Blasts from the past head to popular Geelong show

The first big caravan show of 2026 is set to deliver an eclectic mix of the fresh and the familiar, as more than 80 different RV brands head to this month's Geelong Outdoor Living Caravan Expo, which runs from January 16-18 at the Geelong Showgrounds.

The organiser is boasting the "biggest line-up yet" in the 12 year history of the Victorian regional show, and among the fresh new models on display will be a retro-style Prattline RV 'low tow' caravan -- a modern take on the original Prattline 'vans sold locally from around the 1970s through to the '90s.

Its party trick was an hydraulic system for raising and lowering the upper hard-body section, in a telescopic design similar to modern-day Aussie-built models like the Eco Cruiser and Kimberley Karavan, not to mention the latest Hitch Madigan hybrid.

Check out this video of a 1991 example, for a demo of how the top section went up and down on the original South Australian built 'vans...

According to the Prattline RV website, the latest 6.9m long, single-axle Prattline pop-top boasts an aerodynamic 2109mm travel height and 2820mm roof height when raised for camping, along with a 2100kg Tare weight and 2600kg ATM.

The modern version is built with a galvanised chassis and vacuum-bonded frame using GRP, together with a one-piece roof and honeycomb floor.

The 2026 Prattline comes equipped for all-terrain travel with an off-road ball coupling and independent coil suspension, 80L fresh and 80L grey water tanks, and a 600Ah lithium battery set-up with 600W rooftop solar and a 2000W inverter.

There's outside cooking on an external kitchen while inside it gets a two-berth layout with big double bed, dinette/lounge and full ensuite, with a rooftop air-conditioner, induction cooktop, compressor fridge, stereo and TV among the list of appliances fitted.

Based in the Melbourne suburb of Ferntree Gully, Prattline RV is also offering a lightweight UK caravan style model in 15ft and 18ft body lengths, as part of its new imported range.

Also on display for the first time in Geelong will be the latest Gen 3 Sherpa hard-body pod camper from BRS OffRoad.

The hardcore, compact BRS Sherpa and larger BRS Pursuit hybrid were originally built in NSW before founder Ben Souter moved production to the USA where the two models are sold via North American dealers.

Now back in Australia, the Gen 3 Sherpa is being distributed locally by Victoria-based Silverback Campers, and includes a number of updates from the original model including fresh body styling, improved storage, new fibreglass front and rear, hot water shower tent and heavy-duty batwing awning, and upgraded climate control for the cosy interior including diesel heating and air conditioning.

Also set to turn heads at the Geelong show is the latest tiny home-inspired caravans from Waygo RV.

The Melbourne based business offers a number of interesting 'fold-out' trailerable models including the 17ft Flinders 'van with its dual slide-outs that delivers a breezy studio style layout.

Related: 2026 Australian RV Show Calendar

The 2026 Geelong Outdoor Living Caravan Expo will also feature many of the big name brands including Jayco, Concept, New Age, JB and Avan/Golf, while dedicated motorhome brands exhibiting include Frontline, Horizon, and Interstate.

Other attractions over the three days include live music, food trucks, kids' activities and education sessions, and there's plenty of public parking available for a gold coin donation at the dog-friendly event.

When: Friday, January 16 – Sunday, January 18, 2026. 9am-4pm
Where: Geelong Showgrounds, 79 Breakwater Road, East Geelong, Victoria
Entry: From $15 adult, $12 concession. Children 15 and under free.
Website: Geelong Outdoor Living Caravan Expo