Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 582 i Caravan World

Call it a baptism of fire, or a stroke of exquisite timing. I had been at the Caravan World editor’s desk just two days before I was whisked up to the twin towns of Echuca Moama on the mighty Murray River to experience the excitement and the passion of one of the biggest caravanning events of the year, AL-KO Best Aussie Vans 2018. There in one place, I was able to get up close and personal with nine of the very best caravans available on the Australian market today. From the $200,000-plus carbon-fibre-clad offroad beast that is the fully-optioned Zone RV, to the budget friendly, family focused JB Marlin, I was able to see first-hand the enormous innovation, craftsmanship and design smarts that go into making the country’s top vans.…

Litter-related injuries on New Zealand’s famous beaches are on the rise, according to a report published in November. The report revealed that litter on the nation’s beaches poses an increased safety risk to beachgoers and, while more than 800,000 international and local tourists visit its beaches each year, general understanding of the hazards posed by litter is poor. Lead Researcher and Chevron Harry Butler Chair of Biosecurity and Environment Science, Marine Campbell said: “Marine debris and beach litter is an unrecognised but pervasive hazard to people of all ages, with a specific risk posed to young children. “This has rarely been explored globally, and never in New Zealand. “Human use of marine environments is increasing on an annual basis, with specific growth of recreational and tourism activities focused on beaches.…

A warning issued by The Caravan Council of Australia has urged caravanners to take care when using caravan jacks. CCA honorary manager and professional automotive engineer Colin Young said: “There have been too many nasty accidents caused when jacks are used to change wheels and tyres on caravans.” According to the Caravan Council there have been reports of the sudden collapse of jacks caused by the unexpected failure of jack lifting mechanisms. The CCA warned that the main causes of jacking accidents are when the jack is not completely suitable for the particular caravan, and when the jack does not have its top positively-located so as to prevent it sliding in a horizontal direction. The CCA reminds users that caravan jacks must be approved to the Australian standard, which specifies…

Cruisemaster, an Australian manufacturer of all-terrain towing technology, has received independent recognition for high standards in its business operations. The caravan suspension and coupling manufacturer was recognised for its 20-year continuous certification to ISO9001:2015 — an international standard for quality management systems. Cruisemaster's technical operations director Andrew Goddard said the award was a significant achievement. “This certification is a testament to our strong focus on quality as it shows we have the process and capability in place to ensure we are delivering the best for our customers,” he said. “It’s a milestone for the company but also for the caravanning industry as a whole. “The Australian caravan manufacturing industry can sometimes have a bad wrap, but this award shines a spotlight on best practices and illustrates what can be achieved.”…

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…

“This year's line up was easily the most innovative to date” For this years’ AL-KO’s Best Aussie Vans (BAV) we went back to basics. Forgoing the expedition style of last year’s event, held in The Grampians, we kept things local for this, our seventh annual event, staying in one holiday park and exploring the region around our host twin towns, Echuca Moama. As in previous years the rules of engagement were simple. All entries must have been reviewed in full or appraised by one of our expert writers before being invited to compete. That’s right, we invite the entrants based on how good the vans were when reviewed by one of our team, not according to whether the company advertises with us. We then set four of our best judges…

Back in CW issue #577 we knew we were onto a winner. Our Field Editor Malcolm Street was fortunate enough to sample an equally standout example of the Wonderland XTR 1906 seen here, courtesy of Sydney dealer, Five Star Caravans. He came away raving about this extreme family offroader, impressed by its Creature Comforts, Towability and Suitability for Purpose. At AL-KO’s Best Aussie Vans 2018, our judging panel also fell in love with the bright red offroad warrior’s Towability and level of Innovation. Inside the battle ready body were some of the latest powered gadgets and battery management systems in the market. The 3500W inverter and Redarc RedVision battery management system were powered by no less than 700W of solar, with excess energy stored in 450Ah of lithium batteries —…

Houston, we had a problem. Observant viewers watching our excellent video of the Coromal Pioneer 632S XC (PEX) online may notice that two slightly different vans are featured. That's because one left AL-KO’s Best Aussie Vans 2018 on a flatbed. Due to no fault of the manufacturing process, the caravan had a brake component failure which made it unsafe to continue putting the van through its paces at BAV. Not to stress, we already had most of what we needed and a short drive to our local Melbourne dealer a week later allowed us to complete the final judging for Towability and finish off the last of our filming. The Coromal PEX may be the result of an evolution of a historic household name but it comes from a new…

• Lights and hazard flashers on • Vents and windows closed • Air-con on recirc and fan set to high • Park off the road, on gravel, away from trees and facing the fire • Remove combustible items from the outside of your rig • Erect natural fabric blanket barriers against radiant heat • Put all people and pets below the level of the glass and cover with blankets • Call or radio your position to family, friends or authorities…

From Cairns to Chillagoe, across rugged, scrubby hills, an historical travel route follows the ghosts of a gold rush to a sculpted limestone underworld at the end of the bitumen. This short scenic detour off the Cairns Highlands has a story to tell that unfolds as you cross Eureka Creek, climb the impressive Bismark Range, and push past explorer Edmund Kennedy’s 1848 expedition camp, to reach the shimmering underground caverns tunnelled beneath the tiny outback town of Chillagoe. The kilometres might be tackled in just a day but prepare to be waylaid en route by a tour of Tyrconnell gold mine and, if you are prepped for offroad adventure, stock up to travel beyond Chillagoe on the Burke Developmental Road’s remote riverside run, all the way to Karumba. “Mangoes, macadamias…

Location Port Lincoln is 345 km south of Port Augusta. The entrance to Lincoln National Park is 13km southwest of Port Lincoln via Proper Bay Rd, and Memory Cove is 40km from the park entrance. Access Proper Bay Road and Donington Road are sealed as far as Surfleet Cove. Elsewhere in the national park and wilderness protection area the roads are unsealed and some are suitable only for high-clearance 4WDs. Memory Cove is accessed via Lincoln NP and a key is required for the locked entry gate. When to visit Lincoln NP is a year-round destination. Summer is warm to hot and great for camping and beach activities. The cooler months are ideal for bushwalking and the park is teeming with wildflowers and birdlife. Camping and accommodation The campgrounds are…

STAY Wilsons Promontory National Park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays. Unpowered sites at Tidal River from $58.10. Great to visit at any time of the year — from sun-drenched summer beaches to secluded winter walks amid the rainforest. Ballot for Christmas, Easter and Melbourne Cup Weekend camping. Tidal River has a visitor centre and general store. Excellent facilities for people with mobility issues, including beach wheelchairs. Camping and accommodation must be booked in advance, via www.parks.vic.gov.au/stay Prom Central Caravan Park at Foster has powered sites in the caravan section. From $30 per double. Centrally located, stroll to the main street Quiet and peaceful More at https://promcentralcaravanpark.com.au Toora Tourist Park has powered sites from $33, ensuite powered sites from $45. This family-friendly park features indoor heated pool…

A pedestrian safety campaign aimed at keeping children safe during the school summer holidays is launching this December. The Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation, founded by Michelle McLaughlin in memory of her four-year-old son, Tom, who tragically died in a pedestrian accident at a holiday park, is launching its campaign ‘It’s Holiday Time: Slow Down, Kids Around’. The campaign, along with the ‘Hold my Hand’ message, is being promoted in Caravan Parks, where a mix of roadways and recreational areas can be confusing for children. The campaign will target all road users including drivers, child pedestrians, and accompanying adults. Michelle says the campaign’s mission is to educate and protect child pedestrians from the ever-present danger associated with roadways and motor vehicles. She vividly remembers the moment she lost Tom in a…

Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA) is celebrating its 10th birthday since its founding in 2008. Brisbane-based IUA introduced the first one-tonne D-MAX Isuzu ute to the Australian market in October 2008. A subsidiary of Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation, IUA has sold 140,000 vehicles here since 2008, making this the largest export market from the company’s Thailand factory. The distributor recorded nine consecutive years of double-digit growth at the end of 2017, with its dealer network growing from 38 to 140. IUA managing director Mr Hiro Kuramoto said: “We continue to be humbled by the Australian response to our products.” An IUA spokesperson said: “With over 140 authorised IUA outlets across Australia, and a reputation for delivering real reliability, the Isuzu machine shows no sign of waning — and with a customer base…

Tweed Coast Holiday Parks Kingscliff Beach has been awarded ‘Best of the Best NSW Holiday Park’ and the ‘Best Holiday Park North Coast’ at the 2018 Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW Awards of Excellence. The awards follow a 14-month, $7.5 million redevelopment of the holiday park, completed in March 2018, as part of the $21.2 million Kingscliff Foreshore Revitalisation project. Tweed Coast Holiday Park unit coordinator Andrew Illingworth, who accepted the award at the presentation night in Sydney’s Luna Park, said: “We are so thrilled to receive recognition from the CCIA for our efforts. We are not only grateful for this award but also proud of the hard work and dedication by all that went into reopening the Park this year.” Park manager, Brooke McKenzie said: “This is a…

SAFER TOWING FOR ALL I am not up-to-date with any debate regarding licenses for caravan drivers, however, I would like to make a comment on the issue. I have been an experienced caravan owner and driver for over 45 years and I have seen some good caravan drivers and some not so good drivers. My opinion is that all those driving with a caravan over 4 metres should have a driving skill test. That should include a backing test and a courtesy test. I have seen caravans and motorhome drivers holding up lines of traffic which is very frustrating to many and while most try to pull over and let the traffic past, some don't. Many of us can relate to watching drivers try to reverse into caravan parks, and…

Wow was the word of the day when the Sunland Phoenix rolled up at AL-KO’s Best Aussie Vans 2018. Imposing on first sight, thanks to its raised chassis and grey body work, its detail soon revealed the Phoenix’s underlying capability and purpose. Look closely and you'll realise the high clearance hasn’t resulted in an overly tall tow height (it's a bit over 3m) and the fibreglass front is sculpted to aid aerodynamics. But there's more. The front bin is massive and laid out just how an owner would want, the external coatings are heavy duty and the windows are positioned to make the most of both light and ventilation. Some serious thought has gone into the Sunland Phoenix. The culmination of decades of travel, this is the last van its…

The picturesque Discovery Parks, Maidens Inn, Moama extended gracious hospitality to the large contingent recently involved in AL-KO Best Aussie Vans (BAV) 2018 — one of the industry’s most recognised and sought-after independent awards. Our BAV group included event staff, judges, photographers and videographers, along with delegates for the nine competing caravans within four distinct categories. I was one of four judges — along with CW’s Laura Gray and Malcolm Street, and ebullient contributor John ‘Bear’ Willis — and it goes without saying that everyone received the red-carpet treatment. The Maidens Inn deluxe holiday cabins were spick and span, and the daily cuisine outstanding. Each day commenced with a nourishing breakfast basket delivered to our doors, followed by tasty catered lunch boxes and excellent dinners at some of the finest…

Tackling even a moderate trip without checking over both the tow vehicle and the caravan before setting off is foolhardy at best, and could be disastrous in the extreme. With a little time and a little care, even a relative mechanical novice can make sure their rig is in the best shape to get them where they want to be with no mechanical issues. You do need to have a basic understanding of how your vehicle works. As always, if you're not confident you have that, enrol in a basic mechanical or maintenance course to get a grasp of what you need to know. Even if you do know enough to tackle this, it's always a good idea to have a second set of experienced eyes go over everything afterwards.…

The Wheelbarrow Way leads 143km west of Mareeba to Chillagoe. Almost completely sealed, the route is fine for conventional vehicles and rigs in the dry season when conditions are cool and comfortable (May to September). Flooding rains can inundate the region over summer so check conditions before setting out ( racq.com.au ). FREE CAMPING Head for Eureka Creek, 10km west of Dimbulah (self-contained vehicles, no facilities). CAMP AT CHILLAGOE The Chillagoe Observatory and Eco Lodge charges $10 per person ($8 for kids aged 4-14 years), plus $5 per site for power; pets OK; phone (07) 4094 7155; www.coel.com.au Chillagoe Tourist Village charges $11 per person ($6 per child) and $5 for power; phone (07) 4094 7177; chillagoeaccommodationvillage.com.au. Both camp grounds have swimming pools. Chillagoe has a fuel station,…

One of Victoria’s best-loved natural treasures, Wilsons Promontory National Park is an untrammelled wilderness of great natural beauty. But venture beyond this Victorian icon and you’ll discover a diverse array of fascinating places — from historic fishing settlements and ghost towns to enchanting rainforests. First stop Wilsons Promontory The Prom, as it's known, is many things to many people: a rite of passage camping location, a haven for hikers, an uncluttered wave for surfer. But Victoria’s most popular national park, jutting into Bass Strait at Australia’s southernmost tip is perhaps best described simply as: unspoiled. Tidal River, 30-kilometres inside the park’s boundary, is the main focus of camping in the park, with 484 camping and caravan sites near the tannin-stained river and Norman Beach. Over summer, campsites are so popular…

INFLATABLE INFINITY Just launched the Orbit Air Astro Annexe is a quick-to-pitch, easy-to-store, inflatable annexe that clips onto your caravan, providing additional living space. Manufactured using robust, high-strength waterproof poly cotton canvas, the annexe was designed to stand-up to the Aussie elements: hail storms, searing heat, strong gusts, as well as creepy crawlies. The lightweight structure, which takes just minutes to erect, is held up by sturdy inflatable airbeam roof poles for simplistic sturdiness. The annexe also features UV protection (UPF50+); a three layered window system of mesh, plastic and canvas; a wind skirt, groundsheet and dirt skirt; optional LED light seams; storm buckles and webbing straps; a curved design for optimal defence against high winds; and adjustable ladder bands and steel pegs. Usefully, the annexe comes complete with a…

www.surfersparadise.com/whats-on/annual-events/sand-safari-2019 MORETON BAY CARAVAN, CAMPING, BOATING AND 4X4 EXPO Feb 15-17 Check out local and national companies showcasing the latest in caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes, 4WDs and boats. Redcliffe Showgrounds; bayexpo.com.au AGNES BLUES, ROOTS AND ROCK FESTIVAL Feb 15-17 Three days of blues, roots and rock music with headline acts GANGAjang, Choirboys, Russell Morris and Kevin Borich. Agnes Water; www.agnesbluesandroots.com.au NSW/ACT BUNGENDORE COUNTRY MUSIC MUSTER Feb 2 Held in the country surrounds of the historic Bungendore, this festival will showcase 24 Australian country music artists, each accompanied by well-known bands in an open-air setting. Grounds will open for campers on Jan 29. Bungendore; bcmm.com.au FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SPECTACULAR Feb 2 Held to encourage responsible recreational use of 4WDs in the Australian environment, this QLD NOOSA SUMMER SWIM FESTIVAL Feb 2-3…

Consumers can be sure their Australian seafood is sustainably sourced, according to a report released in September. The ‘2018 Fisheries Status Reports’, conducted by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resources Economics, revealed that for the fifth consecutive year Australia’s Commonwealth-managed fisheries are sustainable, and no fisheries are subject to overfishing. Seafood Industry Australia CEO Jane Lovell said: "Australia’s professional fishers care about the marine environment and we understand the need to protect and ensure the long-term sustainability of fish stocks. "We acknowledge that internationally there are some fisheries which are not as well managed as ours, but Australia’s professional fishers should not be penalised for international issues, or painted with the same brush, when our local stocks are so well managed. "Australia's commercial fisheries generate billions of dollars for…

Australian Caravan Club (ACC) chairman Craig Humphrey has criticised the recent ban of free overnight camping at Kershaw Gardens in Rockhampton. The criticism follows a ruling by the Environment and Planning Court on November 16, that declared camping illegal at Kershaw Gardens. The court ordered that all overnight stays must cease on February 15, 2019. The ban had been proposed by the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland and upheld by the court. But the ACC's Mr Humphrey said the ruling was likely to have an adverse impact on tourism in regional and rural Queensland, traditionally popular destinations for interstate tourists escaping the southern winter. “Many southern grey nomads may wipe Queensland off their winter destinations and will stop at the border or head to SA and up the Centre,” he…

The Australian Caravan Club injected $247,000 into the economy of West Australian township, Denmark, during its seven day annual national muster there from October 15 to 21. The muster, held at Ocean Beach Holiday Park, was an historic event, being the first in the club’s 12-year history to take place in Western Australia. ACC chairman Craig Humphrey noted that the muster, in fact, raised more than the officially recorded total, as some members explored the region for two weeks prior to the event. Revenue generated for the local community during that period was not included in the final tally. During the muster, members attended an afternoon tea to support local charity Black Dog Ride, which raises awareness of depression and suicide. The event raised $500. An additional $425 was also…

WORN OUT BY TYRE TROUBLES Q I have a problem with my Iveco 50c18 26ft Paradise motorhome. The left-hand front tyre wears on the outside, but the rest of the tyre is like brand new, and the wheel alignment is spot on. I am only getting about 10,000km out of the tyre before I'm told it's unroadworthy. I like to keep the same tyres on the front steering wheels. Please can you help? I have found two other travellers on the road who have the same issue. The pressure I'm running at the moment is 65lbs on both the front and rear tyres. If I put the pressure any higher it nearly jars me out of my seat when I hit a pot hole. I'm an ex-road train driver…

Cath and John Burges travelled the Indian Ocean Drive, WA, in their Millard Sunseeka, towed by a Toyota Kluger. “This is the very colourful Western Australian Christmas tree – they are magnificent to see along that stretch of road.” Travelling in their 2016 Paramount Commander towed by a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ron and Carolyn Cherry stopped at Paterson Bridge. “On our annual eight-week winter escape we came across the Paterson Bridge rest area, approximately 70km south of Fortesque Road House. A rest area had been set up to enable travellers to view the huge mining trucks as they transported the iron ore from mine site.” Ann and Rod Terrill travelled to Tasmania in their 2011 Supreme Territory caravan, towed by a 2012 Mazda BT 50. “We were tripping around…

There is no denying past winner Zone RV is one of the best, most innovative RV companies in our industry. Its marketing, design and manufacturing are all cutting edge but this comes at a price. We should point the torch at the elephant in the room: the Z-21-6 Off-Road Summit Series 02 tested at AL-KO Best Aussie Vans 2018 has a retail driveaway price of nearly $225,000. That’s almost enough to buy each of the other two vans in its $100,000-plus category, or four of the budget vans on show this year. The thing is, though, there are no other vans with a true carbon fibre body, nor do any of the other have the same level of technology internally. Our judges debated long and hard about the relative Value…

DISCOVERY PARKS, MAIDENS INN, MOAMA Address: Deniliquin Street, Moama, NSW 2731 Phone: (03) 5480 9253 Freecall: 1800 356 801 Email: moamamaidens@discoverparks.com.au Web: www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au Maidens Inn has excellent cabin and caravan accommodation. The park features an activity room (games room), bouncing pillow, family bathroom, laundry, swimming pool, barbecue, camp kitchen, hire equipment (luxurious pontoon boats), playground, waterpark, boat ramp, dump point, kiosk/store, sports facilities. Pets are allowed (sites only). MURRAY VALLEY NATIONAL PARK Address: Nearby towns - Moama (30km); Deniliquin (36km) Phone: (03) 5483 9100 Email: npws.riverina@environment.nsw.gov.au Web: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au This new park, formed from a number of former state forests, is part of the largest continuous river red gum forest in the southern hemisphere and is an important and unique ecosystem. The Ramsar-listed Murray Valley wetland is…

Led by brothers Zoran and Robert Stojanoski, the team at Legend Caravans is widely regarded as among the nicest and most hospitable in the industry. Wide smiles and genuine care meet anyone who walks onto a show stand or through the doors of their newly refinished factory in Campbellfield, Vic. There is also a sense of peace about the company and its people; nothing is rushed and every idea is heard and considered. It s no surprise then that Legend is a past winner of AL-KO’s Best Aussie Vans and a favourite again in 2018. This year, the team has brought more than just a considered, gorgeous and impeccably styled van. This one has a new heart, or should that be skeleton. All the company’s vans built late in 2018…

It ranks as one of the most frightening things you might experience out on the road — being caught in a running bushfire. As we travel around our wide brown land, the risk of bushfire is seldom very far away. No matter how carefully you monitor local news broadcasts, it’s always possible that, somewhere, you’ll come across a major fire that you’re not expecting. Often a fire will flare up beside a deserted highway or rural track and you might get little or no warning. With no resources and no-one around, it can be terrifying — but no matter where you are, there are steps you can take to maximise your chances of survival. Of course, the simplest way to avoid injury is to be wherever the fire isn’t. So…

The day our beloved hard-floor Odyssey camper trailer was declared a technical write-off following a traffic accident and towed away to that big campground in the sky was a very sad one indeed. Finding ourselves thrown back into the market looking for a replacement, more than a decade after our first foray, presented an overwhelming array of options that were just not available the first time around. In looking for her successor, new-for-old wasn’t an option — they don’t make that style of Odyssey any more. And, almost 10 years on, our circumstances, and tolerance for packing up wet canvas, had changed. Finding our new perfect match was going to be a slightly different ball game. Our previously passing glances at camper trailer and caravan reviews in magazines now became…

Almost 600 people in Australia are admitted to hospital with snake bite each year. Here are our expert tips to avoid being bitten: 1. Wear boots and long pants when in the bush. We also recommend wearing custom snake gaitors such as Snake Guardz. 2. Be extra vigilant when collecting firewood. 3. NEVER attempt to pick up a snake, or poke it, etc. 4. Most snakes live off insects, rodents, birds, eggs, fish, frogs, lizards and small mammals. You are not part of their food chain. Let them know that something too big for them is coming their way and stomp every now and then to warn them to get out of your way. 5. Stick to trails, avoid long grass and, if you can hear frogs, stay alert as…

The diverse coastline of New South Wales is studded with geographical gems. You could easily spend weeks cruising from one campground, township or national park to the next without ever feeling jaded. If you're after a quick hit of seaside perfection, Jervis Bay delivers. Just 200km south of Sydney, the magnificent natural harbour of Jervis Bay is a renowned playground for surfers, swimmers and divers. But even those of the landlubber persuasion are bound to be seduced by the region's pristine beaches and gorgeous national parks. PANORAMIC PENINSULA Sweeping across the northern side of the harbour is the Beecroft Peninsula. A large chunk of this dramatic coastline is used by the military for live-fire exercises, so be sure to check the area will be open before setting out to explore…

ACCOMODATION Honeymoon Bay campground is situated 10km from the edge of Currarong. BYO water and gas cooking equipment; portable toilets and garbage bins provided; $15-$20/ night; ph 1300 662 808; www.shoalhaven.com/products/honeymoon-bay Holiday Haven Currarong has direct access to Currarong Beach. Powered/ unpowered sites; ph 1300 555 515; currarongbeachside.holidayhaven.com.au Green Patch Campground is best for small groups and families. Be sure to book a month in advance for this popular site. Fresh water available; public toilets; shower facilities; no powered sites. Palm Beach Caravan Park offers powered and unpowered sites; dump points; unpowered site from $50. RVs must be no longer than 6M. THINGS TO DO Booderee Botanic Gardens: The only Aboriginal-owned gardens in Australia, the gardens open at 8am every day of the year. From 1 October to 30 April…

It was late one balmy autumn afternoon when we checked in at the Port Lincoln Tourist Park. After a long day motoring down the Eyre Peninsula from Port Augusta, we were thankful to flop into our camp chairs for some rest and relaxation at happy hour. The park occupies a grassy hillside on the southern edge of town and from our annex we had an expansive view across beautiful Boston Bay. We planned to spend a few days in Port Lincoln and had picked up some brochures from the local information centre to see what attractions the region had to offer. There were plenty of them as it turned out, but the one that really caught our eye was the Lincoln National Park, the low green silhouette we could see…