Melbourne Outdoor Living & Caravan Expo 2025 show report – part one

More, more, more! Part Two of our show report here!

The ol’ MacBook Air’s working overtime to bring you this soiree of caravanning goodness on show at the Caribbean Gardens. Here’s some new finds and cool stuff to sink your teeth into while I buy a fridge. I promise, there’s more to come.

Bushtucker kitchen wows on the Kokoda Defender XCORE

How’s this for an endorsement? Kokoda, first to market with a range of layout innovations, is now running Bushtucker Kitchens in its vans, like on this sweetheart, the Defender XCORE. Michael from Kokoda says they’ve been working with Bushtucker for about six months describing the brand as ‘proactive’. Step inside the Defender XCORE, released mid-to-late last year, with the integrated ensuite and you’ll see how ahead of the game they are.

Check out the suspension on this AWD Mercedes turbo diesel conversion at the Page Bros Jayco stand. With three seatbelts and a combo bathroom you certainly can go far in comfort and convenience with this one. Page Bros had the club variant on display though a queen-size mattress version of the Jayco JRV AV is also available. We also saw a Destiny towing a Crosstrail kitted up with power on stand.

Enjoy grand outdoor vision in this Grand Tourer Dreamer

Here’s a great looking family off-road van with a large outdoor TV from Grand Tourer Dreamer on the Challenger RVs stand. Inside, it has an East West bed upfront. It features an attractive bathroom too, with backlighting on the mirror.

L-shape ensuite benchtop in the Seascape Sunrunner

Here’s one I was recommended to check out, and I managed to reach it right at the end of the day from the Seascape Sunrunner lineup at the Ian Grant’s Caravan stand. 

This one features a corner style bathroom with a charming backlit oval mirror fitted upon featured ribbed panelling.

Ensuite envy in this Millard Breakaway

Millard, celebrating 78 years, had some of its 2025 lineup whose layouts are available in three specification packs, previously launched at CIV’s Melbourne Supershow. This range boasts new construction and a fully alloy frame that has the wiring grommeted within the walls. The bathroom in the Millard Breakaway, centre stage, features a striking sink, a real beauty, and lots of practical details like racks near the sink.

A kids retreat with this two-door Vacationer Rough Rider

Debuting at the CIV Melbourne Supershow, this clever two-door Vacationer 237CD layout in the mid-spec Rough Rider format returns to Caribbean Gardens. It’s configured here with a kids retreat comprising two bunks and a half row of cabinets fitted with an inset TV but we’ve been told Vacationer can adapt it for an office or studio if you’re taking a business on the road.

My Dream Cape 3T Single Axle with airbags

It’s not the first time I’ve seen the My Dream off-road off-grid Cape released at the start of the year, but here we see it in a 17ft single-axle configuration, rated to 3T on display at the Solar City Marine & Caravans stand. That’s thanks to Proline Chassis packaging its Maxtrack airbag system with new innovative 3T rated disc brakes. It just goes to show how many businesses out there are onboard to making full electric capabilities easier off-grid. Traditionally packaged as a combo, Proline now offers the Maxtrack as a standalone solution according to grapevine.

Family fun with Royal Flair Aussie Mate

Royal Flair had the 6-8 berth Aussie Mate in a 21ft variant with the corner bunks centre stage. It has a rising mattress for which Royal Flair are known that keeps the towing dimensions shorter while retaining a sizable club lounge. I like the cubby storage here. Entry to the bathroom and shower are near the front, also bike racks on the nose and an external shower–promising a lot of mayhem at camp! This also had OzX Corp’s mid-size DCX variant with sophisticated safety mechanisms teamed with Victron appliances. 

So much room in the New Age Road Owl

If you like an open layout, New Age’s newly released Road Owl Escape 21BE family plan looks great with a modern angular L-shape lounge, spotted at the Touring Hub. I really like how the cabinets and a pantry surround the built-in fridge. It’s got a handy through boot and looks schmick with the one-piece front, top and rear panel. Two-toned on trend colours and lots of soft lighting add to the overall appeal.

Command respect in the Masterpiece’s Directors Edition

The Masterpiece Optimum Directors Edition arrived late at the CIV Melbourne Supershow, so if you missed it, you can check it out now at Caribbean Gardens, sporting the Terraglide TG-X-1 airbag suspension with antiroll bars and mind-boggling travel commissioned by a cohort of caravan manufacturers (including Masterpiece). 

Masterpiece brought its full game with this model, celebrating its 10 year anniversary. A brush gold sink sunken into the benchtops, vertical grain on the cabinetry and a really charming corner bathroom teams impressively with an off-grid pack that gives access to air-conditioning, induction cooking and more anywhere you tow.

More, more, more! Part Two of our show report here!