THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CARAVAN AND CAMPING SHOWS

There are numerous caravan and camping shows held right around the country throughout the year. These can be great places to get ideas, learn tips to get the most out of your holidays and even buy goods at discounted prices.

Caravan and camping shows can also be busy places with lots of things going on all throughout the day. This can be a little overwhelming if you’re not prepared and you could come away feeling that it wasn’t time well spent.

To get the most out of your next visit to a caravan and camping show in your area, here are some tips to get you well prepared.

1. Do Your Research

Most caravan and camping shows will have a dedicated website where you can review the exhibitors who will be there. You might also find a map of where everything will be located.

Before attending any show, it’s a good idea to decide what you want to look at and who you really want to speak to. You could even print out the map and mark the exhibitors you want to see.

2. Make A List

Are there particular items that you want to buy or find out more about? Make a list of these before you go. You can either do this on a piece of paper or put it into ‘notes’ or ‘reminders’ on your phone.

This will ensure that you get all the goods and information that you need while you’re at the show.

It’s also a good idea to write down any specific questions that you want to ask. That way, you can speak to the relevant exhibitors to have all your questions answered.

3. Book Your Ticket Before You Go

For most caravan and camping shows, you can purchase or just book your tickets online on their website. By doing this, you’ll usually pay less and avoid the long queues at the entry gate.

If the show you’re going to attend is some distance from home, you can even consider staying overnight, either at the camp ground or in a nearby motel. Most show websites will have recommendations for accommodation and special deals that you can take advantage of.

4. Choose The Time Of Your Visit Carefully

Many caravan and camping shows will run over several days including a weekend. Generally, you’ll find that the opening day will be the busiest, followed by the weekend.

If you can time your visit on the other days, there’s likely to be less people there and you’ll have more time to speak to exhibitors.

These shows also tend to be a little quieter in the afternoon after about 3 pm. So, if you can time your visit then, you’ll be able to enjoy more time to speak to the people you want to ask questions of.

Less busy times will also give you the chance to have a really good look through the caravans and motorhomes on display without having to rush through.

5. Don’t Buy From The First Vendor You See

Quite often, different vendors will have different prices and some will have special deals as well. Therefore, it’s a good idea to shop around before making a purchase.

This is where the map you printed off comes in really handy. If there’s an item you really want to buy, shop around and mark on the map, the exhibitors who you’ve already seen and what their prices and special offers are.

This will ensure that you get the best value for money on the day.

List Of Annual Caravan And Camping Shows

Here’s a list of the most popular caravan and camping shows that are held throughout the country every year sorted into states.

Victoria

-Victorian Caravan, Camping and Touring Super Show – Sandown Racecourse

-Great Outdoor & 4×4 Expo – Mornington Racecourse

-Albury-Wodonga Caravan Camping 4WD Fish & Boat Show – Albury Showgrounds

-Great Outdoor & 4×4 Expo – Ballarat Showgrounds

-Geelong Outdoor Living Show – Geelong Showgrounds

-The Great Outdoor and 4×4 Expo – Shepparton Showgrounds

-The Great Outdoor and 4×4 Expo – Sale Racecourse

-Bendigo Caravan and Camping Leisurefest – Bendigo Racecourse

-Melbourne Leisurefest – Sandown Racecourse

-The Great Outdoor and 4×4 Expo – Mildura Racecourse

New South Wales

-NSW Caravan, Camping & Holiday Supershow – Rosehill Racecourse

-Newcastle Caravan Camping Lifestyle Expo – Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Showgrounds

-Illawarra Caravan Camping Lifestyle Expo – Kembla Grange Racecourse -Border Caravan and Camping Expo – Wodonga Racecourse

Queensland

-Queensland Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow – Brisbane Showgrounds

-Let’s Go Gold Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo – Metricon Stadium

-South Queensland Caravan, Camping, Boating and Fishing Expo – Nambour Showgrounds

-Cairns Home Show & Caravan, Camping & Boating Expo – Cairns Showgrounds

-Townsville Expo – Boundary Street, South Townsville

-Mackay Home Show & Caravan, Camping and Boating Expo – Mackay Showgrounds

-Let’s Go Sunshine Coast Caravan and Outdoor Expo – Nambour Showgrounds

-Gold Coast Expo – Gold Coast Turf Club

-Let’s Go Brisbane Caravan & Outdoor Sale – Brisbane Showgrounds

South Australia

Let’s Go Caravan and Camping Show – Adelaide Showgrounds

Northern Territory

Darwin 4WD, Boating & Camping Expo – Darwin Showgrounds

Western Australia

Perth Caravan and Camping Show – Claremont Showgrounds

If you do a search for these online, you should be able to locate their website and current show dates.

Final Thoughts

Caravan and camping shows are great places for you to see the latest in caravans and outdoor accessories. You’ll also find plenty of helpful exhibitors who can answer any questions that you may have. Plus, you might even snag a good deal or two on the day.

To get the most out of your visit, make sure that you do some research beforehand and make a note of the exhibitors you specifically want to see. It’s also a good idea to print out a map so that you’ll know exactly where to go and who to speak to.

Try and book your tickets in advance to avoid the queues and plan your visit for the less busier times if you can.