Hitting the Road: A Guide to Family Caravans for Sale in Melbourne and Adelaide
The appeal of the open road, the spirit of adventure, and the bonding of family have cemented caravanning as a favourite pastime right around the country in recent years. For families, a caravan is more than just a way to get from A to B; it’s a place to escape to, kick back in and make memories. Selecting the best family caravans is no small task, with a lot to think about in terms of what a family needs and wants in a caravan and how much they have to spend.
Whether you’re browsing top-end caravans for sale in Melbourne or checking out caravans for sale in Adelaide, it pays to get to know the market and what a perfect family model is all about. This guide helpfully gives the lowdown on what to expect for Australian families looking to plan their adventure holiday right.
What is the Best Family Caravan for Australian Travel?
A perfect family caravan needs to combine luxurious comfort with everyday practicality and strength to handle the no-nonsense conditions encountered on the Australian road—from traffic jams and inclement weather to dusty outback adventures. A family out and about has very different requirements from a couple or even an individual traveller.
Family-Considerate Elements We Like Best
When families are the focus of an adventure, features of a family caravan are always being sought in one way or another to make sure that the experience is enjoyable for all. Good sleeping spaces are key, and these usually include a comfortable main bed for parents (usually a queen or island bed) and separate purpose-designed bunk beds for children, providing kids with not only a sense of space but also a bit of ownership of their environment on the road. Some of the larger family-themed vans might boast triple bunk beds or dinette areas that can be converted into more sleeping spaces. A generous, well-designed living and dining space is key to family meals, mellowing or indoor games on those rainy days.
Most families consider a fully functioning kitchen a basic necessity. These usually comprise a good-sized fridge (they are normally between 185 litres for two two-door, three-way fridges), a cooktop with multiple burners, an oven or grill, a microwave and ample bench space to prepare meals. Ample pantry storage is also important for extended trips. The bathroom is a much-appreciated luxury, and you will find many of our family models have their own, some with a combined shower and toilet, others with a separate shower and toilet for privacy and convenience.
Storage facilities are an equally important factor to be taken into account. And we mustn’t forget that families always carry an obscene amount of clothing, equipment, toys and sports equipment. Consider models that provide plenty of internal storage, such as overhead lockers, under-bed storage, wardrobes and drawers, but also external storage for bulkier gear like chairs, tables and barbeques. Finally, reliability and rugged build quality are crucial for negotiating Australia’s diverse terrains. A sturdy structure, correct suspension (be it for highway touring, semi-off-road travel, or full off-road capabilities), and good materials will ensure the caravan lasts and is free of any safety concerns.
What Types of Caravans Are Best for a Family?
There are a variety of caravan styles suitable for families, each offering its benefits. The full-height caravan (also known as the “classic” or “touring” caravan) has solid walls and a full-height roof, which gives it superior insulation, security and internal space, and as a result is favoured by families in need of extra facilities. Pop-top vans have a lower towing profile because they have a ‘pop-top’ roof that can be lifted when stationary, which can even help with reducing their fuel consumption and also makes them easier to store. Raised, they offer good headroom, but the canvas pop-top, or a synthetic version, provides less insulation than a solid wall. Larger camper trailers or expandable caravans can also be considered, especially if you’re a family and want more durable or compact towing, although they often take longer to set up than a full-sized caravan.
Important Things to Remember When Purchasing Family Caravans in Australia
Buying a caravan requires a sizable financial commitment, and when opting for the right model, it should be the perfect choice for the family for many years to come.
Finding the Right Caravan for Your Family
Think about how many people the caravan needs to sleep and do so comfortably, now and in a few years from now, if the family (and therefore the party size) is growing. Consider desired layouts — for example, some families like the kids’ bunk area to be on the opposite end of the van from the main bed for more privacy. There is also the type and length of trip the vehicle is intended for; weekend escapes to the local caravan park are very different from long-term off-grid touring around Australia.
Towing Capacity/Vehicle Fit
This is an important aspect of safety and law. Before you go falling in love with any of these family caravans, you need to know what your vehicle’s maximum braked towing capacity is and what your vehicle’s maximum tow ball mass is. The sizes of those trailers are typically available in their data plates as their Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM), the maximum weight they should carry. Overloading or non-matching towing configurations are unsafe and illegal. When determining final weight, don’t forget that the weight of water, gas, luggage and any accessories must be included.
There are a few tradeoffs when it comes to buying new or pre-loved family caravans. Brand-new caravans offer the latest designs, features and technology, with the assurance of a manufacturer’s warranty. That’s not to say that a new build couldn’t be tailored to the buyer’s preferences. Second-hand caravans offer you more of a bargain—caravans can become expensive once you start adding in all the extras, so second-hand can be much cheaper. But they need careful examination for past damage from water, frame issues, or appliance issues, and also include a much shorter or even non-existent warranty.
On-Road, Semi-Off-Road, or Full Off-Road
Australian families planning ‘travel anywhere’ adventures will need to account for whether they want to go. Paved road caravans can be towed on sealed roads up to a well-maintained council caravan park. “Semi-off-road” models for added ground clearance, sturdier suspension, and sometimes even underbody protection (for maintained gravel roads and access in national parks). Big off-road family caravans feature heavy-duty chassis, high-tech independent suspension, all-terrain tyres and serious underbody protection to take on tougher outback tracks and more isolated free-camping spots.
Budgeting Beyond the Purchase Price
The up-front cost is only a fraction of the overall expense. Would-be buyers also need to consider on-road costs—registration and stamp duty, which differs from state to state—comprehensive insurance on the caravan, on-going maintenance and servicing, possible storage fees if in the off season the caravan can’t be home, plus essential accessories such as awning, towing mirrors, levelling ramps, power leads, etc.
Market Round-Up: Caravans for Sale Melbourne
Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria, is a major centre for sales of caravans and there are family buyers who have a large selection from which to choose.
Dealership Landscape in Melbourne
Buyers shopping for caravans for sale Melbourne-wide will have plenty of options, with many of the big RV dealerships being located in traditional caravan sales precincts such as the Melbourne suburb of Epping or Campbellfield, as well as surrounding inner and outer suburban and regional centres. These dealerships usually have a selection of new Australian-manufactured caravans in stock and potentially a couple of used vans. Some professional dealers who deal in new and second-hand caravans alone, and some private sales via classified ad sites, also exist. Attending one of the regular Melbourne caravan and camping shows may also allow you to see many different brands and models all in one place.
All the major Australian manufacturers have them at the Melbourne show, which is well known for their family caravans. All buyers will be catered for with entry-level touring vans that are perfectly suited to caravan park holidays and, at the other end of the scale, luxurious, feature-packed semi-off-road and full off-road models designed for full-on extended family trips off the beaten track. We have multi-bunk, en-suite, family-size living layouts all available.
Tips for Melbourne Buyers
When looking to browse family caravans for sale in Melbourne, bear in mind that the Victorian climate changes, so you want good insulation and proper air conditioning for summer and good heating for the colder months. Consider popular Victorian touring routes like the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians, or the Murray River region when thinking about potential trips. Also, assess if the van is suitable for these kinds of journeys. You may also want to know where you can find reliable service centres for any of these brands in or around Melbourne.
In Summary
Deciding on the best family caravans will set you on your way to making a lifetime of memories exploring the diverse and beautiful Australian landscape. It’s a decision that depends on an analysis of your family’s needs, style of travel, budget and ability to tow. If you’re considering caravans for sale in Melbourne or browsing the wide selection of caravans for sale in Adelaide, then visit dealerships, inspect potential new second-hand listings, and also ask the experts and go in with a knowledgeable perspective. With the appropriate planning and caravan, Australian families can enjoy years of comfortable, convenient and memory-filled travel experiences and be part of the ever-growing and enthusiastic caravanning community.