Innehållsförteckning för Issue 656 från Caravan World

The year is taking hold. My New Year's resolutions have been abandoned like discarded Christmas wrapping, and the list of DIY tasks for the Trakmaster and LandCruiser isn't getting any smaller. At least, as you may discover in our gear review section, I finally got around to giving the van a good clean, so that's something. In the meantime, we ponder our travel plans for later in the year. One resolution I haven't had a chance to break is to take more time in the places we visit. In the past, we seem to have been on a mission to move. Sometimes, we may have had to meet an agenda or get home for some event, but the momentum of travelling often drives me on. It could be that there's…

Supreme Caravans, a regional Melbourne manufacturer, has built caravans for more than 30 years. A family-owned business, it creates a range of caravans with 10 different models and numerous layouts for all budgets and tastes. That includes offroad caravans and a 9.8m (32ft 2in) mobile home. The Australian Caravan Centre in Heatherbrae (Newcastle), NSW, made a 19ft 6in Supreme Executive available to me. It's a semi-offroad model designed for mostly dirt road travel, which, for most travellers, should be more than adequate. It has a price tag of $92,800 and is not the cheapest caravan on the block, but since Supreme builds mostly upmarket models, that's not a big surprise. Although the Executive model's name is 19ft 6in, the external body length is 6.3m (20ft 8in). Supreme isn't the only…

Every caravanner should experience a trip to the northern reaches of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland at least once. And, from what we've seen, once is enough to get you hooked. But while these road trips might not seem all that different to any other longdistance caravanning holiday, there is a lot of planning and preparation that goes into a successful trip, and much of it has to be done months in advance. And it all boils down to the fact there is only six months of the year that these regions are considered hospitable and caravan-friendly (although this is still Australia, and the regions will still throw a fair few challenges at you).  WHAT IS THE DRY SEASON? The northern areas of Australia don't abide by the…

 IN BRIEF Capable offroad and off-grid Set up for couples Needs a high-end tow vehicle Spinifex Caravans is a boutique caravan builder on the Sunshine Coast of Southern Queensland. It specialises in quality, custom builds for customers who want to travel far and stay away for extended times. Each of the caravans that leaves the Deception Bay factory is numbered and competition can be strong for prime numbers as we saw a few years back with Steve Caunt's amazing blue wonder, number 400. Spinifex owners join a welcoming community of fellow travellers and keep in touch with each other and the factory, creating a bond and a great source of feedback and suggestions for change. Once owned, the vans are closely held, with many owners only relinquishing their van when…

There are not too many positives from the pandemic days, but some visionary people seized the opportunity to set up their own caravan manufacturing operations to help fill the gap in the market caused by surging demand. Aleks Bumbroski, owner of Atlas Caravans, is an example of this entrepreneurial spirit who commenced building caravans in 2021. Aleks is a hands-on technical person with a career as a diesel mechanic and a background in caravan manufacturing prior to that. Aleks explained that his approach is to keep everything simple and streamlined to focus on quality and value for money. Atlas is a small-volume builder with a limited range offering. The team works to its standardised designs in various lengths and layouts and does not offer custom builds. This approach delivers a…

NSW EAT Festival 6–9 March 2025 The EAT Festival is back for 2025 in the beautiful Sapphire Coast town of Merimbula. Over four days, locals and visitors can indulge in a series of paddock-to-plate and tide-to-table experiences that celebrate the food, the heritage and the pristine natural wilderness of the Sapphire Coast. Head online for more information: eatfestival.com.au Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival 7–9 March 2025 The Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival takes part throughout Kiama's cafes, restaurants and bars as well as buskers in the street and music in Coronation Park. A weekend or day pass allows access to three special venues over the threeday event. For further information and tickets: kiamajazzandbluesfestival.com.au VIC Tastes of Rutherglen 7–9 March 2025 Sip and swoon over more than 200 wines from bold…

It's been 20 years since the twisted, not-so-jolly swagman, Mick Taylor, first terrified audiences in Greg McLean's horror film Wolf Creek. Actor John Jarratt portrayed him as a loveable Aussie larrikin, like Steve Irwin crossed with Mick Dundee, but with a sadistic slant that harked back to the horrors of serial killer Ivan Milat. Fortunately, the circular crater that inspired the film's (deliberately misspelt) name and setting is far more welcoming. Formed around 300,000 years ago by a 50,000-tonne meteorite travelling at 15km a second, Wolfe Creek Crater in Western Australia spans an astonishing 880 metres in diameter. Although long known to local Aboriginal communities, it was only discovered by Europeans during an aerial survey in 1947. Its remarkably well-preserved state, due to its relative infancy and location in a…

While travelling in Western Australia last year, I received an email offering to send me a product suitable for cleaning our van. In the response, I joked that it would need to be pretty good because we had been across many miles of dirt, and the exterior of our fibreglass Trakmaster was filthy. So, I held off visiting a carwash for the long journey home, and we had many remarks on the state of the van. I had to assure anyone who commented that I was on a research project and that I wasn't simply a grub. I stand ignorant about most cleaning products, but there are a few different truck wash bottles in the garage. I had never heard of ENJO, and much to my surprise, when I opened…

No matter where in the country you're travelling, good communication with other drivers on the road is crucial and potentially lifesaving. Whether you're travelling in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia or just dawdling up the Hume Highway to visit family over Christmas, you can't downplay the importance of good communication with other drivers on the road to get you out of some potentially sticky situations. In the bush, a UHF radio is an essential piece of kit in your vehicle. If you're travelled the iconic rough roads up to remote locations such as Cape York, Qld, or across the Gibb River Road, WA, or anything in between, you'll know how important it is to be able to talk to other road users about potential hazards. Reduced visibility because…

Cub Campers has released its new F14 — a fusion of caravan and camper trailer with a low profile that's sure to appeal to those looking for a hybrid that will fit under the average garage or carport. Featuring a modern, sleek and sophisticated design, the F14 boasts the lowest profile of any Cub hybrid to date with a travelling height of 2.06m (6ft 8in), aimed to reduce wind drag, improve fuel economy and help reduce van sway. Cub continues its tradition of tough Australian-made build quality with BlueScope steel welded in-house to form the chassis. Tailor-made for couples looking to go offroad touring, the F14 has a tare weight of 1759kg* — nearly 200kg lighter than the industry standard for that size — and a ball weight of 190kg*,…

Caravan World's sister company, Hema Maps, has launched its new Hema Nav navigational system. The Hema Nav is a first-of-its-kind navigational system which combines turn-by-turn navigation with Hema's award-winning range of explorer maps. Available in a range of Hema devices, including the HX-2, HX-2+ and AMHXD3, the new Hema Nav gives Hema customers the ability to interact with the highly detailed print maps for the first time. The Hema Nav was created in response to customer demand and was recently unveiled after many months of behind-the-scenes work. The new system is speedy, intuitive, easy-to-use and it has been extensively tested by Hema's Map Patrol and Alpha Teams to ensure reliability and efficiency. FEATURES AND BENEFITS The Hema Nav offers: • Voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation for on-road travel • Offroad track guidance…

The South Australian Government has reduced vehicle access to Wauraltee Beach on Yorke Peninsula to better protecting the coastal environment and increasing visitor safety. Overnight camping will not be permitted on Wauraltee Beach, including the area known as Second Beach, from Monday 3 February 2025. Large camping vehicles — including caravans, campervans, motorhomes and tent trailers — also will not be allowed at any time during the day or night. Daytime vehicle access will remain for boat launching and recreation. Supported by the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, Yorke Peninsula Council and community leaders, the ban aims to protect the sensitive environment by stopping mass congregation of vehicles on the beach at the same time. The increased popularity of offroad vehicles has resulted in more of them being driven on…

Caravan safety is a prime concern for us at Caravan World. With ever increasing numbers of new caravanners on the road, here are our 10 tips for a safer drive. 1 KNOW YOUR CAPABILITY Before hitting the road, make sure you are ready for the challenge. Towing a caravan poses unique challenges and requires different skills than driving a standalone vehicle. Caravans have a considerable impact on the handling and braking capabilities of the towing vehicle. If you have yet to tow, it's wise to seek training or advice from an experienced driver. Practice on a safe backroad to feel how the caravan and vehicle combination move when cornering and braking. Confidence comes with practice and makes better, safer towing. 2 DON'T RUSH Don't be cajoled into doing something you aren't confident…

“This route has earned a reputation as a vehicle and caravan wrecker and one of our country's most challenging treks” Mention that you plan on ‘doing the Gibb’, and most caravanners will immediately know what you are talking about. For the unknowing, it's not a new dance craze. Instead, you are letting on that you hope to travel Western Australia's notorious Gibb River Road. Note that I said ‘hoping to’ because for some travellers, even after a journey across Australia from the east coast, there's no guarantee that weather conditions will allow you to complete the trek in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. We discovered this in 2023 when we waited a week at the northern access point for the flooded road to open before deciding to give it…

From Saint Lawrence to Cape Palmerston and Notch Point lies a scenic coastline of caravanning bliss, great fishing opportunities and, for those willing to venture offroad, even a spot of unexpected, sandy adventure. We were on our way home after six months in Far North Queensland and on the way we detoured to a tiny corner of the Isaac region in Queensland, halfway between Mackay and Rockhampton. Located off the busy Bruce Highway, Carmila Beachfront Camp is a somewhat hidden gem and a great stop for a night or two. Just don't make the same mistake we did. We were scouring for a perfect little campsite on the Isaac Coast, but getting bogged in sloppy sand with the caravan in tow was definitely not part of the plan. As we…

“Travelling south from the Adelaide CBD, this historic region is the gateway to the Fleurieu Peninsula where the vines meet the sea” Australia has some exceptional wine districts, and we would certainly put South Australia's McLaren Vale region up there with the best. But we've found world class wines are only the beginning of what this eclectic destination offers. Travelling south from the Adelaide CBD, this historic region is the gateway to the Fleurieu Peninsula where the vines meet the sea. It offers fascinating history, art galleries, top notch eateries and cafes, natural attractions, luxury accommodation, plus shady caravan parks and campsites. Add to the mix some of the most spectacular coastline in South Australia, and you've got a destination that's bound to delight the young and young at heart.…

Offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle, the Blackwood River Valley serves up not only a feast for the senses, but an insight to the lives of early settlers, who came to the area for work in the nearby timber mills. Stretching for 270km, the region's namesake waterway is Western Australia's longest continually flowing river, flanked by ancient forests of marri, karri and jarrah trees, a region rich in produce and a major contributor to southwest Western Australia's sensational food bowl. Hosting eclectic events throughout the year where quaint towns burst with activity, not to mention the abundant art and craft wares, history, lofty forests, nature trails and natural pools, there is something for every taste and season in Blackwood River Valley. THE ONLY WAY IS ‘UP’ In…

BREKKY CHILAQUILES TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS • ¼ cup olive oil, for frying chips • 12 corn tortillas, each cut into 8 wedges • 2 tsp olive oil • 1 tin chopped tomatoes • ½ medium red onion, chopped • Jalapenos (fresh or in the jar, chopped, to taste) • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 1 ¼ cups chicken stock • Salt • 1 avocado, sliced • Sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled • 2 eggs, fried METHOD Heat ¼ cup oil in a large skillet over a medium–high heat on the fire. Fry the tortilla chips, flipping both sides until lightly brown and crisp. Drain on a paper towel and set aside. Add 2 tsp of oil to the skillet, chopped tinned tomatoes, onion, jalapenos, garlic and 1 cup…

Who would have thought that going to the loo could be such an uplifting experience? Not us, that's for sure. But when travelling along the Fraser Coast, through the friendly Queensland town of Maryborough, even if you don't need to go to the toilet, you simply must stop for a visit at Maryborough City Hall. It was in 2020 when the community rallied together to donate funds to what started as the ‘Divine Dunnies’, a project transforming the drab toilets on the side of the picturesque City Hall to become the finest toilets in Australia. It was former editor of the local newspaper, Nancy Bates, who had the grand vision, but she didn't simply want a “new lick of paint”. She wanted something that would set these toilets apart from…

The Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) arrives in Australia in mid-2025 and is being pitched to the 60 per cent of Australian drivers who would be more likely to buy an electric vehicle if it offered greater towing capability. According to a recent survey by Ford Motor Company, some 47 per cent of respondents told Ford they were looking for something with offroad capability. Ambrose Henderson, marketing director, Ford Australia said buyers can rest assured the Ranger PHEV has been developed with their needs in mind. “[It provides] the full Ranger experience, including 3500kg towing and offroad capability, along with the added benefit of electric-only driving and off-grid power via Pro Power Onboard,” he said. CAPABILITY MATTERS Pairing a powerful 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine with an…

Late last year SeaLink K'gari's Kingfisher Bay Resort launched Illumina, Queensland's first permanent light show. Set against K'gari's World Heritage-listed landscape, Illumina combines cutting-edge lighting and sound to illuminate the island's natural beauty in a vivid and enchanting way. Guests are taken on a journey through light, colour, and sound, exploring the island's unique landscapes, flora, and fauna as night falls. “We've seen an incredible appetite for this experience, and it's been largely due to word of mouth. Most guests don't know what to expect, but they are genuinely blown away by what they see and experience in the show,” said David Hay, general manager of SeaLink K'gari. No two performances are the same, as each evening's show is influenced by the island's ever-changing weather conditions, making every Illumina experience…

SEND PICS TO WIN “Fantastic site, red dirt and thick sandy drive in, only about 18 sites, long drops and sunset drinks platforms. Great for SUP, kayaking and fishing!” “We have been travelling for three weeks now, starting from Geraldton, WA, heading to the Tamworth Country Music Festival.” “Two families holidaying together for the last 21 years. The setup has changed, and the friendships have deepened. The kids have grown up and have their own families, but the destination has not changed. This is paradise. This is holidays. Mylestom in NSW — where the river meets the ocean!” “Just a quick driver change-over during our recent 23,000km trip throughout Australia. Our towing setup made it a trouble-free adventure!”…

Whether you're an adrenaline junkie who enjoys rodeos, horse racing, country music concerts and wife-carrying or you prefer more relaxed activities such as gourmet dinners, fishing and bush poetry, the Easter in the Country Festival in Roma, a charming town in outback Queensland, has something for everyone. Being held from 16–21 April 2025, Roma's famous Easter in the Country Festival is heading into its 49th year, offering a range of activities for the thrill-seeker, the cultural and culinary buff, as well as those who like to take things a little more leisurely. In 2025, Roma will once again showcase some of the best entertainment over the Easter long weekend. Roma's charm lies in its laid-back country lifestyle and hospitality, making it a unique place to add to your travel plans.…

SCAN TO PLAY VIDEO This 24ft, composite couples van starts at $77,490. Let that settle in while we go on a journey explaining why I think this might just be the best value van in its category. With a front bed, centre ensuite and galley, plus a sumptuous club lounge, you'd be forgiven for thinking (and expecting) the purchase price to be over six figures — but it's not and let's start there. “You'd be forgiven for thinking (and expecting) the purchase price to be over six figures — but it's not and let's start there” “Chinese manufacturers benefit from low labour costs, reduced component costs and economies of scale” IMPORTED LOCAL The owners of Snowy River Caravans, the manufacturing facilities of its vans and most of the components used…

A problem many new caravan buyers face is the tension between what's desired in a caravan and not having a rig that's too heavy for stress-free towing, whether that's on or offroad. The most popular layout around these days is one with a front island bed and a rear bathroom. A practical arrangement that generally requires a van with a minimum length of 5.49m (18ft) and a tandem axle design. Two ways of getting the weight down are to reduce the length of the van and use a single axle. It looks like a good idea, but does that introduce too many layout compromises? Eternity Caravans is a family-owned boutique manufacturer based in northern Melbourne and, among its models, produces a single axle 5.03m (16ft 6in) van called the Vigilante.…

In 2007, Steve Thompson founded Spinifex Caravans with a clear vision: to create true custom offroad caravans. Now almost two decades later, the Queensland-based manufacturer has established itself as a trusted household name in the Australian caravanning industry, renowned for its craftsmanship, innovation and commitment to building high-quality, custom caravans designed to withstand the toughest Aussie conditions. THE VISION BEHIND SPINIFEX CARAVANS Having worked in the caravan manufacturing industry since he was 15, Steve's inspiration for starting Spinifex Caravans stemmed from a gap he saw in the market. While many manufacturers offered caravans with options for finishes and colour schemes, there was a lack of manufacturers who could create true custom offroad caravans from the ground up. With that goal in mind, Spinifex Caravans was born, and its philosophy of…

As our all-electric Big Lap turned west toward home, our final challenge of the Nullarbor's treeless plains lay ahead. One of the most frequently asked questions from curious travellers had been, “But how will you go on the Nullarbor?…”. Now we were about to find out! CROSSING THE NULLARBOR Crossing the Nullarbor is an iconic outback adventure. It's a road trip for which Australian travellers have always needed proper preparation with extra water, fuel and supplies, drummed into us. Despite its reputation for remoteness, these days it is a common route frequented by many travellers with well provisioned roadhouses along the Eyre Highway. It turns out that crossing the Nullarbor is already very manageable when towing with an electric vehicle (EV), but the trip still requires some planning, patience and…

Caravans have their own brakes to help slow the rig down so the tow vehicle doesn't have to do all of the braking. This is usually achieved by fitting an aftermarket device known as a brake controller into the tow vehicle. The brake controller sends a signal to the caravan brakes when you put your foot on the brake in the car. You can also operate the caravan brakes independently of the car by pressing an override button. These conventional brake controllers are great but just like everything in life they have their little downsides: 1. The brake controller is hardwired to the tow vehicle and can't be easily moved to another car to perform towing duties 2. As they are hardwired this is a job usually performed by an…

When you're out and about enjoying the caravanning lifestyle, you want a good night's sleep and this Wanderluxe caravan mattress topper delivers on its promise. Caravan manufacturers will make all sorts of claims about the comfort levels of their mattresses. However, the reality is that — for space, weight and cost reasons — they are rarely as good as your bed at home. Which is why I jumped at the chance to test a caravan mattress topper from Dreamer RV over the summer break. Lying down on the job? Someone has to do it … I came across Dreamer RV at the Melbourne Caravan & Camping Leisurefest at Sandown Racecourse last October. Business owner Tara Cameron-Smith was sharing a stand with Laura Bridgman from MeanderWild which makes fitted sheets and…