Innehållsförteckning för Issue 572 från Caravan World

A huge line-up of children’s entertainment, speakers and a new Twilight event is expected to boost family numbers at the upcoming 2018 Victorian Caravan and Camping Supershow. To be held Wednesday, 21 to Monday, 26 February at Melbourne Showgrounds, the show offers free rides for the kids, a Reptile Awareness Displays of Australia for animal smarts out bush and an indoor staging area to host speakers and special entertainment for young travellers. Dr Katrina Warren will provide top tips for travelling with pets and, one for the adults, cricket legend Merv Hughes will share his regaling outdoor adventures. The new ‘Twilight’ event, with entry from 3pm to show closing time at 8pm, will run on Friday, 23 February. As per usual, hundreds of family caravans, motorhomes and accessories will also…

Four-wheel-drivers are being urged to drive carefully following the recent discovery of a rare marine turtle on a beach in Coffs Harbour, NSW. Aboriginal field officer Mick Phillips spotted the turtle nesting at Boambee Beach, the first sighting on record for the region. The local saw turtle tracks leading from the surf to the back of the beach before sunrise as he was fishing. “It was such a surprise to find the turtle tracks which looked like someone had rolled a large tractor tyre up the beach,” Mick explained. “The real pleasure, however, was to see the turtle lay its eggs, cover the nest with sand then make its way safely back into the ocean,” he said. Coffs Harbour-based NPWS Ranger Ann Walton said it was exciting news as there…

A 10-year master plan is being developed for the Port Sorell Caravan Park in Tasmania’s northwest, the management of which was contentiously taken over in July last year. After taking control of the caravan park from the Port Sorell Lions Club, Latrobe Council formed a management committee made up of three members from council and the club. The master plan will prioritise the extension of the Park’s caretakers’ and officers’ residence and perhaps the toilet facilities. It has also completed an audit of the 35 semi-permanent sites and given notice to the occupants of 28 sites not compliant with current safety standards. Owners have reportedly been willing to bring their sites back up to scratch. Latrobe Council member and Port Sorell Caravan Park Committee chair Gerrad Wicks said the master…

“Avoid glass-mounted antennas as demister wires or reflective window tint materials on or embedded in the glass can impede performance” When we travel, it is important to consider how we communicate with the rest of the world both for emergencies and to keep our friends and family up to date on where we are. Some take this very seriously, ensuring they go with a satellite phone or, with an even greater sense of commitment, an HF radio. Many carry a UHF (CB) radio system while some are happy to rely on their mobile phone. The latter is certainly a better tactic than going with nothing, which would have been the most common option 25 years ago, but there are serious limitations to what your mobile can deliver in terms of…

A recent trend in the recreational vehicle industry is the growth of the hybrid, aka hard shell camper, which is a cross between a camper trailer and caravan. Australian Off Road (AOR) has successfully encouraged that trend with a range varying from lightweight hybrids to full height caravans, like the subject of this review, an Aurora Off Road It’s a caravan that managing director Steve Budden is very enthusiastic about. That’s not really surprising given he designed a fair bit of it himself. Indeed, the last time I saw him, he was in the Flinders Ranges testing it offroad with his wife, Rhonda. “The two jerry can holders at the front are easily accessible but not protruding in any way thanks to the body shape” MULTI FACETS Talking a few…

Reconn is short for reconnaissance and is defined as: “1. Small, strong force that would be prepared for anything. 2. Military term for inspecting or exploring an area no matter what the terrain or land.” Lifestyle Campers, however, sees it as: “ 1. Small, strong Hypercamper that is prepared for anything! 2. Designed and manufactured by highly trained personnel in Australia to gain an exploration advantage.” And this certainly applies to Lifestyle’s R2 model. The Reconn R2 follows the successful Reconn that’s been part of the Lifestyle range for three years. However, the newcomer ditched the calming blue and white colour scheme synonymous with Lifestyle and now sits in ominous matt dark grey and black, with a whole new persona. And wow, does it have a presence! Other colour and…

As one of Australia’s oldest grape-growing regions, and host to the Seriously Shiraz Festival in November each year, Victoria’s Grampians is a wine aficionado’s dream. Keen to celebrate its glory, we reveal our top quaffs of the region with a tour, tasting notes, hot on the heels of the Seriously Shiraz Festival. TAKE OUR GREAT WESTERN WINE HOP SEPPELT Stop at Seppelt in the Great Western region for a tour of the Drives, 3km of State-heritage-listed tunnels hand dug through decomposed granite by out-of-work gold miners in the late 1860s. It’s said three million wines were stored underground. Great parking and easy turning. Visit 36 Cemetery Road, Great Western, or Seppelt.com.au for more. BEST'S GREAT WESTERN Best’s Great Western is another local pioneering vineyard established in 1867 and owned by…

Cape York’s landscape is undeniably magical but one of the most important lessons you can glean from it is an understanding of the connection the traditional owners have to the land. There are indigenous communities with diverse histories and culture all over the Cape York Peninsula. During our time at Loyalty Beach, we were lucky enough to see a performance from young indigenous dancers from the nearby community of Seisia, along with traditional song and storytelling of their community’s history. Another benefit was the historic discoveries along the way. There’s a number of WWII aeroplane wrecks that can be found in the surrounds of Bamaga, including the wreckage of a DC3 aircraft which crashed in 1945 claiming six lives.…

Along with fuel and food, accommodation is one of the biggest costs you’ll face on the road. There will always be times when you want and appreciate the comforts and facilities of a van park and, of course, you expect to pay for these luxuries. But in the last six months of touring, we could count on two hands how many van parks we stayed at – each one when we desperately needed a long, hot shower, a good internet connection and uninterrupted access to 240V power. But the rest of the time we looked for cheaper options to keep our budget in check and found heaps of excellent spots, many of which came in well under $20 per night for two people, and many more that were totally free.…

“The beaches here, so isolated they are nesting havens for rare birds, have to be some of the best kept secrets in coastal camping in this country” It’s the colours which will be forever etched in your memory when travelling the Mid West coast of WA. Roads which meander through a carpet of gold, while in the distance snow white sand dunes rise from the landscape against a turquoise ocean. The beaches here, so isolated they are nesting havens for rare birds, have to be some of the best kept secrets in coastal camping in this country. The privileged few who have set up camp are mostly from Perth – and are quick to tell you they’d prefer the sites weren’t over-run with tourists. But in this part of the…

Purchasing a caravan and a compatible tow tug is a significant investment, but it can burn a hole in your pocket if you find that caravanning is not your cup of tea. So before you take the plunge and fork out many thousands of hard-earned dollars to leap faithfully (or should that be fatefully) into the great unknown, why not ‘try before you buy’? Geoff and Sharon McLean – proprietors of Utow, a caravan and camper trailer hire business based in Somerville (Vic) – are proponents of this ‘experimenting with caravanning’ philosophy. They also own Resort Caravans, a new sales entity operating from the same premises. Geoff espouses that hiring a caravan is not only financially viable but also an imperative learning curve for any caravanning neophyte. “It’s cheaper than…

Like it or not, function battles space when you’re packing for camp, where all the strength in the world means nothing if you can’t bring it along. Measuring just 380mm, this compact Axe by Ironman 4x4 is easy fit with sufficient grit to get the job done thanks to its durable forged carbon steel head. Comfort is not forgotten, either, with a sure multi-core fibreglass and PVC-moulded handle, and a moulded rubber grip. Ironman 4x4 Small Axe RRP: $19.95 Where: Ironman 4x4 outlets Australia wide More info: www.ironman4x4.com…

Fornetto’s all-new Fumo Pellet Smoker, has arrived just in time for the outdoor entertaining season. Featuring a built-in digital temperature controller which maintains precise cooking conditions, and an electronic auto-ignition to deliver consistent smoking results, delicious barbecue meals are now a breeze to whip up. It also includes an LED display, wood pellet auger and box, and combustion fan. Not only do the barbecue smoking pellets allow you try your hand at a range of new cooking methods – including smoking, roasting, braising, baking and barbecuing – you can use them to create unique flavours with meat, seafood and vegetables. Take the stress out of cooking and prepare to impress the family, you’re now guaranteed authentic smoky meals with just a turn of the dial. Fornetto Fumo Pellet Smoker RRP:…

It began as a small business leap of faith for husband and wife team Peter and Jill Lloyd back in 1968, now electronics firm SETEC has become one of Australia’s heavyweights in Australia’s power supply industry. The Melbourne couple gave up full-time jobs to start the business. Peter was an electronic engineer with the CSIRO who loved to tinker with TV sets, radios and other appliances, while Jill was a personal assistant keen to support her husband’s expertise and establish their own operation. Originally called Scientific Electronics, it was run from the garage of the family home in East Doncaster but now has fancy new digs in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility in Knoxfield. Over time the company widened its capabilities and industry infiltration to include power supplies for telecommunications, defence,…

SCENIC FLIGHTS AVAILABLE ON KANGAROO ISLAND Operator Chinta Air has opened a new base on Kangaroo Island, the first time in more than a decade that scenic flights have operated on the island. Chinta Air’s flights range from a 30-minute adventure around Point Marsden and Kingscote to a 90-minute flight to circumnavigate the whole island. Flights will depart from Kangaroo Island (Kingscote) Airport. AURA DIAMOND LAUNCHED AT QLD DEALER SHOW Overlanders and 4WD enthusiasts will be able to browse a selection of outdoor touring vans, motorhomes and gear on display at the South East Queensland Caravanning, Camping and Adventure Expo from February 1-4. Two 2018 models will form part of the line-up of RVs including the Aura Diamond, which will be launched and hosted by Kratzmann Caravans. Visit www.seqexpo.com.au for…

TAMING SWAY I have just watched a video of a caravan swaying from left-to-right and eventually going over to the left and then righting itself and then to the right. A frightening sight. As a relatively newcomer to caravans it poses three questions for me: what makes a caravan sway, how can you rectify it, and finally are there attachments available to stop it starting? Harry Glynn, Mt Pleasant, SA Hi Harry, Caravan sway can be caused or exacerbated by many factors. A poorly loaded caravan, heavy crosswinds, large trucks passing (usually from behind), poor road conditions and sometimes just plain old driver error. For just about all caravan situations, prevention is very much better than cure. So loading a caravan correctly is the first step. As much as possible…

Many of us fancy ourselves experts when we get behind the wheel with a van in tow but how much do we really know about the rig we're commanding? Semi-retired automotive engineer and road safety advocate Colin Young of the Caravan Council of Australia is on a mission to help educate our nation's great overlanders – including you – on the ins and outs of RV compliance and safety with this fun and educational quiz. The quiz covers essential legal and technical terminology, including ratings and masses as well as safer driver responses when you’re out on the road. So get out the text books or jump online to learn what makes your rig tick then send in your answers into Caravan World for your chance to win a Hema…

Think Winnebago, and you may think American – but you’re wrong. The beauty in these pages is proudly made in Brisbane, like the bulk of the models offered in Australia. Not only is it locally produced, it’s cutting edge in its design too. Our own David Gilchrist reviewed the popular Mossman C layout back in Caravan World issue #555 (search online if you don’t have the back issue) and commented that he would love to see the big 22-footer offroad ready. Who knew Winnebago read our fine magazine? The team listened and, not even a year later, the Mossman X-Country was launched. Already constructed strongly with an aluminium body frame, heavy-duty six inch chassis and composite cladding, all it really took was having the range of suspension and components thrown…

We are often challenged on the fact that a large portion of our reviews are done on the blacktop. In fairness, many of us caravanners travel the bulk of our time to the soft hum of bitumen; our typical testing is reflective of the real world. But when the idea to run some camper trailers to one of Australia's most remote, tough and frankly gorgeous areas, Cape York, was mooted, we at Caravan World saw the chance to really push the limits of so-called offroad caravans. Surprisingly, it took but one phone call to Zone RV for them to accept the challenge. I will not lie, I worried we had not articulated the gravity of the situation clearly. Were Matt and Dave of Zone RV awake when we called? The…

To be fair, my standards for what would pass as a top meal were lowering as the days wore on so it wasn’t going to take much to blow my mind. However, believe me when I say the fanfare over the pizzas at Cape York Camping Punsand Bay was well deserved. After a full day of shooting campers on the beach, campers crossing rivers, campers driving the tip, campers parked on the beach at the tip – you get the idea – the crew was famished and in need of some substantial fare. Punsand Bay offers accommodation, pizza, and a well-stocked bar, along with a swimming pool for a refreshing dip. We were similarly rewarded when we reached Loyalty Beach Campground. This gem of a spot boasts a relaxing beer…

I flicked my head torch off and pressed my damp back into the cool of the step, carved by hard labour into the ancient volcanic rock. We’d ascended beyond the humidity of the Gondwana-era rainforest and now the pre-dawn air danced around my flushed skin in tiny, icy zephyrs. Three kilometres into our uphill battle and I was in no position to begrudge the abating temperature of the elements, rather welcomed the relief as I tipped my head back to marvel at the Milky Way, framed by the thinning forest canopy and seemingly oblivious to the imminent dawn. Rarely does one find oneself halfway up a large mountain in total darkness, and as I caught my breath and waited for our party to regroup I relished in the rawness of…

The beauty of RV touring is you get to experience a different destination at each outing. The only challenge is getting there! It can often involve hours or days behind the wheel which can be very tiring, particularly those long transport legs where the surrounding landscape is flat and barren. Your safety, and that of other road users, is dependent on safe driving strategies, including ways to keep you fresh, alert and at the top of your game, particularly if you are towing a big rig. So, I’ve dedicated two columns to sharing my ‘Top 10’ tips for fending off fatigue: 1. GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP BEFORE YOU LEAVE It goes without saying, to perform at your peak, you need a good night’s sleep. Try not to leave packing…

QLD GOLD COAST 2018 XXI COMMONWEALTH GAMES Apr 4-15 A very unique opportunity to witness world-class sportsmanship, as Brisbane welcomes international sporting elite representing 23 disciplines who will travel from 70 nations and compete across 18 venues. Brisbane, various venues, www.gc2018.com DUST N GOLD RODEO Apr 7 Enjoy extreme rodeo action befitting of fine Charters Towers’ tradition. This event is a popular, family-friendly day out held under the covered arena at the Dalrymple Equestrian Complex. Charters Towers, charterstowersrodeo@gmail.com, www.charterstowersrodeo.com FESTIVAL OF THE WIND Apr 8 Celebrate the majestic kite from simple kits to sailing craft, hang gliders and parachuting. Enjoy rides, entertainment, competitions and market stalls as well as flying your own kites on the beach. Emu Park, festivalofthewind@gmail.com, www.festivalofthewind.com ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE Apr 25 Commemorate personnel who served…

Navigation has undergone a revolution but when the chips are down a quality atlas in your hand can’t be beat. Which is why Hema Maps returns to its roots undergoing an overhaul with its 4WD atlas series for its 12th release, field-checked in the Hema Maps Patrol for 2018. Described by Hema as its most detailed road atlas ever, the 12th edition of the Australia Road & 4WD Atlas features 188 brand new maps, with comprehensive 4WD track networks, fuel stops, points of interest, national parks, rest stops, campsites and caravan parks for awesome touring no matter your preferred method of camping. Extensive coverage of destinations such as Cape York, the Pilbara, Fraser Island, and the Kimberley reflects an emphasis on 4WDing. Available in a classic format, the atlas also…

With near constant towing in front of me I took the opportunity to fit a set of Clearview’s towing mirrors to my late model Ranger. The installation was quick and easy. A few bolts under the door trim, the old mirrors off, new mirrors in, a single plug and they were up and running. These are the top-spec model, which means they retain the factory electric mirror adjustment, as well as the in-mirror indicator. While the mirrors themselves are narrower than the stock offering, they’re physically taller with two different planes, and push considerably further out than stock even in the tucked-in position. It took some getting used to without a trailer, but as soon as something wide was connected they came into their own. In their outer position they…

The new federal chairman of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA), Grant Wilckens, has outlined his strategy going forward, and he has a focus on collaboration. Wilckens, who is CEO of Discovery Parks, says there are many threats to the way the industry has conducted business in the past, and that the sharing economy presents both challenges and opportunities. “Add to this technological and demographic change and the business models we once knew are continually being tested,” he says. Wilckens says there are a number of ways industry can embrace change, including continued unification of the manufacturing and accommodation sectors for a future of shared growth; further bringing together the state and national peak bodies for the betterment of the industry; ensuring the industry has a national voice for…

COST OF CARAVANNING I was just getting ready for our next caravan adventure and was going over the overall cost of our trip – if anyone thinks that caravanning is a cheap holiday they are kidding themselves. A quick run-down on costs for a normal three-month holiday in our 21ft van covering around 5000km was a bit of an eye opener. I realise that all people do things differently but the calculations end up being much the same. Some people may choose to have a mix of free camps and van parks while others prefer the security of caravan parks. Based on that I have come up with the following. I have reduced it down to a weekly cost so people can see just how much it is actually costing…

Where others have come and gone, Slovenian brand Adria has proven to be a long-term player among the European import class, with a small but steadily increasing range of caravans (and more latterly, motorhomes) including several suitable for a family. Now family caravans are an enigma in the Australian caravan industry. The right one can be hard to find and, apart from the camper trailer style, they are often expensive and large for the average family with a standard sized tow vehicle. One of the latest vans in the Adria range, the Aviva 472PK, is an interesting solution to both those particular issues. Having an external body length of just 5.3m (17ft 4in), a Tare weight of just 1230kg and a price under $40,000 it looks like a good prospect.…

We kicked off at sunrise, with Cape Tribulation ahead of us after a quick stop in Cairns. We passed cane trains and clear coastline before reaching the Daintree River ferry crossing early in the afternoon – the gateway to our adventure, Day 1 on our trip to Cape York. The river is said to be packed with crocs – though we saw none – and marks the border between privately-owned farms and the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. After the crossing we were immediately hit with steep climbs, creeks, rivers and more shades of green than I thought possible. As the light diffused and broke through in patches, the forest floor became alive with scavenging birds and lizards fleeing from sight. Our first stop, Cape Tribulation Camping, is a popular spot…

Some say Queensland’s Cape York is a vast wasteland with mind boggling tracks, crocs at every corner, spam dinners, and an ever-looming danger of fuel shortages. And, in some respects, it's all true – but only if you're ill-prepared. Y'see, Cape York isn’t as inhospitable as they claim. It’s actually a bustling part of the country with friendly faces everywhere you look. But it isn’t without risk. So where do you start? CORRUGATION STATION The biggest issue you’ll face in Cape York is corrugations, and they’ll affect you in two ways. Firstly, they’ll rattle everything, including you, your base vehicle, as well as your van and any after-market accessories fitted, with bullbars and driving lights especially prone. So check screws daily, pack a torque wrench and apply Loctite to all…

Amid the hurly-burly of December and Christmas 2017, the Federal Government has brought up its long-awaited Road Standards Vehicle Bill 2017 for debate in Federal Parliament. Since the current version was last looked at some years ago (Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989), there has been considerable interest in the outcome. Not the least from within the recreational vehicle industry, where if successful, the proposed changes will mostly have a positive effect. To quote from the Ministerial press release: “The new Bill introduces reforms to modernise and strengthen the laws governing road vehicles when first supplied to the Australian market; clarify vehicle recall arrangements; accelerate harmonisation of vehicles with international standards; and provide more choice through streamlining and consolidating the regulatory pathways through which non-standard vehicles are imported.” As presented, the…

Renowned for its tough, practical and reliable adventure gear, BlackWolf has released the ultimate piece of hybrid travelling equipment: the Ridgerunner. A combination of two classic items – the roller bag and the backpack – the Ridgerunner is perfect for those who like to stay mobile when travelling, but still enjoy the ease and versatility of a backpack. With a two-stage, ergo-handle paired with Glide Wheels designed to handle the roughest of treks, there’s no path too tough for the Ridgerunner. It also features an ergonomic, pack-away harness, massive main storage compartment, and easy access zippered pockets which are ideal for storing important loose items. Available as a 60L or 80L bag, and in black or blue. BlackWolf Ridgerunner RRP: $199.99 (60L) and $219.99 (80L) Where: Outdoor retailers nationwide More…

We knew what was in front of us in Far North Queensland – long hot days and the need for cold beers. Even in Dan’s brand new Ranger the AC struggled to keep things cool. We couldn’t bear the idea of the fridge failing and the middies getting warm, so we went on the hunt for insulation. Solarscreen duly came to the party. Ripping into the boxes that arrived a few weeks after our order, we realised quickly these were no cheap window sunshades won at a local pub raffle. There's a real feel of quality in the thickness of them, not to mention double stitching around the edges, which also impressed. Quick sticks they were suckered onto the LandCruiser 200, Celso's Prado and Dan’s blue rocket and, across all…