Crowds flock to RV shows

As those in the market for a new caravan, motorhome or RV accessory would know, shows are a time-efficient way to get up close to a wide range of RVs from a host of manufacturers, see a demonstration of the latest accessories and gadgets, and perhaps grab a bargain or ‘show special'.

And if the reported attendance figures from two recent Victorian shows are any guide, outdoor enthusiasts are flocking more than ever to the specialist shows around capital cities and major regional centres.

Despite a minor clash with the AFL Grand Final replay on the Saturday afternoon, the organisers of Leisurefest at Sandown Racecourse reported an excellent turnout at the Melbourne show, particularly on the Sunday.

Leisurefest chairman Ashley Farr said 33,500 people attended this year’s Leisurefest, an increase on last year’s 32,401. The event's success could be attributed to strong growth in the number of exhibitors.

"We expanded the display site by more than 4,000 square metres this year, just to accommodate all the exhibitors who wanted to be there – we had more than twice the total area of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre,” he said.

"One thing that’s consistent with previous years is that people come along to buy, and not just lower cost items but anything up to new tow vehicles, boats and vans – they really treat it as a great big showroom where they can find everything they are likely to want."

The National 4x4 & Outdoors Show, Fishing and Boating Expo at the Melbourne Showgrounds in early September also attracted plenty of punters through the gates, with Exhibition and Trade Fairs reporting that crowd numbers reached just over 34,300 throughout the show’s three day period and many exhibitors experienced a significant increase in sales.

If you missed out on either of these shows, or live in other states of Australia, don’t despair, as there are a number of RV shows due to be held around the country over the next few months. Caravancampingsales.com.au has compiled the following list of shows. If we’ve missed any, send us an email and we’ll update the list.


VICTORIA

RV & Camping Leisurefest
Bendigo Racecourse, Bendigo
November 19-21, 2010
9.30am-5pm Fri, 9.30am-4pm Sat-Sun
Website

Melbourne Caravan & Camping Show
Caulfield Racecourse, Caulfield
March 10-15, 2011
9.30am-6pm Tues-Sat,. 9.30am-5pm Sun
Website

NEW SOUTH WALES

South Coast Caravan, Camping and Holiday Expo
Mackay Park in Batemans Bay
November 5-7, 2010
Website

Albury Caravan Camping 4WD & Fish Show
Albury Showground, Albury
February 11- 13, 2011
Website

Newcastle Caravan, Camping and Holiday Expo
Newcastle Jockey Club, Broadmeadow
February 11-13, 2011
9am-5pm daily (closes 4pm Sun February 13)
Website

NSW Caravan, Camping, RV & Holiday Supershow
Rosehill Gardens, Event Centre (Rosehill Racecourse), Parramatta
April 30-May 8, 2011
10am-5pm daily (closes at 4pm Sun, May 8)
Website

Hunter Valley Caravan Camping 4WD & Fish Show
Maitland Showground, Maitland
May 27-29, 2011
Website

Illawarra Caravan Camping 4WD & Fish Show
Kembla Grange, Wollongong
March 4-6, 2011
Website

ACT

The Canberra Times Home, Leisure, Caravan, 4WD Camping Show
Exhibition Park, Canberra
October 22-24, 2010
10am-5pm daily
Website

QUEENSLAND

Pre Christmas Caravan & Camping Sale
RNA Showgrounds Bowen Hills, Brisbane   
October 22-24, 2010
Website

Gold Coast Caravan Camping 4WD & Fish Show
Parklands Showground Southport
March 18-20, 2011
Website

National 4x4 & Outdoors Show
RNA Showgrounds, Bowen Hills, Brisbane
April 8-10, 2011
Website

Queensland Caravan Camping & Touring Holiday Show
RNA Showgrounds, Bowen Hills, Brisbane
June 8-14, 2011.
Website

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

West Beach Leisurefest
Adelaide Shores Caravan Park, West Beach
Oct 16-17, 2010
9am-5pm daily.
Website

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Perth Caravan & Camping Show
Claremont Showground
March 17-21, 2011
9.30am-5.30 pm Thurs-Sun; 9.30am-3pm Mon.
Website


• Got some RV news or released a new product? Email chris.fincham@carsales.com.au