News Events June

Let's Go Queensland Caravan & Camping Super Show 2021

Date: 2nd - 7th June

Time: Wed - Sun: 9:30am to 6:00pm  & Mon: 9:30am to 4:00pm

Location: Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, QLD

The biggest caravanning event in Queensland returns to Brisbane Showgrounds from the 2 – 7 June 2021. The Let’s Go Queensland Caravan & Camping Supershow is an “Official Caravan Industry” event and is the only Caravan and Camping Supershow that will feature almost every major brand available on the market today! With over 2,200+ exhibitors showcasing the latest models of caravans, motorhomes, campervans, camper/tent trailers and slide-ons, plus much, much more. Whether you are looking for an affordable camper or a luxury motorhome, this is the event for you!

We are attending the show on Stand #264 (Located in Building One) and will be featuring both our print and digital ranges (with some epic trade show prices!). Each day our Technical Guru Tim Mortoon will be hosting a daily Hema HX-1 GPS Navigator Training, Tips and Tricks Seminar @ 11.30 AM in Room #2 on the Upper Level of the Royal ICC.  

For more info and tickets head to - caravanqld.com.au/events/queensland-caravan-camping-supershow/

2021 Geelong Outdoor Living Show - CANCELLED

Unfortunately the 2021 Geelong Outdoor Living Show has been cancelled due to the lockdown restrictions in Victoria.

The show has been rescheduled to Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd January 2022 at the same venue; Geelong Showgrounds.

Visit - outdoorlivingshow.com.au/

Gibb River Road Now Open

Only Charnley River remains closed which is scheduled to open on 5 June 2021

Almost all destinations along the Gibb River Road are now open but, as is the case at the start of the season, not all waterfalls and gorges at parks or stations will be accessible.

This currently applies to Wunnamurra Gorge on Mount Elizabeth Station which is unlikely to open before July as the track still needs to be repaired.

The season is well underway with camps filling up early with plenty of trailers and caravans making their way up the west coast so the region is set to see extreme crowds over the next couple of weeks.

Due to the already heavy season, some campgrounds are currently booked out and, even though it means locking plans in, booking ahead this season is recommended.

The user-generated app, WikiCamps, can help inform visitors but be aware that many of the entries of ‘free’ campsites are often of users illegally camping on private property so act responsibly and respectfully while camping.

Tunnel Creek currently has head-height waters, rather than the knee deep it usually has, meaning visitors will have to swim to explore the area.

Be advised that there is currently no towing between Tunnel Creek and Yiramalay, south of Tunnel Creek on the Farfield-Leopold Down Road as it is still wet.

No official information has been released on the opening of Home Valley Station.

Tatts Finke Desert Race is Back

The event was cancelled  in 2020 due to COVID-19 but the Race is back in Alice Springs.

The Tatts Finke Desert Race is returning to Alice Springs, Northern Territory, this Queen's Birthday Long Weekend, 11 June to 14 June 2021.

COVID-19 saw the offroad, multi-terrain, two-day race cancelled in 2020.

The biggest sporting event in the Northern Territory sees bikes, cars, buggies and quads race through desert country from Alice Springs to the small Aputula (Finke) community and is set to attract competitors from all around Australia.

“Finke”, as it is commonly known as, has the reputation of being one of the most difficult offroad courses in one of the most remote places in the world.

The event attracts enormous crowds of spectators in the one-of-a-kind experience in which they can camp alongside the racecourse and experience the race firsthand. 

Antony Yoffa, president of Finke Desert Race said the Northern Territory is a great place to be at present with COVID-19 but asks visitors to follow regulations.

“I remind you that the NT Border Declaration must be completed prior to, and within 7 days of travelling,” he said.

You can find out more information about the event at finkedesertrace.com.au.

Domestic Travel is on the Rise

TripTech’s Summer Report reveals domestic travellers have filled the gap left by international visitors.

Commissioned by Tourism Australia, TripTech’s road trip dashboards have seen strong evidence in a renewed interest for regional getaways in South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.

TechTrip’s Summer Report on the In-Trip behaviours of the Domestic Traveller and the Evolution of the Australian Road Trip reveals the Australian Independent Traveller’s behaviours and travel patterns over summer 2020/21.

The report shows a 43 per cent increase in app engagement over the summer compared to the previous year, highlighting the domestic market’s contribution to the recovery of tourism in Australia.

TripTech and CamperMate CEO, Nick Baker, said that the analysis of the unique pre and in-trip behaviour of domestic travellers helps show trends in travel.

“[It] pinpoints exactly where domestic travellers have stepped up to fill the gap left by international travellers, what regions have benefitted and those that have been hardest hit by the pandemic,” he said.

Wineries and breweries, and walks and trails were the most popular local attractions, up by 381 per cent and 281 per cent respectively.

Routes popular with international travellers, like the Great Ocean Road, saw understandable declines in visits.

Cruisemaster Recall

Cruisemaster has issued a product recall for two of their Trailer Brakes products.

Cruisemaster, known for its all-terrain towing technology, has recalled its 10in and 12in Electric Trailer Brakes shipped from Cruisemaster between 4 February 2021 and 20 April 2021.

The company has stated that the cable operated Park Brake Lever has been manufactured in a way that may cause it to fail in some circumstances.

It is still safe to tow a vehicle fitted with the Brake as the electronically activated Service Brake is unaffected by the fault.

When disconnecting the trailer from the tow vehicle, extreme caution should be taken as if the Park Brake is being applied and the Lever fails, the trailer may move in an uncontrollable manner.

It is highly recommended that the trailer is not attached to the tow vehicle that wheel chocks are used to secure the vehicle, until the replacement Lever has been fitted.

All affected customers who purchased through Cruisemaster have been notified and the company will be contacting all other customers as they gain access to contact details. 

For more information on the recall, visit cruisemaster.com.au/recall.