Caravan boom expected to continue when border opens

Caravan and motorhome sales have boomed during the pandemic, but it’s not just the grey nomads hitting the road.

They’re the new breed of ‘cara-fans’ tipped to hit the highways of Queensland in even greater numbers when the border finally reopens in December.

Once the preserve of grey nomads, caravan and motorhome sales have boomed during the pandemic, with young families among the biggest buyers as Covid kept Aussies holidaying at home.

Many more are expected to be snapped up at the Let’s Go Brisbane Caravan and Outdoor Show which kicks off at the Ekka showgrounds on Thursday.

With registrations of caravans, campervans, camper trailers and motorhomes soaring 82 per cent in Queensland this year – and caravan imports and local manufacturing up 76 per cent and 37 per cent respectively – the caravan industry is predicting more bumper times ahead.

Caravan Parks Association of Queensland CEO Michelle Weston said phones at the state’s holiday parks had been running hot since the December 17 border reopening was announced.

Molly Currie and Charlee Reid, both 6, at Brisbane Holiday Village at Eight Mile Plains. Picture: Richard Walker

“One of our parks in the Whitsundays had 230 phone calls on the day of the announcement while a Gold Coast park had a 35 per cent increase in actual bookings within two days,” she said.

“Everyone is hanging out to have that classic Queensland Christmas holiday. And the really good thing is that there are bookings right through until next March.”

Ms Weston said even with international borders reopening, many people were still nervous to travel overseas.

Many people who had invested in vans and motorhomes during the pandemic were expected to continue to use them for shorter breaks.

Caravanning Queensland Trade CEO Jason Plant said while grey nomads still led the caravan convoys, 35 per cent of caravanners and campers were now young families.

Many were homeschooling, or rather van-schooling, there children on extended family road trips.

“We’re seeing people of all ages and especially families embrace life on the road, some more permanently, and redefine the meaning of flexible work arrangements,’ he said.

The Caravan and Outdoor Show will showcase more than 100 exhibitors and also feature caravanning masterclasses, mini Ekka attractions and a pop-up Covid vaccination clinic.