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In Brief
Caravan and camper owners are accused of selfish behavior and lack of towing skills. In Australia, the practice of 'ghost camping' has led to the cancellation of free campsites, while drivers are criticized for turning travel into a home comfort transfer.
Caravans and campers are increasingly facing criticism. Columnists in the Manning River Times and The Canberra Times argue that such vehicles strip travel of adventure, turning outdoor recreation into a home comfort transfer. According to them, many drivers lack towing skills, creating road hazards and damaging roads and off-road terrain.
A dispute has erupted in Australia over the practice of 'ghost camping,' where caravans occupy the best spots at free campsites long before the season starts. A video showing dozens of trailers at Davis Beach on the Murray River, taken six weeks before Christmas, sparked a wave of criticism on social media. Authorities in Victoria have already canceled free camping at 131 state sites, while in Queensland, such actions can result in fines of up to 3,226 dollars.
Aggregated by OpenVan.camp from the public sources listed below, with AI-assisted translation and summary. We always link to the original source. Machine translation may differ from the original -- check the source for important details. Images and content remain the property of their respective owners. Copyright information
The columnist argues that caravans and camper trailers strip adventure from travel by replicating home comforts. He criticizes untrained drivers towin...
The columnist argues that caravans and camper trailers strip adventure from travel by replicating home comforts. He criticizes untrained drivers towing heavy rigs and notes the environmental damage caused by oversized vehicles on unsealed roads.
A columnist for The Canberra Times argues that caravans and camper trailers strip adventure travel of its essence. He claims these vehicles turn natur...
A columnist for The Canberra Times argues that caravans and camper trailers strip adventure travel of its essence. He claims these vehicles turn nature trips into a home-comfort transfer, while many drivers lack towing skills, causing road hazards and damage to unpaved tracks.
A video showing numerous caravans parked for extended periods at a free camping site along the Murray River has sparked debate about etiquette. The si...
A video showing numerous caravans parked for extended periods at a free camping site along the Murray River has sparked debate about etiquette. The site operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a six-week maximum stay, while the practice of 'ghost camping'—reserving sites without using them—has led to bans and fines in other Australian states.
Updated: 20.06.2026
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A row of unattended caravans at a free riverside campsite has reignited debate about equitable access to public camping areas during peak holiday periods. Footage shows nine caravans parked at Davis Beach on the Murray River without occupants, a practice Parks Victoria describes as common. Under local regulations, camping is permitted for up to six weeks, but leaving structures unattended to reserve spots can result in fines.
Australian campers report an increase in 'ghost camping,' where travelers reserve prime spots with their vehicles days or weeks in advance, leaving sites empty. The practice is particularly prevalent in free areas like national parks during peak holiday periods, such as along the Murray River in NSW and coastal Western Australia. Operators of a camping directory note it has become more common over the last five years with the growth in caravan and motorhome ownership, though it is generally frowned upon and difficult to regulate.
Central Coast Council in Tasmania will introduce a $15 per night fee from February 2026 for previously free campsites used by motorhomes and camper vans. A permit will be required at four sites with a maximum three-night stay. The revenue will fund infrastructure maintenance and environmental protection.
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.
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