Your guide to Melbourne Leisurefest 2019 caravan and camping show at Sandown
Dreaming of hitting the road now that spring weather’s arrived? Here’s how to get the latest caravan, camping and motorhome gear that will have you exploring the great outdoors in no time.
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Thousands of campers and caravanners will converge on Sandown Racecourse for Melbourne Leisurefest.
The huge exhibition will showcase the latest in caravans, camping, motorhomes and outdoor lifestyle to help Victorians plan their next great adventure.
Dogs are welcome too, with Melbourne Leisurfest organisers estimating 70 per cent of caravanners and campers travel with their canine companions.
Many of the products will be on display for the first time, giving visitors exclusive first-time access, while a stack of tourism opreators will be on hand to help plot your journey.
When and where is Melbourne Leisurefest taking place?
The outdoor 2019 Melbourne Leisurefest will run from Thursday, October 3, until Sunday, October 6, from 9.30am-5pm daily, except Sunday, when it wraps up at 4pm.
Melbourne Leisurefest 2019 takes place at Sandown Racecourse, 591-659 Princes Highway, Springvale.
What to see: Melbourne Leisurefest highlights
Melbourne Leisurefest showcases the best and latest in caravans, recreational vehicles, 4x4 vehicles and outdoor and camping accessories.
From pop-up tents and camper trailers to luxury RVs and motorhomes, there are products suited to every kind of budget, accommodation and destination.
Leisurefest will be big on exclusivity this year, with eventgoers getting first time access to products before anyone else.
For those more focused on the destination than all the bells and whistles, there will be plenty of tourism information available.
Road safety advocates should pencil in a free caravan and RV safety inspection on offer, which ensures your vehicle or motorhome is safe on the roads. Safety inspections run from Friday, October 4, until Sunday, October 6.
A string of daily demonstrations will get adventurers up to scratch with towing masterclasses and solar/battery tips.
There will also be live, interactive demonstrations of cutting-edge outdoor technology, vintage vans and E bike demos and for the whole family, an interactive mini golf course and trackless train ride in the Kids Zone.
Meanwhile, dog lovers won’t be able to go past the Ten Network’s Pooches at Play exhibition, which will feature live talks and pet demonstrations throughout the event’s four-day stint.
Kids won’t want to miss the petting zoo, which features friendly animals from Animals 2U, an important initiative that provides educational experiences with animals that have been rescued or re-homed.
If you prefer scaley to furry friends, reptile specialist Allan Burnett from Reptile Awareness Displays of Australia will give visitors the lowdown on snake awareness, allowing up-close-and-personal encounters with the slithery critters. The shows will run every 30 minutes, starting from 10am.
See the full list of Melbourne Leisurfest exhibitors.
How to buy Melbourne Leisurefest tickets
Buy tickets on-site or online, with a variety of packages available.
Adult: $18 for a single day, $23 for a two-day pass.
Concession/Pensioner: $15 for a single day, $20 for a two-day pass.
Children: Free when accompanied by an adult (must be 15 and under)
Dogs: Yes, they’re free to come along too.
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How to get to Melbourne Leisurefest
Car: There is plenty of free car parking at Sandown Racecourse, which you can access from Corrigan Rd or Racecourse Drive.
Bus: If travelling from the CBD, take bus 906 (Warrandyte) from Exhibition St/Lonsdale St before getting off at Doncaster Rd/Blackburn Rd and then taking Bus 902 (Chelsea), getting off at Springvale.
Trams: Due to service disruptions from the metro tunnel, trams aren’t recommended as they’re long and require connecting buses.
Train: Sandown Park Railway Station is located at Sandown Racecourse. To get to the station from the CBD, take the Pakenham or Cranbourne line, which will operate throughout the Melbourne Leisurefest.
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