Australian councils tighten caravan rules: limits on long-term stays and street parking

GMSV announced a new genuine fifth wheel hitch option for the Silverado HD, enabling a braked towing capacity of 8000 kg. The 50mm pin coupling or 3.0-inch Gooseball is available for vehicles built from Q3 2026, priced at A$20,000 and A$18,000 respectively. Installation by Walkinshaw Automotive during right-hand-drive conversion includes a factory air brake system, reinforced chassis, and additional controls. The option cannot be retrofitted to existing vehicles.

Reader's Digest Australia, in collaboration with Harbour Caravans, has compiled a selection of caravan-friendly routes from Sydney for long weekends. The list includes Jervis Bay (2.5 hours), Hunter Valley (2 hours), Myall Lakes National Park (2.5–3 hours), and Kangaroo Valley (under 2 hours). Each destination includes recommended months to visit, road conditions, and booking tips for caravan parks.

South Korean travel YouTuber Wonji reported experiencing racism from a staff member at a camper van rental company in Australia. The incident occurred during a trip with other YouTubers: a day after picking up the vehicle, they found bed bugs inside. The employee blamed the customers for bringing the bugs, refused to touch their phone for a call (citing having a child), and demanded speakerphone. After pest control confirmed bed bugs, the company offered a refund in exchange for signing a non-disclosure agreement, which the blogger declined.

Entrepreneurs from the Hunter region and the Newton family launched Golf Daze, a mobile golf simulator in a caravan using Full Swing KIT technology co-developed with Tiger Woods, allowing play on over 1,000 courses in 4K.

In Byron Shire, New South Wales, Australia, the local council issued a demolition order for a motorhome equipped with solar panels and a dry toilet. Owner Matt Bruce had lived in it for three years as a permanent residence to avoid rent. The council classified the structure as a permanent dwelling requiring building approval, not as a movable trailer. The landowner also received a $9,000 fine for unauthorized development.

Australian tuning company ARB has introduced a modification kit for the Kia Tasman pickup, turning it into an expedition vehicle. Exterior changes include a massive ARB Summit MKII front bumper, tubular side steps, a roof expedition rack, a pull-out kitchen, a roof tent, and a side awning. The engine remains stock — a 2.2-liter CRDi turbodiesel producing 209 hp and 440 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The suspension has been upgraded with an Old Man Emu 4×4 setup with MT64 shock absorbers, beadlock wheels, aggressive off-road tires, a winch, a snorkel, and recovery tracks. The release date and price of the kit have not yet been announced.