Top Brass: Wonderland Amaroo 1705 RV
Here’s how luxury brand Wonderland RV handles compact dimensions in the Amaroo 1705
There’s comfort in knowing where the best camps are, especially when you have the freedom to access them in utter opulence. Which is why, after a successful Tough Tested campaign in 2023, luxury caravan manufacturer Wonderland RV brought their latest Amaroo 1705 couples van to the tracks at Loveday 4X4 Adventure Park for 2024, the smallest in its fleet.
Bearing ample fruits for a palatial water-side camp, it has the nimble dimensions to get there, too, whether that’s via a leisurely amble from highway one, through forest trails or at high tide on packed sand beach.
Outdoor Kitchen
At our Loveday Murray River camp, this Amaroo 1705 easily brushed off the midday heat, with multiple hatches and fans throughout to welcome in the afternoon breeze, your first port of call before reaching for the split system air-conditioning. While dust reduction kept the interiors clean on the way in.
A smart slide-out kitchen comprising a sink, a Weber Baby Q and a thirsty two-burner induction cooktop kickstarted social evenings under the awning. The Fusion sound system, drop down table, external TV antenna point and storage for chairs complemented this versatile space.
Power Options
The 240V outlet near the kitchen hints at its power potential, cycled through the optional Enerdrive 2600W ePower inverter. Even though it’s compact, the Amaroo 1705–as displayed–gave us plenty off-grid. This included the powerful 800W array up top (up from 600W standard) to keep the lithium battery bank (upgraded to 300Ah) refreshed. If your off-grid needs vary, Wonderland RV provides many alternative power packages from other brands like REDARC, EcoFlow and Victron–including a state-of-the-art 48V 9.6kWh system.
You also get twin 9kg cylinders up front, a grey water tank and three freshwater tanks, including 70L of filtered water for your untethered adventures.
Off-Road Endurance
Badged ‘Amaroo’ and boasting many elements from the NANO specs pack, this 1705 came with Cruisemaster ATX airbag suspension for an easier time on our gruelling terrain. This setup is equipped with the M46 high performance shock absorber with a 2cm diameter rod and an external chamber that safeguards it against fade. But the 1705’s dimensions also came into play, including the neat raised tail. Rear extrusions are tucked out of the way, like the twin jerry can holders and spare tyre riding discreetly on a well-positioned rear bar that cleared our Mega Test Track obstacles. The Wonderland RV crew love their luxuries but they’re doers and clues like this reveal how they manage to mix it with the best in full bling.
Pillow Top Mattress
Speaking of luxuries, the 1705 has plenty indoors, with archways defining the three major living spaces within the 17ft 6in internal footprint. We get room to move around a north-south facing caravan queen-size mattress with a pillow top, a neatly upholstered L-shape lounge with footrest plus a full ensuite at the rear and 188L two-door fridge.
In the kitchen, mood lighting creates a modern, electric feel accentuated with the high contrast gloss cabinetry that’s softened with the timber-like flooring and benchtop. A traditional four burner cooktop (3 gas, 1 electric) with grille sits beneath the benchtop on our demonstrator and the NCE flatbed microwave is built in.
Front Loader Washer
The full rear-width bathroom is well proportioned within the layout’s confines and looks beautiful and functional, thanks to the black matt tapware in the separate shower, large mirror, lots of open shelving and a front loading washing machine.
