Table of contents for Issue 630 in Caravan World

Another year ticks over as summertime rolls into town with very unseasonably cold weather. As thousands of NSW and Victorian families battle rising flood waters, most of us are gearing up for the Christmas break when many of us pack the van to battle the crowds at our favourite campsite. In this issue, the team has some destinations with luxury touches if your usual spot is booked out or if the same old same old is wearing thin. Heather and I recently hooked up the van for the short hop over the Victorian border to Mallacoota for the Trakmaster Off Road Caravan Club's gathering. Around 150 Trakkies turned out to celebrate members who had hit their 70th and 80th birthday milestones. The birthday event is usually an annual celebration, but…

After a two-year hiatus, the caravan, camping and land lease living industry has met to celebrate, acknowledge and recognise its success with 14 businesses and individuals awarded for their outstanding product, service and achievements. Presented by the industry's peak bodies, the NSW Caravan and Camping Industry Association and the Land Lease Living Industry Association, businesses and individuals have been recognised for exceptional innovation and best practice. “It is an honour to award the hard work and dedication seen throughout our industry, and these businesses and individuals in particular, by recognising their excellence and contribution,” CCIA NSW President Mark Lindsay said. AWARD WINNERS CARAVAN & CAMPING PARKS AND TRADE The highly coveted NSW Holiday Park of the Year awards went to NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort (more than 100 sites) and…

SEND PICS TO WIN “We enjoyed Ceduna a lot, very nice town, we will be back. Our rig is a 22 ft offroad Millard Pinnacle, with a 100 Series LandCruiser Sahara. Both LC and Pinnacle are terrific. This Millard is our third, they have all been what we expected from Millard.” “The peacefulness of Lara Station Wetlands near Barcaidine, QLD, was a welcoming slight. Canoeing the calm tranquil lake, listening to abundant bird life, also experiencing the refreshing warm dip in the natural Artesian pool.” Sally and Merv Montgomery with their trusty Isuzu MUX and 2019 La Vista El Toro 1 took this pic on their way back to home in the Swan Valley in Perth after a four-week tour of the north west of WA. “We stopped off at…

A MILLION-DOLLAR OUTLOOK FEATURE TASMANIA CRADLE MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY AND CARAVAN PARK Located in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, this holiday park is right on the edge of world-heritage listed Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park. From lush rainforests and deep river gorges to snow-covered mountain peaks, the landscape is truly breathtaking. The famous Overland Track, covering 161,000 hectares, also starts right there, making it the perfect jumping off point for all kinds of adventures. Address: 3845 Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain STANLEY CABIN AND TOURIST PARK You'll enjoy fabulous views right up the beach at this beautiful park, located in the quiet fishing village of Stanley. Here, you can listen to the waves lapping the shore, watch the seabirds overhead and admire the local wildlife from…

CARAVAN MATTRESSES FEATURE “Early mattresses contained horsehair, straw or even feathers” Peak caravanning season is upon us, which means droves of holidaymakers will soon be hitting the road in their homes on wheels. While venturing to faraway places can bring fun, relaxation and a much-needed change in perspective, long days of driving and sightseeing can take their toll. After a busy day, or even after a day of pure relaxation, there's nothing better than collapsing into a warm, comfortable bed. Unfortunately, caravan mattresses are not synonymous with comfort. Jump on any caravan internet forum and you'll find a wide variety of complaints. Mattresses are too soft, too hard, too thin, too lumpy, not compliant with standard linen sizes … the list goes on. When you're spending anything from $40,000 to…

COBBOLD GORGE, QLD TRAVEL In 1992, a young grazier named Simon Terry and a couple of mates set off to explore Cobbold Creek in a remote corner of his ‘Howlong’ cattle station in Queensland's Gulf Savannah region. Simon had spent many a day in the saddle ranging across the property mustering cattle and he knew that the deep spring-fed waterhole at the mouth of the creek was a great spot for picnics and swimming. He had been there many times but had never ventured upstream beyond the natural barrier of the pool's deep water bounded by sheer rock walls. For this particular excursion, however, Simon and his friends had brought a tinny with an outboard so they could explore the gorge upstream of the waterhole. What they discovered was beyond…

XO Tech is ARK's next generation of the XO Series range tailored to 12V electrical systems for the camper, caravan, 4x4 and canopy fit outs. The award-winning XO Tech Power Distribution Hub (PDH) is the latest innovation by ARK which allows the control of on-board devices, monitoring of usage, battery protection, a range of outputs along with Bluetooth connectivity for remote control and monitoring from your smartphone. The XO Tech PDH is an all-in-one power management system that distributes power through a full suite of outputs. No more bulky control boxes, rocker switches or even fuse boxes! The PDH is completely equipped with all these features and more in an innovative, compact, lightweight, and easy to install system giving full control and monitoring of the 12V electricals in the recreational…

“Don't be like me and mention the distance disparity to the publican at the Gateway Hotel” Not many travellers question it, but Kimba residents claim to live halfway across Australia on the drive between Sydney and Perth. Let's agree it's as close to the middle as any significant town apart from Ceduna, but it sounds like Kimba got the jump on the seaside port and good luck to them. Local businesses stake their claim to geographic centrality with significant signs and a giant galah outside the Halfway Across Australia Gem Shop and Cafe, where tourists pose and post their transcontinental progress online. The internet is strong here, and that's a welcome difference after or before the long run across the Nullarbor. That galah is over eight metres tall, and a…

TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS Salt, pepper and garlic powder 3 tbsp olive oil 4 salmon fillets 1/4 cup water 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp mirin 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp cornstarch Sesame seeds and spring onions for topping METHOD Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Heat a skillet to medium-high heat then coat the surface with olive oil. Sear each side of the salmon fillet for 3-5 minutes. Don't overcook. It should flake easily and be slightly firm to the touch. Set the salmon aside to rest. Combine the water, soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Bring sauce to the boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. The cornstarch will thicken the sauce quickly after 2-3…

OUR LAP YEAR COLUMNS Years seem to go by fast when you have children and before you know it, they are all grown up. So, we decided to take a lap year to be with our children and create memories rather than pay our mortgage sooner. You often hear about people you know passing before retirement and not having the chance to travel and fulfil their dreams. Life is unpredictable and tomorrow is not promised, so there's a good argument for making the most of travelling while you're young and able. Our family members supported our travels, saying they too wished they had travelled more when they were younger. It was only a short time into our trip that I realised it was the best decision for us. Our travels…

SEASONFORT has been recognised internationally by Good Design Australia for the design of its lightweight and breathable, machine washable, wind resistant, fireretardant sleeping bag. It won a Green Award, which is the eighth international product design award for CEO and ThermalTrex® designer, Tony Clark. Mr Clark said he wanted to create a multifunctional, high-quality sleeping bag for all kinds of people. That's why he designed ThermalTrex® - a fire retardant polar fleece - and used it to create Australia's first permanently fireretardant sleeping bag without any chemical treatments. “When was the last time anyone actually checked the fire safety of their sleeping bags? Chances are, nobody has ever given it a moment's thought - but they should urgently. In case of fire - choosing the right equipment in an outdoor…

ARK Corporation, a leading international brand in the trailer touring sector, was recognised with a Global Media Award at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas for its new XO-Tech Power Distribution Hub. “Vehicle customisation and personalisation has been growing worldwide,” said Linda Spencer, SEMA director of international and government relations. The GMA program taps top international media experts to weigh in on which new products are likely to succeed in their home markets. The global automotive specialty-equipment market is made up of enthusiasts who are passionate about the hobby. This year's program included 23 judges from seven countries. Each judge carefully reviewed and evaluated 3,000 product entries at the SEMA Show before selecting the products that they felt would resonate and appeal most to consumers in their home countries. Unveiled…

RACV has urged Victorian motorists to exercise caution on the road following heavy rain and flooding across the state. Heavy rain has contributed to flooding on metro and regional roads, as well as causing potholes, presenting hazards for car drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists. Silvia Morris, Senior Instructor for RACV Drive School, said the dangers of potholes should not be underestimated. “Large potholes have the potential to cause severe damage to your tyres, wheels, suspension, exhaust and/or vehicle body, and in some cases can even lead to drivers losing control of their vehicle,” Ms Morris said. “Even small ones can cause wear and tear to your vehicle's suspension and steering which can be costly. When you do encounter a pothole, avoid sudden breaking and dangerous swerving into oncoming traffic. Keep a…

REGULARS NEWS The Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) ‘Caravan & Camping Safety Campaign’ calls for Aussies thinking of caravanning or camping over the summer to take personal responsibility for their safety and others. With more than 840,000 registered RVs in Australia and camping holidays enjoying increased popularity, there will be a record number of Australians planning their trips for the summer holidays. In the coming months, approx. 14 million nights and four million camping trips or more are expected to be taken across Australia. “Caravan and camping is a great activity enjoyed by many millions of Australians and in particular over the summer break,” said CIAA CEO Stuart Lamont. “Importantly we want to see all those who go caravan and camping over the upcoming holidays, not only have a…

VICTORIA King Valley Known as Australia's home of Italian wine styles, the King Valley is one of Victoria's great wine regions and has one of the greatest concentrations of varieties of any wine region in Australia. It is renowned for its Italian varieties - prosecco and sangiovese - which reflect the region's cultural heritage, but the King Valley's location along the King River at the foothills of the Alpine National Park also results in some premium cool climate wines. There are numerous wineries along the valley all with their own distinct offerings from boutique accommodation, restaurants, cafes and trattorias, and winery tours. A number of Prosecco Road experiences are becoming very popular such as Pedal to Prosecco (this is great cycling country), a Prosecco Picnic or Yoga in the Vines.…

ROBE TO ARARAT TRAVEL “One of South Australia's oldest towns, Robe is also the starting point for one of the most remarkable yet little-known treks in Australian history” Sprawling along the blue waters of Guichen Bay, Robe, 355km east of Adelaide, was once South Australia's second-largest port. Home to around 1500 lucky permanent residents, the town's population swells with visitors during holiday periods, but offseason, this charming town is laidback and peaceful, and an ideal place to kickstart any journey. One of South Australia's oldest towns, Robe is also the starting point for one of the most remarkable yet little-known treks in Australian history. In the late 1850s and early 1860s, more than 16,000 people left their homes in China and landed in Guichen Bay. They then walked hundreds of…

JAYCO SILVERLINE RANGE FEATURE In the entire range of Jayco's caravan and camper trailers, the Silverline models are quite the exclusive item. One of the obvious reasons is that all the Silverline models have a slide-out, resulting in very spacious layouts. Another is the stylish interior design that includes leather seating, a look that positively encourages the desire to sit down and relax. There are just four models in the Silverline stable, each with a different layout - the 21ft-3, the 21ft-4, the 24ft-2 and the 24ft-4. The shorter two models have an external length of 6.76m (22ft 2in) and longer models at 7.52m (24ft 8in). All are available as Touring or Outback models. 21FT CLUB LOUNGE LAYOUT There's absolutely no doubt that a slide-out adds considerably to interior space.…

COMPANY PROFILE: K0K0DA CARAVANS FEATURE Founded in 2011, Kokoda Caravans has been under the proud ownership of the Price family since 2019. Under the guidance of this adventurous Aussie family, Kokoda is focused on building quality offroad caravans that come with a wide selection of standard features to ensure that these vans are ready to hit the roads as a base model. STANDING OUT FOR GOOD REASON Since the new ownership, Kokoda has experienced an exciting amount of growth and continues to strengthen its place in the industry with a “vision to cultivate a culture of like-minded staff who don't just work in the industry but who have a passion for it,” Summer explains. “We live and breathe caravans, adventure and making memories.” It is the people behind this brand…

Madura Tea is a 100 per cent Australian owned and family operated business located in northern New South Wales. Since planting Madura's first tea plant in 1978, the family's mission has always been to create award-winning teas driven by innovation and creativity, focusing on environmental responsibility. Madura Tea's Christmas Hamper is a great gift idea for people who love drinking tea, with three Christmas Hampers to choose from Black (image shown), Green and Organic. Enter or quote code MTE25122022 to receive a 5% discount. Visit Madura Tea's website for great Christmas recipes, or like the company on Instagram to go in the draw to win a Christmas Tea Hamper. The competition is valid from 1 December -12 December 2022. Terms and conditions apply. RRP: $47.20 (Black) W: www.maduratea.com.au P: 02…

WONDERLAND LUXURY FEATURE In the classic book Emma, Jane Austen wrote, “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort”. While some quality doona and Netflix time can be valuable, caravanners in 2022 know that travelling does not require forfeiting the luxuries of life. It is possible to take on adventure and explore the corners of the country in style and comfort. However, luxury is subjective, and everyone's needs differ. THE TEAM No one knows this more than the team at Wonderland RV. In 2014, owners Val and Ana, and their husbands, Kevin and Robert, pooled their skills and experience in industrial design and the caravan industry to create a company that is truly committed to providing a range of designs and solutions to match the diversity of Australian…

TOTAL TIME: 10 minutes SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 500g shelled prawns 1/4 cup olive oil 4 cloves garlic 1 cup basil leaves, torn Grated rind of 1 lemon and 2 tsp juice METHOD Devein the prawns. Heat the oil in a skillet and add garlic whole. Cook for about 2 minutes so oil is scented with the garlic. Discard the garlic. Add the prawns and cook over a high heat until just cooked through. Add the basil leaves and grated lemon rind. Season with salt and pepper and serve with juices from the pan, some lemon juice, and pide on the side to mop up the juices.…

DIY BREAKAWAY SAFETY TECHNICAL When you put your foot on the brake in your car in normal operation, an electrical signal is sent to the van brakes turning them on. Similarly, the breakaway device also sends an electrical signal to turn the van brakes on. The signal is activated when the breakaway switch is deployed. It's a very simple idea that is a bit like a hand grenade. Sitting on your A-frame is a little switch box that has a pin in it. When the pin is pushed in, the switch is in the off position. If the pin is pulled out, the switch is turned on, causing the brakes to activate. The pin is attached to your car with a wire cord. If the van detaches from the car,…

One of the biggest weeks in the recent history of the outback community of Toompine was celebrated last month with a soft launch of Toompine's South Western Hotel (circa 1893) and the announcement of a grant to allow for a life changing supply of water to the region. Known as the pub with no town, the beer taps flowed at the iconic Toompine Hotel when the doors opened for 2022 Melbourne Cup celebrations and yabby races. In the New Year water will flow freely from taps in the outback community for the first time in decades. A once bustling frontier opal town and Cobb & Co staging post, all that remains in Toompine is the South Western Hotel which has been bought back to its former glory following a major…

The Caravan Industry Association of Australia's (CIAA) Future Fuels and EV paper has been submitted for discussion to the National Electric Vehicle Strategy consultation. The paper outlines the industry's economic value and how it is ideally situated to help facilitate a smooth transition into a low-emissions state for the entire nation while preserving Australia's regional tourism network. It also highlights the opportunity to fast-track and propel the modernisation of Australia's last sovereign vehicle manufacturing sector. To read the full paper visit the CIAA website www.caravanindustry.com.au…

WONDERLAND RV HORNET 2211F-D4 TESTED IN BRIEF I have reviewed a number of large and big-ticket family vans lately, but the Wonderland RV Hornet is next level for two main reasons. First, it has two sets of dedicated double bunks, making it a very spacious six-berth van. Sure, there are plenty of other six-berth vans, but most involve some kind of opening up, sliding out or rearranging seating each night to make up at least one of those beds. Or you have a couple of kids sharing a large bed to make up the six sleeping spots. And second, to accommodate all these people the Hornet has a big payload just shy of one tonne, which means you will be towing it with one of the muscle cars…

Getting there Robe is 335km south-east of Adelaide on the Southern Ports Highway. Or drive from Melbourne and make it an extension of a trip along Victoria's Great Ocean Road and cross the border at Mount Gambier. Stay Robe Holiday Park has powered sites from $35 per night for two people. Quiet, shady, five minutes from town centre and five minutes to Long Beach, https://robeholidaypark.com.au Sea Vu Caravan Park has powered sites from $38 per night. Direct access to sandy beaches, waterfront sites, kiosk, camp kitchen, playground, www.seavucaravanpark.com.au Also along the beach, Discovery Parks - Robe has powered ensuite sites from $35. powered sites from $32. Kids’ activity room, playground, indoor heated pool, www.discoveryholidayparks.com. au Robe's Lakeside Tourist Park has powered sites from $35 per night. On the sheltered shores…

SPONSORED: PHILLIP ISLAND LUXURY TRAVEL PHILLIP ISLAND The Macquarie Dictionary describes luxury as “anything conducive to sumptuous living” and “any form or means of enjoyment”. Based on that definition, popular Phillip Island just 1.5 hours from Melbourne, Victoria, punches way above its weight with hundreds of amazing luxury experiences packed into this tiny coastal sanctuary. Renowned internationally for its nightly beach parade of Little Penguins, there is so much to do on Phillip Island from its family friendly beaches and stunning coastline, unique wildlife experiences, food and wine and, of course, world class sporting events. There is an adventure awaiting everyone. Things to do Sunset Cruise Wildlife Coast Cruises Experience Phillip Island from the water aboard a Wildlife Coast Cruise. With several spectacular cruises around Phillip Island, you can discover…

Planning a holiday can sometimes feel like being both the kid and the parent in the toy shop. There is so much on offer that promises an exciting and luxurious experience, but the holiday fund will only stretch so far. But before you turn around and decide not to treat yourself, it is important to remember that there are many ways to achieve a luxurious getaway - and perhaps browsing a little longer will uncover an unexpected gem that won't cost you an arm or a leg. Australia has a list of luxurious destinations as long as its coastline that are well worth a visit, but to help you out, we have collated a list of unique options from across the country that each offer a unique take on luxury.…

Just launched, these beautifully packaged wines will also make packing for the next trip a breeze! A great gift for the adventurous wine lover who is always on the move. Off Track Wines are made specifically the outdoors. The folks behind Off Track Wines love nothing better than packing up the camper and heading into the outback. And so, Off Track Wines was created to solve the pesky problems associated with taking wine bottles on a travelling adventure. There are five different wines to choose from, each capturing the essence of a spectacular remote landscape. All you have to decide is which place calls to you the most - the Outback (sparkling red), the River (sparkling white), the Desert (white wine), the Ocean (rosé wine) or the Mountain (red wine).…

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS REGULARS NSW / ACT Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights 4 November 2022 - 26 January 2023 This family-friendly event is back and it's better than ever. Boasting amazing Christmas displays, children's entertainment and thrilling rides, this festival also features music and has a variety of food options. Visit www.huntervalleygardens.com.au/events/ christmas-lights-spectacular for more information. Parkes Elvis Festival 4-8 January 2023 Join other Elvis fans in the biggest tribute to the King in the southern hemisphere. This event includes concerts, markets, parades and contests, all centred on the great man from Graceland. More information is available at www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au NT Christmas Wonderland All Abilities Evening 76 December 2022 Head to Goyder Square in Palmerston to celebrate Christmas in an easily accessible and sensory-sensitive environment. Extra disabled parking is available, and…

TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 2 eggs 75g caster sugar 200g plain flour 150ml milk 75g butter, plus 1 tbsp for frying 50g raisins 50g mixed peel 1 tsp mixed spice 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp baking powder A pinch of salt 1 tsp vanilla extract/paste Zest of 1 orange 400ml ready-made custard 4 tbsp brandy METHOD Melt the butter in a saucepan. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar. Stir through the flour and fruit mixture, then fold in the melted butter and milk. Melt the tablespoon of butter in a frying pan or skillet. Wipe out the frying pan and pour in the brandy. When the butter is foaming hot, dollop tablespoons of the mixture into the frying pan and cook for 3…

Oztent has been a leader in quality camping products for 30 years and built its reputation on the 30-second tent design, sturdy camp chairs and picnic tables. It has recently expanded its camp-friendly range with a set of handy storage pods that may well have had the caravanning fraternity front-of-mind when they were conceived. The pods are ideal storage options constructed with the quality materials and attention to detail we have come to expect from Oztent. The pods are made from black 410gsm canvas with a PVC inner lining and an open cell foam inner padding. The lids are clear PVC for quick identification and a zipper for easy packing. Inside is a divider with a velcro attachment for versatile storage options. An external sleeve takes an identification card when…

Northern Rivers-based company,The KIND Coffee Co, has launched ready-to-drink cold brew coffee in a can, featuring an organic and vegan option. The brand new range will debut 250ml recyclable cans in three delicious flavours: Mocha Latte, Creamy Milk Latte, and a Double Espresso this month. Boutique coffee maker founders, Trevor Lynn and Jules Gardner, established The KIND Coffee Co with a desire to provide a reliable and sustainable product for serious coffee lovers. Ditching their corporate lifestyles, they took the plunge and relocated to the idyllic Northern Rivers to foster their dream. The purpose-built coffee brewing facility, based in Murwillumbah, is dedicated and designed to provide largescale and unrivalled quality to the production of their cold brew coffee, from start to finish - all from one location. After months of…