Innehållsförteckning för Issue 618 från Caravan World

After months of restricted travel, we are finally on the road. After a visit to family in Byron Bay, we are happily camped for a few days on the beach at Brooms Head on the North Coast of NSW. Despite having made the Sydney–Queensland trip dozens of times, we still find detours to the coast from Highway 1 that we haven’t explored, and Brooms Head is a ripper. We travelled some of the new freeway heading past Ballina on this latest trip, and the difference is remarkable. Compared to the frenzied free-for-all of a decade back, the run up the coast is a breeze, and the miles slip by quickly. One of the aspects of long freeway driving I am liking is being able to cruise along at a more…

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted calls for investment for pandemic protection and preparedness to save the leisure and tourism industries in the future. The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) tourism barometer shows an 88 per cent decline in the number of tourism arrivals so far in 2021. Paul Stannard, Chairman of Vector Innovation Fund, which helps accelerate the use of enabling technology for pandemic protection, said due to vaccine hesitation, governments are maintaining restrictions to reduce the spread — which itself is the biggest barrier for the tourism industry. “Continued investment in technology is required to support industry in managing economies as well as healthcare,” Stannard said. A United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report has highlighted how declining international tourism due to the pandemic could cause a $1.7…

Two in three road deaths in Australia happen on regional roads, new research from the Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) has found. Over 89.6 per cent of camping trips are taken regionally, with research showing that Sunday and Monday, when people are potentially returning home from their trips and are tired, are when they are most at risk. Keelan Howard, General Manager of Marketing and Communication at Caravan Industry of Australia said all road users have a responsibility to safely use the roads. “Planning starts before the key is turned, get your car and RV serviced, take a refresher towing course if needed and plan your trip,” he said. “Determine before you leave, how far you intend to travel each day, plan your rest and fatigue management stops and book…

On 1 July next year, we will see the greatest change in the last 30 years in the way that RVs are available for sale with the introduction (finally) of the Road Vehicles Standards Act (RVSA), benefitting consumers and industry alike. While applicable to all road vehicles entering the market at first supply, other vehicles outside of light trailers currently — those with an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM of 4.5 tonnes or less (which includes caravans and camper trailers) — have already been subject to a Type Approval regime. Manufacturers/importers of caravans and campers, meanwhile, have entered the market with a self-certified declaration that their product is compliant to the guidance contained in Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 (VSB1). This has the potential to work, subject to a strong audit and…

This shed is made of something a bit different, as Patty O’Donoghue discovered. “This was taken at Woomelang. Victoria. It’s a shearing shed constructed during World War II. Due to wartime shortages, the shed is made of compacted kerosene tins! It is now part of the Art Silo Trail.” Sunsets are a joy in Australia, clearly shown by this submission from reader, John Taylor, taken on a recent trip though Queensland. “This photo was taken along the Birdsville Development Road. We had stopped overnight at Durrie rest area in our 2018 200 Series LandCruiser, towing a 2017 Trakmaster Pilbara.” Getting amongst the trees, readers, Ibrahim and Kadriye Aygun, stopped to smell the gum leaves in a trip through Victoria. “We recently stayed at Kywong Caravan Park in Nelson, Victoria, near…

and operated company iTechworld has been at the forefront of lithium storage batteries and lithium jump-starters for the last 14 years. Jumper cables were the most used tool for jump-starting a flat battery. If the connection is incorrect, it is possible to cause expensive electrical damage to the car and its battery, causing thousands of dollars in damage. With all the risks associated with jumper cables, iTechworld brought lithium car jump-starters to the Australian market, revolutionising the way people start vehicles and making the process of jump-starting a car a safe operation. The JS80 is iTechworld's new flagship lithium powered jump-starter. The JS80 has been designed and developed in Perth and utilises an ultra-safe design which prevents any errors occurring. With no less than seven safety features, including spark-proof technology…

I was recently looking at a touring pop-top built in the 1990s, and it struck me just how low to the ground it was. That was back in the day when just about everyone drove a Falcon or Commodore, and many caravan holidays involved a cruise (long or short) to a beach-side caravan park. How things have changed. The Commodore and Falcon have been consigned to the history books, replaced with twin cab, 4WD utes. Straight off the showroom floor, these utes are obviously taller and much more offroad capable. Add in Aussie’s thirst for suspension lift kits and bigger wheels, and we reach even greater heights, allowing us to act on a desire for tackling challenging, remote locations. As tow vehicles have got taller, so have caravans so they…

To most people, Wilpena Pound is a geological wonder — a giant amphitheatre hollowed out by time and erosion. At 17km long and 8km wide, Wilpena Pound is so large that it could fit Uluru inside its circular walls eight times over. Located in South Australia’s Ikara-Flinders Ranges, it’s the heart of an extraordinary landscape of rugged mountain ranges and dramatic gorges that science says is at least 800 million years old. We have Reginald Sprigg’s discovery of Ediacaran fossils — the oldest multicellular life form on the planet — to help prove the timeline. But to the Adnyamathanha (pronounced Adnamutna) Indigenous people, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges are so much more — it is where life on Earth began, and where the spirits of their people live on forever. Thousands of…

Close enough to Sydney to make a long weekend visit worthwhile, yet far enough away to find some welcome peace and quiet, the Macleay Valley is a mix of beach and rural tranquillity. Around 300km north of Sydney, this mid-north coast destination is an easy freeway drive all the way from Hornsby — well, Hexham aside. Heading south, it’s also mostly freeway from Brisbane. But from central NSW, the journey can be daunting on the Oxley Highway’s long descents of the Great Divide into Wauchope, and then north to the Macleay. Whichever way you arrive, the region has seemingly endless accommodation and camping spaces, but they are matched in peak times with endless lines of traffic. If you plan to visit at Christmas, you’ll need to book months in advance.…

Most get-togethers for me end up with a couple of glasses of wine to add to the atmosphere, and this is where the question arises — what to drink? My favourite picks for the occasion are something I call, ‘wine with a story to tell’. The story could be anything — it could be about you getting this bottle on your last wine trip with a couple of friends, or the story of the wine itself, about how you met the winemaker, or how this particular variety is a rare find. Regardless of the type of gathering, discussing wine is appropriate in most situations, and when you serve up ‘wine with a story’, it is guaranteed to be a success at your gathering. SPARKLING WINES There’s nothing that says celebration…

Sunscreen is a must have when heading outdoors in the Aussie summer. But not all sunscreens are made the same, both in terms of sun protection and impact on the environment. However, well-known brand People4Ocean, have puts their heads down to create a product that answers both problems — Stick It. With their focus on producing things with little impact on the environment, its no surprise this sunscreen follows that ethos. Co-formulated with marine biologists, the zinc sunscreen is made of mineral, vegan and reef-safe ingredients and with harsh Aussie conditions in mind. With its 2-hour water resistance, it is made to protect skin, scars and tattoos from UVA and UVB rays. Suitable for all skin types, including very sensitive, there are two colour options: Egyptian Blue for athletes, and…

Cadac International has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Dometic. The barbecue and accessories provider to the vehicle based outdoor market have more than 600 dealers primarily across Europe, with net sales in 2020 approximately EUR 13 million. Dometic has identified Cadac as having a strong growth opportunity, especially with the increased desire to spend time outdoors by locals and travellers alike around the world. Juan Vargues, President and CEO of Dometic, said the acquisition is the company’s seventh announced acquisition this year. “Our strate›y for profitable expansion in Mobile Living is built on a combination of organic and acquisitive growth,” he said. The transaction will strengthen Dometic’s product offering and network, with closing expecting to take place during the last quarter of 2021.…

Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) has signed off on a collaboration with Molicel to support the current and next generation of power-optimised battery cells. The collaboration will draw together power-optimised cell technology from Molicel with WAE’s advanced system design and control systems and will focus on advancing future technologies of high performance, superior quality, lithium-ion battery cells across a number of industries. Both companies are invested in the continued sustainability challenges of the 21st century, with the deal hoping to address a number of opportunities across a wide range of applications. Casey Shiue, President of E-One Moli Ener›y (MOLICEL), said Molicel wants to produce outstanding cells to drive the electric evolution. “We will bring our expertise and experiences on consistent high power, low impedance, and fast charge to our collaboration with…

Global online travel company Expedia Group has decided to end its support for whale and dolphin interactions and circus-style performances by prohibiting the sale of them via their website. This comes after the World Animal Protection group campaigned for over a year, with over 350,000 supporters condemning the practice. Ben Pearson, Interim Country Director for World Animal Protection Australia said, “This is a huge step towards our goal of ending dolphin cruelty. We want this to be the last generation of whales and dolphins suffering in captivity for entertainment. For too long, dolphins, whales and other cetaceans have been forced to perform and live for 50 years in small barren tanks.” Expedia Group’s updated animal welfare policy can be viewed on their website at expedia.com/lp/b/wildlife.…

Wotif’s Uniquely Aussie Awards winners, the annual guide to Australia’s best local secrets, as nominated by Australians have been announced. Across six categories, the awards highlight the unique experiences that go alongside local travel, as well as profile some of the legends, businesses and attractions in the local communities that showcase what travelling in Australia is all about. The winners were: Best Jaffle went to Miss Jaffles in Cronulla, NSW; Best Vanilla Slice to Bridgewater Bakehouse, Bridgewater on Loddon & Bendigo in VIC; Best Country Pub to Beechwood Hotel, Beechwood, NSW; Best Hot Chips to Chicken Chef in Blair Athol, SA; Best Hotel Pool to JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Gold Coast, QLD; and Best National Park to Kakadu National Park in Jabiru, NT. Now in its fourth…

Hi Guys, We are preparing to hit the road as soon as lockdown ends and the borders open. In preparation for our big trip, I have a towing question. We recently made a few modifications to our LandCruiser Sahara, including a 2in lift kit as well slightly more aggressive tyres. Since the upgrade, we now find that our DO35 hitch sits higher and when we hitch our new Jayco Silverline caravan it has a noticeable ‘Nose-Up’ pitch. Will towing a caravan nose-up pitch effect our towing stability or fuel economy in any way? Should we look at replacing our car hitch with one that sits lower? Thank for a great magazine and thanks for all your advice. David Sajfar A G’day Dave, This is an important question that we get…

Long before Europeans settled in Australia and brought their imported crops and stock animals with them, Indigenous people had been living off the plants and animals that are endemic here. While the colonists relied on some native foods early on for survival, these were widely ignored once they were able to grow plentiful supplies of their favoured fare. But fast forward to modern-day Australia, and native foods are enjoying a renaissance. Their rise in popularity is linked to a greater appreciation from foodies, a burgeoning supplier market and, in part, attributed to reality TV cooking shows that use native ingredients for an ironically ‘exotic’ flair. All these factors are shining an increasingly bright spotlight on the industry and attracting greater focus from consumers. Some of the more commonly known bush…

It’s one thing to have a passionate, knowledgeable guide who can recount an area like an upbeat encyclopedia entry, but it’s another when they have a deep connection to the land they stand on. Wadandi custodian Josh ‘Koomal’ Whiteland is one of those people — a storyteller and part of the story itself. Josh comes from Western Australia’s spectacular South West region, a blend of Wadandi and Bibbulman country that stretches across holiday hubs Busselton, Dunsborough, and Margaret River. The Wadandi and Bibbulman people have lived and breathed the South West’s ancient lands for over 50,000 years. They are also known as the Noongar people, banding together with other Indigenous groups from Kalbarri to Esperance. And, just like the country they represent, the Noongar culture is nothing short of fascinating,…

“The chance to spend time with an Aboriginal guide may well become one of the most memorable experiences of your trip” NEW SOUTH WALES Tours Even if you’re the kind of person who normally shuns organised tours, the chance to spend time with an Aboriginal guide may well become one of the most memorable experiences of your trip. A day tour with Aboriginal Blue Mountains Walkabout taught me about the meaning of connection to country, while an Aboriginal discovery tour of Mungo National Park introduced me to the stories surrounding Mungo Lady and Mungo Man. Whether you’re riding a quad bike through the Stockton Sand Dunes on a cultural tour with Sand Dune Adventures or taking part in an ochre ceremony in Wagga Wagga with Bundyi Cultural Tours, the aim…

Perusing the JB website provides great insight into the design intent of the Dirt Roader featured in this review. It is pitched as a “semi–offroad van perfect for tackling light corrugations easily and in style”. Sitting above that, JB have the Dirt Road Xtreme aimed at “travelling off the beaten track, deep within the outback of Australia”. Making this distinction will help sharpen our focus on what should be expected of the Dirt Roader. We are looking at the 22ft variant in a family van which is one of the larger models in this range. RUNNING GEAR I am starting with the running gear as it is a very good indicator of the ‘dirt roadworthiness’ of the vehicle. The setup is a great example of how AL-KO combined with its…

“In these sandy pages is written one of the longest continual records of Aboriginal life in Australia” Drive 1000km west of Sydney to the Mungo National Park and you’ll travel back to the dawn of human civilisation in New South Wales. The central feature of the 1000sqkm national park is Lake Mungo, a large dry plain, sparsely vegetated and surrounded by low ridges and lunette dunes sculpted by the elements into an extraordinary moonscape. In these sandy pages are written one of the longest continual records of Aboriginal life in Australia, featuring Mungo Woman and Mungo Man, believed to be at least 42,000 years old. Internationally renowned for its archaeological treasures and remarkable natural beauty, Mungo delivers a unique and unforgettable outback experience. SHAPING THE LAND The Mungo landscape evolved…

TRIAL BAY GAOL Ph: (02) 65666168 W: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/trial-bay-gaol STUARTS POINT HOLIDAY PARK 1B Ocean Ave, Stuarts Point NSW 2441 Ph: 1300 425 605 GRASSY HEAD HOLIDAY PARK Reserve Rd, Grassy Head NSW 2441 Ph: 1300 425 605 NRMA SOUTH WEST ROCKS 161 Phillip Drive, South West Rocks, 2431 Ph: (02) 6566 614 HORSESHOE BAY TOURIST PARK 1 Livingstone St, South West Rocks NSW 2431 Ph: (02) 6566 6370 HAT HEAD HOLIDAY PARK Straight Street, Hat Head NSW 2440 Ph: (02) 6567 7501 TRIAL BAY CAMPGROUND Arakoon National Park 63 Trial Bay Gaol Access Rd, Arakoon NSW 2431 Ph: 1300 072 757 GETTING THERE • Travel north on Pacific Highway to Frederickton, then turn left onto Collombatti Road. • Follow Collombatti Road, then Range Road, then Buds Crossing Road, which leads…

The new Stirling Range Trail App will allow travellers to explore the national park, including Bluff Knoll, easier. The region, famed for its mountains, rare wildflowers and diverse fauna and birdlife can be explored through the app, which got its start after the bushfires and the devastation that followed, with the app helping restart tourism into the region. The app features walking and driving maps that are linked to GPS points, photos and travel and accommodation information, to help visitors easily navigate and keep safe. Other than Bluff Knoll, trails include ones for Mt Trio, Mt Hassell, Mt Talyuberlup, Mt Toolbrunup and Mt Magog. These range from gentle family walks to more advanced ones, so the app is an essential for exploring the area with children. Other than walks, the…

The ACCC is urging caravan and motorhome owners to check for dangerous Suburban-branded water heaters, as, “more than 50 per cent of these units might emit deadly odourless carbon monoxide if used in gas mode. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause death, and short-term exposure can cause serious long-term injuries.” Consumers can check if their heater is affected by opening the exterior access door to the hot water service and checking the model and serial number located on the right-hand side. They should then enter the serial number on the Coast to Coast website at coastrv.com.au/suburbanrecall to ensure that theirs is safe. Part of the reason for the ACCC’s concern is that, as of the end of October, over 8,000 consumers still hadn’t registered their water heaters for a free inspection,…

Australians who have recently purchased a new caravan are being urged to complete an ACCC survey about possible consumer law issues within the industry. The ACCC has received over 1300 reports about the caravan industry over the past five years, with complaints including retailers selling caravans that do not meet consumer guarantees, as well as faults leading to disputes between manufacturers and retailers about who is responsible for the cost of repairs. There are separate surveys for purchasers and retailers of new caravans, with the purchaser survey focusing on the sales process and about faults, while the retailer survey focuses on disputes with consumers about warranties and consumer guarantees and issues with manufactures. Delia Rickard, ACCC Deputy Chair, said the strong sales growth in recent years due to Australians choosing…

The Invasive Species Council and local and mainland experts have come together to create digital maps of Norfolk Island from before European settlement to now. The project took over two years to complete, and maps native vegetation across the entire island, as it exists now and before 1750. Andrew Cox, Invasive Species Council CEO, said a detailed analysis was conducted by searching old photo and illustration archives, through extensive fieldwork, interviews with locals about native plant communities as well as with flying aerial drones across the island to map the current landscape. “The project has unlocked a map that can now be used to help Norfolk Islanders replant and restore many of the threatened native plants and plant communities that are under pressure from weeds and past habitat loss,” he…

With a B.E.S.T. (Bacteria Elimination Silver Treatment) water filter, you can ensure you have clean, safe water – wherever the road may take you. The filter means you can safely draw water from town, tank, creek or bore water sources to fill your caravan’s tanks, while the chemicals and sediment will be removed and the bacteria destroyed. The filter is multi-directional, can be used after long periods of non-use and involves a simple, DIY installation. 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 full address (not for publication).…

3000 AMPS Compact, yet powerful the iTechworld JS80 lithium jump starter is rated at 3000 amps and can provide up to 40 jump starts from one single charge. Start any vehicle utilising the JS80's 3000 starting amps. Perfect for use on cars, boats, utes, 4WD's, camper vans, lawnmowers and everything in-between. 12V OUTPUT To give peak efficiency the JS80 is equipped with a regulated 12v output. A regulated 12v output allows a much longer run time with 12v fridges and other 12v appliances. PASS-THROUGH The JS80 features pass-through charging commonly referred to as "charging and discharging at the same time". The JS80 is the only jump starter in the world with this feature. The JS80 can be charging via the vehicles 12v cig socket, and at the same time, it…

TRAVEL EASY WITH GME GPS PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON — MT610G The all-new Australian-made 406MHz GPS Personal Locator Beacon from GME, the MT610G, is a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and is GME’s most compact and lightweight design ever. It offers an impressive seven-year battery life and a six-year warranty to provide you with an emergency distress signal and will ensure you remain safe and connected, wherever life takes you. The MT610G has been designed, engineered, and manufactured in Australia to provide the outdoor adventurer with an affordable IP68 Ingress Protection rated, GPS PLB solution that is both easy to use and compact enough to be stored anywhere. RRP $379 W: gme.net.au/plb 5/1-WATT IP67 UHF CB HANDHELD RADIO — TX6160X The TX6160X features class-leading 5 watt transmission power, an IP67 ingress-protection rating…

GETTING THERE: • The park entrance is about 1000km west of Sydney via the Hume and Sturt Highways, 167km north-east of Mildura, and 171km north of Balranald. • All access roads off the highways and within the park are unsealed, generally suitable for 2WD vehicles but may become impassable when wet. • Park entry fees of $8/vehicle/day are payable on self-registration at the Mungo Visitor Centre. • Best time to visit: Autumn, Winter and Spring. • Fuel and supplies: The nearest town is Pooncarie (90km), also available at Mildura, Menindee and Wentworth. CAMPING: • Unpowered sites are available at Main Camp, near the visitor centre, suitable for caravans, camper trailers and tents. • Facilities include non-flush toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces (bring own wood), gas/ electric bbqs (free), but no drinking…

SALMON POKE BOWL TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes SERVES: 2 INGREDIENTS • ½ cup quinoa • 1 cup water • 1 tsp salt • 200g smoked salmon • ½ cup edamame • 1 avocado, sliced lengthwise • 4 red radishes, finely sliced • 1 cucumber, sliced lengthwise and rolled up • 1 large red chilli, chopped • 2 tsp black and white sesame seeds Dressing: • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped • 1cm piece of ginger, finely chopped • Juice of 2 limes • 1½ tbsp soy sauce • 1 tbsp honey • 1 tbsp olive oil METHOD Place the quinoa in a bowl, cover with warm water, and rinse well. Drain with a colander. Boil water in a saucepan and add the quinoa and salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low,…

Windows are a great part of caravanning, they let light and fresh air in. They can also let water leaks in if not properly maintained. If you monitor your window seals and replace them as required, you can prevent major water damage from occurring. Basically, the process involves completely removing the window from the wall opening, removing the old sealing material, replacing with new sealing material and reinstalling the window. Therefore, you could also use this guide if you needed to replace an entire window assembly. There are some variations in how you go about it depending on the type of wall on your van. In this instance, we are looking at a profiled wall where foam strips are the recommended method. With smooth-sided walls, depending on the surface material,…

Capture your travels and adventures, whether it’s in the air, on the ground or underwater with the new GoPro HERO10 Black. The camera incorporates GoPro’s new high-performance GP2 processor for enhanced image quality and video frame rates that can capture life-like 5.3K video at 60 frames per second, 4K video at 120 frames per second and 2.7K video at an incredible 240 frames per second. Alongside this, your video will be smooth and stable with the HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilisation for shake-free video. For those after photos, the HERO10 Black has a higher resolution of 23 megapixels with improved low-light performance and a better user interface with the GP2 processor. Users will also be able to share their footage with family and friends faster with the device connecting to the…

Want a new way to explore Australia? Marcia Langton’s Welcome to Country: A Travel Guide to Indigenous Australia, is a perfect way to experience and explore the Indigenous footprint found across the continent and its islands. This second edition is fully revised and updated and showcases Indigenous-owned or operated tourism experiences around the country, with 250 new listings, illustrated maps, and photography by Wayne Quilliam. As Australia is home to the longest continuing culture on Earth, it’s time to pack your things and explore what makes this culture and its intricacies so unique and wonderful. The guide will highlight various ways you can engage and deepen your knowledge and appreciation of the First Peoples as you travel, from arts centres to tours, as well as some helpful etiquette as you…