Melbourne is Australia’s Capital for Caravans – Here’s Why
During the Covid pandemic, international travel restrictions heralded a major boom in caravan sales as more Australians looked for ways to explore closer to home.
Since then, things have changed a little. In fact, as lockdowns lifted and the world recovered from pandemic conditions, many industry players fell on hard times, with some caravan manufacturers even shutting their doors.
However, Melbourne remains the caravan capital of Australia, with no signs of slowing down. In fact, there are currently over 100 caravan showrooms in Melbourne! Among Victorian travellers, it’s business as usual for some of the nation’s most sought-after and reputable on- and off-road caravan brands, like Jayco, Avida, MDC, Austrack, and Snowy River.
Why Melbourne?
JAWA Melbourne showrooms continue to see a surge in visitors excited to explore the latest offerings in off-road caravans.
Why Melbourne? There are a few reasons why caravanning remains so popular in one of the country’s biggest cities.
Melbourne has a long history of caravanning with a skilled workforce in the city. Many suppliers work together to form the ‘magic mile,’ positioning top caravan brands close to each other so that shoppers can easily access a great range without too much travel.
Additionally, caravan shows are highly popular in Melbourne. Most notable are the Victorian Caravan & Camping Supershow at Melbourne Showgrounds and the Melbourne Caravan & Camping Leisurefest at Sandown Racecourse. These events offer a fun family day out while showing off all the industry’s latest offerings.
An Emerging Market in South-East Queensland
Melbourne isn’t alone. South-East Queensland is now seeing a fast-emerging market for caravanning. There’s even been significant growth of interest in caravans in Brisbane.
Many retirees relocated to Queensland during the pandemic. The state is home to a range of state-of-the-art manufacturers, like JAWA Off-Road Campers on the Sunshine Coast. Queensland also has a great rugged environment, perfect for testing caravan quality.
The massive increase in demand has triggered a new skilled labour market, signalling further growth for the sector.
What’s Next for the Caravan Industry?
Despite the initial post-Covid slowdown, industry professionals are hopeful that caravanning is back on the rise for Aussie adventurers.
As more people gain interest in caravans, more van options and add-ons are set to grace our shores, offering something unique for every kind of traveller.
Caravan travel is here to stay, and in the nation’s hot spots, the industry is set to boom.
