 years. While Euro conditions aren’t the same as here in Oz, chit-chat on social media indicated Milenco was translating well to the local market. And there were no pockets of unhappy Milenco customers. But you need to try it yourself and for us the Milenco Aero 3 Towing Mirror ticked a lot…

Out on the tracks, or on a remote beach, a source of shade is a centre-point for relaxation. And the latest incarnation of the Rhino-Rack SunSeeker, known for its toughness, performance and practicality, offers a raft of new features to keep the good times flowing. Available in two sizes, the next-gen SunSeeker is lighter and more durable thanks to a new choice of 150D rip-stop polycotton. Water resistance also enjoys a boost with a rating of 2000mm PU, which will keep you leak-free in the heaviest of downpours. Protective corner patches offer improved durability on installation while all hardware is now covered by rugged plastic caps to keep catches at bay. The strong black anodised and powder-coated barwork packs down to a 540gsm black PVC outer bag, keeping your awning…

Whether you’re out on the byways, weaving through winding tracks or just kicking back at camp, every centimetre in a caravan counts. Which is why Clark Rubber together with Slumberest take a custom approach to supporting a good night’s sleep after long days on tour. Having met the needs of overlanders for more than 45 years, the Slumberest range is tailorable to just about any RV, with the Aussie-made innerspring mattresses available to order in a choice of four styles in three heights and four corner all finishes now in store Australia-wide. GEMINI At 220mm high, the Gemini provides medium-firm support with five-turn bonnell springs sandwiched in 25mm Dunlop foam and topped and a quilted damask cover for a sure, yet soft and comfortable finish. POSTURE SUPPORT Great for year-long…