Caravan and camping expo opens in Canberra as industry reports growth

25-year-old Czech tourist Vojta Pechar covered nearly 4000 km from Perth to Sydney by hitchhiking with a towed caravan. He was stranded for several days on multiple occasions waiting for drivers with tow bars. The journey took one month and required help from 14 different drivers. Pechar avoided legal issues by hitchhiking only in Western Australia, South Australia, and New South Wales, where hitchhiking is permitted.

Kiama Municipal Council has hired a specialist contractor to create a masterplan for Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park in Gerroa. As of June 19, the council no longer approves the sale of holiday vans to remain in the park, requiring removal upon sale. Owners may sell their van, but new buyers will not receive an occupation agreement. The masterplan, aligned with NSW Crown Land 2031 strategy, will be completed in the coming months.

Network RV, owner of Vancraft, Nextgen, and Victory brands along with three Fair Dinkum Caravan dealerships, has entered administration. The company owes $30 million, including $10 million to a financier, $12 million to trade creditors, $3 million to the ATO, and $1.5 million in employee entitlements. Administrator David Stimpson of SV Partners cited a drop in caravan demand due to economic conditions and global unrest as key factors. This marks the fifth major caravan producer to close in the past two weeks.

Emma Blood, 28, from Milton Keynes, lost control of a rented motorhome on a wet road near Margaret River on March 29, 2026. She suffered a triple fracture of the femur, was trapped in the vehicle, and airlifted to hospital. Recovery may take up to a year.

Australian company Mars Campers has launched the Space Air MK2 caravan, which expands from a compact trailer into a living space at the push of a button. Inflatable tubes replace the traditional rigid frame, with an electric pump maintaining pressure. The model sleeps six, features a pull-out kitchen and independent suspension for off-road use. Curb weight is 1,950 kg, gross weight 2,400 kg, battery 200 Ah, water tank 200 L. Base price is around €18,500; solar panels and an additional inflatable annex are optional. Sales are limited to Australia.

Police and family have serious concerns for 26-year-old illusionist Daniel Hidden, last seen leaving a Broadbeach address at 3am on 14 June towing a Galaxy caravan. His silver Hyundai Santa Fe and caravan were located at a car park in Currumbin Valley on 16 June. His phone was switched off shortly after his departure. A message on his website reading 'Transformation requires disappearance' has drawn attention, but its connection to his disappearance is unclear.