Long-standing Jayco dealer celebrates mini milestone
Decades-old Coffs Harbour-based RV megastore cements community relationship with $4million renoIt's not just the head office of Australia's biggest caravan manufacturer that's celebrating a significant achievement in 2025.
One of the Melbourne RV giant's long-standing dealers, Jayco Coffs Harbour, is highlighting its own mini milestone after putting the finishing touches on a big $4 million renovation at its showroom and sales offices in the northern NSW coastal city.
The modern makeover has further consolidated the four complementary businesses -- Jayco Coffs Harbour, Camping World Coffs Harbour, Coffee at Wato’s and the Let’s Go Motorhome Hire agency -- now known collectively as Watsons Leisure Centre, as one of the largest, most customer-friendly 'one-stop' RV shops in the region.
However, the Jayco Coffs Harbour story began long before the site’s latest transformation. In 1977, Max and Faye Watson left wheat farming in the Mallee, Victoria, for a new business adventure with Faye’s parents, purchasing a caravan park in Grafton.
By 1981, the park was sold, and Max’s brother Ken had joined the family enterprise, replacing Faye’s parents as partners. This pivot sparked a new focus on caravan sales, first selling Windsor Caravans before acquiring an existing dealership and property in South Grafton.
In 1987, the Watsons expanded to Coffs Harbour, initially trading on High Street before relocating to a Pacific Highway site (now home to Bunnings).
In 1999, they purchased the first portion of what is now the Jayco Coffs Harbour site, located near McDonald’s. The business has grown significantly since then, now occupying the expanded site following decades of development.
From 1996 onwards, Max and Faye’s three sons, Kris, Jeremy and Adam, joined the business, helping fuel further growth. Then in 2010, Max and Faye officially stepped back from the day-to-day operations, handing the reins to Adam and Kris Watson, who today co-ordinate a team of 46 local staff at the site, which currently stocks 71 used and new RVs according to the website.
“Our family has been in the caravan industry for nearly 50 years, and we’ve seen the region and the business evolve alongside it,” said Adam Watson.
“This renovation is a way for us to invest back into our community and ensure we’re offering the best experience, range, and support to our customers.”
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