Forget the inflatable mattress and plastic camping dining equipment, today’s caravan and campervan owner wants five-star luxury to enhance the experience on and off the road.
New research conducted by Queensland’s peak industry body, Caravanning Queensland, has found 68 per cent of caravan enthusiasts want a hotel suite on wheels as opposed to the humble pop-top camper or two-man tent.
It’s a trend set to be reflected at the 2024 Let’s Go Sunshine Coast Caravan and Outdoor Expo at the Nambour Showgrounds from August 16-18, where exhibitors will showcase the latest models of caravans, motorhomes, campervans, camper/tent trailers and slide-ons.
Bob and Janina Kulig are one such couple who have spared no expense, opting for a Paradise Luxury Motor Homes Liberation Deluxe worth about half a million dollars.
Speaking to Sunshine Coast News from about 130km north-west of Laverton, almost 1000km east of Perth, the semi-retired couple have travelled west to try their hand at gold detecting.
“We’ve got a few little bits and pieces, nothing to write home about,” Bob said.
Since picking up their motorhome in May, the north Brisbane residents have already taken their twin grandchildren on an 8000km trip through western Queensland and the Northern Territory for four weeks, before embarking on this latest voyage, in which they’ve already done 6000km.
“We do like all our comforts of home so to speak so hence we went with the good quality,” Bob said.
Their home away from home allows them to ‘free camp’ self-sufficiently and includes three televisions (two inside and one outside), Starlink internet, slide-out barbecue, washing machine with dryer, solar and battery power plus generator, kitchen, ensuite with shower and toilet, twin internal air-conditioners, dust-suppression units and self-levelling hydraulic legs.
“It’s all apps these days so you can do it off your phone,” Bob said.
“It can be raining and you don’t even need to hop out of these things, you just press a button and it levels out so you’re nice and flat.
“A dishwasher is probably about the only thing that’d be missing if someone was really fastidious.
“If anyone’s got the money then afford the luxury with all the bells and whistles and you can’t go wrong.
“You may not need as many accessories as we’ve optioned but we need them because we free camp away from the conveniences: power, water and all those things.
“We plan on continuing enjoying it because we’re having a ball.”
The Nambour expo will showcase a similar Paradise motorhome similar to the Kuligs’, valued at about $380,000.
The caravan and motorhome industry boomed during the pandemic and Queensland continues to lead the nation with more registered RVs (recreational vehicles) than any other state, but it is the change in consumer trends that is most significant, with 15 per cent of prospective buyers now willing to spend up to $100,000 for a more luxurious travel experience.
Research shows 68 per cent want gourmet kitchens, while 23 per cent have or are thinking of professionally installing wine cabinets onboard. Seventy-three per cent want centralised air-conditioning and heating all year round.
Caravan Trade and Industries Association of Queensland CEO Jason Plant said the last decade had seen a significant shift in behaviour among Australian road travellers, with many caravan enthusiasts keen to elevate their caravanning and camping experience.
“We have seen an increasing trend in people wanting to travel Australia without compromising on style, luxury and comfort, and that can include designer kitchens and bathrooms, wide-screen televisions, surround-sound speakers, washing machines and dryers, or even wine fridges – all of which have become regularly requested items with our dealers,” he said.
“They don’t just want somewhere to sleep anymore – it has become a self-contained, five-star luxury travel experience and lifestyle for them, and they’re more than happy to pay the price for it.”
With more than 90 exhibitors to explore, the expo is the largest of its kind on the Sunshine Coast.
It will include daily demonstrations including live shows to learn all about the world’s most venomous snakes with Reptile Awareness Display of Australia, Mick the Camp Oven Cook sharing his campfire recipes, and the popular Weight and Towing Masterclasses.
Gates open from 9am-5pm on Friday and Saturday, and 9am-4pm on Sunday. Click here for more details.
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