Table of contents for Issue 657 in Caravan World

This issue includes a subject many caravanners ponder: How do we bring a boat when we travel? A broader question might be how to catch more fish, and I wish I knew the answer to that. I enjoyed researching the boating story as we wandered around the Northern Territory and Western Australia last year because we met wonderful people who were all doing what they loved – travelling and fishing. For some, fishing and exploring on the water is the main driver for leaving home, and a boat is necessary. Many dedicated fishos will stay in one place for months, often with a regular crew of friends. A few years ago, we met a group of half a dozen couples staying in Ceduna, SA, for the run of crabs and…

RV drivers were among the 41 people killed on Queensland's Bruce Highway last year and industry associations are urging Federal and State Governments to properly fix certain parts of the highway to bring it up to a minimum three-star safety rating. The call from the Caravan Trade and Industry Association of Queensland (CTIAQ) and Caravan Parks Association of Queensland (CPAQ) comes after the Federal Government announced its additional $7.2 billion upgrade to bring the deadliest highway in Australia up to standard. Last year Queensland experienced its highest road fatalities since 2009, with 302 people losing their lives. The north coast region including the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Bundaberg and Maryborough had the second highest number of fatalities. Key sections of the Bruce Highway that require immediate attention, particularly for caravan drivers…

“The region is blessed with endless natural beauty” Whenever I visit Tasmania, I'm drawn to the Tasman Peninsula/ Turrakana, located in the southeast, an easy 75km drive from Hobart. The region is blessed with natural beauty, from towering dolerite sea cliffs, secluded pristine white sandy beaches, national parks with green forests and a handful of bespoke producers to tantalise your taste buds. Oh, and let's not neglect the wildlife: sea eagles, Australian fur seals, migrating whales, wombats, wallabies and Tasmanian Devils. THE QUAINT FISHING VILLAGE OF DUNALLEY If you're driving to the Tasman Peninsula, you'll have to pass through Dunalley (57km east of Hobart). Overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Boomer Bay, Dunalley is slightly north of the narrow isthmus which separates the Forestier and Tasman Peninsulas from the rest of…

On The Move's caravans extend between 5.5m (18ft) and 7.2m (23ft 6in) across three Australian-made and four imported versions, with some in standard trim and a black version, making dozens of variations across the range. Even more impressive is that its innovative imports were conceived, designed, tooled up and delivered in only three years. Driving the business is a team with years of caravan manufacturing experience that can deliver innovation in design and engineering. The Adventure 5.5 on review here is the Black Series upgrade of the smallest of the Adventure range. It shares the styling and features of the larger vans packed into an 18ft 6in footprint. The 5.5 is a couples van, but a 5.7 version offers a slightly larger model for family travel. Both versions sit on…

“GME has become a trusted household name among caravanners, outdoor adventurers and boaters” Whether you're heading off on a Big Lap, to your favourite remote campsite, a multi-day hike or just down the river for a spot of fishing, it's important to have the right gear to stay in touch with not only your travel companions but also emergency services. Some of Australia's most stunning destinations are in its remotest corners, and while the concept of ‘hidden gems’ is slowly disappearing with the rise of social media, a massive percentage of the country – 73 per cent – is outside the reach of reliable cellular coverage. This means that heading into remote areas comes with certain risks, and adventurers need a dependable way to communicate with their companions, other travellers…

I have a confession: I usually bypass Bunbury. My usual trips ‘down south’ from Perth never seem to stop in at this major Western Australian city. Instead, my GPS is firmly fixed on its smaller regional town rivals: Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River. It's never been easier to skip Bunbury, thanks to the recent opening of the new Wilman Wadandi Highway, evading the city altogether. But this time around, I decided to actively seek it out. It's been years – if not a decade plus – since I last stayed in Bunbury, 168km south of Perth. Unsurprisingly, things have changed: colourful murals on walls, exciting eateries and bars have popped up across the city like mushrooms, and one of its main caravan parks has been refreshed. Some things have remained…

If you choose to name your company ‘Legend’ you are setting the bar high. I have had a really good look at a number of Legend vans, and I have found them to be consistently well-built. Brothers and owners Zoran and Robert Stojanoski have been the driving force behind the company since its inception in 2008. Legend is based in Somerton, Vic, with an impressive factory and showroom and a small team of 15 people dedicated to producing consistently highquality vans. Zoran tells me limiting their production to around 120 vans per year is an important part of their formula to keep on top of quality. Legend has worked with dealers in the past but has moved to a factory direct sales model to maintain full control of the process…

MSA 4X4 Accessories is known for its range of premium-quality accessories designed for Australia's outdoor adventurers. Its patented, SEMA award-winning MSA Towing Mirrors range is a fan-favourite when it comes to permanent towing mirrors to replace your original mirrors. The newest addition to MSA 4X4's range is the MSA POWER FOLD™ Towing Mirrors to suit the Mitsubishi Pajero NS, NT, NW and NX (10/2006-2021). The MSA POWER FOLD™ Towing Mirrors include a large single mirror glass incorporated within a sturdy mirror head attached to a heavy-duty extension slide, allowing you to extend the mirror out when towing a caravan or trailer and return it to a normal driving position when you are no longer towing. The glass on all MSA 4X4 Towing Mirrors has a slight convex for enhanced vision,…

This year is Jayco's 50th year in business and it has got off to a good start for the founder and owner, Gerry Ryan. On the weekend of 31 January – 2 February, Jayco officially unveiled its 2025 models to a small contingent of caravan industry media at the company's Melbourne headquarters in Dandenong South. Gerry Ryan hosted us for a Friday lunch, spoke candidly about his humble beginnings and passion for building caravans and arranged for a tour of the massive production facility in which 1000 staff churn out 25,000 caravans per year. On 1 and 2 February, Jayco held an open to the public weekend at headquarters – akin to a mini caravan show with 40–50 new and superseded models on display. To top off the weekend, on…

Jawa Off Road Campers has released the 2025 model of its best-selling Infinity 15 hybrid caravan. The 2025 model comes with more storage, including a large pantry, deep pull-out drawers, wardrobes and more. Designed and engineered to tackle tough terrain and withstand all Aussie conditions, this 15ft hybrid caravan has great offroad functionality, and everything a family of four could need in a home away from home. A deceptively spacious family camper, the Infinity 15 pops out to an impressive 18ft and offers bunk beds for the kids and a king-size bed at the rear. It includes an internal ensuite with shower and toilet, internal cooking and dining, as well as external kitchen. The Infinity 15 is kitted out with a diesel heater, Victron power system, roofmounted air-conditioner, Furrion stereo,…

Proper planning should give caravanning nomads plenty of spare time. One of the best uses of those memory-making hours is fishing or boating, where getting safely on the water opens endless avenues for exploration. When we visited King Ash Bay in the western corner of the Gulf of Carpentaria last year, I was surprised by the different ways that dedicated fisherfolk travelled with a boat. The sprawling fishing club is home to members for months at a time every year, and they need a boat to get among the big barramundi in the McArthur River or the tropical species out in the Gulf. While it's true you can fish from the shore, the site of monster crocodiles patrolling their territory is enough to make you reconsider and retreat to the…

Proudly Australian owned and operated, Titanium Caravans is a Victorianbased company that has become one of the leading names in the Australian caravanning industry, known for its range of premium offroad caravans and hybrids. The brand is dedicated to delivering the perfect balance between rugged capability and thoughtful functionality, and every van is designed to handle Australia's harshest terrains while also offering the creature comforts that modern caravanners expect when heading off-grid. TITANIUM'S JOURNEY Titanium Caravans has been crafting premium offroad caravans since 2012. What began as a small family-owned business has now grown into one of Australia's leading offroad caravan brands. Founded by father and son duo, Joe and Jason Grech, Titanium has continuously evolved its products to meet the ever-changing requirements of Aussie offroad adventurers. The brand shifted…

Kalumburu, located in the remote Kimberley region, is an Aboriginal community with around 400 residents from the Wunambal and Kwini language groups. It is the most northerly settlement in Western Australia. Due to seasonal conditions in the tropical savanna, it is only accessible by road during the dry season, so the best time to travel is between May and October. Founded as a Christian mission in 1908 by Benedictine monks 30km away at Pago on Mission Bay and known as the Drysdale River Mission, the community moved to its present location in 1937, closer to a more secure water supply at Kalumburu Pool on the King Edward River. Access was by sea or air until 1954, when a road was built connecting to Kununurra, 550km away. An air and radar…

Set in Queensland's beautiful Amamoor Creek State Forest, just an hour's drive from the Sunshine Coast, the Gympie Music Muster is the ultimate festival experience. Combining a diverse range of country, blues and roots, folk and rock music with a relaxed, family-friendly camping atmosphere, it's the perfect getaway for music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you enjoy camping under the stars, dancing to your favourite artists or taking part in the many activities on offer, the Gympie Music Muster has something for everyone. The four-day festival will be taking place during 28–31 August 2025, and more than 140 of Australia's best musicians and emerging talent will be performing across the Muster's nine venues. But if four days aren't enough, then you can extend the Muster experience with free camping…

“‘We build them for life and most people keep them for life’ is his motto” Many would say that it's a brave caravan manufacturer who would restart an old brand name during tough economic times for the sector. But Terry Ryan, founder and owner of Melbourne-based Bushmaster Offroad Caravans, is as tough as the vans he builds and doesn't shy away from a challenge. Terry is from salt-of-the-earth fourth generation Australian stock and has been building his renowned offroad vans from his factory in Melbourne's caravan-building mecca – Campbellfield – for 20 years. He is the epitome of a hands-on bloke. All enquiries for Bushmaster vans go to his mobile phone and he answers every call. He road tests all his vans in the hills around his home north of…

Surrounded by gently rolling hills and expansive skies, Bathurst is brimming with history, adventure and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in scenic drives, sampling local products and produce, history or you want to tick off a V8-worthy bucket list item, Bathurst has something for everyone. So, let's explore this charming inland New South Wales town and discover why it should be on your travel radar for your next caravanning adventure. A RICH HISTORY Australia is home to many charming towns, each with their own unique history and heritage. But only Bathurst has the claim to fame of being the oldest inland settlement west of the Blue Mountains. Founded in 1815, Bathurst and the surrounding area was originally used for grazing and pastoral land. However, this small settlement was transformed in…

NSW Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail 12-13 April 2025 Held over the first weekend of the school holidays, this event is a celebration of the skills and trades that built this region of NSW and the artisans who continue to keep the crafts alive. Tickets are a must, and children under 16 can enter for free with a paying adult: bathurstregion.com.au/bathurst-heritagetrades-trail Tenterfield Autumn Festival 18-21 April 2025 Enjoy four fun-filled days in the New England High Country this Easter. Soak up the town's beautiful history and stunning autumn colours and enjoy the wide range of activities on offer. Find out more online: tenterfieldautumnfestival.com.au Narooma Oyster Festival – Rock Oyster Week 26 April – 2 May 2025 Start celebrating the Narooma Oyster Festival (2–4 May) early with the fantastic Rock Oyster Week.…

Tare mass, kerb mass, GCM, GVM, GTM, BTC, ATM … If you're bamboozled by all the terminology and acronyms associated with caravans and towing, you're not alone. Safe Caravan Towing – The Manual is a comprehensive guide to towing large caravans, trailers and horse floats in Australia written by the founder of the Truck Friendly program, Ken Wilson. Two years in the making and officially launched in August last year, the manual provides safe and legal towing information based on Ken's many years of research with his popular caravan road safety program website and Facebook page. Ken and his wife Jenny took a gamble with the book which they financed and self-published, with editing assistance from Morris Publishing Australia. Bundaberg Regional Council assisted with the launch and the front and…

Dometic has launched a range of portable chest fridge-freezers with improved insulation for better temperature retention, a more compact size and lower power consumption. The CFX5 series uses vacuum insulated panels, similar to those in modern drink containers. Most electric coolers use foam insulation, which is bulkier and less efficient. This vacuum insulation effectively minimises heat transfer and is available in seven new models, ranging from 25L to 95L, some of which feature dual-zone capabilities or an ice maker. The CFX5 series combines the innovative insulation with a new variable-speed VSMO 3.5 compressor for temperatures as low as -22C. Dometic claims the compressor is 5db quieter than its previous version. The new fridges come equipped with a highdefinition, weather-proof display for settings and Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity that allows for…

Last month Kokoda Caravans launched the Counterstrike Vincere, an ultra-luxury family van which owner Trevor Price describes as the “most self-sufficient caravan ever built anywhere in the world.” The unveiling took place at Kokoda's Campbellfield headquarters in Melbourne at a launch event for industry media, suppliers, staff, customers, family and friends. Built for Trevor and his family, the 23ft, triple bunk Counterstrike Vincere is a fully equipped, gasless, luxury off-grid van which has an ATM of 4490kg, unlimited power with 7.3kW of solar backed up by an 8kW generator, a toilet that incinerates waste and a system which makes drinking water from the humidity in the air. Trevor said the van sets a new benchmark for offroad, off-grid luxury caravanning. “We built the Kokoda Counterstrike Vincere to redefine what luxury…

Windsor RV has launched its redesigned and reimagined Windsor Rapid, one of the most iconic and beloved models in the brand's history. The new design proudly maintains a link to the brand's heritage but takes it up a notch as a more adventurous and offroad capable machine. The new Windsor Rapid is available in three configurations: • Rapid 13: 13ft (3.9m) model with comfortable accommodation for two with a king-size bed. • Rapid 15D: 15ft (4.6m) model providing expanded living space for two or three people, including an internal kitchen, dinette and king-size bed. • Rapid 15B: A 15ft family model, with kingsize bed and bunks providing sleeping for four people. All models come with a moulded one-piece ensuite that contains an internal shower and Dometic cassette toilet. RUGGED EXTERIOR…

Single-axle caravans are currently rising in popularity. There are a few possible reasons; there's a weight saving element in having one axle, only two tyres to worry about and for offroad travellers, the vans are a bit more manoeuvrable. La Vista Caravans, a Melbourne-based manufacturer, produces a range of caravans, for both on and offroad travel. The lineup includes several single-axle caravans, one being the imaginatively named Quokka RD18.6, a semi-offroad tourer with a body length of 5.69m (18ft 8in). A rear door entry van, it has an ATM of 2700kg and a tare mass of 2250kg, so the payload at 450kg is quite reasonable. For towing, any number of dual cab utes would be more than suitable for a van like this. I mention that because towing heavy vans…

STESSL'S LEGACY IN BOATING Founded in 1975 by Alf Stessl, Stessl Boats is a tried-and-true name in Australia's boating industry. Over the past 50 years it has gained a long-standing reputation for producing premium quality aluminium boats that are specifically designed for Australia's diverse and challenging waterways. The company has been a leader in aluminium boat designs, and some of its standout innovations can be seen in models such as the Edgetracker V-nose Punt and PlatetriX2 series of heavy-duty plate alloy boats. Operating from a purpose-built facility in Coomera on the Gold Coast, Qld, Stessl Boats continues to uphold its tradition of quality and innovation, offering a broad range of boats to suit all kinds of maritime activities, whether that's a leisurely cruise on the water or serious fishing expeditions.…

Wander along streets of beautifully restored historic buildings, lined with a kaleidoscope of vibrant autumn foliage and boutiques full of inspiring treasures. Take an extended road trip through the region, savouring the fresh, local flavours at the many wineries, distilleries and breweries. Visit world heritage listed national parks and gaze in awe at the region's natural wonders. Sit back and enjoy a meal at one of the area's renowned restaurants, country pubs or quaint cafes. Enjoy the community spirit at the monthly markets, where you can pick up some locally grown produce, or add one of the many festivals to your road trip itinerary. Whether you're a family, couple, grey nomads or outdoor adventurers, there's something for everyone in NSW's stunning New England High Country (NEHC), and it has special…

“I recommend calling in at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre at North Cooma, before exploring the mountains” The car convoy snaked its way down the precipitous, rough road to the gaping mouth of the underground power station. In September 1960, my family with a 10-year-old me, had joined a Snowy Mountains Scheme car convoy, guided by an official head vehicle, to inspect the construction sites of some of the most spectacular features of the hydroelectric scheme. Long hours in the V8 Ford Customline revealed engineering marvels that I have been in awe of ever since. We even experienced Snowy life first-hand with lunches at remote construction camps such as Cabramurra, Australia's highest town. I have returned often since those early days to bushwalk, camp, cross-country ski and of course to…

While Toyota might have been the brand that moved the most metal in 2024, Ford's Ranger closed out the year as the country's topselling nameplate, easily beating other popular tow rigs like the HiLux, Prado and MU-X by a thick margin. And when it comes variants, the Wildtrak grade is one of, if not the most, popular within the Ranger family (although Ford itself won't confirm). So, the statistics say that a bunch of you either already hold the keys to a Ranger Wildtrak or are thinking about adding one to your fleet soon – but how does it perform when towing? To give Ford a decent challenge we hooked up one of the biggest caravans we could get our hands on to a four-cylinder Wildtrak, and this is how…

Our decision to travel around Australia was an easy one. In fact, so easy we made it on a whim as we were driving back from a family road trip. We had spent five magical weeks living in our house on wheels, creating memories as a family of four and experiencing life off the beaten track. Now that it was coming to an end, the mood in the car was undeniably flat. That was when my husband and I looked at each other and asked: “Why not just keep going? Why does the adventure have to end now?” At that very moment we decided to dust off our long-term dream and take off on a half lap of Australia. It was as if all the road signs we passed that…

When we hear the words ‘wheel alignment’ we tend to think of our tow vehicle, but alignment is important for caravans too. In simple terms, we want our caravan wheels to point where they should while the van is towed along by the car. Misaligned wheels cause uneven/premature tyre wear and can compromise the handling of the rig. Wheels can become misaligned due to general wear and tear and often through being subjected to significant knocks such as hitting large potholes at speed. The RV Repair Centre shows us how to perform a few basic (approximate) DIY checks on a single, solid beam axle caravan. We do not attempt to perform a wheel alignment. Each check involves taking measurements and part of the expertise is interpreting these numbers. For each…

When GME suggested we try carrying one of its personal locator beacons (PLBs), it couldn't have come at a more appropriate time. We took it with us on a camping and fishing trip into the Snowy Mountains in NSW where, at the same time and not far away, a hiker had been missing for nearly two weeks. Happily, he was found and is doing well after his ordeal. The MT610G is an Australian-made digital radio transmitter that, when activated in an emergency, sends an internationally recognised distress signal to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's (AMSA) constantly monitored satellite system. Each PLB has an individual identifying code that authorities record when it is registered. The signal gives rescue workers the exact location of the device and any phone contact information of…