More from the Melbourne Outdoor Living and Caravan Expo

See our first observations here.

Room for older families in the Network RV 296 Touring Terrain

Network RV draws a crowd tackling the ‘awkward stage’ with supersized bunks that are wider and bigger in the 196 Touring Terrain, perfect for teens needing a space to loll around. A bench seat and east-west main keeps this clever family tourer under 20ft.

Compact family travel in this 18ft JB Gator-X

Clever with a compact layout, JB’s created a nice space within this MY25 18ft family off-roader, equipping it with bunks and a mirrored door leading to a rear corner ensuite.

The bench-tops are a real boon in the JB range, with heat-resistant finished and bevelled edging on a concealed sink. Outside, we see stoneproofing on the comprehensive toolbox setup. There’s great off-gridability to, thanks to the scalable 5kW EcoFlow power system.

The Traveller Destination Track leaving just footsteps

Also on the JB stand, the new Traveller 2025 vans, a lightweight Aussie-made offering available in the Track semi off-road spec, aided nicely by the tough, lightweight AL-KO Enduro X coil sprung suspension. A sensational choice for these lightweight beauties, the Enduro X features coated clam-shell trailing arms that are pressed to keep the kilos down. Below, a 13t single bunk layout with the entertainment hatch standard across the range.

January production slated for the Hitch Campers Madigan, spotted at the Outback HQ stand

Hitch Campers had its second generation prototype Madigan on stand along with Outback HQ, awaiting a few small refinements prior to production–that’s set to commence now in January. Hitch Campers have buddied up with Cruisemaster with this model featuring the horizon levelling airbag system.

Couples recliner layout stuns, as Freebirds Caravans steps into the spotlight

Freebirds, a popular third-party Aussie caravan manufacturer, came to the Melbourne Outback Living & Caravan show proudly flagging their own flag. This full electric model features twin recliners, single beds, a Hawk 4-1 microwave with induction cooktop with convection oven capabilities and a REDARC inverter.

Aussie Fivestar Caravans

Greater integration between a split ensuite and the master is gaining popularity, demonstrated beautifully here in this Aussie Fivestar Caravan.

Full off-grid, in the custom star Lakestar Attriam Terrax 196

Local custom caravan manufacturer Lakestar brought a full off-grid couples van, with 48V battery, the Attriam Terrax 196 in a configuration with family layout also available. Lakestar are well tooled up, making their own slide-out kitchens.

Newlands new one-piece roof, now in production

I love it when innovations filter their way through product ranges. Although not on the models on show, Newlands Caravans, in production will feature a one-piece roof.

Nova Little Terra, steps out in style

The Nova Little Terra, Nova’s most compact off-roader at 13ft and riding on AL-KO Enduro X coils, looks super smart with lumbar support on the bench lounge and mottled styling on the benchtop and ensuite splash-back.

See our first observations here.