Thousands of keen travellers and outdoor enthusiasts are set to converge on an enormous expo, amid a boom in the caravanning and camping industry.
For those planning to hit the road for a getaway, there will be no better place to start than Caravanning Queensland’s Let’s Go Sunshine Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo.
The event will be held from Friday, August 19 to Sunday, August 21 at the Nambour Showgrounds.
Following a hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID, the expo will return with more than 80 exhibitors, showcasing an enormous range of caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes, campervans, gadgets and accessories for your next big trip.
Caravan Trade and Industries Association of Queensland CEO Jason Plant said the Sunshine Coast had become one of Australia’s top six destinations for caravan and camping visitors in recent years.
“In addition to this, caravan sales within the Sunshine Coast region have doubled over the last 12 months,” Mr Plant said.
“So we’re extremely excited to be able to bring Caravanning Queensland’s Let’s Go Sunshine Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo back to Nambour in 2022 to provide people with more opportunities to create their own terrific outdoor experiences.”
He said more Aussies were packing up and hitting the road for extended periods of time, including some families who were “road schooling”.
“Even before COVID-19, we started to see a growing trend of families taking their kids out of school, to home school them from the road so they could explore the country while gaining valuable life skills.”
“And that trend shows no sign of slowing down as an increasing number of young families opt to ditch the traditional classroom, for the caravan school of life.”
Jon Dunkley, from Sunseeker Caravans, said the business had seen an increase in the number of family vans sold during the past three years.
“Over the past 18 months, demand for family-style vans has grown from 20 per cent to 35 per cent of our sales,” he said.
“Families are wanting top of the line vans with more solar, battery and suspension.
“To accommodate this trend, we adapted our Desert Storm ATX van, which was previously only available for couples, and designed four family layouts to include bunk beds and enough living space to comfortably home school or work from anywhere.”
Sunshine Coast Council Division 10 Councillor David Law said caravanning was a terrific way to explore the region and venture further afield.
“The Sunshine Coast has some of the most picturesque and interesting natural assets, such as our beautiful hinterland regions and world-class beaches, and caravanning and camping is the perfect way to experience these wonderful natural areas,” he said.
“So I encourage everyone to get along to the Nambour Showgrounds … to get some ideas and inspiration for your next holiday, whether it’s within our wonderful region, another part of Queensland or interstate.”
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The expo is a family-friendly event and will include free activities like sheep dog trials, face painting and campfire cooking demonstrations with a side of bush poetry and ballads from Ranger Nick.
The popular Weight and Towing Masterclasses will return, providing travellers with vital information and tips from industry experts, to ensure everyone hits the road on their next adventure safely and with confidence.
Visitors attending the expo will also be able to go in the draw to win a myCOOLMAN explorer fridge freezer valued at $1944, simply by scanning the three designated QR Codes onsite.
For tickets or more information, visit Sunshine Coast Caravan and Outdoor Expo.
Let’s Go Sunshine Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo
When: August 19 to August 21, gates open from 9am daily, closing at 5pm on Friday and Saturday and 4pm on Sunday.
Where: Nambour Showgrounds, 80 Coronation Avenue, Nambour
Tickets: Adults $14, concession $12 via Oztix. Accompanied school age children free. Parking will be available at the Nambour Showgrounds for $10.
