Innehållsförteckning för Issue 585 från Caravan World

We had a whole lotta fun putting together this issue of Caravan World — especially rolling out the Jayco Airstream onto the foothills of Soumah Wines' vineyard for a photoshoot and a nice glass of Savarro. The Airstream's space-age-looking retro exterior is a stand-out from the crowd, and we thought it the perfect feature review for this month’s 'Gourmet and Luxury Touring' issue. You can read about it on page 134. Have you taken a gourmet tour through the Granite Belt in Queensland yet? The landscape is not only dotted with incredible, prehistoric granite boulders poking through the blue sky panorama, but it has a unique wine trail for the inquisitive quaffer and a plethora of gourmet producers selling everything from olive oil and vinegar to cured meats and cheese.…

DO35 V3-R ALL-TERRAIN DROP-ON COUPLING The DO35 Drop-On Coupling is designed, tested and manufactured by Cruisemaster™, home to Australia’s leader in all-terrain towing technology. With full 360-degree articulation to reduce the risk of roll-over, smooth ADR compliant locking mechanism and patented ‘Check Lock’ system the DO35 means added safety whether on the highway or going offroad. Valued at $405, the DO35 V3 is easy to install and compatible with all major WDH systems out of the box. (Note: this model does not include handbrake, sold separtely for $70.) 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, 125 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North, Vic 3161. All entries…

The name 'Margaret River' is a catchall: it's a river, a town and a broad peninsula at the corner of the continent, 280km south-west of Perth. To the west, the Indian Ocean provides a dramatic boundary of limestone cliffs and rocky headlands, interspersed with sheltered bays as well as some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. The regional peninsula is surrounded by water on three sides — the warm tranquil waters of Geographe Bay to the north and the powerful Indian and Southern Oceans to the east and south. The seas’ tempering influence ensures a ‘Mediterranean’ climate of warm, dry summers tempered by afternoon sea breezes and cool, wet winters that deliver most of the annual rainfall of about 1130mm. “The regional peninsula is surrounded by water on three sides —…

CAMPER - MARINE SPORTS BAG Huge main compartment with an extra wide U-shaped zippered opening made from 500D water-resistant polyester tarpaulin with PVC coating and 1680D ballistic polyester base. Including moulded rubber reinforced quick grab handle on both ends, oversized panel webbing for extra strength and durability, rubber feet for added protection, detachable/ adjustable padded shoulder strap and heavy duty oversized zippers and accessories. CAPACITY: 77 Litres DIMENSIONS: 60cm W x 37cm H x 35cm D COLOUR: Black CAMPER BEANIE Warm and stylish. One size fits most.100% acrylic ribbed knit. Inner fleece lining around browband. COLOURS: Grey CAMPER DOME BAG Polyester with latex rubber backing and diamond weave ripstop polyester with PVC backing. Huge main compartment with zippered opening. Heavy-duty oversized zippers. Velcro wrap carry handle for comfortable grip. Rubber…

The sky is astonishingly blue, painted with watercolour wisps of cirrus clouds. Roadside verges are carpeted with tiny bluebells and the green and gold of wild fennel flowers. Massive granite boulders punctuate the fields, and have tumbled into the creeks, and even occupy people’s front gardens. Just over two-hours’ drive from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the Granite Belt is home to Queensland’s highest towns and the only place that, on very rare occasions, sees snow. The climate and soil are also ideal for growing wine grapes, as Italian immigrants discovered in the post-war years. Today, with areas at 1000m above sea level, it hosts some of the highest vineyards in Australia. As well as wine makers, artisan producers grow or make everything from cheese to gourmet vinegar, and…

Hobart: There are no camping options in the city itself, although Adventure Parks has fully equipped sites in the suburbs of Risdon Vale and Mornington. The Seven Mile Beach Caravan and Cabin Park is another good option as a base, located just 15 minutes from Hobart's CBD and close to the airport. www.hobartcaravanpark.com.auTruffle Lodge, on the banks of the River Derwent in the Derwent Valley, offers luxury 'glamping' experiences during the summer months. It is styled to resemble a bush camp. www.trufflelodge.com Huon Valley: The Huon Valley Caravan Park in Huonville is in a quiet level area around 1km outside the biggest town in the region. It has 28 powered sites and 30 unpowered sites on the banks of the Mountain River. It is part of a working farm and…

GETTING THERE SeaRoad Ferries, which operates the Sorrento-Queenscliff Ferry, has a half-price caravan special from Monday to Thursday on 7 am and 8 am departures, see www.searoad.com.au . ACCOMMODATION • One of Australia’s most awarded resorts, BIG4 Beacon Resort has powered sites from $55 per night. Set among manicured native gardens opposite the beach, this upmarket, very family-friendly resort has extensive facilities open all year-round. • Onsite is a heated indoor pool, day spa, kids club, indoor playground, and other facilities kids love including a jumping pillow. • Barbecue facilities, camp kitchen, spotless amenities. Valet service to help guide guests to caravan site. More info: www.beaconresort.com.au If sea breezes are your thing, Queenscliff Recreation Reserve, part of Queenscliffe Tourist Parks, is from $37 per double…

“Finally, the sun slips away to the north, carrying its colours to the far horizon and hurling them skyward in one stunning crimson spectacle" JAMES PRICE POINT Dampier Peninsula, WA These blissfully remote beach camps overlook a tricoloured scene: coral-white sand sandwiched between red pindan cliffs and an endless, calm, cerulean sea. On this uninhabited coastline located an hour’s drive north of Broome, travellers position their rigs to face the setting sun and spend long, lazy days on the beach; swimming and fishing and spotting the humpbacks that migrate close to shore over the warm, winter months. There are no facilities on offer and no camping fees either, and so many beautiful locations to choose from that never draw a crowd. Closest to Broome, Willie Creek, with its natural boat…

GETTING THERE The Shire of Hinchinbrook is located in Northern Queensland, 150km north of Townsville, and 190km south of Cairns along the A1 highway. Kookaburra Holiday Park in Cardwell is close to the centre of town and has different types of accommodation to suit all budgets. (www.kookaburraholidaypark.com.au) BIG4 Beachcomber Coconut Holiday Park provides powered/unpowered sites or cabins situated 50km from Hinchinbrook Island, overlooking the tranquil Mission Beach. (www.big4.com.au/caravan-parks/qld/tropical-north/beachcomber-coconut-holiday-park#sites) For more information on fishing, walking, cultural tours, beaches, and nature experiences, visit www.hinchinbrookway.com.au.…

In accordance with our theme for this issue – Gourmet and luxury touring – we descended upon boutique winery Soumah of Yarra Valley for the review of the Jayco Airstream. Set among a pristine 50 acres, and nestled on the foothills of the Warramate range, Soumah – south of Maroondah Highway (SOUMAH) – is home to some of the most prestigious vineyards in all of Australia. The owner specifically selected the site for its elevation, lending itself perfectly to the vineyards' Northern Italian grape varieties. In fact, Soumah believes its 'Terroir' is similar to Northern Italy in many ways. The hot but short summers, the cold nights throughout, even the fog that descends on the valley in the early mornings of autumn are all very reminiscent of Northern Italy. During…

VIETNAMESE STYLE FRESH SPRING ROLLS SERVES 2 10 MINS PREP + 15 MINS COOKING TIME These spring rolls are fresh and flavoursome, with very little cooking involved. INGREDIENTS • 50g rice vermicelli noodles • 1 tsp peanut oil • 250g pork mince • 1 clove garlic, crushed • ½ red chilli, chopped (optional) • 1 tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) or dark soy sauce • 1 small carrot, grated • 8 iceberg lettuce leaves, washed and dried • 2 tbsp chopped mint • 2 tbsp chopped coriander • 1 packet dried rounds of rice paper sheets • Salted peanuts, to serve • Hoisin sauce, as a dipping sauce METHOD Place noodles in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Allow the noodles to stand for five minutes and drain…

Wakker by name, and perhaps wackier by nature, Dutchman Wiebe Wakker has been on the road for 1051 days. On 15 March 2016, Dutch electric car adventurer Wiebe Wakker left Amsterdam on a mission to showcase the advantages of sustainable mobility. On 29 January this year, after 1051 days and a thrilling road trip through Europe, the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia and Australia, he finally arrived in Adelaide. Wakker travels without money, instead relying on the helpfulness of people he meets during his travels crossing the world with his project, ‘Plug Me In'. Wakker’s website: plugmeinproject.com offers details on how people can support him. Interested parties help by providing him with simple things such as a meal, a place to sleep or even electricity to charge his electric car,…

Driving while fatigued has reached alarming levels in Australia with 20 per cent of drivers admitting that they have fallen asleep behind the wheel at least once. Fatigue-related crashes can happen at any time of day, not just late at night. As the new year begins, researchers from Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) are urging drivers to be aware of fatigue. Professor Danny Eckert, Head of the NeuRA Sleep and Breathing Lab, says caffeine can’t replace a good night’s sleep. If you’re awake for 19 continuous hours, your level of fatigue is equivalent to a Blood Alcohol Level of 0.05 and after 24 hours without sleep this level is equivalent to twice the legal limit. Other situations, including shift work, having a restless sleep, a new baby in the house or…

As of 31 January, everyone who didn’t actively opt out of having a My Health Record now has one. The My Health Record system is a government initiative that enables your health information to be viewed online, by yourself and by a healthcare provider, wherever you may be. It’s a distinct shift from the old system, in which your information was, by default, restricted to a particular GP or practice. In theory, the new system means you could live in Brisbane, travel to Mount Isa, fall sick, and visit a doctor there — who would instantly have access to your health information, including your allergies, diagnoses, prescriptions and test results. In this way, it could empower caravan users with health issues to travel more freely. COTA, a body representing the…

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE MOTHER NATURE After more than 30 years caravanning one could say we’re experienced. We live in North Queensland and are familiar with cyclones. Nothing however could prepare us for the sheer power Mother Nature unleashed on us at Fletcher Creek behind Townsville in October 2018, when a late afternoon supercell came in. We knew a storm was brewing. We were leaving next morning so our awning was in and furniture stowed. We never camp under trees, preferring the sun for our solar, but even that didn’t save us. We moved the car into open space. It started like any normal thunderstorm but intensified quickly to conditions we’ve experienced in cyclones. The rain was horizontally torrential — akin to fire hose intensity. The van was rocking violently as wind…

Those who travel north of Brisbane are likely to be enchanted by the dramatic silhouettes of the Glass House Mountains, which rise unapologetically from the flat plain that stretches inland from the Sunshine Coast. On first impressions their sheer walls, craggy faces and exposed rock seem out of place in the gentle, lush surrounds – but visitors to the area will quickly understand that these peaks have defined the landscape for eons, inspiring stories throughout the generations. HARD-CORE GEOLOGY In fact, the rock that forms the Glass House Mountains has been in situ for around 27-million years, taking shape when the lava contained in a series of volcanoes, cooled and hardened to form comendite, trachyte and rhyolite. Over time, the softer rocks on the outside were eroded into oblivion leaving…

The lady behind the info counter smiled and laughed: "Oh we had the man who was the subject for that painting in here a few weeks back," she chuckled. "The artist had aged him by about 30 years or so — he was a little surprised — but once he got over that, he was rather wrapped in the image and only hopes he looks that good when he is 70!" We were in the small hamlet of Wirrabara, in the southern Flinders Ranges of South Australia and had come to the visitor centre (housed in a craft shop) for the painted silo we knew was there but we couldn't see from the main highway. It's a small issue you'll find all over; the signposting to these great works of…

Perhaps I had too much time on my hands during the summer break. I was looking online at some interior images of an all-white caravan with pops of elegant colour. Ahh, the luxury of it. I began fantasising about my ultimate setup and how I'd kit it out with accessories that really break the bank. Following are some ideas for dreamers like me — and for those who really can afford it. But, just in case you’d like to live like the idle rich, but don’t have the dough to go, I’ve also included some tips for price-conscious buyers. PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES IN YOUR OLD KIT BAG Everyone loves a good duffle bag and — outside of Italy — they don’t come much better than the R.M. Williams Leather…

In South Australia, you’ve got three peninsulas. The Fleurieu, a beautiful eastern chunk; the Yorke, the Italy-shaped boot in the middle; and the Eyre, which we could fairly refer to as the Wild West. The Eyre is the furthest from Adelaide, the most untouched. Skyscrapers feel a long, long way away. The people here live relaxed lifestyles, the fish throw themselves at the hook, and the waters offer up a bounty of activities from sightseeing to surfing. The further west you go, the wilder it gets. In this article, we’ll take you on a virtual jaunt along the coast, so you can build your own itinerary, hit the road and generate an unforgettable wealth of salt-stained memories. COFFIN BAY Picture a brown kelpie, off his lead, roaming along a small…

Kedron Caravan’s Topender TE5 is aptly named. Not only does it have the capability to get around the top end of Australia quite easily, it is also at the top end of the Kedron range. The TE5 model has been in the Kedron range for quite a few years with a good level of self-sufficiency in both the power and water departments, however the latest model not only has cosmetic changes but improvement in remote travel capability. Some things haven’t changed though. Just like the rest of the Kedron range, the TE5 has a chassis and the bodywork designed for offroad travel. Anyone familiar with the Gall Boys’ DVDs will know how the Kedron team get to test their caravans out in the field. “Quite a few of the boutique…

One lazy afternoon, late in a multi-day caravan review, some other campers asked if they could set up near us. Of course, and not just because they were polite enough to ask if they were encroaching. I said yes, as I love hearing about tips and tricks from fellow travellers and the group didn’t disappoint with a customised camper trailer in tow and years of experience to share. John, the camper's owner and self-proclaimed tinkerer, was showing me through his home away from home when I noticed funny-looking valve caps on his tyres. Turns out he had a Tyredog tyre pressure monitoring system or TPMS for short. He reckoned the system, although pricey to start with, had already saved more money than his outlay. He set alerts on his camper’s…

More than 15,000 people visited the Twelve Apostles on Christmas Day, arriving in 3000 cars, 170 buses and 11 coaches. In 2018, 242,000 people visited the Twelve Apostles in total, 12 per cent higher than in 2017, and 16 per cent higher than in 2016. The busy period is expected to continue, particularly for the Chinese New Year, and Parks Victoria will maintain speed limit reductions, roadside barriers and traffic and parking coordination around the visitor precinct. Last year, more than 128,000 people visited the Twelve Apostles over the 15-day Chinese New Year celebration period. Parks Victoria, Area Chief Ranger Michael Smith, said the iconic Victorian destinations continues to be a major tourist drawcard. “This summer has been a very busy time in the Port Campbell National Park, with our…

On their recent trip from the south coast of New South Wales to the Gold Coast in Queensland, Andrew and Ann McRae took this photograph of their 2018 V6 Amarok towing a 2005 21ft 6in Boroma Tourista, at the Derrick VC rest area. “What is unique about this place is the convict-built structures and old garrison, from 1839 to 1843,” they write. “It was the Towrang garrison and the convicts who built the great south road, the forerunner to the Hume highway.” Ben Mortimer took his new 2006 Jayco Expanda on its maiden voyage to Fingal Bay, NSW, towed by a Hilux. “Now we have it all worked out we are already planning our next trips!” he writes. David Leversha, from Vic, snapped his van as it travelled the Cobb…

GET SKY HIGH ON THE GBR Cairns, QLD Nothing beats the thrill of strapping yourself into a whirring bubble of metal to dip and dive at high speed over the largest coral reef on earth. Banking around to swoop close to the Great Barrier Reef’s exquisite tapestry of blue and green is an unbeatable buzz, and a 30-minute chopper ride reveals wondrous, big-picture scenes that just can’t be fathomed from a tour boat. The colours of the sea are surprising from this height, morphing from deep green to cerulean blue as the ocean floor drops away, and suddenly turning turquoise on top of the reef where water laps over idyllic, coral-fringed sand cays. On our bird’s-eye tour of the reef, we coasted over sailboats headed for nearby Green Island, and…

Camping at Coochin Creek Coochin Creek camping area is situated within the northern part of the Beerwah State Forest, along the banks of the Coochin Creek. Its flat, grassy sites are ideal for caravans, and provide access to communal fire rings and composting toilets. There is water, but it's not suitable for drinking, and the use of generators is not permitted. The creek itself is a good spot to launch a tinny or wet a line, and if you're patient you may hook a yellowfin bream, dusky flathead or mangrove jack. It's necessary to book a site before your visit, this can be done online at www.qld.gov.au/camping or by phoning 13 74 68. Peaks of interest Mount Beerwah 556m Mount Coonowrin 377m Mount Tibrogargan 364m Mount Tunbubudla (The Twins) 312…

Tasmania has rightly earned its reputation as a foodie heaven and, no matter what your palate, you'll be spoilt for choice. The best advice is not to rush: the roads are often narrow and winding and maps can be misleading. And it will take longer to reach your destination than you estimate, as you will need to allow time to stop at roadside stalls to pick up everything from fresh farm eggs to berries! HISTORICAL HOBART “Head south of Hobart to enjoy the bucolic beauty of a twin-tailed valley that is rapidly building a reputation for its cool-climate wines and artisan ciders" Hobart has a colourful history dating back to 1803 and is a magnet for visitors who enjoy its busy waterfront, historic buildings and rich colonial and convict heritage.…

Anyone planning to travel Victoria’s south coast, from the Great Ocean Road to Bass Coast and beyond, will appreciate the SeaRoad Ferries' Sorrento-Queenscliff service. This hassle-free addition to any travel plans eliminates the need for a long, invariably slow slog through Melbourne, a city with an urban sprawl of around 100km east to west. Rather than crowded, tolled Melbourne freeways, from Bass Coast we follow pleasant country roads and the Mornington Peninsula Freeway to the historic town of Sorrento, originally settled in 1803, to board the ferry to Queenscliff and the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula. The ferry has been designed for vehicles of all types, and has easy drive on-and-off access for caravans, with no turning or backing required. “On-site are the Brewhouse’s tasting room and bistro, with menus featuring the…

Coffin Bay Situated only a half-hour drive from Port Lincoln, this family-friendly caravan park has multiple activities available on site. Try your hand at mini-golf, enjoy a short walk to the yacht club or a meal at the Coffin Bay Hotel – there’s something for everyone. Sites start from $33 per night for two people. (08) 8685 4170 www.coffinbaycaravanpark.com.au Elliston The perfect base for touring the peninsula, Waterloo Bay Tourist Park is close to the town centre with incredible views of pristine beaches. You can park your caravan on a powered site for $34 per night. (08) 8687 9076 www.visitelliston.net Talia Talia Caves Camping Area (bush camping) is situated opposite the Woolshed Cave and offers very basic bush camping with minimal shelter, but with great surf beaches and rock fishing…

CW: So, it’s now official. We hear that BMPRO has entered the USA RV market? Congratulations! LB: Thanks — we knew at BMPRO what we had done in Australia was well accepted by the RV market in the battery power management space and a leading concept globally with a tablet-based Android control system. With 70 per cent of the Australian RV market loving our product, we were looking to expand to ensure we could continue to offer world class solutions both here in Australia and globally. Entering the US market has been a pipe dream for BMPRO for many years and it was finally the right time for both BMPRO and the market to take the plunge and enter. The BMPRO brand was established in our local Australian market with…

Just over an hour’s drive north of Townsville, Hinchinbrook is the gateway to the wet tropics. The shire is surrounded by ancient tropical rainforest, rugged tropical islands and the Great Barrier Reef, and features stunning wilderness, gourmet food, and of course, fishing. Just a stone’s throw from the mainland lies the uninhabited, World Heritage listed Hinchinbrook Island, which teems with wildlife, and is renowned for its biodiversity. WORLD-CLASS FISHING A full spectrum of fishing opportunities await the avid angler with an hour's travel from Ingham. Try your hand at beach fishing off the pristine Hinchinbrook coastline, or drop in a line from Lucinda and Dungeness fishing wharfs. Alternatively, take a helifishing tour up into the Herbert River Gorge for remote area sweetwater fishing, or try for barramundi in the tranquil…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 7.02m (23ft) External body length 5.7m (18ft 8in) External body width 2.22m (7ft 3in) Travel height 2.82m (9ft 3in) Internal height 1.99m (6ft 6in) Tare 1805kg ATM 2292kg Payload 487kg Ball weight 214kg EXTERNAL Frame Aluminium Cladding Aluminium Chassis Galvanised LCI Suspension Dexter IRS Coupling AL-KO Brakes 12in Wheels 15in alloys, with 225/70 R15 tyres Water 1x80L (fresh); 1x96L (grey) Battery 1x120Ah AGM Solar 1x80W Air-conditioner Dometic Harrier Gas 2x9kg Sway control No Kitchen No INTERNAL Cooking Smev two-burner cooktop & Thetford Duplex grill/oven Fridge Thetford N3141 three-way 141L Microwave LG Bathroom Full-height fibreglass shower cubicle and Dometic CT4110 cassette toilet Washing machine No Hot water Suburban OPTIONS FITTED None PRICE AS SHOWN $139,990 MORE INFORMATION To enquire about this caravan, please visit…

Since its debut a few years ago, it seems to me that caravan manufacturer Zone RV is constantly working on something new. That is no mean feat, I have to say, when that seems to have been the philosophy of Zone RV when it was first set up by yacht builders Dave Biggar and Matt Johns. Something new for 2019 is the manufacturer’s Venture Series range of caravans. Zone RV has hithero been known for its offroad models but the Venture Series is designed for less tough road conditions. The clues for this are the use of Cruisemaster’s Country Road Suspension and that the van sits about 100mm/4in lower than the offroad equivalent. “The point being that something that’s good enough for flying through the sky is also going to…

QLD BLUES ON BROADBEACH May 16-19 Enjoy a stellar local and international line-up featuring more than 20 classic rock and blues greats including Canned Heat and Eric Bibb at this free Gold Coast event. Broadbeach, bluesonbroadbeach.com MUSIC IN THE MULGA May 16-19 Wandilla Station celebrates for four days with live acts, ‘walk up’ concerts open to showgoers, a charity auction, yabby races and a celebrity cook off. Wandilla Station, Eulo, www.musicinthemulga.com.au MACKAY HOME SHOW AND CARAVAN, CAMPING EXPO May 24-26 Caravan, motorhome, camper trailer, and camping gear manufacturers and retailers will join more than 100 businesses showcasing wares for the home. Mackay, mackayhomeshow.com.au GOOMERI PUMPKIN FESTIVAL May 26 Compete against locals and tourists in pumpkin-themed events or kick back and enjoy the fun with market stalls until late, roving entertainment…