Australians turn to caravans to ease cost of living

Australian company Summit Vans has unveiled the off-road camper After Dark, built on a four-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The model features a reinforced suspension with Bilstein B60 Summit shock absorbers, increasing the gross weight from 4.1 to 4.4 tons. Inside, it includes a workspace with Starlink router, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, powered by an 820 Ah lithium-ion battery. Price is undisclosed, but similar models start at $150,000.

The author rented the largest available RV in Australia for a trip along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. The vehicle accommodated up to six people, with two convertible beds and an overcab bed, plus a small kitchen, toilet, and shower. Overnight stays were at fully-equipped holiday parks with electric hook-ups. The road was designated the world's first 'Surfing Recreation Reserve' in 1973.

A Flinders University study found that the surge in caravan and camper usage in Australia increases pressure on regional wastewater treatment plants due to chemicals in toilet systems. A survey of 160 caravan users showed that 65% regularly use detergent, deodorizer, and sanitizer products, with bronopol-based ones being most popular; bronopol can break down into formaldehyde and other toxic compounds. During peak holiday periods, higher volumes of chemically treated wastewater may reduce treatment efficiency and affect nearby environments.

In Carramar, a northern suburb of Perth, a driver lost control of his car and collided with parked cars and caravans. The incident occurred on the morning of June 6, 2026, damaging multiple vehicles and private property. Police are investigating.

Australian camper trailer manufacturer Offline Campers has quadrupled its manufacturing floorspace to over 4,500 square meters at the former Holden site in Adelaide. The company now employs over 40 workers and reports sustained demand for off-road camper trailers, with forward orders extending to 2027.

A Flinders University study found that the growing popularity of caravans and campers in Australia is increasing the load on regional wastewater treatment systems due to chemicals in toilet systems, especially bronopol, which breaks down into formaldehyde.