Australia's first dog-friendly caravan arrives

Fantasy Caravan is providing a twist on the toy hauler caravan segment, unveiling its latest 'Hound Hauler' 'van with dog-friendly layout at the 2026 Mornington Outdoor Living & Caravan Expo in Victoria.

Aimed primarily at single travellers who like to travel with a dog companion, the new Hound Hauler caravan is based on Fantasy's 15ft 6in on-road Nano composite model, and boasts a relatively lightweight 1550kg Tare and 2000kg ATM

Externally, the Hound Hauler edition adds a removable plastic ramp to allow easier entry for lap dogs or older dogs with arthritic joints, as well as unique 'paw print' decals.

Inside, there's a choice of three sizes for the internal 'kennel' and play pen, located at the front of the 'van opposite the combination shower/toilet.

The kennel area includes fencing and a swing-around door, rubber matting, internal vents, lead/toys storage bin, water/food bowl holders, lighting and fans, with surrounding overhead cupboards, benchtops and drawers for packaged food, grooming and other doggy items.

There's also a variety of living-area layouts to choose from, with the display 'van getting a single bed with portable stairwell (so your fur baby doesn't have to jump up to join you!).

The cafe dinette converts to another bed for a human companion, and there's also a kitchenette with large fridge/freezer, induction cooktop, and microwave, plus a TV, stereo, and rooftop air conditioner.

The single axle Nano Hound Hauler also comes standard with a 200Ah lithium battery with 400W rooftop solar and 2000W inverter, 70L fresh and 70L grey water tanks, and an outside shower with hot/cold tap so you can rinse off Scruffy after a beach run.

The Hound Hauler on display was priced at $59,990, which didn't include the Navigator dog accessories. You'll also pay extra for the Inflatafence outside enclosure from Big Sky Innovations, which costs around $1200-$1500 depending on the size.

Unfortunately, there was a lack of four-legged sniffers at the show to 'test drive' the new layout, thanks to the no dog policy. However, Fantasy could be on to a winner, with research showing many caravanners are hesitant leaving their furry friend at home when they hit the road...

Meanwhile, Fantasy has also joined a growing number of importers taking on the big Aussie brands with a cut-price range of full-size touring caravans; displaying its latest 16ft couple and 22ft family Skyline models at the Mornington Racecourse.

The new single and tandem axle, hardtop composite models come jam-packed with features for an entry-level 'van, including a 200Ah lithium battery system, air-con, instant hot water, microwave, 157L fridge/freezer, 24in Smart TV, 190L fresh/95L grey water tanks, mini grille and roll-out awning.

Like most of the Aussie-caravan lookalikes from China now flooding the market, the new Fantasy Skyline models arrive priced to sell, with advertised show pricing from $56,990. Weight wise, the 16 footer was listed with a 1850kg Tare/2500kg ATM, and a 2260kg Tare/3000kg for the four-berth 22ft family 'van.

All up, there are eight different Fantasy Skyline layouts available, priced from $52,990 for a 14ft couple's model to $76,990 for the 22ft range-topper. After briefly flirting with an Aussie-built range of caravans, Fantasy is now sticking with a fully imported line-up for its MY26 range of caravans and hybrids.

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