Big crowds at Sydney Supershow

Despite persistent rain that drove spectators towards the numerous undercover display stands, crowd numbers appeared strong during the opening week-end of the 2011 NSW Caravan, Camping, RV and Holiday Supershow, which kicked off on Saturday, April 30.

In fact, on the Sunday when the sun finally broke through after days of Sydney rain, the main thoroughfares on the four-level JR Fleming stand resembled the frantic throng of a Myer Boxing Day sale.

Spectators were spoilt for choice when it came to perusing the latest RV accessories, with just about every item imaginable from camp chairs and batteries to awnings and thermal cookers, on display and available for sale.

A huge selection of the latest outdoor ‘accommodation’ options, from tents to pod trailers, camper trailers, caravans, fifth-wheelers and motorhomes, also helped keep the chequebooks out, with some manufacturers and dealers using the opportunity to reveal new or updated models.

Stockman Products, which manufactures the innovative pod campers, unveiled its latest Pod Kwik-Kamp, a compact camper trailer which boasts an impressive 60-second set-up time. Available in on- and off-road versions and priced from $6425, the Kwik-Kamp’s plastic lid flips up to reveal an extra long double bed with canvas sides and fly for protection from the elements.

Options available on the Kwik-Kamp include a slide-out kitchen, toolbox, roof racks, 65 litre water tank and LED lights.

Show-goers also got their first look at Adria’s new entry level 390DS caravan. The compact, up to four-berth model boasts lounge and dinette areas, kitchen, and shower/toilet in a lightweight, 1100kg ATM package. Tow-away price at the show was $30,790.

Also making its public debut was the new caravan range from Talvor, the retail arm of Apollo Motorhome rentals. On display was the 5.5m CVN550B van, featuring a sleek fibreglass exterior and complemtary glossy white/pale veneer interior with full LED lighting and iPod docking station.

Priced from $59,990, the CVN550B featured all the mod cons including queen island bed, kitchen with Dometic 150-litre fridge and water filtration, roof mounted reverse cycle air-con, and two deep cycle batteries.

The Sydney show also provides a great opportunity to plan future holiday itineraries, with countless holiday park operators and tourism bodies providing the latest information on holiday hot spots.

The free daily seminars also proved popular, especially the presentation from Workabout Australia, which produces a publication and website notifying travellers of casual work opportunities around Australia. The seminar room on Sunday was packed with grey nomad types, keen to learn how to stretch their holiday dollars further.

The Sydney Supershow runs until this Sunday, May 8, from 10am-5pm daily (4pm on Sunday). See the show website for full details.