Melbourne Leisurefest first impressions,

Melbourne Leisurefest is a big show this year with lots of new exciting RV designs on display. Greater colour choices, larger bathrooms, new roof designs and on-roaders given a bit of love are just some of the observations from Day 1. 

There’s so much here, I’m still processing it all to be honest–which I’ll cover over in an up and coming editorial in What’s Up Downunder eMagazine. In the meantime enjoy a few ideas if you’re on the hunt this weekend.

>>DAY 2 show highlights here <<

Stand 500B: Kokoda’s shorter Six-Berth Squadron

We saw a push towards softer lighting, streamlined upholstery and features popularised in the Counterstrike, like the laundry chute, dual bins, XCore panels emerging elsewhere in the range.

What caught my eye, though, was the L-shaped quad bunk arrangement in the all new Kokoda Squadron. Not only does it look like great fun for the kids but saves on towing length in this full-height, six-berth van.

Stand 13: Retreat’s Lighter Chassis & giveaway van 

Caravan Industry News is pretty stoked with Retreat’s efforts to raise funds for the Pat Cronin Foundation via the donation of a stunning Whitsunday XE 219B SE. So, if you’ve purchased tickets supporting this cause you can check out the actual giveaway van. 

Retreat also showcased their new chassis in production now and fitted to all models, designed in collaboration with ARV. It’s more than 100kg lighter than their previous chassis and also sports shock absorbers with overflow chambers.

Stand 20: NOVA’s limited edition on-roaders + an all-electric slide-out

As someone who uses their tow van for daily commute, it’s great seeing on-road vans enjoying attention. NOVA reimagined Revivor limited edition line is really beautiful, with neat CNC-cut interiors and tough one-piece front, roof and rear Pro PLUS walls that’s now rolled out across NOVA’s entire range.

For their off-road models, NOVA introduced a heavy duty moulding. While off-grid-wise you can check out NOVA’s fully electric van, the Pride Platinum 22-17F–with slide-out and a scrumptious club lounge.

Off-Grid Campground: Cruise-mastering the Horizon at the Off-Grid Campground

At the Off-Grid Campground, we saw the new Arizon 460Ah lithium battery available by the end of the month. The single unit saves on weight and increases power saving capacity when compared to a twin 200Ah lithium options. What’s more you get a power 150Ah charge current. 

I also managed to chat with Crusader about the new Cruisemaster airbag control system they had fitted to an XCountry. That’s got some nifty new technology, including the ability to set the van up in sync with the horizon at a button’s push. There’s also some cool solar panel technology to check out here. 

Stand 505: The ball weight-friendly Design RV HCX

Design RV had their new HCX Hybrid van weighing in at 2150kg Tare–with niceties like a wall mounted washer, a Projecta battery management and a generous 3T ATM. Outdoors, The solar panels are mounted on a rack for optimal efficiency, there’s a beautiful slimline barbecue and a coated toolbox with slides.

Stand 16: JB Touring Motorhome & bust dusting in the alloy framed Desert Rose 

Here I managed to check out the latest New Age Desert Rose with its beautiful new exterior. It features a twin dust reduction system and a high contrast interior with smart black and white upholstery. The Desert Rose also now has a 6005 grade alloy frame comprising square tube sections so that there’s no wiring in the frame. 

I also managed to poke my nose in the new JB Touring Motorhome with a slide-out. 

Stand 8: Storage Smarts in the Grant Tourer Sunrunner

If you love outdoors, Ian Grant’s Caravans showcased quite a few smart external storage compartments in the latest Grant Tourer range–for better usage of otherwise wasted space. There are models with larger bathrooms here, too.

Indoors, cabinetry has clever storage suitable for rice cookers and the like. The guys were eager to show me the new Dometic 200L compressor fridge with a narrow but deep profile.

 

Stand 32: My Dream RV’s new seamfree ceilings

At Melbourne Leisurefest, I finally got to inspect My Dream RV’s new 40mm high gloss ceiling which reduces or eliminates internal seams and the solid recycled flooring–unique to industry. 

The model I inspected was a Solar City’s customisation that included a nice tall bed end and floor lighting.

 

Stand 509: Wonderland’s Custom Class, mid-bathroom & kids retreat

If you like a bit of luxe, Wonderland RV again delivers, this time showcasing a custom design that incorporates Wonderland’s kid retreat at the rear. The bathroom is mid-ship. Despite its location, it feels more like a full bathroom rather than a passageway.

 

 *Also, on show but not written up here: Highclere Bunk Royal and a handful of Crusader MY25 models–which, all 30+ models at the show, which I’ve yet to check out.

>>DAY 2 show highlights here <<