Weekly Caravan & Camping Wrap

ALL VANS MUST GO!

Many of Queensland’s camping and caravanning specialist retailers will take part in a 'Statewide Clearance Sale' promotion this week-end. Kicking off today and running until Saturday (or Sunday in some cases), around 40 outlets will take the opportunity to clear superseded models, demo units and oddment stock at reduced prices. As well as new units, many of the outlets will have used models and trade-ins to clear as well. Participating outlets will be identified by the display of bright yellow clearance sale signs. Click here for a list of participating retailers.

MOTORHOME MUSTER

Move over utes, here come the motorhomes! It might not be quite as big as the annual Deni Ute Muster, which attracts thousands of utes, but the 25th Anniversary rally of the Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) to be held in Deniliquin, NSW in April will still be big in RV terms. Hundreds of motorised RVs of all styles and sizes are expected to camp at Deni’s Memorial Park, from April 11-16. Numerous activities are planned, including a 'black and white' theme ball, tours to the area’s attractions, daily entertainment, and numerous seminars and workshops. April 16, from 10am-4pm, has been set aside as an open day for the public. The CMCA was founded on April 11 1986, and currently has around 58,000 members. Click here for rally details.

HARD CELL

A new business specialising in imported American RVs has been set up in the caravan district of Campbellfield in Victoria. Cell Caravans is the sole Australian distributor for Cruiser RV LLC, Earthbound RV and Lance Caravan Manufacturing Corporation. The caravans have been designed for Australian conditions with Australian compliance work completed in the factory during construction. Models include the Earthbound (pictured), which Cell Caravans claims "is the most stylish and greenest caravan in the world", and the Shadow Cruiser, which boasts "the industry's strongest laminated crown roof". If you’re interested in something a bit different, check out the website.

CUT AND RUN!

Victoria Police is seeking help in tracking down a stolen 2010 Jurgens caravan. The caravan was stolen from a property on Koroit Creek Road, Williamstown North around 2am on January 11. A man driving a white Ford station wagon cut the lock on the front gates, drove into the storage yard and then cut a lock on the caravan. The van, with registration T57778, was then towed away. If you can assist in any way contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

GREY BASE ALMOST COMPLETED

A large-scale Queensland residential development designed to accommodate grey nomads with large motorhomes is close to completion. RV Homebase Fraser Coast, in Tinana, south of Maryborough, will include up to 210 homes designed to house full-sized motor homes in serviced ‘RV ports’. Residents will have access to a high tech RV wash, RV hobby workshop, happy hour hut, outdoor kitchen and fire pits, as well as other facilities including a 25m heated lap pool, fitness centre, bowls rinks, community centre/dance floor, and dog park. Situated on a 90-acre site, the RV Homebase village will be officially launched at the 2010 Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday Show in Brisbane in June. Details: RVhomebase.com.au

VAN-TASTIC!

This year’s Brisbane 4x4 Show is not alone in offering a major giveaway. Spectators at the 2011 Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne will have the chance to win a Paramount Duet pop-top van valued at $36,995. The show runs from March 10-15 and tickets cost $17 for adults. Click here for more details.

WE WANT GOLDEN OLDIES

The rise of the grey nomad continues, with a new Queensland Government report making 19 recommendations for boosting grey nomad tourism in the state's regional areas. The report, titled 'Inquiry into developing Queensland’s rural and regional communities through grey nomad tourism’ recommends among other things grants to help local tourism bodies better market their regions and programs to entice over-65s to participate in local employment and volunteer work. Labor MP Evan Moorhead, said the number of grey nomads hitting the road will only increase as Australia’s population ages. "Although grey nomads appear to spend less per day than other tourists, they tend to take longer holidays and spend time in regional areas," he said. Click here to read the full report.

DAVE TAKES OVER

Dave Benson Caravans has taken over from Mike Griggs Caravan Centre as the official dealership for Adria caravans in Adelaide. Established in 1994 and now owned by The Smith Motor Group, Dave Benson is one of the largest independent RV dealerships in Australia. The dealership is supported by a dedicated service department and will look after all local Adria warranty requirements.

BUSHRANGER SITE REVAMPED

North-east Victoria's Stringybark Creek Reserve, best remembered as the infamous site of the 1878 shoot-out between members of the Kelly Gang and police troopers, has been upgraded to attract more visitors. Redevelopment works have seen improved road access to the day visitor centre and camping areas, new picnic tables, barbecues and walking tracks with footbridges, as well as the construction of new toilet facilities. A monument erected in 2001 honouring Constables Lonigan, Scanlan and Kennedy of the Mansfield police, who were shot and killed by the Kelly Gang, was incorporated into the new landscape design for the site.

MORE POOCH FRIENDLY PARKS

Dog lovers rejoice! The Big4 chain of holiday parks is set to become ‘pet friendly’. According to the Caravanning News website, Big4 caravan parks will have the option of accepting dogs after July 1, reversing a 32 year 'no dogs' policy. The change will bring Big4 into line with other major park operators including Top Tourist.

BIG BUCKS PROMOTE BUDGET CAMPING

The NSW Government in conjuction with the Caravan & Camping Industry Association (NSW) has launched a $200,000 campaign to consolidate NSW's position as Australia's favourite camping State. According to Tourism Minister Jodi McKay, 10.3 million nights were spent camping in NSW in the year ending September 2010, with NSW's South Coast, Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers regions the top three camping destinations in the country."A third of all nights spent camping or caravanning in Australia is spent in NSW making it the nation’s favourite camping State," McKay said. "This is our biggest campaign yet in partnership with the CCIA and it recognises the growing appeal of camping holidays for families on a budget."

* Got a tip or some news? Email: chris.fincham@carsales.com.au