Innehållsförteckning för Issue 611 från Caravan World

The quintessential Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre — Australia's only museum dedicated to the little-recognised heroes of the outback — will be reopening its doors this April and has a range of new immersive experiences under its belt. Since its opening in 1988, The Stockman’s Hall of Fame has welcomed over 1 million visitors. After undergoing a $15 million transformation designed by creative technology company Art Processors, to enhance its levels of interactivity and immersiveness, the Centre is set to cast a new light on the stories of First Nations people, jackaroos, jillaroos, drovers, shearers, pastoralists, hawkers, flying doctors, inventors, pioneers, settlers, and their respective roles in shaping the story of the Australian landscape. Visitors will be able to experience bold and thought-provoking adventures by way…

Some 25 years ago, we Iived in Britain for the best part of a year. While there, we owned a Bedford CF pop-top campervan. Although I was originally not too impressed with the vehicle it grew on me and, upon returning to Australia, I regretted selling it. The van had a fairly simple layout, including something that’s a no-no today — the gas cylinder was stored inside the camper and there was no external and ventilated gas bin. Apart from that, it was also lacking, given its size, swivelling cab seats. The two seats could only really just be used for driving. In those days, multi-use cab seating was only just starting to happen, and while conversions were available they were very expensive. These days, driver’s cab seats that spin…

USING WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION BARS Q Hi, I have a 2016 Nissan Navara NP 300 with which I tow a 21ft caravan weighing 2700kg loaded. What I would like to know is, can I use weight distribution bars on this rig? I have been told that you can't because it twists the chassis of the vehicle or causes them to bend. I have asked the insurance company and where I bought the car, but no one can give a straight answer. If this is the case how can I get some weight on the front wheels of the car? If a car is rated to tow 3500kg you would think it would be designed to be able to use these towing aids. Sylvia Delforce A Silvia, You are right that…

Dear John, I have just experienced the subject matter referred to by you — the lack of support by dealers, suppliers and manufacturers. I have a Swift Explorer Caravan manufactured in the UK distributed by Swift Australia in Qld. After returning from a trip to Mudgee, I hitched up the van after cleaning to take to Wiseman’s Ferry for storage. I removed the AL-KO jockey wheel, checked the mirrors, but forgot to reinstall the jockey wheel tensioning handle, leaving it sit on the A frame cover. When arriving at Wiseman’s I found the coupling still open, with the tensioning handle nowhere to be seen. I unhitched by using a jack and resting the van on a block of wood. I went home, thinking to find it in the gutter. Not…

"Muted grey tones over the white walls give a contemporary impression, and the large windows and higher than average ceiling reinforce an open and airy feeling." With ever more buyers looking to explore our backroads, tough caravans are in high demand. Luckily, most builders have a mix of dirt road-friendly models in their range. Sunshine Coast dealer, Steve Tauzowski, from Brisbane RV in Burpengary has taken a different path, though, and developed his own well-equipped brand with all the features experience tells him buyers will want. Vans are built under contract by Safari Caravans in Melbourne to Brisbane RV specifications, and the result is a van that’s both competitively priced and unique to Tauzowski’s yard. “Not everyone has a bucketload of cash to throw at a new van, but customers…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 8.98m (29ft 5in) External body length 6.1m (20ft 6in) External body width 2.44m (8ft) Travel height 3.1m (10ft 2in) Internal height 1.98m (6ft 6in) Tare 3080kg ATM 4000kg Payload 920kg Ball weight 160kg at tare Bed size Queen (north/south) EXTERNAL Frame Lightweight interlocking aluminium frame Cladding One-piece fibreglass reinforced external walls and roof Chassis Hot-dipped galvanised chassis w/ extended A-frame Suspension CruiseMaster XT Independent Airbag Suspension w/ twin shocks and Level 4 air control Coupling Hitch-Ezy 5t offroad coupling Brakes Deemax 12in hydraulic disc brakes Wheels 17in alloy rims w/285/75R17 BFG A/T tyres (2 x spares) Water 5 x 83L shower/washing water, plus 1 x 65L drinking water and 1 x 83L grey water tank Battery 2 x 50Ah @ 48V lithium (equivalent to 400Ah…

STUFF TO DO If you’ve never been to this part of the mid-north coast, I suggest you plonk the caravan where you’ve booked in and head for the Forster Information Centre at 12 Little Street (Ph: 1800 802 692). In my experience, information centres are invariably staffed by friendly men and women who know more than Google Earth about local lay of the land. These people are brilliant. They can save you a lot of mucking about if you ask the right questions, such as, “Where’s the nearest surf beach?” or “Where’ can I take my dog for a swim?” (A good place to check out local surf conditions is the Forster Spot Guide at magicseaweed.com). In short, these guys know everything and should be the first locals you talk…

VALUE FOR MONEY “Though on the pricier side, it makes for a solid build.” TOWABILITY “Even though the Ormiston is on the larger side, it was very stable on-road and offroad, with great reversing control.” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “Not ideal for tight windy bush tracks but great for the long hauls.” BUILD QUALITY “A strong, well built chassis and solid waterproof composite panelling” LIVABILITY "With a generous amount of storage and raised queen size bed, it makes for a practical and comfortable place to be.” CUSTOMER CARE “Any issues or queries are easy to address by contacting Andrew Brennen directly.” SELF-SUFFICIENCY “A reasonable amount of battery storage, plenty of solar input and 160L of drinking water would be sufficient for some time off-grid.” INNOVATION “Being one of the only…

We get lots of correspondence from readers of Caravan World suggesting we pay too much attention to the larger and more expensive end of the caravan market. While we try to deliver a mix of models, there’s probably some truth in the criticism. In our defence, and you might agree, when you look at the range of vans in most yards, I think you’ll find the bigger, more upmarket ones are predominant. This review van may not be amongst the smallest vans out there, but its simplicity and price will appeal to many entry-level buyers. The team at custom builder, Billabong, out in the Victorian RV enclave at Campbellfield, has noticed a section of the market that seems to have been neglected, and their latest offering is a trip back…

Few things can be more enjoyable than travelling with friends. Sitting around the campfire recalling the highlights of the day with a full belly and a nightcap or two whilst peering up at the starry sky, far away from the competing lights of civilisation. With good company, the fun factor always seems to be ramped up a notch or two. Those extra laughs all work to help unshackle the binds of daily life so you can kick back and relax. Friends add value in different ways. If you leave something at home, friends may have something you can use or help modify something to suit. If you break down, they help you make roadside repairs. If you injure yourself, they can help patch you up or at least keep you…

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, which is sold separately 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, 3 Wyman Place, Braeside, Vic 3195. All entries must include your…

Innisfail Information Centre ANZAC Park, Bruce Highway, Innisfail P: 0428 228 962 E: innisfailtourism@ccrc.qld.gov.au W: tropicalcoasttourism.com.au/innisfail Atherton Information Centre Corner Main Street and Silo Road, Atherton P: (07) 4091 4222 or 4091 7394 E: athinfocentre@trc.qld.gov.au W: athertoninformationcentre.com.au Ravenshoe Visitor Centre 24 Moore Street, Ravenshoe P: (07) 4089 2243 E: info@ravenshoevisitorcentre.com.au W: trc.qld.gov.au Malanda Falls Visitor Information Centre Atherton Road, Malanda P: (07) 4096 6957 E: info@malandafalls.com W: malandafalls.com Mungalli Creek Dairy 254 Brooks Road, Millaa Millaa P: (07) 4097 2232 E: info@mungallicreekdairy.com.au W: mungallicreekdairy.com.au Herberton Visitor Information Centre 1 Jacks Road, Herberton P: (07) 4096 3474 E: info@herbertonvisitorcentre.com.au…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 8.1m (26ft 6in) External body length 5.8m (18ft 10in) External body width 2.32m (7ft 6in) Travel height 3.05m (10ft) Internal height 2m (6ft 6in) Tare 2420kg ATM 3290kg Payload 870kg (calculated) Ball weight 258kg Ball/Atm 10 per cent EXTERNAL Frame 6in Cladding 3mm Ali Composite Chassis FP 100mm x 50mm Supergal Chassis Suspension AL-KO 3500kg Outback Coupling Cruisemaster DO35 Brakes 10in AL-KO Wheels 265 x 16 inc tyres and size Water 2 x 95L and 100L grey Battery 2 x 120Ah Solar 2 x 160W Air-conditioner Ibis 4 Gas 2 x 9kg Sway control No INTERNAL Cooking Thetford cooktop and grill Fridge 190L Microwave Yes Bathroom Yes Washing machine Yes Hot water Gas/electric PRICE AS SHOWN $71,990 OPTIONS FITTED NONE ENQUIRIES Brisbane RV East Service…

Huskisson has a thriving cafe culture, with a window seat to suit all tastes and budgets. For a brew and breakfast look no further than 5 Little Pigs, Pilgrims or Salty Joes. If you’re in a rush, try The Nook juice and coffee Bar. For pub grub with ocean views there’s only one place, the Huskisson Hotel. And why settle for any old fish’n’chips when you can have World Famous Fish N Chips (it’s on Owen street, and yes, that’s its name). Wildginger serves up inventive South-East Asian dishes, while Stonegrill Steakhouse is the place to get your barbecue fix. Jervis Bay Brewing Co offers live music, daily food trucks and nine different beers. Try the Cow & Calf Pale Ale, named for the migrating humpback mothers. Those with a…

VALUE FOR MONEY “It's expensive, but gosh darn you get a pretty bloody good van for your money.” TOWABILITY “No dramas at all behind the 200. Loved the hydraulic brakes.” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “Built for the big outback adventure.” BUILD QUALITY “These vans are built well with attention to detail throughout.” LIVEABILITY “Modern styling with tweaked interior to suit owner.” CUSTOMER CARE “Three-year, full offroad Australia-wide warranty.” SELF SUFFICIENCY “This van will get you there and keep you there.” INNOVATION “It's all about that 48V system.” X-FACTOR “That 48V system again, plus I do like the new colour for 2021.”…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Body length 6.3m (20ft 7in) Overall length 7.2m (23ft 7in) Ride height 550mm (1ft 9in) Width. 2.45m (8ft 1in) Height 3.05m (10ft ) Tare 2500kg ATM 3500kg Payload 1000kg Ball weight 360kg EXTERNAL Frame StyroMAX 29mm composite panelling Chassis 6x2 RHS steel Suspension Timbren Silent Ride Coupling Hayman Reese Revolution Brakes 10in electric drums Wheels 225/75R16 Water 160L tank with 110L additional option Battery 2 x 80A lead crystal Solar 3 x 160W Air-conditioner Dometic Ibis 4 Gas 2 x 9kg Sway control N/A INTERNAL Cooking Thetford Topline 922 Hob Fridge 190L Bushman fridge freezer Bathroom Separate internal shower/toilet/ vanity Hot water PRICE AS SHOWN Demo model including Free Camp Package $95,500 All layouts and models are available in StyroMAX composite panels MORE INFORMATION To enquire about…

WEIGHTS AND MEASUREMENTS Overall length 7.8m (25ft 6in) External body length 5.9m (19ft 6in) External body width 2.5m (8ft) Travel height 3m (9ft 8in) Internal height 2.1m (7ft) Tare 2100kg ATM 2900kg Payload 800kg (calculated) Ball weight 180kg EXTERNAL Frame Meranti Cladding Raised profile aluminium Chassis 100mm x 50mm SupaGal Suspension Tandem leaf spring Coupling 50mm ball Brakes 12in drum Wheels 15in alloy, 235x75 tyres Water 2 x 60L Battery 120Ah Solar Optional Air-conditioner Yes Gas 2 x 9kg Sway control No INTERNAL Cooking Swift cooktop and grill Fridge 150L three-way Microwave Yes Bathroom No (external shower) Washing machine No OPTIONS FITTED TV Gas/Electric hot water system (electric standard Gas Bayonet PRICE AS SHOWN $47,930 MORE INFORMATION Billabong Caravans 51 Randor St, Campbellfield Vic 3061 Ph: 0434 862 015 W:…

BREMER BAY BEACHES RESORT TOURIST PARK P: (08) 9837 4290 E: frontoffice@bremerbaybeaches.com.au W: bremerbaybeaches.com.au BREMER BAY CARAVAN PARK P: (08) 9837 4018 E: bremercarapark1@westnet.com.au W: bremerbaycaravanpark.com.au NATURALISTE CHARTERS WHALE WATCHING AND KILLER WHALE EXPEDITIONS Bremer Bay Killer Whale (Orca) Expedition $385 per adult, $300 per child (10–17) P: (08) 9750 5500 E: info@whales-australia.com.au W: whales-australia.com BREMER BAY DIVE AND SPORTS One boat dive from $175 including all gear One shore dive from $85 including all gear ($60 extra to dive with a divemaster) P: 0427 374 440 W: bremerbaydive.com.au…

WHERE TO STAY Waking up to the sound of kookaburras will put a smile on your face every day. We based ourselves at the BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park in Healesville and between that wake-up call, a gum forest and distant mountain to look at, there’s a lot to like. You’re spoiled for choice with RV sites ranging from gum-shaded, creek-side settings to a three-tiered new ‘extension’ area with slabs to park on and manicured lawns to relax on. The amenities rival any bathroom on TV reno shows and there’s plenty to do with tennis courts, playgrounds and pools, including a 35C container pool. BIG4 YARRA VALLEY PARK LANE HOLIDAY PARK • 419 Don Road, Healesville • Ph: (03) 5962 4328 • W: parklaneholidayparks.com.au/yarravalley/ BIG4 TAGGERTY HOLIDAY PARK…

Award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs Group has joined forces with East Gippsland tourism operators Adrian and Rachel Bromage to build a new hot springs in the Gippsland suburb of Metung. A 3.5 hour drive from Melbourne, the hot springs will become a major addition for the region, particularly in the colder months as visitors to the area are enticed to lengthen their stay. Being in talks with Peninsula Hot Springs Group since 2012, the project has been a long-time dream for Rachel and Adrian. With recent funding from the East Gippsland bushfire economic recovery grant, the project has been able to commence. It is expected to produce 35 jobs when up and running, with an additional 25 set to be created during the construction phase. The development aims to promote “environmental…

Q Hey 12V Guru, We have purchased a second-hand van that is at least 15 years old, and we keep having issues with lights not working — do I need to turn to LEDs and refit the entire van? Paul Essary, Shoalhaven Heads, NSW A Hi Paul, Lighting can certainly be one of those annoying and niggling issues in most caravans, regardless of whether it’s old or freshly off the lot from a dealer. The fact that your van has a bit of age on it should not be the issue. Instead, it is most likely you will need to check and maintain a few simple things to get them working. Unfortunately, they have not yet made a caravan that is maintenance-free! It is unlikely you need to…

VALUE FOR MONEY “Well priced for its level of equipment and rugged build.” TOWABILITY “Sits well behind the tow vehicle. Sensible offroad size.” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “Well-equipped couples touring van capable of rough travel.” BUILD QUALITY “Traditional Meranti frame with composite cladding. Neat interior.” LIVEABILITY “Neat layout and full bathroom. Limited bench space.” CUSTOMER CARE “Three year warranty should be reassuring. Good reputation for service.” SELF-SUFFICIENCY “Enough solar, battery and water to sustain you in the bush.” INNOVATION “Combines all the best features of an offroader.” X-FACTOR “Looks like a capable adventure traveller.”…

Back in the early nineties, there was a song by German dance group Snap! called 'The Power.' As far as songs from that era go, it wasn't too bad, and I remember getting my dance on at several nightclubs to the catchy tune. When I found out I was reviewing the new Nomadix Premier from Spinifex Caravans that featured its brand new 48V Safiery electronics system, I couldn't get that song out of my head — luckily for me I only found out a couple of days before the review. During the course of the review, while crawling around underneath or making my way through the interior, I often found myself humming that familiar tune. THE GOOD OIL I have to admit, apart from having heard a few whispers at…

Winjana RV started back in 2000 known as Adventure RV and initially imported Canadian-built fifth wheelers. By 2002 they were importing flat pack models and manufacturing at their Toowoomba factory. In 2006 they started building their own designs, specifically targeting Australian markets and today continue to sell factory direct from their Toowoomba site. The Winjana Ormiston 630 is a brand-new van in their lineup. While the in-house walls built from a very light spruce Canadian timber and ply are still available, Brennen has opted to create a van from full composite StyroMAX panelling. This doesn’t mean they have gone away from their original design but is intended to advance their line-up into a more modern method of caravan construction. The composite frame brings a variety of advantages over their traditional…

VALUE FOR MONEY “This is a van a family could enjoy for years to come at an affordable price.” TOWABILITY “Well balanced and nimble. Weight will fit a range of mid-sized rigs.” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “Fits the bill as an economical family van destined for the caravan lifestyle.” BUILD QUALITY “Traditional meranti build with a neat interior.” LIVEABILITY “Good size dining/lounge area and usable kitchen in an entry level price range.” CUSTOMER CARE “Five-year warranty and a dedication to fix any problems.” SELF-SUFFICIENCY “Off-grid living isn’t its forte, but capable of a night or two in the bush.” INNOVATION “Great to see a builder take a punt on a van park model. Front boot and tunnel is a winner.” X-FACTOR “Stylish and comfortable without going too wild.”…

After all the lockdowns and shutdowns of 2020, I must admit to considerable interest in attending the Sydney Caravan Camping Holiday Supershow at Rosehill Racecourse. It was my first RV show in over a year, my last oddly enough being in Auckland, New Zealand, and it was good to see events like this are starting to happen again. I like to get to RV shows nice and early, so I have plenty of time to get around and see all the exhibitors. Obviously on day one, a considerable number of other show goers thought the same thing because there was a large crowd waiting for opening time and most people seem to have caught on to the requirement for online bookings in this age of COVID-19, INDUSTRY CHALLENGES There’s no…

BADGER CREEK Badger Creek Blueberry Farm takes wine tasting to a whole new level — it’s all made from blueberries. CHRISTMAS HILLS Horse lovers can take the reins at Yarra Valley Trails. Nature lovers can head to Sugarloaf Reservoir for fishing, sailing or walking, including the 15km hike around the reservoir. KINGLAKE Beware, there is no lake! Named after Alexander Kinglake, author of the history of the Crimean War series, Kinglake National Park has walking tracks for day hikes and camping grounds for overnight stays. MARYSVILLE Take the beautiful Black Spur drive through lush forests to this town with a history in gold and timber logging. It’s ideal if you’re into nature, adventure and outdoor activities. Snow play at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, fish at Buxton Trout & Salmon Farm,…

HEATHCOTE RED EDGE DEGREE SHIRAZ 2017 — $22 Shiraz is one of the most popular pairing candidates for a hearty winter meal pairing and is often a crowd favourite. This Heathcote shiraz is fairly young, which is visible in its deep purple-red colour. There are a lot of primary fruit characters on the nose, with dominant fresh plums, followed by dried herbs and dark chocolate. These grapes are dry grown and therefore provide great intensity and balance on the palate, gentle but persistent tannin structure, flavoursome red fruit silky finish. Pair it with a slow-cooked shredded goat ragu pasta for the win! MARGARET RIVER FRASER GALLOP CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 — $33 What a great mix of aromas! Think blueberry and cream danish pastry, dry bay leaf, and cassis to finish.…