Sydney Supershow ramps up

With the show season now in full swing Sydney is gearing up for the next 'supershow' on the RV calendar; the NSW Caravan, Camping, RV & Holiday Supershow running from  April 30 to May 8 at the Rosehill Racecourse.

2011 has already seen a strong start to the RV season with the Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow at Caulfield Racecourse in early-March attracting more than 60,000 visitors over six days, a slight increase on last year.

While the inaugural Newcastle Caravan, Camping and Holiday Expo at the Newcastle Jockey Club in early February, exceeded organisers’ expectations with more than 24 000 people through the gates over three days.

The 2011 NSW Caravan Supershow, which runs over nine days, promises to be even bigger in display size and spectator numbers than its Melbourne equivalent, with more than 88,000 flocking to the Sydney show in 2010.

This year more than 400 exhibitors will showcase the latest RV models and makes, including caravans, motorhomes, campervans, camper trailers, 5th wheelers, and slide-ons, as well as tents and camping, caravan and 4WD accessories.

Organisers say the retail aspect of the show will cater to all tastes and budgets, from budget $200 tents to money-no-object $600,000 motorhomes.

The four-level J.R Fleming stand at Rosehill Racecourse will be the place to head for those planning their next holiday, with numerous holiday park and tourism operators from around Australia spruiking their wares.

Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW (CCIA) CEO, Barry Baillie, says Rosehill Racecourse will be turned into a "traveller’s wonderland" where visitors can research, review, book and buy all in the one location.

"The Caravan and Camping Supershow is truly a one-stop-shop with a range of holiday destinations and touring products to browse and buy," he said.

Baillie said 2011 is shaping up to be another strong year for Australia’s RV tourism sector, coming off the back of record RV production numbers last year, along with high occupancy rates at NSW coastal parks over the summer holiday period, as more Aussies opt for value-for-money holidays in their own backyard.

"Caravan and camping is the fastest growing domestic tourism sector in Australia, and has been for the past 12 years," he said.

Other attractions at the NSW Caravan Supershow include a Fun Factory and reptile displays for the kids, towing demonstrations, and seminars on a range of topics from 4WD adventures to working your way around Australia.

But perhaps the biggest drawcard for showgoers is the opportunity to win an $82,000 prize package in the Supershow Passport Competition. Entrants will go into the draw to win a first prize comprising an Isuzu D-Max 4x4 crew cab ute, Cavalier Rough Road Deluxe camper trailer, three Hobie kayaks, OzTent, Engel fridge, Rhino roof rack, Coleman and Roman camping accessories and outdoor clothing from The North Face.

The NSW Caravan, Camping, RV & Holiday Supershow is on from April 30-May 8, at the Rosehill Gardens Event Centre, Rosehill Racecourse, Parramatta.  It’s open 10am-5pm daily, with admission $19 for adults, $14 pensioners and Senior Card holders, while children under 16 are free when accompanied by an adult.

Free parking is available, and a second day ticket is available for $10 with the purchase of a special wristband.

Tickets are available at the gate or online at the Supershow website.