Melbourne Caravan Supershow bigger than ever

One of the biggest collections of RV models ever gathered together in Australia, is the big drawcard for the 65,000-plus punters expected at this year’s Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow, which kicks off this week (March 7), and runs for six days until March 12.

The first 'supershow' on the RV calendar, the Victorian Supershow will see Caulfield Racecourse jam-packed with the latest models and new releases, says Rob Lucas, CEO of the Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Victoria.

“This year there will be more models on display than ever before,” he says. “So in effect we’re jamming in more products in the space that we’ve got.”

With half of all RVs sold in Australia caravans, it’s no surprise Australia’s caravan manufacturers will be out in force. Among the 63 caravan brands on display, New Age will display its latest Rockin’ Wallaby, while Goldstream RV and Jurgens will also reveal new models.

Off-road caravan manufacturer Bushtracker will display its latest 14ft pop-top model, while Nova Caravans will give new meaning to ‘mobile office’ with its new Vita Workabout.

Fast-growing Concept Caravans, will also have some updated models, while the team behind Royal Flair will try and entice buyers with its latest New Home fibreglass range.

Along with its new fifth-wheeler, Jayco is also expected to unveil a feature-packed new toy hauler at the show. There will be eight fifth-wheeler brands in total, bolstered by the recently-introduced Sunliner range.

All up, 12 motorhome manufacturers will be represented, with the latest Avida-badged motorhomes from Winnebago expected to create plenty of interest.

Those who like to head bush will be pleased that 49 manufacturers of tent trailers, slide-ons and roof-top campers, will be displaying their wares. Along with new models from Pioneer Campers and Track Trailer, expect a few other surprises in what has become the most innovative segment of the RV industry.

Showgoers can also get all the latest information on tourism destinations and holiday parks, off-road and touring accessories, fishing tackle, swags, outdoor clothing... pretty much everything you’ll ever need when you hit the road!

In regards to new products, Engel will reveal its new Power Film foldable solar panels, while for something a bit different, Volto electric folding bikes will also be exhibiting.

The $18 adult entry will also give you the chance to win a new Bolwell Air folding caravan, valued at $35,990 tow-away, as part of the Passport competition. Runner-up prizes include a Waeco CFX-50 fridge/freezer and Anaconda camping gear.

Kids’ activities will include a wild animal farm and rides, while for the ‘oldies’, free seminars on a range of relevant topics will run every day.

Mr Lucas says the
Innovation and Technology Gallery introduced last year will not be repeated this year, after some negative feedback from exhibitors, but new technology will still be promoted in the free show guide.

However, he did hint that the next Victorian Caravan Supershow in March 2014, will celebrate the show’s 60th anniversary with a special display of vintage vans, similar to the recent
South Australian show.

Organisers are also planning a display of futuristic caravan concepts, and will be inviting manufacturers to take part and compete for awards. 

“It looks like we’ll be running a competition where we ask the manufacturers to come up with a futuristic van,” he says. “We are encouraging manufacturers to collaborate where possible... but it’s early days in the planning.”

2013 VICTORIAN CARAVAN, CAMPING & TOURING SUPERSHOW

Location: Caulfield Racecourse, Caulfield, Melbourne
Dates: March 7-12
Hours: 9.30am-5pm (Thurs-Mon), 9.30am-4pm (Tues)
Entry: Adults $18, Concession $14, Children under 15 Free
More info: caravanshow.com.au