Caravanning and camping enthusiasts had reason to celebrate last month as Caravan Industry Victoria’s 2023 Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow returned to the prestigious Melbourne Showgrounds for its 70th year. This show is known throughout the country as the biggest caravan and camping show and it didn’t disappoint.
The Supershow was held from Wednesday 22nd of February and concluded on Sunday 26th of February. An impressive 47,945 people attended the show, an increase from 44,191 in 2022 and the highest daily average attendance since Caravan Industry Victoria moved to Melbourne Showgrounds in 2015.
Truma (part of Leisure-Tec Australia) was again the major partner for the 2023 Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow. CEO of Leisure-Tec Paul Widdis: “Truma was proud to be the major sponsor of Australia’s biggest caravan and camping Supershow, and it was fantastic to see record crowds return to Melbourne. This year saw a number of new innovations introduced by the Caravan Industry Victoria.”
Daniel Sahlberg, CEO of Caravan Industry Victoria presented the recently released industry figures to dignitaries and industry leaders at the launch of the 2023 Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow, “With over 215 exhibitors covering over 100,000 square meters of exhibition space the show emphasises the buoyancy and diversity of the industry, especially in Victoria”, said Daniel.
Daniel also announced the impact the four caravan and camping shows Caravan Industry Victoria conduct, Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow, Border Caravan & Camping Expo, Melbourne Leisurefest and Bendigo Caravan & Camping Leisurefest, has on the state of Victoria and the industry with:
- $12.2 million economic impact from the shows per annum
- $8.6 million spent per annum in the location of the events
- 44,000 visitor nights per annum generated by the shows
- $300 million economic impact to Victoria through its employment in the industry in the Victorian Trade Sector by conducting the shows
Visitors were spoilt for choice to see the latest of everything caravanning and camping all in one location. There was something for everyone at this event: thousands of new caravans and RVs in display, a vast range of the latest and greatest accessories and camping gear, a wide variety of 4×4 products, a pavilion full of fantastic travel destinations, and everything visitors could possibly need for their next getaway.
There were two new brand precincts at the 2023 Supershow – the RV Master Stage and Adventure Zone! The RV Master Stage was the perfect place to sit back and listen to a huge range of topics presented guest speakers including caravanning enthusiasts and van life influencers, 4 Boys and a Caravan and Travelling Campers plus many others. The RV Master Stage hosted 31 live interactive sessions over the 5-day event, while those who were unable to attend the event were able to view them live on Caravan Industry Victoria’s social media channels. Down at the Adventure Zone, there was plenty to see and do with the impressive 4×4 Track with demonstrations on how to drive on all terrains, sessions with public figure Jase Andrews from All 4 Adventure talking about his life as a TV star, What’s Up Downunder’s Macca talking all things 4WD and camping, weight and towing safety demonstration, plus much more!
Arguably the star attraction at the 2023 Victorian Caravan Supershow was the major prize in the ‘Passport to Freedom’ competition: a $70,000 Jayco Starcraft Bush Pack caravan, with another 70 prizes also up for grabs bringing the prizepool to $100,000 as Caravan Industry Victoria went all out to celebrate the 70th running of the Victoria Caravan Supershow. The lucky first prize winner was L.Burnett, who was in utter disbelief when she received the phone call many had hoped to receive.
Caravan Industry Victoria
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Working from home… on wheels? Aussie families take work and school on the road
HOME. OFFICE. CLASSROOM. The Aussie caravan is no longer just for holidays.
Forget packing up the caravan to escape work and school, some Australians are taking both with them.
New figures released in 2026 show Queensland home education registrations have surged around 135 per cent since 2021, climbing from 5,008 to 11,800.
At the same time, Tourism Research Australia figures show 5 per cent of caravan and camping trips are now taken for business or employment purposes.
While the figures don’t reveal exactly how many Australians are simultaneously working, schooling and travelling from their caravans, they point to two significant shifts happening at the same time, and a lifestyle that is becoming increasingly possible.
Australian Events Managing Director Bob Carroll said technology had changed what packing up and hitting the road could look like.
“The caravan used to mean leaving work and school behind. Now, for some families, it can be the home, office and classroom all at once,” Mr Carroll said.
“If Mum and Dad can work remotely, the kids can continue their education and everyone can stay connected, suddenly the question becomes, why rush home?”
And the modern touring setup is changing with them.
Internet connectivity, solar power, battery systems, off-grid capability, storage and functional living spaces are increasingly part of the conversation alongside beds, kitchens and bathrooms.
For children learning while travelling, Australia itself can become part of the lesson.
History can be visited. Geography is outside the window. Math’s can be kilometers, fuel and the family travel budget.
“Technology is giving people the freedom to rethink what a road trip can be,” Mr Carroll said.
“For some Australians, it’s no longer about squeezing an adventure between work and school. It’s about finding ways for life and adventure to happen together.”
The Cleveland Caravan, Camping, Boating & 4×4 Expo will showcase more than 120 exhibitors across caravans, campers, 4×4, boating, camping equipment, technology, accessories and touring gear, giving visitors plenty of inspiration for wherever life on the road might take them.
