Leisurefest targets outdoorsy types

Victorian caravanning, camping, boating and four-wheel drive enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice at this year’s two Leisurefest shows, held in consecutive months in Melbourne and Bendigo.

First off the rank is the 5th annual Melbourne Leisurefest, which will be held at Sandown Racecourse from Thursday, October 4 to Sunday, October 7.

For four days this scenic racecourse located in the Melbourne suburb of Springvale will be jam packed with just about everything you need for caravanning, camping, four-wheel-driving, boating, and fishing.

This year organisers expect more than 300 new caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, off-road vehicles, campervans, pop-tops, tent trailers, fifth-wheelers, slide-ons and four-wheel-drives.

Great new technology on show will include super-efficient solar power and LED lighting, the latest model tow vehicles as well as towing innovations such as AL-KO's stability control system for caravans and Tyrecheckers' LED low pressure warning light.

The revolutionary Sky-Deck, the brainchild of Brett Bell of Caravans West and manufactured by Royal Flair Caravans, will also be on display.

All the big brands of caravans and RVs will also have their new-season releases, and there will be a dedicated section for luxury motorhomes and fifth-wheelers.

The undercover displays will include information on destinations ranging from just down the road to Australia’s most remote locations, plus a huge range of parts and accessories, tents, annexes, clothing, towing equipment, RV telecommunications products, alternative power and off-road accessories.

About six weeks after the Melbourne show, Bendigo’s RV & Camping Leisurefest will celebrate its second decade this year at Bendigo Racecourse, Epsom, from November 23-25.

Offering a similar array of displays but on a slightly smaller scale, the rural show will also feature some of the latest new technology and design innovations in the RV and camping industry.

Both shows also offer free kids’ activities and family entertainment on Saturday and Sunday, plus free seminars with tips for enjoyable camping and RV touring.

DETAILS

5th Melbourne Leisurefest

Dates: October 4-7
Entry: 10am-5pm daily
Location: Sandown Racecourse, Springvale, Melbourne
Tickets: $15 adults, $10 concession, children under 15 free
Parking: free
More info: MelbourneLeisurefest

11th Bendigo Leisurefest  

Dates: November 23-25   
Entry: 9.30am-5pm (4pm on Sunday)
Location: Bendigo Racecourse, Epsom, Victoria
Tickets: $10 adults, $8 concession, children under 15 free
Parking: free
More info: BendigoLeisurefest