WOMEN WHO LOVE THIS COUNTRY

Part 3: Traveling With Pets

Tips on how to take your pets along for the ride with special guest and sunbird Judy Mann.

Preparing To Take Pets Along For the Ride

Before we embarked on our perpetual caravanning holiday, we lived a normal lifestyle in your average, motionless home with two spaniels. We adopted the pets when they were only pups and, as a result, they became completely dependant upon us. They are now aged 13 and 14 and are living it up on the road along with us!

Before you decide to take man’s best friend along for the ride, you should be honest about your pet’s ability to travel. If your pet is very young or old, or is ill, pregnant, or recovering from surgery, it may be better for all concerned to look into a pet sitter or kennel rather than take a chance injuring your pet by taking it with you. If you are in doubt, ask your veterinarian. If your pet has not traveled before, try a short overnight or weekend trip first.

Many pets become separated from their owners while traveling and often collars are not on pets when they are recovered at shelters. Seriously consider having your pet microchipped - animal hospitals, humane societies, kennels, and shelters nationwide are using scanners that will read these implanted chips and let you be reunited with your lost pet. Microchip procedures are safe, quick, inexpensive, and very common. Your veterinarian can tell you more about this procedure.

Before you leave, clip your pet's nails. Pets with freshly-trimmed nails will be less likely to damage items in strange surroundings and will be easier to restrain if necessary.

Traveling with Pets
Depending upon a pet’s specie type and traveling experience you may require a cage for them to reside whilst on the road. Our spaniels are happy to lounge around in the back of our RV whilst traveling and have never caused any trouble whilst unattended. However, some dogs tend not to travel well and parks often accept pets at their own discretion. Before taking your family pet along for the ride, consider whether it will behave acceptably in a park environment and whether it can handle the stress of traveling long distances. If you are sure of your pet’s ability to take a trip, you are sure to be rewarded with a holiday that truly encompasses all the members of the family.

Handy hint

If you have an extendable dog lead you can attach it to the awning, or any other convenient spot, to make an excellent line for drying clothes. With the easy lock catch to adjust the line length it can fit anywhere and, once it’s done its job, the lead can recoil back into the handle. Truly brilliant, try it!

To find a pet friendly holiday park that you and your canine family are sure to enjoy, use the following search engines:

• Family Parks Pet Friendly Finder
• Top Tourist Parks Feature Search

FUEL PRICE NO MATCH FOR CARAVANNING LIFESTYLE

Even with rising fuel costs, caravanning and RV’ing is one of the most affordable ways to holiday. The benefits are endless… traveling where you want when you want, seeing some of the most beautiful places in Australia and meeting new friends along the journey, many of whom often remain so for life. And once you’ve purchased your new caravan, camper trailer, campervan or motorhome, you have your accommodation organised for a lifetime of holidays as well as a valuable asset which can always be resold if need be.

Many people are surprised to learn that fuel is still only the fourth largest expense associated with a caravanning or RV’ing holiday with the bulk of the budget going towards visiting tourist attractions and the day to day cost of living.

The touring holiday is still as affordable as ever! Typically a couple will spend about $40 on food and drink (non-alcoholic), $30 each on site fees and spending money, and only $26 on fuel each day (fuel cost based on 16L/100km at $1.80 per litre. See our table below for a guide to total consumption costs for a 28-day holiday with 2,500 km of towing). So you can enjoy the dynamic lifestyle, long relaxing days and picturesque destinations for a price that will leave you wondering why anyone would consider any other way of life.

Use this fuel price guide to estimate the fuel component of your caravan or RV holiday and join the 160,000 other Australians out travelling throughout Australia right now.

* Please note that your fuel consumption will depend on a number of variables including wind direction, speed, tyre pressure and tow vehicle efficiency.

Here are some handy tips to help you reduce costs, not to mention environmental impact, on your next caravan or RV holiday:

• Convert petrol vehicle to LPG and take advantage of the $2,000 grant. This will reduce your fuel costs by at least 25%
• Use a fuel efficient tow vehicle, motorhome or campervan
• Maintain a speed of 85 – 90 km/h (within the speed limit) and you’ll save between 10% to 15% of your fuel
• Use cruise control or overdrive on flat terrain but switch it off when you’re on a long climb
• Remove unused items from your caravan or RV or replace with lighter-weight alternatives
• Travel with the wind, not into it
• Ensure you have optimum type pressure
• Invest in a GPS as it will take you directly to your destination, eliminate stress and save on fuel

(Information sourced from Caravan Industry Australia (Victoria) – www.ciavic.com.au)

PRIZE WINNERS

Grey Nomad Competition
You may remember from our last edition we ran a competition inviting readers to come up with some suggestions for renaming the “Grey Nomad” to reflect the variety of ages, personalities, and not to mention, hair colour, of caravanning enthusiasts. Well, it certainly got a lot of you thinking as we received more than 1100 entries for this competition!

Here are our Top 10… (in no particular order)

Tar Trekkers, Gail Dorman
Great Nomads, Clive Murdoch
Dream Chasers, Patrick John Larson
Mo’zzies (Short for Mobile Aussies), Chris & Pam Dally
Baby Zoomers, Chris Pritchard
The Freedom Seekers, Lorraine Golding
BoomaRangers, Kris
Freedom Flighters, Adam Edward Burkitt * also Trevor Smith
The BOOMERrangs (Because many are Baby Boomers and they’ll go far, but they’ll always come back!), Rachael Pascoe

So, if your name appears here, get in touch with Sinead at CRVA on 07 3262 6566 or email sinead@crva.com.au to claim your prize - a $50 fuel voucher!

Thank you to everyone for your great ideas.

The Great Outdoors Competition
If you viewed Channel 7’s popular travel show 'The Great Outdoors' sometime in June/July you probably took the time to enter the fantastic Winnebago Freewind prize-giveaway competition. Thank you to everyone who participated, the competition was a huge success.

Sandra Penna from Fisherman’s Bay SA took out the major prize, a Winnebago Freewind valued at $150,000, and is, needless to say, ecstatic about the win.

Congratulations also to those who received the brilliant consolation prize packs supplied by Britz and BCF…

Britz Elite Campervan Adventures each valued at $2,300:

• Mary Woodroofe, Wonga Park VIC
• J Atkinson, Dysart, QLD
• Natalie Atkinson, Somerset, TAS
• Lorraine Armadeo, Gordonvale, QLD
• Robyn Kelly, Ashgrove, QLD

BCF Camping packs each valued at $2,011:

• Maggie Haigh, Bell Post Hill, VIC
• Pauline Ellis, Eltham, VIC
• Celina Crowley, Moore Park NSW
• Brett Kilpatrick, Laidley, QLD
• Peter Roberts, Port Pirie, SA

Consumer Survey Competition
Thank you also to those who filled out our very first We Love This Country Consumer Survey. We are always searching for new and improved ways to serve you, the caravanning and camping community, and are constantly seeking to fulfill the feedback we receive in surveys. Those who participated in the survey went into the draw to win a 12 month subscription to NRMA’s Caravan+RV Magazine. Congratulations to Barry Abbott, Glenn Keighley and Debbie Rowland who won the competition.

PENRITH CARAVAN, CAMPING & HOLIDAY EXPO

The Penrith Caravan, Camping & Holiday Expo is hailed as one of western Sydney’s biggest, brightest and best leisure shows.

Head to Penrith Panthers Leagues Club between Friday 12 and Sunday 14 September and take advantage of this huge PRE-SUMMER SALE to pick up some great bargains for your next caravan and camping holiday.

Whether you’re interested in RV’ing, camping or finding out about some amazing Australian holiday destinations, the Penrith Expo will have something to suit everyone and promises to be a great day out for the entire family.

For more information visit:
www.penrith.supershow.com.au

RV & CAMPING LEISUREFEST

This year’s RV & Camping Leisurefest is set to change. For the first time in 2008 the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce and Boating Industry Association (Victoria) will join Caravan Industry Victoria to showcase a huge range of lifestyle products at the popular RV & Camping Leisurefest event held annually at Sandown Racecourse.

The Sandown show will feature not just caravans, recreational vehicles and camping equipment but also boating, fishing and automotive products. They are also looking to make use of the new 4x4 off road track at Sandown and may even use the Sandown racing circuit for test towing new vehicles, large boats and caravans.

The event will run from Thursday 2 October to Sunday 5 October from 10 am to 5 pm daily. It’ll be a great day out for the whole family with free kids’ activities over the weekend and plenty of food and beverages available.

ENJOY THE BETTER HALF OF LIFE IN STYLE WITH NATIONAL SENIORS AUSTRALIA
National Seniors Australia (NSA) is a not-for-profit organisation that provides an independent voice for people 50 and over.

By becoming a member of NSA you will receive a wide range of benefits, including:

• the ability to voice your concerns to an organisation that will listen and act on your behalf
• access to the ‘National Seniors My Rewards’ programme which offers 1,000’s of discounts and special offers from 7,000 retailers across Australia
• access to a range of insurance options through National Seniors Insurance
• six free issues of the award winning 50 Something magazine per year
• Access to the National Seniors Travel Club

National Seniors Austrlia National Office
Level 7, 243 Edward Street, Brisbane Qld 4000
Phone: 1300 76 50 50
Website: www.nationalseniors.com.au

NEW FREE RESOURCE BASE FOR NOMADS SEEKING HOLIDAY JOBS!
Award-winning touring & training company Global Gypsies has added an exciting -
and very practical - new feature to its website…a free guide for nomads seeking
part-time, temporary or voluntary work during their travels.

Global Gypsies Director Jan Barrie says the company receives so many inquiries
from clients wanting to find work during their extended holidays that they decided to
set up a free resource base providing this information.

“We get thousands of hits on our website from people seeking details about our
tours and training, so it seemed the ideal place to provide information about
vacation job queries as well."

“Our site now features links to volunteer and/or paid work opportunities in Australia
and overseas with particular emphasis on outdoor and environmentally related
activities. It even has information about house-sitting and house-swapping
services,” says Jan.

To check out the new service, visit www.globalgypsies.com.au/nomads. Global Gypsies is a WA-based company offering 4WD self-drive tag-along-tours into the outback, aswell as training in four-wheel-driving, towing and Tour Guiding.

For more details, phone Jan or Jeremy on (08) 9341 6727
email: admin@globalgypsies.com.au
web: www.globalgypsies.com.au

WINTER EVENTS

Barossa Gourmet Weekend
When: 22nd  - 24th August
Email: www.barossa.com
Where: Barossa Valley, SA

Grab your family and friends and visit the Barossa Gourmet Weekend to enjoy the finest wine from 24 cellar doors, matched to sumptuous food and some of South Australia's best live entertainment.  Child friendly events and activities have been organised including face painting, hands-on craft activities and games.

Paint it Red this winter in Australia's premier wine region and support the Heart Foundation's "Go Red for Women" campaign, which aims to raise awareness and empower women with the knowledge to care for their own heart. Look out for the Heart Foundation 'Go Red for Women' merchandise at participating wineries.

The best places to stay while visiting this event:

Tanunda Caravan & Tourist Park
Phone: 08 8563 2784
Address: Barossa Valley Way, TANUNDA SA 5352

Barossa Caravan Park
Phone: 08 8524 4262
Address: Barossa Valley Hwy, LYNDOCH SA 5351

Barossa Valley Tourist Park
Phone: 08 8562 1404
Address: Penrice Road, NURIOOTPA SA 5355

Burra Caravan & Camping Park
Phone: 08 8892 2442
Address: 12 Bridge Terrace, BURRA SA 5417

Gawler Caravan Park
Phone: 08 8522 3805
Address: Main North Road, GAWLER SA 5118

Kapunda Tourist & Leisure Park
Phone: 08 8566 2094
Address: 15 Montefoire Street, KAPUNDA SA 5373

Williamstown-Queen Victoria Jubilee Park
Phone: 08 8524 6363
Address: Springton Road, WILLIAMSTOWN SA 5351

The Fireside Festival
When: 1st – 31st August
Website: www.firesidefestival.com.au
Where: Canberra and Capital Region, ACT

The sound of clinking glasses and a crackling fire, the smell of hot chocolate. Immerse yourself with delicious food, fabulous wine, art and experiences during the Fireside Festival 2008 throughout August.

At the Fireside Festival you can sip on exquisite cool climate wines, taste the delicacies from the region, meet local artists with a passion for their craft, or just relax and warm yourself on open fires while you listen to fine music and talk amongst your friends.

The best places to stay while visiting this event:

Capital Country Holiday Village
Phone: 02 6230 3433
Address: 47 Bidges Road, SUTTON NSW 2620

Crestview Tourist Park
Phone: 02 6297 2443
Address: 81 Donald Road, QUEANBEYAN NSW 2620

Canberra Carotel Motel & Caravan Park
Phone: (02) 6241 1377
Address: Federal Highway, WATSON ACT 2602

Canberra South Motor Park
Phone: 02 6280 6176
Address: Canberra Avenue, SYMONSTON ACT 2600

Eagle Hawk Holiday Park
Phone: 02 6241 6411
Address: 1246 Federal Highway NSW/ACT Border, SUTTON NSW 2620

SIDETRACKS
The team at We Love This Country Team has collected plenty of travel notes on our travels around Australia.

ATHERTON TABLELANDS, QLD:

Where is it?
North Queensland, covering a large area inland of Cairns.
(See it on Google Map View Larger Map )

Why go?
The tropical Atherton Tablelands, located behind the mountains of popular tourist hub Cairns, lets visitors slow down and enjoy boundless vistas of natural beauty. Take the time to soak up the atmosphere of the many country towns and experience the culture through the local markets, arts, crafts and restaurants. Take a leisurely walk in the lush highland rainforest around Crater Lakes past tumbling waterfalls, giant trees and be enchanted by an abundance of rare and endemic birds and other wildlife.

Things to do & see:

1. Get up-close with birds of prey native to northern Queensland by attending the Atherton Birds of Prey show. Learn about the behaviours of eagles, falcons, owls and many other birds in an educational presentation that is fun for young and old alike. Check out www.birdsofprey.com.au for more information.
   
   
2. If you’re after an excursion that covers both culinary and roving delights then the Mareeba Food Trail Tour is right up your ally. Starting in Cairns, the tour takes you to the dry tropics, to visit coffee and macadamia plantations, a tropical fruit winery, takes a walk among tropical fruit trees, makes a stop at Granite Gorge to feed wild wallabies, and finishes the day with tropical fruit ice-creams.
   
   With a tropical fruit wine maker, a coffee plantation, a macadamia plantation, morning tea, lunch, sweet treats, and a hint of chocolate, you will have something different to eat, or drink at every stop. On guided farm tours you often meet, and sometimes hear from, the local farmers who do the work on their plantations. Hear how they produce foods, and tropical fruit wines, in the tropics.

Local favourites:

• Hallorans Hill Lookout is an ideal spot for a barbecue or picnic, watching the sunset or just enjoying the view of the surrounding areas, farmland and rolling hills. The best way to enjoy this is to start from the Environmental Park on Louise Street, follow the walking track right to the top of the hill. Best times are early morning or late afternoon when you can watch the sunset. The walking track takes approximately two hours return.
• For a slice of history and a good movie drop into the Majestic Theatre, one of the oldest continually operating picture theatres in Australia. Weekly screenings of current titles. Two movies per session. Very reasonable ticket prices.
• If you’re lucky enough to be in or around the Atherton Tablelands on the 3rd Saturday of any month head to Malanda Markets to sample local produce and friendly country style service.
  

Did you know?
Atherton was home to a thriving Chinese community from the 1880s to the mid-1900s. The remains of Atherton's Chinatown are now an archaeological site featuring the community's place of worship, the Hou Wang Temple, which has been conserved and restored.

Have you been here?
Pass on your tips to other VIP club members. Send us an email.

Where to stay:

BIG4 Atherton Woodlands Tourist Park
A peaceful Park, located in the heart of the famous Atherton Tablelands that abounds with native wildlife, including bush wallabies, birds, turtles and even a friendly platypus. Playgrounds, a beautiful hiking track and luxurious pool facilities will make your holiday an unforgettable experience.
Phone: 07 4091 1407
Address: 141 Herberton Road, ATHERTON QLD 4883

Atherton Caravan Park
A picturesque rural outlook with rural views which include ancient volcanic cinder cones right in the heart of the peaceful Atherton Tablelands. Atherton Caravan Park is the closest caravan park to historic Heritage-listed Yungaburra and Atherton, and is only a few minutes away from several excellent restaurants.
Phone: 07 4091 1099
Address: Yungaburra Rd, Atherton QLD 4883

Atherton Halloran's Leisure Park
Enjoy cool breezes with great views over Atherton. This is a quiet and peacful park set on 6.5 acres, located just below the extinct volcano Hallorans Hill.
Phone: 07 4091 4144
Address: 152 Robert Street, ATHERTON QLD 4883

EDEN, NSW:

Where is it?
Located close to the Victorian Border and 500km south of Sydney.
(See it on Google Map View Larger Map )

Why go?
The southern gateway to the Sapphire Coast, Eden is set in rugged beauty with golden sandy beaches and crystal waters to the east and forests and parklands to the west.
Magnificent Twofold Bay has the quiet watcher of Mount Imlay in the background.

It sees the whales feeding as they migrate every year; the days when men and killer whales worked together to herd the gentle giants for the whaling industry are long gone and faithfully recorded in fascinating displays at the Eden Killer Whale Museum.

Three things to do:

Local favourites:

• Head down to Memorial Park on the first Saturday of each month to savor the local produce and browse the various stalls at the Eden Markets. The action starts at midday and finishes at 2.30 pm.
• What better way to experience the day to day Eden lifestyle then to cool off with the locals at the community waterhole? The Eden swimming pool is located on the corner of Princes Highway, Bungo and Mailing streets.
  

Did you know?
Twofold Bay is the third deepest natural harbour in the world, and Eden is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in NSW.

Have you been here?
Pass on your tips to other VIP club members. Send us an email.

Where to stay:

Eden Tourist Park
Would you like to go to sleep listening to the sound of the waves, wake up just across the road from 1.5 kilometres of pristine ocean beach?  This is the perfect place for you.
Phone: 02 6496 1139
Address: Aslings Beach Road, EDEN NSW 2551

Fountain Caravan Park
A family and pet friendly park situated right in the heart of Eden. Opposite the lovely Lake Boardwalk and only minutes walk to clubs, pubs and shopping, they offer a relaxing holiday for the whole family.
Phone: 02 6496 1798
Address: 99 Princes Highway, Eden NSW 2551

Twofold Bay Beach Resort
Set on five stunning hectares of Natural Parkland with easy beach access and spacious accommodation overlooking the water. Watch the lights of Eden during a night beach walk or spend some time beach fishing or swimming.
Phone: 1800 631 006
Address: 731 Princes Highway, BOYDTOWN NSW 2551

Discovery Holiday Parks - Eden
Absolute beach frontage and surrounded by bushland - only minutes from town. Set on the tranquil Legges Beach, this is the perfect family base from which to explore the local region.
Phone: 02 6496 1651
Address: 1272 Princes Highway, Eden NSW 2551

PROFILES

Miami Caravan Park
Miami Caravan Park is the perfect location from which to base your next Gold Coast holiday.

The Gold Coast is home to some of the biggest, best and fastest attractions in Australia. For those who love an adrenaline rush there are the major theme parks - Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet ´n´ Wild Water World. For animal lovers Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Paradise Country and Sea World are for you. Shopaholics won´t miss out as there is a range of different shopping alternatives to keep you busy including Pacific Fair, Robina Shopping Centre and discount brand shopping at Harbour Town. All of these fantastic locations are just a short drive from the park.

For those looking for a beach experience then Miami is situated right in the centre of the stunning Gold Coast with close proximity to Burleigh Heads, Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach and Palm Beach. The nightlife of Surfers Paradise and the glittering entertainment of Jupiter Casino are located a short taxi ride away.

The park itself offers a range of facilities perfect for the weekend getaway (air-conditioned cabins) through to the family getaway. Featuring a large pool complete with waterslide (as well as a wading pool), children's playground, 2 BBQ Areas, a 24 Hour Bus Service as well as a reception shop, all set within tropical surroundings, the Miami Caravan Park offers a holiday experience available to be enjoyed by all.

Address: 2200 Gold Coast Highway, Miami QLD
Phone: (07) 5572 7533
Website: www.miamicaravanpark.com.au
Email: sales@miamicaravanpark.com.au

Private Caravan Hire
Private Caravan Hire is an online search facility that brings together the owners of Caravans and RVs with people looking to Hire or Swap. Caravan and RV owners have the opportunity to get a return on their investment and receive bonus dollars.

Owners list their Caravans RVs stipulating the conditions and availability of the hire or swap. Interested parties browse and find a vehicle that suits their needs. They then complete a simple online enquiry.

Matching owners and members is so easy and simple at PCH because the arrangements are supported with the PCH Hire Agreement and other online information including insurance referral.

Website: www.privatecaravanhire.com.au
Email: info@privatecaravanhire.com.au
Phone: (07) 5452 5210

Mediscope
Mediscope thrives on providing the best customer service and quality Australian made products at a competitive price. They specialise in a range of well being products, including:

• Paineze Plus: a modern, simple to use, electronic pain reliever that really works.
• Super-Heater: an amazing heat pack, which provides instant, portable and reusable heat.
• Aussie Cool Neck Tie: worn around the neck or around the forehead to keep cool while working, walking or playing sport.
• Safe-T-Fone: allows the user to operate a phone at arms length reducing exposure to radiation to a background level.

Website: www.mediscope.com.au
Email: admin@mediscope.com.au
Phone: 0425 796 163

Jurgens Australia Caravans
Officially opened on Wednesday 9 April 2008, Jurgens Australia Caravans is ready to take on a new Australian frontier. With 70 years of experience abroad, Jurgens quality and products are like no other. Discover for yourself an Australian made product range that is to be enjoyed by you and your family for many years to come.

Website: www.jurgensaustralia.com.au
Email: info@jurgensaustralia.com.au
Phone: 03 5998 3555

First Sun Holiday Park (Byron Bay)
The beautiful First Sun Holiday Park is a true favourite amongst holiday-makers traversing the eastern coast. The park is perched upon a cliff face overlooking a sun soaked beach below with the famous Byron Bay Lighthouse forming a stunning backdrop beyond the breaking waves.

There is plenty to see and do at Byron Bay. Whether you’re after a leisurely stroll, an adrenalin pumping hang gliding experience or even a world-class live music event Byron Bay is sure to satisfy. Cape Byron Headland is primarily famous for being the most easterly point of Australia, yet, beyond boasting this tidbit of trivia, the area provides a 5km stretch of picturesque walking track from Watego’s Beach up the headland to the lighthouse and back. The beautiful clear sea allows you to view dolphins, turtles and stingrays and during the Winter migration you can even catch sight of Humpback whales.

First Sun Holiday Park itself will keep even the most discerning traveler comfortable with a full range of top-rated cabins, waterfront powered sites and camping areas, along with a camping kitchen, Free BBQ facilities and full laundry facilities.

Website: www.bshp.com.au/first
Email: first@bshp.com.au
Phone: (02) 6685 6544
Address: Lawson Street, Byron Bay NSW

Prestige Jayco
Prestige Jayco displays one of the largest selections of Jayco RV’s in Australia. For a combined 28 years, Prestige Jayco Geelong & Bendigo have sold a large range of new Jayco caravans, camper trailers, pop-tops, campervans & motorhomes. Jayco’s reputation, for high quality and value for money provides their customers with a worthwhile investment and has earned them an enviable 45% market share in Australia.

They also purchase, trade & consign only the best brands and undertake quality & safety checks when acquiring a van to ensure your purchase is trouble free.

Address: 182 Bellarine Hwy, Newcombe VIC
Phone: 1800 653 985
Website: www.prestigejayco.com.au
Email: geelong@prestigejayco.com.au

Kratzmann's Caravans & Marine
Gary Kratzmann and the team have been operating from the same address in Brisbane since 1977, servicing the needs of people from all over Australia. Now with two showrooms, Kratzmann's Carvans & Marine are dedicated to offering a superb range of new and used caravans, pop tops and camper trailers.

You know you’re getting a quality product from Kratzmanns. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, the team uses their expert knowledge to design custom layouts based upon their expansive knowledge of what you, the end user, really want from your ultimate holiday machine. Kratzmanns stocks a wide range of quality caravanning brands including Goldstream, Franklin, Track Trailers, Supreme, Concept Caravans and Pioneer Campers.

Kratzmann's Caravans & Marine also offer an incredible 5 year warranty with RV purchases giving you a peace of mind that will last well beyond your first few years of holiday bliss. With service and repairs, a layby option and award winning sales and after sales service check out Kratzmann's Caravans & Marine for a great deal on a holidaying lifestyle.

Address: 1768 Sandgate Road, Virginia QLD
Phone: (07) 3265 2477
Website: www.kratzmann.com.au
Email: sales-virginia@kratzmann.com.au

Coast to Coast Caravan & Leisure
Coast to Coast is one of Australia's largest wholesale/retail suppliers of RV and caravan/leisure products. They stock a massive range of holidaying gear and equipment from well known brands including Fiamma, Suburban RV Water Heaters, Lafuma, Winegard, Coleman Air Conditioners, Waeco and others.

Whether you’re in the market for quality recreational vehicle accessories or traveling furniture to recline on during those extended pit stops, stop by Coast to Coast and check out their extensive range. Air conditioners, awnings, chairs, tables, camping equipment, car accessories, plumbing, water heaters… the list is endless.

Look up their website for offers on an extensive range of products that is continually being reviewed and kept up to date with the latest in caravanning and camping equipment. Alternatively, why not have a leisurely browse at one of their extensively stocked outlets where friendly, helpful staff will be on hand to discuss your requirements and help solve your problems.

Address: (Head Office) 44 Adderley St East, Silverwater NSW
Phone: (02) 9647 1164
Website: www.coastrv.com.au
Email: sales@coastrv.com.au

Track Trailer
Track Trailer is an Australian based and Australian owned company located in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The business has been at the cutting edge of trailer design since 1982.

Track Trailer is a manufacturer of high performance off road trailers. Their product range is focused primarily on recreational camper systems, but they also manufacture high performance off road trailers for commercial and military use.

Their design and manufacturing processes are based around CAD/CAM which enables Track Trailer to produce accurate and reliable product to the highest standard with the greatest possible efficiency all the way from design down to their rolling production line. Track Trailer’s reputation has been built on their commitment to quality.

Phone: 1800 698 826
Website: www.tracktrailer.com.au
Email: sales@tracktrailer.com.au

Concept Caravans
Concept Caravan’s commitment to produce the highest quality caravan, through a genuine and thorough understanding of customer needs, has brought together a professional working team and loyal mass of thankful customers.

Value for money is central to Concept Caravan’s design and development process, through the building and rigorous testing of prototypes, to construction, fitting and finishing. Every caravan they produce is made to the highest quality and workmanship.

Their policy is constant improvement; investing consistently in advanced production technology, and readily adopting new materials and innovative concepts. This forward-looking approach ensures that their customers are always among the first to enjoy the benefits of modern developments in the caravan culture.

Address: 64 Capital Link Drive, CAMPBELLFIELD VIC 3061
Phone: (03) 9357 6190
Website: www.conceptcaravans.com.au
Email: info@conceptcaravans.com.au

National Sponsor Spotlight

AL-KO INTERNATIONAL
Australia’s leading caravan and motorhome manufacturers fit AL-KO componentry as standard because they know that they can rely on the AL-KO product quality.

One of the most important criteria to caravan owners when purchasing a van is towing comfort and safety. This is why AL-KO products are always found on award winning caravans as its product range is dedicated to helping caravan owners enjoy their time out on the road.
Some of the key AL-KO products on leading recreational vehicles today include the AMC Motorhome Chassis, AL-KO IRS (Independent Rubber Suspension) Axles, Off Road Electric Brakes, Premium Drop-Down Corner Steadies with Big Feet and Premium Jockey Wheels.

The AMC Chassis. The biggest feature of this cleverly designed chassis is that a motor-home’s load carrying capacity can be increased. The AMC Chassis’ low frame reduces the total height of the vehicle, and a lower loading height is then achieved together with a low centre of gravity, which improves road holding and cornering performance.

The AL-KO  I.R.S. Axles are the benchmark in fully independent trailer suspension. Over 10 million axles have been manufactured worldwide.

The unique hexagonal outer axle tube houses three rubber elements, which are held in place a triple fluted inner tube axle. The unique self dampening characteristics of the rubber element slow down the suspension rebound, which ensures a smooth ride over all types of road surfaces. A smoother ride results in less driver fatigue and more driver comfort!

The AL-KO  Off-Road Electric Brakes have been designed specifically for Australian off road conditions. They have been extensively tested in typically harsh Australian conditions and have proven that it is durable, reliable and will fail in the toughest of terrain. This ensures the costly an inconvenient breakdowns off the beaten track are minimized.

The AL-KO  Drop-Down Corner Steady is the most versatile corner steady on the market. The best feature of this product is that the legs are multi-positional, including the most stable position of vertical.

The AL-KO Drop-Down Corner Steady comes complete with the Big Foot™. It provides a flat load bearing surface and therefore adds extra stability to caravans on any surface, especially soft ground. The Big Foot™ is also sold separately.

The  AL-KO Premium Jockey Wheel range suit just about every conceivable application. From the basic 6" diameter solid tyre, to the easy roll 200mm diameter wheel, right up to all terrain 265mm diameter solid or pneumatic tyre. The unique swivel bracket gives the caravanner the convenience of simply pulling the bracket’s release handle and rotating the jockey wheel into position for travelling.

AL-KO supports its extensive product range with branches in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane as well as New Zealand  that are staffed by highly trained personnel.  With this infrastructure in place AL-KO is ideally placed to continue to assist Australian and New Zealand caravan and motorhome manufacturers in producing award winning vehicles.

Website: www.alko.com.au
Email: hallam@alko.com.au
Phone: 03 9767 3700

MHIA
Manufactured Homes Insurance Agency Pty Ltd (MHIA) was created to service the needs of the Caravan Industry. MHIA offers specialised insurance policies for Manufactured / Relocatable Homes - On-Site Vans - Touring Caravans - Motor Homes and Caravan Parks.

MHIA services the insurance needs of the consumers of the Caravan Industry with

• The best value and the most easily understood policies
• The most efficient delivery and service system for policies
• The highest level of customer satisfaction
• An efficient claims payment mechanism including a network of assessors throughout Australia and New Zealand and most claims are processed within 7 days.
• Support for the principles of the CRVA

Some of MHIA Policy Benefits that may not be available elsewhere are:

Touring Caravan Only:

• Recovery of your caravan following:
• Theft and Subsequent Recovery
• Damage to your Caravan

Motorhome Only:

• Travel Assistance – to help pay for passengers returning home following Illness or accident
• Recovery of Motorhome following:
• Accidental Damage to Motorhome
• Illness or Accident to Driver

Touring Caravan and Motorhome:

• Permanent address not required. A great benefit for those people permanently on the road
• Towing and Storage
• Mechanical and Electrical Breakdown

Please contact MHIA on FREECALL 1800 676 700 for Policy Disclosure Statement for a full description of these benefits plus MHIA’s many other policy benefits.

MHIA also prides itself on being a good corporate citizen. It is a National Sponsor of the CRVA, sponsors the trainee of the year for the Caravan Association in New South Wales and the young achiever of the year in Queensland. Also, MHIA has sponsored a car in the NSW Variety Bash which supports the children’s charity.

Website: www.mhia.com.au
Email: info@mhia.com.au
Phone: 02 4343 1666