Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 661 i Caravan World

As the remote northern travel destinations open up after the wet season, the annual migration of caravans journeying to warmer locations is underway. While there are thousands of caravans on the road, our plans for a visit to the Northern Territory have been postponed until August, when the tracks should be drier and hopefully the nights a bit warmer. Some interesting feedback has been coming in about our Caravan of the Year event, suggesting that we concentrated too much on the top end of the market, with some entrants being out of reach for many buyers. While I sympathise to a certain extent, the reality is that caravans are becoming more sophisticated and technical. Consumer demand puts builders in a tough spot because if the market wants all the comforts…

Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre in South Australia is undergoing an extraordinary transformation as floodwaters from recent heavy rains in Queensland's Channel Country fill the normally dry salt flats. This once-in-a-generation event is drawing significant attention from birdwatchers, photographers and outback travellers eager to witness one of Australia's most unique ecological phenomena. This is only the fourth time in more than 160 years that the lake has experienced such extensive flooding. The incoming water revitalises the salt crust and surrounding environment, triggering an explosion of life. Tiny brine shrimp hatch from eggs laid in the parched lakebed, attracting fish that spawn and feed on them, while vast numbers of birds - pelicans, banded stilts and gulls among them - have arrived in large groups to breed. Some bird species make incredible migratory…

Cameron and Alison Daddo are the newest faces of Jayco, joining the manufacturer as official Vanbassadors and taking to the road in the newly released 2025 Silverline - Jayco's most luxury and tech-forward van yet. The Australian entertainment couple has signed on to represent the brand as part of a national touring project that blends lifestyle storytelling with luxury van travel. The focus: slow travel, reconnection, exploring regional Australia and embracing the joys of life on the road. “We couldn't be more honoured to be Vanbassadors for Jayco - an iconic Australian company whose values around family, integrity and adventure truly resonate with us”, said Alison Daddo. Now back in Australia after more than two decades overseas, the Daddos are using the Silverline to rediscover the country - bringing their…

You don't need a gym. You don't need equipment. All you need is your body, a mat and a little bit of space. It doesn't matter if you're parked in the middle of nowhere, squeezed into a tight site or stuck inside your caravan - there's always a way to move your body and feel better for it. You can get a solid, full-body workout using nothing but bodyweight. If you've got a couple of cans of food, a water bottle or even a backpack full of gear, that's a bonus - they can double as weights. But you don't need them. I've worked in the fitness industry since I was 16 and taught up to 24 group fitness classes a week - so staying fit isn't a trend for…

For an idea of the quality of the Swag Off-Road Campers brand, consider that Caravans Coffs Coast is a dealer. Long regarded as home to authentic offroad caravans, it chose Swag as a more wallet-friendly alternative to its beefy, fully optioned counterparts. Please don't take that as a put-down of the Swag lineup, because after spending a day exploring the hinterland around Coffs Harbour, I'm impressed. The well-equipped and robustly engineered SCT17 competes on value and will be a serious consideration for anyone with a restricted towing capacity. The tare weight is approximately 2300kg, depending on the equipment level, and the 2900kg ATM puts it within the capability of many midrange tow vehicles. So, you don't need an expensive car to blow your budget. I was surprised to see that…

“Buyers looking for a van built to travel - really travel - will appreciate the Ironbark's custom-fit approach” Like a platypus in the wild, a Bushmaster caravan is an elusive icon - so when the opportunity came up to tow-test the Ironbark 20ft 10in, we were never going to turn down the offer to see the battle-ready clad beast. IS THIS THE LAST SERIOUS OFFROAD CARAVAN YOU'LL EVER NEED? In a market saturated with bold claims and flash finishes, the Bushmaster Ironbark 20ft 10in cuts a different silhouette. Built in Campbellfield in Melbourne's north by Terry Ryan, a long-time caravanner turned builder, the Ironbark isn't trying to follow trends - it's trying to outlast them. And maybe that's the point. With checkerplate alloy cladding, a gusseted ARV chassis, Simplicity Axles…

What if your tow vehicle could power your caravan like a campsite socket - no generator, no compromises? That's the promise of the 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV, Australia's first plug-in hybrid dual cab with serious towing cred and a gamechanging feature called Pro Power Onboard. With a 6.9kW inverter system and two 15A 230V outlets built into the tub and one 10A inside the cabin, Ford claims the Ranger PHEV can power an air-conditioner, charge tools or let you use an induction hotplate, directly from its 11.8kWh battery. But does it live up to the hype? We hitched up a Jayco All Terrain 19.61-2. AT-MY25, a van tipping the scales at just over three tonnes and put Ford's plug-in ute to the test. From highway driving to campsite setups, we…

PORK AND FENNEL RISSOLES TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS • 500g pork mince • ½ brown onion, finely diced • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp fennel seeds • 1 egg • 1 tbsp honey • ½ cup breadcrumbs • Plain flour to coat • Salt and pepper, to taste • Olive oil to cook METHOD Mix the mince, onion, garlic, fennel seeds, egg, honey and breadcrumbs together and use your hands to make eight even-sized rissoles. Coat each one in a little plain flour, shake off excess, and season with salt and pepper. Add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to the campfire skillet over a medium–high heat and cook the rissoles for around four minutes each side, or until brown and slightly firm to…

WIN A PRIZE PACK WORTH ALMOST $3600 Our Readers’ Rig of the Year competition is in full swing - and there's still plenty of time to get involved. We're on the hunt for the most eye-catching, adventure-ready caravan setups around Australia. Each month, we feature a standout reader submission in Caravan World magazine and online. Then in May 2026, one lucky entrant will take out the title of Readers’ Rig of the Year and score a major prize bundle valued at nearly $3600. How to enter Just scan the QR code, upload a high-quality photo (1MB+), and include a few details about your van, tow vehicle, where the photo was taken and your travels. Entries are open until 1 April 2026. To find out more, visit caravanworld.com.au and search Readers’…

The RACV is urging Victorian drivers to take care due to a sharp increase in car thefts, with thieves using electronic devices to access vehicles via their on-board diagnostic (OBD) ports to start and steal cars without the owner's keys. According to Victoria Police, 20 per cent of car thefts in 2024 involved OBD port tampering. RACV general manager motoring products Jeff Ames said many newer vehicles are being targeted. “By connecting unauthorised devices to a vehicle's OBD port, a thief can communicate directly with the car's engine control unit”, Ames said. “That allows them to program a new key or start the engine without the original.” Ames also flagged the rising threat of relay theft - where a device is used to capture and amplify the signal from a…

Lovells Automotive Systems has become the first Second Stage Manufacturer (SSM) in Australia to receive approval for postregistration gross combination mass (GCM) upgrades under Western Australia's new legislation. This marks a significant step in bringing WA's vehicle modification laws in line with the rest of Australia. The new rules allow WA vehicle owners to legally fit Lovells’ Australian-designed suspension upgrades that increase a vehicle's GCM - the total allowable weight of the vehicle plus any trailer it tows - even after the vehicle has been registered, as long as the upgrade is completed by Lovells-approved fitment and production facility centres. Lovells’ GCM enhancement kits can boost a vehicle's carrying capacity - including passengers, cargo, fuel and accessories - by up to 15 per cent in some cases. These upgrades build…

If you're a caravanner who likes a bit of peace and quiet in the natural surrounds of an unspoilt wilderness then you have probably camped at - or at least visited - some of the thousands of state and national parks across the length and breadth of the country. In recent years more and more caravanners are choosing to go offroad and off-grid on their camping adventurers, with purposebuilt rigs to take them to the furthest unexplored corners of the country, far away from the cheek-by-jowl campsites and jumping pillows of popular tourist parks. The more adventurous we get, the more boundaries we are prepared to push to get that prime beachside camping spot or mountain top with a view that affords - among other things - great sunrises or…

“While the landscape draws visitors in, it's the region's character and welcoming locals that make people stick around” The Cleve District invites you to slow down and discover Australia at its most authentic, where natural beauty remains uncrowded and unhurried. Tucked between rugged peaks and a mangrove-lined coastline, the Cleve District offers a refreshing slice of South Australia for those who dare to detour off the welltrodden route. About a 1 hour 45-minute drive (approximately 150km) south-west of Whyalla, this welcoming region on the Eyre Peninsula blends coast-to-peak beauty with genuine community spirit. In under an hour, you can travel from Arno Bay's fishing spots, cruise past Cleve's golden paddocks and wind your way up Carappee Hill near Darke Peak - the Eyre Peninsula's highest summit. With such variety packed…

There's more to Western Australia's remote regions than visiting exotic hotspots featured in glossy mags or spamming social feeds with wanderlust. I'm talking about the state's spooky side, the places that went from prosperous to ditched in a matter of decades - if that. Let's rewind a bit to better understand how WA's good times became a pain point. In the early 20th century, the state experienced an influx of people from around the world seeking their fortunes in Kalgoorlie and the Northern Goldfields, despite enduring harsh conditions in the outback. Nearby towns such as Gwalia, Ora Banda and Leonora were established as gold fever spread across the state. And it wasn't just gold that many had their sights on; pearls found in the north were deemed a hot commodity…

Whether you're travelling for a weekend, a month or settling into the long-term traveller lifestyle, keeping your caravan in good nick is all part of the adventure. From mechanical checks to the daily travel chores every caravanner faces, a little routine maintenance and housekeeping can make a big difference to your comfort, safety and peace of mind. While annual or regular servicing of both your vehicle and van by a professional is a must, there's plenty you can do yourself to prevent wear and tear, avoid unnecessary breakdowns and keep things ticking over when you're on the road. So, we've pulled together a practical checklist of common jobs and DIY tasks - broken down by how often you should do them - to help keep you on the right track.…

Australia boasts a diverse and expansive array of travel opportunities right at our doorstep, so it's no wonder that thousands of us embrace the caravanning lifestyle. From the red, dusty tracks of the Kimberley to the winding coastline of the Great Ocean Road, we relish the freedom of the open road and the joys of discovery. However, owning a van brings responsibilities. Whether we like it or not, the wider world perceives us as a community, and it doesn't take much to realise that not everyone is fond of us. There is a growing chorus of frustration among fellow road users and campers regarding a lack of etiquette and respect. So, here are some no-nonsense guidelines for a better caravanning world - some principles that are more than just good…

NSW Millthorpe Fire Fair 1 August 2025 Head out to Millthorpe on Friday 1 August 2025 from 5pm–9pm to enjoy a night of fun for the whole family. Sample some of the best from local and regional producers, wineries and Millthorpe's local businesses, all while soaking up the winter vibe with live music and entertainment under a crisp winter sky. Head online for more information: millthorpevillage.com.au/events/millthorpe-fire-fair-2 Mid North Coast Outdoor Show 1–3 August 2025 The Mid North Coast Outdoor Show is taking place at Wauchope Showground this August. There'll be more than 165 exhibitors, familyfriendly entertainment, demonstrations and more. Find out more online: ruralscene.com.au/events/mid-north-coast-outdoor-show Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash 21–23 August 2025 If you enjoy camping, Aussie music, remote destinations and festival fun, then the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash…

Located on Kaprun country in the Yilgarn region, Karalee Rocks lies just a few kilometres off the Great Eastern Highway, 56km east of Southern Cross. Here you will find one of several rock catchments and dams built in the 1890s to service steam trains on the Perth to Coolgardie-Kalgoorlie Eastern Goldfields Railway. In 1894, surveyor N. M. Brazier recorded the Aboriginal name Karalee meaning ‘a waterhole near grass’. Aboriginal people camped here for thousands of years, collecting water from the rock's gnamma holes and soaks. Early European explorers, sandalwood cutters and gold seekers followed, and Karalee played an important role in the eastwards development of Western Australia. Karalee was officially gazetted as a water reserve in 1888. By 1895, most of the 600 teams and 4000 horses making the four…

Moving between tow vehicles, trailers and caravans just got easier for drivers with the release of Bendix's new Ultimate Tow+™ Portable Electric Brake Controller - a fully portable, plug-and-play solution that takes the hassle out of swapping between tow vehicles and trailers. Unlike fixed brake controllers that tie you to a single vehicle, the Ultimate Tow+™ is designed for flexibility. It lets any compatible vehicle with a towbar become tow-ready in just minutes, no matter which trailer with electric brakes is hitched up. Installation is straightforward and drill-free. Thanks to its smart plug-and-play design, the controller connects using a patch harness that slips between your vehicle's existing 7-pin or 12-pin trailer plugs, securing easily to the trailer's A-frame with heavy-duty reusable straps. Power is fed to the controller in two…

Ford has announced the pricing for the upcoming 2026 Ranger Super Duty, set to arrive on Aussie shores early next year. With a starting price of $82,990 (manufacturer list price, plus on-road costs), this powerhouse cab-chassis range will initially be offered in single, super and double cab-chassis variants aimed at Aussies who need serious towing and payload capacity. Positioned above the Ranger Sport and Wildtrak V6 ($66,690 and $73,590, respectively, plus on-roads), the Super Duty is shaping up to be a game changer for those who tow, with significant upgrades to support its 4500kg braked tow capacity and 4500kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) ratings. 2026 RANGER SUPER DUTY PRICING BY VARIANT Manufacturer List Prices (MLP, excluding tray and on-roads) are as follows: Final drive-away costs will depend on tray choice,…

As winter rain turns dirt tracks into boggy playgrounds, offroad enthusiasts and caravanners are being reminded that muddy fun can quickly turn costly - especially for their 4WD's brakes. In a recent update, Bendix has detailed the potential damage mud can cause to both disc and drum brake setups, with a strong warning that “mud can be extremely damaging to a vehicle's brakes, particularly if left to dry”. Because mud acts as a gritty, moisturetrapping compound, it can lead to corrosion and premature wear. It's also capable of clogging up suspension and braking components, reducing overall performance and causing long-term mechanical issues. Bendix states, “it acts like an abrasive on everything it touches, impacting performance while increasing wear and tear”. The advice from Bendix is straightforward: give your 4WD (and…

SEND PICS TO WIN Roger Bentley of Perth is this month's winner with this pic of sunset over the Bunda Cliffs on the Nullarbor Plain, east of Eucla in SA, with his Jayco Journey van and LandCruiser 200 Series. “After the awesome sunset we spent a relaxed night with the waves crashing against the cliffs.” *Please note, camping along Bunda Cliffs is no longer permitted…

“Along the way we discovered tiny towns with big personalities, outback pubs and huge horizons” Our destination was Lightning Ridge, famous for its black opals, vast landscapes and unique outback charm, however there's plenty of other gems to be found. Along the way we discovered tiny towns with big personalities, outback pubs and huge horizons blending into a surprisingly green landscape while colourful characters and artwork made us feel as though we'd stepped into a cartoon caravanning western. GOING TO GIL For us it was a familiar route from Melbourne to Dubbo (check out the travel story on Dubbo in issue 659 and online). From there it's 65km north to Gilgandra along the Newell Highway. Gilgandra was in full show mode when we visited. The 10 designated free spots beside…

Four-wheel drive manufacturers usually select Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tyres and rims based on cost and around-town, onroad performance. There are a variety of reasons why caravan owners may wish to change the tyres and rims on their tow rigs. Let's say it upfront, aesthetics plays a big part. Chunkier tyres just look tougher and swapping out rims is a popular way to personalise a rig. But there are a bunch of functional reasons to consider changing tyres and even rims. A big part of the decision when changing wheels is “Should I go bigger and if so, how much?” We enlisted the help of John Kulikowski, wheel and tyre guru, from Bob Jane T-Marts to answer a bunch of questions for us. JH - What are some functional reasons…

Founded in 1975 by Peter Deralas senior, Royal Flair (formerly New Home Caravans) is a family-run manufacturer based in Melbourne's north. From the beginning, the focus has been on crafting quality-built vans tailored to suit the needs of every unique traveller. Blending tried-and-true methods with modern technology and a drive for innovation, the team has grown the range to eight models - each designed with purpose and backed by a quality-first mindset that's been there since the beginning. Now 50 years on, Peter's son Billy Deralas is at the helm, and that commitment to quality over quantity remains a core part of Royal Flair's DNA. CELEBRATING SUCCESS Celebrating 50 years is no small feat, but this isn't the only milestone under Royal Flair's belt. The company is accredited under the…

Australia's Big Things are more than just oversized novelties - they're iconic road trip icons that invite you to slow down, stretch your legs and discover the stories - and communities - behind them. From tropical fruit to towering crustaceans, here are 10 Big Things that prove the journey is just as memorable as the destination. 1. THE BIG BANANA – COFFS HARBOUR, NSW Arguably one of Australia's most iconic Big Things - and also one of the first - the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour has turning heads since 1964. At 15m long, the Big Banana was designed and built by John Landi to draw visitors to his roadside fruit stall - inspired by the success of the Big Pineapple in Hawaii. The concept worked, and this bright yellow…

This anniversary edition had plenty going on, from RVs built specifically for the Olympics to outback destinations and an exciting new brand on the rise. And for those trying to escape the Sydney 2000 Olympics chaos, the next issue's theme - ‘Get out of town!’ - would've been right on cue. RVS AT THE OLYMPICS The upcoming Sydney Olympics featured right off the bat - and not just for the sport. A convoy carrying the Olympic torch around the country was led by a fleet of vehicles, including red Holden Commodores, bright blue police Harleys, Mercedes-Benz buses and three Winnebago motorhomes. Each Winnebago had a specialist fit out: one carried the torches, another housed media teams and the third was set up for Olympic security staff. “The floorplans are completely…

REDARC has launched its BCDC Alpha100 R, the most powerful model in the BCDC range, engineered for serious users running highcapacity battery systems. Building on the success of the Alpha50 R, the new 100A version delivers lightning-fast, efficient charging to support demanding offgrid power management, whether it's a complex caravan setup, an RV or a powerhungry 4x4 rig. The BCDC Alpha100 R delivers the performance and system visibility required to stay powered and in control, combining auxiliary battery charging, start battery recovery, RedVision connectivity and an integrated Smart Battery Monitor in a single, compact in-cabin unit. This release completes the REDARC BCDC Alpha lineup, offering a full suite of highperformance charging options tailored to modern off-grid power management needs. REDARC's global president, Peter Favilla, said: “With the BCDC Alpha100 R,…