Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 547 i Caravan World

This caravanning caper we all love is chockers with half-truths, untruths and just plain porkies. The major feature of this issue, in which we dispel the worst of them, was inspired by a number of conversations with media types, each of whom came to me with questions for articles they were writing about the great Australian pastime. Overwhelmingly, the biggest question concerned what to do when the van picks xs#vzd|1#\rx#mxvw#Ûrru#lw/#uljkwB#WkdwÏv#zkdw# dad always did. As I explained, the principle of gunning wkh#hqjlqh#lq#rughu#wr#ÎvwudljkwhqÏ#wkh# caravan and tow vehicle combination is sort of, kind of, heading in the right direction. But this advice remains far from best (and safe) practice. Dqg#ohwÏv#qrw#irujhw#wkdw#rwkhu#slhfh#ri# conventional wisdom: caravanners are so slow1#Jhw#vwxfn#ehklqg#d#fdudydq#dqg#|rxÏuh# in for a long trip. Well, modern vehicles and vans, not to mention stability accessories and –…

BIG4 Bellarine Holiday Park in Marcus Kloo/#Ylf/#qrz#riihuv#d#Úwqhvv#fhqwuh#wr# guests staying at the park. The purpose-built, 133sqm facility is ghglfdwhg#wr#wkh#khdowk#dqg#Úwqhvv#ri#ELJ7# Bellarine Holiday Park patrons. Sdun#rzqhu#Wlp#Erqh#vdlg#wkh#Úwqhvv# centre came about as a direct result of many visitor requests. “We asked customers what they would like to see added to our holiday park and the response was clear; time and time djdlq#folhqwv#zhuh#uhtxhvwlqj#d#Úwqhvv# centre,” Tim said. ÈKhdowk#dqg#Úwqhvv#pdwwhuv#wr#rxu# visitors, and now they can continue their workouts while on holiday, as well as enjoy some much needed ‘me time’.” The centre also caters to children’s Úwqhvv#qhhgv/#zlwk#uhjxodu#jurxs#shuvrqdo# training sessions available while adults can also enjoy pilates classes.…

Caravan park group Top Parks (formerly Top Tourist Parks) has announced the categories into which each of its 200 parks now fall. Parks are now labelled either a Top Caravan Park, Top Holiday Park or Top Resort Park and the group hopes the new v|vwhp#zloo#pdnh#Úqglqj#wkh#shuihfw#sdun# easier for travellers. “It is such an exciting time for Top Parks as we take our parks to the next level by offering wider choice to the traveller and making it easier to identify which park suits them whatever their budget,” Top Parks chief executive Stuart Livingstone said. “When people visit a Top Caravan Park they’ll instantly be embraced with the tradition of pitching tents or parking caravans on a lush grassy spot. Top Holiday Parks will attract families looking for jumping pillows, playgrounds and…

CUSTOM DREAM We are new caravanners about to embark on the open road dream. We were campers when the kids were young but wanted more comforts as time rolled on. With retirement looming in March 2016 we have signed up for a new Billabong 21ft 6in Wanderer van. As part of our vanning education we have been regular readers of CW. We have an adult son with mid-range cerebral palsy. He needs a wheelchair in the main but can walk short distances with grab rails or our assistance. My wife and I have had the grey nomad dream for some years, but were hesitant to jump in given the need to cater for our son and the need to make the caravan world a great experience for him as well.…

I must confess I was a tad apprehensive about changing over the CW long-term press vehicle, a Toyota LC200 GXL that served with distinction, albeit extremely appreciative of receiving a Toyota 2.8L turbodiesel, six-speed manual transmission Prado GX in the exchange. And I didn’t waste any time putting the car through its paces, with its maiden outing being a CW review in the rolling landscape of Bunyip State Park. Needless to say, the ice cool Prado – aptly a gloss Glacier White in colour – towed the Jurgens TuffTRAX up and down the undulating tracks with mastery. With a braked capacity of 2500kg, the GX exhibited grunt, and the 1460kg Tare weight of the TuffTRAX offered little resistance. With this type of pulling power, it appeared every inch an ideal…

It had been just over 22 years since I last set foot in the ‘City of Churches’, when I was fortunate enough to pick up press room tickets for an AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and Collingwood. Unfortunately, my beloved Magpies didn’t take home the points on that occasion! Perhaps I was inclined towards drowning my sorrows, but the following day, along with my wife-to-be and a close friend, we stumbled across the Barossa Valley’s world-class wine region. And I can tell you, even after more than two decades, on my recent visit I found the Barossa still radiates this same, old-world charm. L#glgqÏw#jhw#p|#irrw|#Ú{#wklv#wlph/#exw#lqvwhdg# a CW assignment to review a leading-edge caravan manufactured in Melbourne and vrog#h{foxvlyho|#e|#Fdpshudjhqw#UY#Fhqwuh#lq# SdudÚhog#Jdughqv/#49np#qruwk0zhvw#ri#Dghodlgh1 Needless to say, when it comes to satisfaction ru#dssurydo#udwlqjv/#wkh#917p#+54iw,#fxvwrp0exlow# Hitch Hika…

Not so long ago I was trying to arrange a review with a camper trailer dealer up near Newcastle, NSW, and it kept being put off by wet weather. Our chosen location was a nearby state forest and I must admit to thinking at the time that the forest roads shouldn’t be too much of a problem… should they? We eventually completed the review and several weeks later I found myself in the same area, this time with a Retreat Hamilton offroad caravan. Some way down one of the tracks I discovered there’s nothing quite like local knowledge and experience. Although the track was mostly dry, it became clear that my camper trailer dealer knew what he was talking about. Fortunately for me, the Hamilton has very good ground clearance,…

One of the more exciting trends in the RV industry is the continued roll-out of campers that aren’t quite camper trailers but aren’t quite full caravans or pop-tops either. It’s a niche market where those manufacturers who are willing to explore it often Úqg#sohqw|#ri#srwhqwldo#fxvwrphuv#zdlwlqj1 A good example is Queensland’s Lifestyle Camper Trailers, a manufacturer that started exvlqhvv#exloglqj#vriwÛrru#fdpshuv#exw#kdv#qrz# moved into the hybrid market. One of its latest models is the Elite Breakaway and, like others in this genre, it has little canvas but retains essential camper features such as easy towing, offroad ability and a quick set-up. When it’s all folded up, the Elite Breakaway looks much like a solid box, with long hopper windows on both sides and an alloy checkerplate toolbox on the front drawbar. In its box state,…

Frequently appearing in these pages are vans with what I call an FBRB layout – a caravan with a front island bed (FB), usually a full or three-quarter-width rear edwkurrp#+UE,/#dqg#wkh#plg#duhd#Úwwhg#rxw#zlwk# both kitchen and dinette/lounge in a variety of frqÚjxudwlrqv1#Doprvw#hyhu|#pdqxidfwxuhu#kdv# a variation of this and it suits vans of a variety of lengths. Interestingly, I learned recently that the front island bed arrangement is not nearly as popular in New Zealand, which makes me wonder, given the many commonalities between Aussies and Kiwis, if it has something to do with Pavlovian conditioning, of the RV variant! Perhaps CW might like to fund me in, say, a two-year touring study of both countries to check this out...? Well, maybe not. I can see the ‘Dream on, Sunshine’ smile on editor Max’s face,…

Towing mirrors are required in almost all cases when you tow a caravan. A camera is a great addition to any arsenal of towing equipment, but it should be used in addition to a good set of mirrors, not instead of. Next time you hook your van up to the car, drive in a straight line for about 30m, then stand at the back corner of the caravan and look down the side of the van toward the car. If you can’t see the entire mirror, then you will have reduced visibility to the rear when towing and you may be compromising your safety. – John and Julie Eggenhuizen…

This depends very much on your travelling style. A caravan is better suited to travellers who like to stay in one place for an extended time and, generally speaking, for the annual family holiday as well as for those who like to use their 4WD for getting to rougher-road destinations. However, a motorhome may suit those who are constantly on the move, who travel on their own or who simply don’t like to tow. The joker in this particular pack is the fifth wheeler. Its benefits are not well-appreciated in Australia, particularly given the wide-range of turbodiesel utes now available. Don’t take anyone’s advice on this, but find out for yourself. – Malcolm Street…

Well, you might, or might not. Land-Rover specifically advises against a WDH being used when towing with any of its models fitted with air suspension, as it conflicts with the system’s auto levelling system. However, Jeep says a WDH is required if towing a caravan weighing more than 2200kg (the approximate weight of a Grand Cherokee diesel) even if it is fitted with its optional Quadra-lift air suspension. And even though it doesn’t offer an air suspension option, Kia does not recommend the use of load levelling devices on any of its vehicles fitted with a genuine Kia accessory towbar. The problem here is that if you are involved in an accident with a WDH attached and your vehicle manufacturer has not approved the use of them, your insurance company…

“One fruit fly has the potential to destroy a multimillion dollar fruit export industry” In our vast country you don’t need a passport to cross interstate borders, nor do you have to worry about understanding a different language (though some might disagree) or using other currency. But it is crucial to understand what you can – and cannot – carry into a different state, and all interstate travellers need to be aware of the legal obligations in regard to carrying fruit and vegetables. Having travelled extensively in Australia, I’ll eh#wkh#Úuvw#wr#dgplw#lw#fdq#eh#d#elw#ri#d#sdlq#wr# adhere to the strict quarantine laws. However, the reasons behind these regulations are compelling and should encourage anyone to do the right thing – Australia’s unique and fragile environment and the livelihoods of agricultural growers depend on us. For example,…

It’s not every day you get to take a step back in time and see for yourself how life was managed back in the day but, with a trip into Kinchega National Park, that’s exactly what you’ll do. It’s a haven of historical sites, pristine riverside camping and wildlife, making it a must-see destination for anyone exploring outback New South Wales. Sitting right between the Darling River and Menindee Lakes, it’s an devroxwh#phffd#iru#elug0zdwfkhuv#dqg#Úvkrv# alike. Plus, some of the most famous explorers of all time have passed through Menindee, including my personal favourites, Burke and Wills, back in 1860. So, if you’re a bit of a history buff, and love 4WD touring stripped down to its rawest form, then this trip is one you just can’t afford to miss. Now, before…

Outback New South Wales is a pretty special place for us 4WDers and, if I’m totally honest, it’s become a bit like a second home to me after all these years. Dw#Úuvw#jodqfh/#wkhuhÏv#qrwklqj#exw#vdow#exvk# and dust to paint the landscape, so you could eh#irujlyhq#iru#wklqnlqj#wkhuhÏv#qrwklqj#iru#wkh# nhhq#dgyhqwxuhu#rxw#wkhuh1# Exw#glj#ghhshu#dqg#|rxÏoo#Úqg#vrph#ri#wkh# ehvw#fdpslqj#dqg#7ZG#wrxulqj#qhvwohg#lq# this pocket of the country. Yet, for some crazy uhdvrq/#ihz#ri#xv#dfwxdoo|#jhw#rxw#wkhuh#dqg# explore it properly. Zkdw#pdnhv#lw#vr#jrrgB#Zhoo/#wkh#vxqvhwv#duh#qrwklqj#vkruw#ri#vhqvdwlrqdo/#wkhuhÏv#derxw# as much history as the Roman Empire itself, dqg#wkhuhÏv#mxvw#vrphwklqj#pdjlfdo#derxw# uhod{lqj#rq#wkh#edqnv#ri#wkh#Gduolqj#Ulyhu# zdwfklqj#wkh#vxq#gurs#uljkw#zkhq#wkh#elugv# are at their chirpiest. Plus, you’ll be on cloud qlqh#li#|rx#hqmr|#vlqnlqj#d#ihz#frog#rqhv#dw#d# true, old-school outback pub! But, as with any 4WD trip, preparation is the key to a successful trip to the outback. So, wr#jxdudqwhh#vtxhh}lqj#wkh#prvw#rxw#ri#|rxu# dgyhqwxuh/#fkxfn#rq#|rxu#uhdglqj#jodvvhv#dqg# sxw#xs#|rxu#ihhw#iru#rxu#orz0grzq#rq#pdnlqj# your trip to outback New South Wales the xowlpdwh#dgyhqwxuh111…

“Make no mistake – out on the tracks, the right equipment saves lives!” Access to good maps and a means of reliable communication is vital for any trip. After all, you need to know where you’re going and you need to be able to call for help if you land yourself in hot water. Sure, you can make do without the latest fancy equipment, but make no mistake – out on the tracks, the right equipment saves lives! So let’s check out a few of the options in more detail, shall we? UHF RADIOS D#XKI#udglr#lv#xvxdoo|#rqh#ri#wkh#Úuvw# dffhvvrulhv#Úwwhg#wr#d#7ZG/#dqg#iru#jrrg# reason. They provide simple and effective communication for drivers in a convoy, to warn each other of upcoming hazards such as stock on the road, bulldust or unexpected dips. Exw#pdq|#7ZGhuv#xqghuhvwlpdwh#wkh#ydoxh# a typical UHF radio…

Bill and Stephanie O’Connor set up camp at the Moree Showgrounds, NSW, on their way home from a European Caravans in Oz get together in Dubbo. “Our Swift Challenger is a great caravan which has taken us to Alice Springs (5560km round trip), to Dubbo (2300km round trip) and the next planned long trip will be to Perth,” they write. “Some people were a bit puzzled as to why we towed a caravan over the Gibb River Track. ‘Crazy’, they said,” write Jim and Doris Long. “It’s not difficult if you keep your tyre pressure right and just take it easy, especially through the creek crossings. The little Billabong did it easy, not a loose bolt or screw. We had three spare wheels for the Mitsi and two for the…

After my last camper was stolen, I vowed: ‘Never again.’ A coupling lock is a good and necessary piece of van security equipment, but why not make it as hard as possible for the scumbags who’d lay claim over your pride and joy, given half a chance? That’s a lesson I’d learned the hard way. When my fresh-out-of-the-factory Goldstream Gold Wing III arrived in my driveway, I had a piece of devilish hardware waiting: a Nemesis wheel clamp by Purple Line, the company behind the E-Go caravan mover and Saracen hitch lock. Made from specially hardened, high tensile steel, the Nemesis comes in two pieces: the clamp around the wheel, and a Îglqqhu#sodwhÏ#Úwwlqj#wkdw#fryhuv#wkh#zkhho# vwxgv1#Wklv#Úwwlqj#vhfxuhv#wr#wkh#fodps#yld# a steel hex bolt which is then covered by a high-security barrel lock. With all the…

Track Trailer’s annual open day in December drew a record crowd of around 500 existing and potential customers – most curious to have a behind-the-scenes look at the offroad specialist’s new Outback HQ facility in Bayswater, Vic. While about 20 RVs spanning Track Trailer’s own Mate, Tvan and Topaz ranges, plus a selection of Stockman Pod camper trailers, were on display, many visitors were most interested in touring the huge new showroom and the greatly expanded production area where all Track Trailer products are now built under a single roof. Four separate tours, each hosting about 50 people, were held throughout the day, while visitors in the showroom were kept busy looking at the range of current models or chatting with legendary Australian outback explorer, author and Camper Trailer Australia…

Queensland dealer Elite RV has secured the exclusive Australian import licence for European RV brands Auto Trail motorhomes and Elddis caravans. Elite RV director Darren Nye said the luxury brands were renowned for their style, elegance and durability and would be purpose-built for the Australian market to ensure they stood up to Australian conditions. “Both the Auto Trail motorhomes and the Elddis caravans are made with an attention to detail second to none,” Mr Nye said. “We have taken the time to ensure wkh#Dxvwudoldq#pdunhw#uhfhlyhv#wkh#ehqhÚwv# of the best in European styling, but in a product that is designed for Australian conditions.”…

Colin Kerr D#nhhq#wudyhoohu/#skrwrjudskhu#dqg#zulwhu/# Frolq#kdv#ehhq#d#uhjxodu#frqwulexwru#wr# Caravan World#ryhu#wkh#sdvw#53#|hduv# fryhulqj#d#zlgh#ydulhw|#ri#vxemhfwv/# lqfoxglqj#zulwlqj#d#prqwko|#froxpq# derxw#skrwrjudsk|#wkdw#ihdwxuhg#lq#wkh# pdjd}lqh#iru#pdq|#|hduv1# Frolq#dqg#klv#zlih/#Suxh/#duh# sduwlfxoduo|#lqwhuhvwhg#lq#wudyhoolqj#uhprwh# ghvwlqdwlrqv#wkurxjkrxw#Dxvwudold/#zkhuh# wkh|#hqmr|hg#fdpslqj#lq#wkhlu#7ZG# fdpshuydq/#Mitsy/#iru#pruh#wkdq#4;#|hduv1 Pruh#uhfhqwo|/#wkh|#fdq#eh#irxqg#lq#wkhlu# OdqgFuxlvhu2riiurdg#Wudnpdvwhu#fdudydq# frpelqdwlrq/#h{sorulqj/#exvkzdonlqj/# revhuylqj#orfdo#zlogolih/#wdonlqj#wr#rxwedfn# fkdudfwhuv#dqg#wdnlqj#skrwrjudskv1 Zlwk#klv#hdv|0wr0uhdg#zulwlqj#vw|oh/# Frolq#hqmr|v#uhsruwlqj#rq#sodfhv#ri#lqwhuhvw# dqg#vrph#ri#wkh#juhdw#h{shulhqfhv#dqg#ixq# wkdw#dzdlwv#wudyhoohuv#zkr#duh#deoh#wr#jhw# rxw#ri#wkh#flw|#dqg#Úqg#wkhlu#zd|#wr#wkh# Îuhdo#DxvwudoldÏ#rxw#lq#wkh#exvk1 Where’s your favourite place in Australia to visit and why? Fhqwudo#Dxvwudold/#ehfdxvh#ri#lwv#zlgh# ydulhw|#ri#zrqghuixo#qdwxudo#ihdwxuhv# zklfk#lqfoxgh#Udlqerz#Ydooh|/#Fkdpehuv#Sloodu/#Nlqjv#Fdq|rq/#Sdop#Ydooh|/#Uxe|#Jrujh#dqg#rwkhuv/#dv#zhoo#dv#lwv#vsohqglg# rxwedfn#fdpslqj#h{shulhqfhv1#Wkh# Nlpehuoh|#frphv#d#forvh#vhfrqg1 What’s your top bush survival tip? Dozd|v#fduu|#sohqw|#ri#gulqnlqj#zdwhu/# jrrg#pdsv#dqg#li#|rx#jhw#orvw#ru#euhdn# grzq/#vwd|#zlwk#|rxu#yhklfoh1 What three things would you take to a desert island? Gulqnlqj#zdwhu/#vdwskrqh#dqg#d#jrrg# khdy|0gxw|#nqlih#wkdw#fdq#eh#xvhg#iru#d# ydulhw|#ri#sxusrvhv111#dqg#Suxh/#ri#frxuvh$ What skills do you wish you had that you don’t? Ilqglqj#wkh#zd|#wr#vorz#grzq#wkh#djhlqj# surfhvv#wr#olyh#orqjhu#vr#dv#wr#hqmr|# hyhq#pruh#wudyhoolqj#dqg#h{sorulqj# wkh#frxqwu|1#Dovr#pdnlqj#pruh#xvh#ri# prghuq#whfkqrorj|#dv#lw#dssolhv#wr#wudyho/# frppxqlfdwlrq#dqg#nhhslqj#xs#zlwk# fkdqjh1 What do you do when you’re not writing/photographing for CW? L#hqmr|#wudyhoolqj/#Úvklqj/#fudeelqj/#qdwxuh# skrwrjudsk|#dqg#vshqglqj#wlph#zlwk# idplo|#dqg#iulhqgv1 Where’s next on your bucket-list to visit? Duqkhp#Odqg#dqg#ixuwkhu#h{sorulqj#lq# rxwedfn#Txhhqvodqg1…

Hitchmaster DO352 All Terrain coupling This coupling, made by Vehicle Components and valued at $393, builds on the impressive heritage established by its predecessor. Designed, tested and manufactured in Australia, it has several new features, including a snap-on dust-cover to protect the full stainless steel twin locking mechanism from the elements. How to win If you’re stumped by a technical or towing problem, send your question to caravanworld@bauertrader.com.au with ‘Tech Talk’ in the subject line or send a letter to Caravan World Tech Talk, Locked Bag 12, Oakleigh, Vic 3166. All entries must include your full address (not for publication).…

“When you’re on a good thing, stick to it,” became an iconic catchcry in advertisements for insect spray Pruwhlq/#zklfk#Úuvw#dsshduhg#lq# the mid-1940s. Roll on seven decades and the vorjdq#lv#Úupo|#hqwuhqfkhg#lq#wkh#Dxvwudoldq# psyche. It’s now a well-worn phrase with an everyday-life reality – including caravanning! Dylg#krolgd|pdnhuv#Ure#dqg#Vdqgud#Sdjdqrql# applied this motto in upgrading to a high-end, custom-built Regal caravan – the 6.8m (22ft 4in) Frppdqghu#Volgh0rxw#Ê#diwhu#vl{#hqmr|deoh#|hduv# lq#wkhlu#Úuvw#Uhjdo1 Wkh#qrpdgv#glg#wkh#Îelj#odsÏ#lq#wkhlu#Úuvw# Regal, purchased from Cobram Caravans, and gained plenty of travelling wisdom while on the mrxuqh|1#ÈL#uhfnrq#zh#fryhuhg#durxqg#93/333np/# including places such as Mackay, Townsville, Dluolh#Ehdfk/#Eurrph/#Gduzlq/#Shuwk/#Pdujduhw# River and Carnarvon, and it never let us down,” Rob said. Vr#zkhq#wkh#wlph#fdph#wr#uhqhz/#wkh|#glgqÏw# hesitate on settling for what they already knew to be a good thing – another Regal, also bought iurp#Freudp1#ÈZh#zdqwhg#wr#sxw#rxu#lqsxw# and money into a new van, instead of travelling overseas given the political instability in various…

For many years, the team at Camperagent RV Centre has dealt with numerous caravan manufacturers and has always looked forward to having the strength to develop its own flagship caravan brand. Partly to showcase the expertise developed over two decades of new caravan sales, and also to be able to offer a luxury custom caravan without compromise. To be able to achieve this means a small boutique factory, with limited builds and a focus on quality – not quantity. With careful design and a small team that pay attention to the little details, the dream has become a reality in Hitch Hika Caravans. The name was not just picked out of a hat; the story goes back to the ’90s when Ian List and his son Travis were operating Trade…

Sunliner Motorhomes has always had a wide range of models and layouts available, which offers great variety for buyers but can also be a bit confusing to people who are not sure what they want. Recently, Sunliner started rationalising its range and a major change has seen the manufacturer say goodbye to the Twist series and replace it with an expanded Switch range that consists of eight layouts, some with slide-outs, and three base vehicle options. However, not all layouts are available with every vehicle. I picked up a new Sunliner Switch S541 motorhome from Newcastle-based Australian Motor Homes, which is a long-term Sunliner dealer. The S541 has an offside slide-out and is based on an Iveco Daily 50-170 Hi-Matic cab chassis. This is much improved over early Dailys, particularly…

“The new HiLux is a subtle improvement over the old model, with the biggest change for caravanners being its much-improved towing capacity” Commercial vehicles often have a much longer life-cycle than passenger cars, but even for a ute the HiLux was getting orqj#lq#wkh#wrrwk#zkhq#lw#zdv#Úqdoo|# replaced late last year after 10 years’ service (without change). It appears the wait was worth it because, unlike many ‘new’ Toyota 4WDs, almost everything in the 2016 NG Series is new. Toyota usually does a body and chassis renewal every eight years or so and waits until the mid-life update to slot in new powertrains. There are exceptions, and the 2016 HiLux is one of them. Not only are the body and chassis new, but so are the 2.4L and 2.8L turbodiesel engines and six-speed auto…

When being overtaken by any large vehicle, the air that is displaced by that vehicle has the potential to upset the caravan. To reduce the likelihood of this happening, you should maintain your speed, which effectively stretches out the vehicle and van combination and keeps the van under more control. If you feel you wish to exercise more control over the van, you could apply a small amount of braking force via the electronic brake controller’s manual override. – John and Julie Eggenhuizen…

Batteries have become a major component of many RVs, particularly those set up for independent living and remote country travel. In some ways, batteries have changed a lot over the last decade or so but in others things have remained much the same. For instance, a lead acid battery is still a lead acid battery and things like Peukert’s Law, established way back at the end of the 19th century, are still relevant. Most RVs still have a 12V system, but at least one manufacturer has started using 24V. We’ve looked at batteries before in these pages, so this article is something of a refresher on batteries in general, as well as a look at the emerging lithium-ion category. In addition, I’ll have a look at some of the biggest…

“I’ve just got one piece of advice for the would-be traveller, and that’s to bring an open mind” Some of the most spectacular scenery you’ll ever lay your eyes on is right here in the heart of the New South Wales outback. It’s a haven of history, uniquely Australian wildlife, and world renowned artwork, but I’m going to let you in on a little secret – it’s the spectacular outback sunsets that make this place so special, at least to me, anyway. There’s a bucket-load of weird and wonderful things to see and do in the Broken Hill region, but I reckon you just can’t beat a few nights camping in the sweet serenity of Eldee Station. It’s just a few clicks past Silverton, which is just a few more…

WHAT TO EXPECT If you haven’t experienced outback New South Wales for yourself just yet you’re probably wondering what to expect, right? Well, to be honest, parts of the outback are pretty remote, so you’ll need to learn to expect a bit of everything at some point or another. The heart of outback New South Wales would have to be Broken Hill, which lies in Australia’s arid zone, so timing is everything when it comes to weather. The summers are stupidly hot and winters are, believe it or not, pretty bloody cold, too. So the months between April and October are generally the best times to visit. You can visit in summer, but if you don’t like the heat, you’re likely to struggle with temperatures regularly wlsslqj#lqwr#wkh#73v1#Soxv/#wkh#Ûlhv#lq#vxpphu# can be seriously…

The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable in the outback. Vans offer plenty of extra comfort, but a few handy tricks when you’re packing will go a long way once you get there. SLIP, SLOP, SLAP This might sound blatantly obvious, but things like sunscreen make a big difference out on the road. One full day’s drive in the outback will burn you to a crisp if you’re unprepared, so lathering up each morning really helps, especially if you’ve still got a few weeks’ worth of driving to do. Lip balm stops your lips from burning in high winds, and bring your sunnies as the glare gets pretty intense. MOZZIES AND MIDGES Mozzies are annoying and there are plenty out this way, especially around water, so keep some…

“A rattle here or a tinging noise there can be the beginning of the end if you don’t catch it in time” BEATING THE CORRUGATIONS Corrugations can shake seven shades of you know what out of your 4WD. Sometimes there’s nothing you can do, but more often than not a few little techniques can smooth out the ride. Wkh#Úuvw#rqh#lv#w|uh#suhvvxuhv$#Orzhu#suhvvxuhv# doorz#wkh#vlghzdoov#wr#Ûh{/#khoslqj#|rxu# suspension by absorbing some of the bumps. The second is to ride the cushion. Corrugations usually form in the most used part of the track, but there are often parts on either vlgh#wkdw#duh#vprrwkhu/#li#|rx#fdq#Úqg#wkhp1 Wkh#qh{w#wklqj#lv#wr#Úqg#d#vshhg#wkdw#khosv# you get on top of the corrugation. That basically means a speed fast enough to stop your wheels from falling into the ‘bump’ of the corrugation. To keep plenty of control, whack it in 4WD. You’re…

Covering around one-third of the country, Western Australia has more outback regions than any other state. In a step towards making it easier to experience the WA outback, the biggest network of tourist pathways in the state, and possibly the nation, has been set up, encompassing around 3000km of trails through the Gascoyne, Murchison and Mid-West. These self-drive routes give travellers a choice of the Miners Pathway through the state’s gold mining area, the Mail Run Pathway following the wheel ruts of the legendary Charles Kingsford Smith, or the Wool Wagon Pathway which follows some of the old stock routes through the region, allowing you to relive the historic days when Australia really did ride on the sheep’s back. For today’s travellers, these well put-together pathways offer a safe and…

“One of the bunkers has been set-up as a museum of the WWII days, an evocative place to view war relics and memorabilia” As soon as you hear the name, Possum Park, you think there must be something different about this place. It is certainly not your average caravan park. Possum Park is located 20km north of Miles on the Leichardt Highway and about 350km west of Brisbane. On the notorious Brisbane Line, during WWII the secret explosive store for RAAF Kowguran was located on this 360-acre property and it held 2500 tonnes of bombs as well as ammunition. There were 20 concrete underground bunkers and 25 administration and accommodation buildings. It was the main explosive store on the Brisbane Line and supplied the 250 American Flying Fortresses based in…

The Uniden MHS155UV dual band VHF/UHF hand-held radio lv#wkh#Úuvw#gxdo#edqg#udglr#dydlodeoh#lq#Dxvwudold#dqg/#kdylqj#d#edfnjurxqg#lq#erdwlqj/#L#riwhq#zrqghuhg#zkhq#rqh#zrxog#dsshdu1# Lw#kdv#ydulrxv#srzhu#ohyhov/#ehwzhhq#408Z#lq#YKI#+pdulqh,# prgh#dqg#3180518Z#lq#XKI#+odqg,#prgh1#Wkh#vhw#surylghv#;3#XKI# fkdqqhov#+lqfoxglqj#gxsoh{,#dqg#wkh#xvxdo#XV#dqg#Lqwhuqdwlrqdo# YKI#pdulqh#fkdqqhov#soxv#gxdo#zdwfk#idflolw|1# Lw#Ûrdwv#dqg#lv#zdwhusurri#xs#wr#4p#iru#63#plqxwhv1#Wkh#odujh# OFG#glvsod|#lv#hdv|#wr#uhdg#dqg#|rx#fdq#orfn#lq#dq|#fkdqqho1#D# phpru|#vfdq#prgh#doorzv#|rx#wr#orfn#fkdqqhov#wr#phpru|#dqg# wkhuh#lv#d#udqjh#h{whqghu#+gxsoh{,#fdsdelolw|1#Rshudwlqj#wlph#lv#d# fodlphg#45#krxuv#ehiruh#qhhglqj#wr#uhfkdujh#dqg#d#edwwhu|#vdyh# ihdwxuh#orzhuv#xvdjh#zkhq#rq#vwdqge|1# Wkhuh#duh#wrr#pdq|#ihdwxuhv#wr#olvw#khuh/#exw#L#sduwlfxoduo|#olnhg# wkh#h{wud#edwwhu|#wud|#dwwdfkphqw#zklfk#doorzv#|rx#wr#xvh#irxu# DDD#edwwhulhv#li#wkh#uhfkdujhdeoh#4433pDk#Ol0Lrq#edwwhu|#lv#Ûdw1 OUR TEST Rxu#Úuvw#whvw#zdv#iru#zdwhusurrÚqj/#vr#L#khog#lw#xqghu#zdwhu#wr#derxw#d#phwuh#iru#d#ihz#plqxwhv1#Zkhq#L#uhohdvhg#lw/#lw#Ûrdwhg1#L# gulhg#lw#rii#dqg#vzlwfkhg#lw#rq#wr#fdoo#Ghq|vh#zkr#zdv#kroglqj#rxu# rwkhu#8Z#kdqg0khog#vhw#derxw#533p#dzd|/#dqg#erwk#zrunhg#Úqh1# Rxu#vhfrqg#whvw#zdv#wr#fkhfn#uhfhswlrq#rq#XKI/#vr#L#mxpshg#lq#wkh#fdu#dqg#fkhfnhg#rxw#glvwdqfhv/#zkloh#Ghq|vh#fdoohg#ph# rq#wkh#uhylhzhg#vhw#iurp#krph1#Xvlqj#wkh#XKI#lqvwdoohg#lq#rxu# yhklfoh/#L#frxog#khdu#khu#txlwh#fohduo|#xs#wr#7np#dzd|#lq#rxu#flw|/#dqg#vkh#frxog#khdu#ph#xqwlo#L#zdv#derxw#;np#iurp#krph/#exw#wkh# PKV488XY#udglr#zlwk#518Z#srzhu#frxog#qrw#wudqvplw#wkdw#idu1# Rq#wkh#kljkzd|/#fohdu#ri#exloglqjv#dqg#flw|#wudiÚf/#wkh#udqjh#zdv# derxw#45np1#L#frqvlghuhg#wklv#txlwh#dffhswdeoh1 Lw#lv#dq#hdv|#folfn#ri#d#exwwrq#wr#fkdqjh#wkh#udglr#wr#YKI# prgh#+d#olfhqvh#lv#uhtxluhg#iru#pdulqh#xvh,1#L#fdoohg#wkh#orfdo#vhd# uhvfxh#lq#Pdfnd|#rq#wkhlu#YKI#fkdqqho#+54,#iurp#d#odxqfklqj# udps#derxw#63np#vrxwk/#dqg#zh#frxog#khdu#hdfk#rwkhu#orxg#dqg#fohdu1#L#dovr#fdoohg#d#erdw#dw#vhd/#vhyhudo#qdxwlfdo#plohv#rxw/#dqg# eurdgfdvw#dqg#uhfhswlrq#zdv#yhu|#jrrg1 Wkh#PKV488XY#udglr#lv#d#vlplodu#vl}h#wr#dq|#kdqg0khog#XKI# vhw/#zlwk#pdq|#yhu|#jrrg#ihdwxuhv/#dqg#lv#hdv|#wr#rshudwh1#Wkh#pdqxdo#ghvfulehv/#lq#vlpsoh#whupv/#krz#wr#xvh#doo#ihdwxuhv/#lqfoxglqj#wkh#vtxhofk#Ê#riwhq#d#yh{hg#lvvxh1#Wkh#udglr#lv#zklwh/# hdvlo|#vhhq#li#gursshg#ryhuerdug1 Wklv#lv#d#yhu|#lpsuhvvlyh#udglr#iru#frppxqlfdwlrq#rq#erwk# odqg#dqg#vhd/#dowkrxjk#L#zrxog#olnh#wr#vhh#wkh#qh{w#prgho#kdyh# wkh#ixoo#doorzdeoh#zdwwdjh#+8,#rq#XKI1#L#wklqn#wklv# frpelqhg#XKI2YKI#vhw#zloo#eh#ri#juhdw#lqwhuhvw# wr#fdudydqqhuv#zkr#wudyho#zlwk#wkhlu#rzq# wlqqlh#iru#Úvklqj#dqg#h{sorulqj#zdwhuzd|v/# ru#erdwlhv#zkr#dovr#kdyh#d#7ZG1 – Tony and Denyse Allsop Uniden MHS155UV Marine and Land UHF/VHF Two-Way Radio RRP: $249.95 Where: Most good marine and camping outlets More info: 1300 366 895 or www.uniden.com.au Rating:…

Need some inspiration to hook up the ydq#dqg#jr#h{sorulqjB#Wkh#Úiwk#dqqxdo# Adventure Travel Film Festival will take place in the Victorian High Country town of Bright from February 14-16, 2016. Ihdwxulqj#47#lqvslulqj#wudyho#Úopv#dqg# some of Australia’s greatest travellers as guest speakers, including CW’s sister mag, Camper Trailer Australia’s own Ron and Viv Moon, the festival is sure to whet your appetite for adventure. Wklv#|hduÏv#olqh0xs#kdv#d#ghÚqlwh# yhklfoh#dqg#7ZG#Ûdyrxu#zlwk#Úopv# such as the 1935 documentary 14 Horsepower through Africa, the much more recent motorbike epic Somewhere else Tomorrow, which recounts an adventurous journey from Europe through Africa and Asia to Australia, and the 4WD-based In Search of a River in War-Torn Africa by well-known adventure wudyhoohu#dqg#Úop0pdnhu#Dqguhz#Vw# Pierre White. Joining the Moons on stage will be Lang and Bev Kidby, whose latest adventure saw them drive a 1928 Austin 7 to…

to bring home the best holiday experience possible to travellers. “As family park owners and operators, Wrs#Sdunv#Úwv#lq#zlwk#rxu#vw|oh#ri#sdun# which prides itself on cleanliness, friendliness and top-notch quality.” Murray River Holiday Park caters for a variety of holidaymakers to suit all tastes and budgets in a friendly and relaxing style, from one to two bedroom and deluxe cabins to caravan sites and camp sites with full facilities and a swimming pool. Murray River Holiday Park in Moama, on the NSW/Vic border, has joined the Top Parks group. The park’s new owners, who have worked in the caravan park industry for more than 10 years, are locals Janine and Ken Hurn. “I was born and bred in Echuca,” Janine said. “It’s like coming home. We are thrilled to be joining Top Parks as…

Matching a tow vehicle and caravan is not always easy. Not always do you have the luxury of choosing both a new vehicle and caravan at the same time, and even if you do, there are plenty of traps you need to be aware of. There’s no point buying a new van that you can’t tow or a new vehicle that’s not up to the job of towing your van. Any tow vehicle you have will be compromised in some way. You can’t expect that the heavy hauling truck you’ve bought to tow your 3000kg van is going to be a cinch to park in a multilevel carpark when refreshing supplies on tour. Conversely, that neat, old car that you know and love might not be up to the job…

When the going gets tough, the tough get going… And with that in mind, you’d want to be in the corner of the new-model Jurgens TuffTRAX in bouts off the bitumen. This robust offroader is a real little vwuhhwÚjkwhu#dqg#sdfnv#d#pdvvlyh#zdoors#iru#lwv# size and weight. LÏoo#vd|#iurp#wkh#rxwvhw/#zlwkrxw#ihdu#ru#idyrxu/# wklv#lv#rqh#urfn0kdug#ulj#dqg#L#kdyhqÏw#frph# across another in its genre with such unyielding qualities. The TuffTRAX has been more than 60 years in wkh#pdnlqj/#uhÛhfwlqj#d#Vrxwk#Diulfdq#khulwdjh# wkdw#kdunv#edfn#wr#4<851#Wkh#WxiiWUD[#duh# vklsshg#wr#Dxvwudold#iurp#Vrxwk#Diulfd#dv#d#vkhoo# dqg#wkhq#Úqlvkhg#rii#dw#Mxujhqv#Dxvwudold#KT#lq# Sdnhqkdp/#Ylf/#wr#phhw#Dxvwudoldq#vwdqgdugv1#Lq#dgglwlrq#wr#wklv#lpsruwhg#prgho/#Mxujhqv#kdv# durxqg#53#Dxvwudoldq0pdgh#gluw#urdg0fdsdeoh# touring models. FZ#wrrn#d#surwrw|sh#ri#wkh#kdug0klwwlqj#srs0 wrs#wkurxjk#wkh#vrxwkhuq#vorshv#ri#wkh#\duud# Udqjhv/#Ylf/#dqg#lw#zdv#wuxo|#dw#krph#dprqj#wkh#xqgxodwlqj#7ZG#wudfnv1#Qrw#vxusulvlqj/# frqvlghulqj#wkh#7169p#+47iw#7lq,#WxiiWUD[# kdg#uhfhqwo|#ehhq#sxw#wkurxjk#wkh#zulqjhu/# undergoing a ‘torture test’, conducted by Mxujhqv/#rq#vrph#wrxjk#Dxvvlh#rxwedfn#wudfnv1# \rx#frxog#fdoo#lw#d#Îwxii#oryhÏ#lqlwldwlrq1# On that test, Jurgens Australia says it sxvkhg#wkh#fkdvvlv/#vxvshqvlrq/#eudnhv#dqg#ryhudoo#frqvwuxfwlrq#wr#wkh#olplw1#Sxw#vlpso|/#wkh# WxiiWUD[#zdv#edvkhg#derxw#exw#uhyhdohg#lw#fdq# wdnh#d#edwwhulqj/#hphujlqj#yluwxdoo|#xqvfdwkhg/# zlwk#rqo|#d#ihz#vxshuÚfldo#euxlvhv1# TRACKS LESS TRAVELLED I’ve tackled a few intermediate-level 4WD tracks in my time, but I certainly don’t class myself as a true 4WDing warrior. So I was impressed (and relieved) with the balance and poise shown…

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne, Vic, offered an idyllic and picturesque setting for our review. Established in 1970, it contains one of Victoria’s most precious areas of native bushland and is home to an amazing range of plant and animal life, including several rare and endangered species. At its heart is the stunning Australian Garden – a contemporary landscaped garden showcasing the beauty and diversity of Australian flora. It features more than 170,000 individual plants representing more than 1700 plant varieties in settings that reflect the true essence of the Australian landscape. There are over 6km of bicycle tracks that wind through the beautiful bushland and open grasslands. Experienced guides conduct group tours and walks, where you can discover the diversity and beauty of Australian native plants, and the…

Goldstream RV manufactures a wide range of RVs, everything from wind-up camper trailers to full-sized offroad caravans. In the case of the pop-tops, there’s a good selection, from the aptly-named Mini to a tandem-axle 5.6m (18ft 5in) unit. All are dydlodeoh#lq#rq0urdg#dqg#riiurdg#frqÚjxudwlrq1# For this review, we went for one right in the middle of the range – an Explorer ST pop-top, Úwwhg#zlwk#dq#Dxvvlh#Dgyhqwxuh#sdfndjh#wr#jlyh# lw#d#elw#pruh#wudyho#Ûh{lelolw|1 The Aussie Adventure package isn’t a full offroad kit but more for rough-road travel and so includes items like a heavy-duty axle and shock devruehuv/#pxg#Ûdsv/#d#suhvvxuh#kdwfk/#48lq# alloy wheels, an awning, an antenna and pre-wiring for solar panels. Pop-top caravans aren’t necessarily suited to everyone but I reckon two of their major advantages are that they have a lower travel height (great for offroad ventures) and, particularly in smaller vans,…

Paul Nedanis couldn’t resist the ‘temptation’ to establish Eden Caravans in 2010. Ironically, it was his wife, Mary, who came up with the business name, drawing inspiration from the biblical Garden of Eden. Mary recalled that the chronicle of Adam and Eve is central to the belief that “God created human beings to live in a paradise on earth”, and noticed a synergy that she felt Paul should adopt in creating a lifestyle for his clientele. So Mary gently nudged Paul in the ‘ribs’ and Eden Fdudydqv#ehfdph#Újxudwlyho|#idvklrqhg#iurp# ‘dust’. Well, not entirely true as Nedanis had long held a desire to manufacture his own caravans. In fact, his real-life genesis in the RV industry started more than 30 years ago. And once again the catalyst was Mary, who introduced Paul to…

This particular Switch has an external length of 7.8m (25ft 7in), a GVM of 4495kg, and a plated Tare weight of 4060kg, giving it a load capacity of 435kg. That might sound reasonable, except that this is a fairly large motorhome with plenty of storage capacity. In addition to this, it only has a 100L water tank, so you may need to add a second water tank if you plan on going remote. All this adds more weight and creates a problem with your payload. The Daily 50-170 has a GVM rating of 5200kg but is down-rated by 705kg in this instance to get it under 4500kg so that it can be driven on a standard car licence. There is a large amount of storage available here, so it may…

There is a lot of caravanning wisdom out there – some of it very useful and some of it not so much. So, to help keep you on the straight and narrow, our team of experts are here to separate fact from Úfwlrq/#glvshoolqj#vrph#ri#wkh#prvw#frpprq# caravanning myths and rumours... YOU MUST HAVE 10 PER CENT TOWBALL MASS This is one of the greatest pieces of misinformation that grew out of a legitimate rule of thumb in the 1970s. Back then, a caravan typically weighed no more than 1500kg and the corresponding 150kg was about right for a relatively lightweight vehicle towing it. These days, caravans often weigh around 2000-3000kg and the mass on the towbar isn’t necessarily going to be 10 per cent. In fact, many caravans are now on about 6-7…

This one is tricky because you can fit more stuff on the drawbar as long as it is within the caravan manufacturer’s specifications and the extra weight doesn’t exceed the towball capacity of the vehicle. The problem comes when you try to counter the weight by placing items down the back of the van to compensate. This results in ‘yaw inertia’, where you have two weights separated by the length of the van, which act similarly to a pendulum, but on a horizontal plane. As the van travels along the road, these weights may gain sideways momentum and could eventually lead to uncontrollable trailer sway. The way to reduce the likelihood of this happening is to centre the load around the axle/s. – John and Julie Eggenhuizen…

Not always. Some of the latest crop of vehicles with high tow ratings can actually tow very little when laden to, or near, their Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM). For example, if you load Nissan’s new NP300 Navara with plenty of accessories, four large adults and a load full of chairs, folding tables, a barbecue and a few slabs of ‘sundowers’, it will reduce the permissible download on your towball considerably. So do your homework and check the real towing specs of your tow tug before you hook it up to your large caravan. Pay particular attention to the vehicle’s Gross Combined Mass, which is the maximum allowed combined weight of vehicle and trailer, specified by the vehicle’s manufacturer. – Michael Browning…

Every 4WD should be equipped with a well-stocked first-aid kit, no excuses. You never know when something’s going to go wrong and, in the outback, help can take some time to arrive, making quality first-aid skills and equipment vital. While you definitely need the main first-aid gear handy, remember the not-so-serious stuff, too. You’ll use pain killers and antihistamines more often than you would think! Stingose spray is another good one for dealing with bites and stings. Keep a few bandages big enough to wrap your entire leg. There are plenty of venomous snakes in the New South Wales outback and, while they’re not lurking behind every bush waiting to attack like some suggest, you just never know what’s going to happen, so it pays to be prepared.…

The Gold Coast is an exciting destination for families because of its many theme parks, children’s attractions and glitzy high-rise living, but much less so for many caravanning couples for the very same reasons. However, just 15 minutes south of Surfers Paradise and halfway to Coolangatta by the Gold Coast Highway lies Burleigh Heads and a very different Gold Coast experience. Exuohljk#lv#d#yloodjh/#udwkhu#wkdq#d#Ûhvk0 spot or theme centre and it boasts two great caravan parks, one just a minute’s walk from wkh#pdjqlÚfhqw/#zhoo0sdwuroohg#Exuohljk#Khdgv# Beach and its world-famous surf break, and the other on the Tallebudgera Inlet, with its family-safe swimming, both in the river itself or in the superb, fence-enclosed park lagoon. PICTURE PERFECT Then there’s the Burleigh Heads shopping precinct, encapsulated in a grid centred on James Street, with its many restaurants,…

Ghrii#Eurzq#zdv#lq#wkh#plggoh#ri#klv#Úuvw# around-Australia journey in 2007 – at the Cable Beach Caravan Park in Broome, WA – when the Mt Eliza, Vic, resident saw dq#Xowlpdwh#fdpshu#wudlohu#xs#forvh#iru#wkh#Úuvw# time. He fell in love with it. The trouble was, he couldn’t justify the near $50,000 price tag. But what he did have was time, and over the subsequent weeks of long days at the wheel he was able to sit and nut out in his head just how he was going to come up with his own version of an Ultimate. The bit that had him most stumped was the independent trailing arm suspension, so Geoff took matters into his own hands. On the way home he took a detour via the Ultimate factory in Moruya on the south coast of New South Wales. “I…

We all appreciate protection from the harsh elements while travelling, and that’s why vehicle shade awnings are worth their weight in gold. But reality is they can often be rendered impractical due to height issues. Well, not any longer. Rhino-Rack has developed the Dome 1300 Awning which provides additional head clearance when mounted to the front, side or rear of a vehicle. Made from heavy-duty ripstop polycotton fabric, it is not only weather/ water-proofed but mould resistant and UV50+ protected. The roof also domes up, giving it superior water run-off in wet conditions. The awning covers a large space, opening out to 2.5x2.4m and stands well over 2m depending on the vehicle you mount it to. The Dome 1300 Awning is also quick to set-up and easy to use, compatible…

Narva has taken the ‘stab in the dark’ out of perennial searches for hidden away tools and other knick-knacks with the release of its latest high-powered LED strip lamp in a convenient locker light kit. The new LED locker light is ideal for use in a toolbox, locker or cupboard dqg#kdv#ehhq#vshflÚfdoo|#ghvljqhg#iru# easy mounting above the door opening, delivering a smooth, powerful spread of light without interfering with the user’s access. The kit includes a 45-degree pre-drilled aluminium mounting bracket, high-performance automotive-grade 3M adhesive foam tape and all the mounting hardware required for convenient, no-fuss installation. Standard features of the 12V locker light are an inbuilt on/off switch and the latest SMD LED technology which provides high light output, ultra-low current draw of 0.34A, and excellent durability. Narva LED Locker Light…