Retreat Fraser 2025 Review

Approaching its 20th anniversary in 2026, Melbourne's Retreat Caravans recently rolled out a refreshed and revamped line-up, including new-look exterior decals and some new layouts and features available across its five-model, off-road hardtop caravan range.

Equipped to get you well off the beaten track and enjoying some luxury off-the-grid camping, the MY25 Retreat range kicks off at just under $100,000 for the 3500kg ATM, Bribie X off-road model, and tops out at up to $180,000 or more for the latest 4500kg ATM ERV range-topper, which led the charge of 48V all-electric caravans when it first arrived around five years ago.

All up there are five up-spec, hard-roof models to choose from, or an impressive 80 combinations in total, available in single and tandem axle, 18ft to 26ft body lengths, and with couple and family ensuite layouts.

The model we're focusing on for this review, the Fraser, sits mid-pack in the Retreat MY25 range, priced from $130,000. As Retreat's most popular model, the Melbourne manufacturer says it delivers "unmatched off-grid value" with 880W rooftop solar, a 3000W inverter, 600Ah lithium batteries and 3.5-tonne independent suspension among its long list of standard features.

“We’ve built the Retreat Fraser as the perfect off-grid caravan at a really reasonable price," explained Retreat's Head of Marketing, Cam Francis. "It has the perfect product-market fit for seasoned caravanners and newcomers alike, eager to explore the country."

The review van, a Retreat Fraser 226R couple's off-road van is for sale at Melbourne dealer Escape RVs, priced at $138,413, so what do you get for the money?

For starters, Retreat says "premium build quality" including its 'rot-free' RXP composite wall construction which combines a polyurethane cross member frame with closed-cell core XPS foam insulation. The RXP construction is backed by a lifetime rot-free structural guarantee, plus there's a one-piece 40mm composite roof and high-density composite flooring.

You also get a sleek external finish thanks to the use of ProBond aluminium composite exterior panels, slimline tinted windows and high side checker plate protection.

Off-road towing features include an extended six-inch A-frame with a Cruisemaster DO-35 coupling and AL-KO ESC stability control, ARV independent trailing arm coil suspension with twin shocks, 12in electric drum brakes, and 16in alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres.

The review van has a plated Tare of 3008kg, to go with an ATM of 3500kg and ball weight (at Tare) of 200kg. That makes it towable by any number of 3500kg dual-cab utes and wagons on the market, although something with a bit more stability and grunt like the LandCruiser 70 Series used for the photo-shoot is recommended.

However, for a genuine big lap tourer the review van's 492kg payload could be considered a bit light on, and might require careful packing particularly if you're planning on filling up the water tanks.

Starting at the drawbar, a checker plate toolbox sits behind twin 9kg gas bottles, with a jerry holder and a slide-out for a generator or portable fridge on both sides. There's also a top compartment for tool, hoses, electrical cords, etc.

The LED-lit tunnel boot looks big enough to fit a Weber Baby Q or similar, while another storage locker to the right of the entry door could also easily accommodate larger items like camp chairs.

Also on the onside wall are twin audio speakers, 'bug proof' lights, a roll-out awning, and a drop-down picnic table with inspirational map of Australia inlay, not far from some external TV points.

You also get an LED work light at the front and a reversing camera, spare tyre and another jerry holder on the rear wall, while an external hot and cold shower, gas bayonet, external tap and a mains water inlet are also included.

The underbody water tanks (two 110L fresh and a 110L grey) get some galvanised steel shielding, and Retreat has also added some stone protection for exposed exterior pipes around the tanks. Also helping reduce wear and tear out in the bush is a tub lined tunnel boot and checker plate wheel spats; about the only thing missing on the review van was a front stone mesh guard.

Moving to the offside, there are two chassis-mounted boxes for the twin 300Ah lithium batteries, just below a locker holding the Projecta 3000W Intelligrid inverter, with the system fed by four 220W solar panels on the roof.

As the Retreat 226R 'club lounge' variant gets the up-spec ARV Truss chassis with 2in raiser and raised floor, it sits quite high off the ground so there are twin pull-out entry steps and a couple of grab handles to make entry easier through the security door.

This is the second apartment-style centre ensuite layout I've taken a close look at in recent weeks, and the front bedroom/central bathroom/ rear club lounge floorplan in the 22ft Retreat Fraser 226R review van is a beauty, enhanced by the fresh 'coastal chic' decor and modern finishes.

While there's nothing particularly new about creamy white sinks and golden tapware, a Subway tile-look splashback, light timber benchtops, distressed wooden flooring and Italian leather-like upholstery, it really enhances the airy open feel around the plush six-seater club lounge that greets you to the right as you walk in.

It's not all for looks though, with a solid, durable feel to the cabinetry and fittings, including hidden overhead cabinetry catches and self-closing extension drawer runners.

There's also some nice, matching leatherette storage pouches around the entry door, not far from a Projecta touchscreen manager and Fusion audio head unit. Other electricals, including the Projecta auxillaries and 40amp MPPPT solar controllers and fuse box, are located in two overhead cupboards above the kitchen sink, which gets a combined mixer and filtered water tap.

Directly opposite is the main kitchen hub with its four hob, gas-electric cooktop and mini grille, rangehood and overhead microwave, along with some handy bench space. There are also a few large drawers and cupboards in the two kitchen areas, as well as a pantry slide-out.

However, I'm not sure about the location of the 28in TV in a framed wall recess at the end of the onside kitchen bench -- it seems too far from the lounge area for ideal viewing.

The layout of the central bathroom is spot on though, with a good-size towel-off and change-room area between the shower cubicle and open toilet/vanity, and solid sliding ensuite doors on both sides for privacy.

It's well equipped too, with a 2.5kg front-load washer hidden in the cupboard, a bowl sink with golden tap and a mirrored medicine cabinet, two towel rails, a cassette electric toilet, 12V roof hatch and an opening window.

There's also a bank of cupboards and drawers next to the shower to store a lot of your clothes, towels and extra sheeting -- very home-like!

The 'master bedroom' also gets a big tick, with the walkaround queen bed boasting a pillowtop mattress and full height bedhead, a roof hatch and windows on both sides, and all the usual bedside and under-bed storage including some handy bedside nooks, each with a light, twin 240V powerpoint and USB-A/USB-C sockets.

Speaking of lights, the interior of the van is well served with ceiling downlights, ambient LEDs and a twin set of black reading lights in both the bed and lounge areas.

To top if off you also get two 12V fans that face the bed, some ceiling speakers and a powered dust reduction unit to keep it all nice and clean when towing on dirt roads. There's also a small corner storage unit near the base of the bed, plus another wall-mounted TV mount for bedtime viewing.

The 2025 Retreat Fraser is produced by a well-established brand with close to two decades' local manufacturing experience, and it certainly presents as a smartly-built, well-equipped and appealing off-road, off-grid luxury caravan, and at a reasonable price considering the inclusions.

While there are 20 Fraser floorplans in total to choose from, the review van's 226R centre-ensuite layout is hard to beat in my eyes, and might just be the perfect antidote for 'cabin fever' if you're planning on spending long periods on the road with your partner.

Price: $138,413 (RRP, Vic)
Travel length: 8700mm
Body length: 6750mm
Body width: 2500mm
Travel height: 3200mm
Interior height: 1970mm
Tare weight: 3008kg
ATM: 3500kg
Ball weight (at Tare): 200kg
Body: 30mm Probond insulated poly frame side walls, 40mm fibreglass sandwich panel roof, 18mm high-density composite floor
Chassis: Six-inch A-frame, SupaGal steel
Suspension: ARV Titan X trailing arm independent coil with twin shocks
Brakes: 12in electric drum
Stability control: AL-KO ESC
Wheels: 16in alloy with Duraturn Travia A/T 265/75R16 tyres
Water: 2 x 110L fresh, 1 x 110L grey
Battery: 2 x 300Ah lithium
Solar: 4 x 220W rooftop panels
Gas: 2 x 9kg
Air-conditioner: Dometic Series 7 roof-top
Fridge/freezer: Dometic 224L compressor
Microwave: NCE 23L flatbed
Cooktop: Hawk 600 Series three gas/one electric and grille
Hot water: Hawk instant gas
Washing machine: RV 2.5kg front-load
Toilet: Thetford electric cassette
Shower: Separate cubicle
Lighting: 12V LED
TV: NCE 28in Smart
Audio: Fusion with internal/external speakers
Supplied by: Escape RVs, Campbellfield, Victoria
More info: Retreat Caravans