The Sunshine Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo shone a spotlight on the Sunshine Coast from Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 1, as thousands poured through the gates of Nambour Showgrounds to attend Caravanning Queensland’s first-ever Sunshine Coast event, delivering a positive impact to the region’s economy.

Almost 11,500 expo-goers were in attendance, with many looking to upgrade their already adventurous lifestyles or take up a new hobby. First-timers gained invaluable advice and knowledge from more than 90 exhibitors and vendors as well as industry professionals, while perusing the 360+ recreational vehicles on display.

With the Sunshine Coast already boasting 35,000 registered caravan owners, General Manager of Caravanning Queensland, Jason Plant, says that number is now likely to increase post-Expo.

“The Expo was a huge success and is testament to the growth of the industry as well as a nod to the popularity of the Sunshine State and specifically the Sunshine Coast, as a go-to travel destination,” he said.

“This was the first ever official industry owned and operated regional event. Local Caravanning Queensland member businesses in particular were very thankful we held the event on the Sunshine Coast as it was a chance for them to provide the best insights into the region’s popular caravanning lifestyle and recruit new carafans.”

The event also presented a fantastic opportunity for local Rotaries and other not-for-profit community groups to reach locals and travellers alike by providing catering and other services and, with no fees or overheads to participate in the event all proceeds made, directly benefited their homebased initiatives.

President of The Rotary Club of Woombye-Palmwoods, Jan Lawton, says the club’s involvement at the Expo allowed them to assist fellow clubs who were in desperate need.

“We are extremely thankful to have been involved with the Expo as we were able to donate $5,000 of our proceeds to a Rotary Club in Stanthorpe to help their community recover after the recent bushfires.

“With this donation, the club will attend to Stanthorpe’s dire needs by purchasing essential water supply and providing families with aid in other areas such as farming, while they recuperate,” said Miss Lawton.

With the last day of the Expo falling on Father’s Day, Dads in attendance were able to enjoy the Father’s Day Reversing Competition, which put Dad’s towing and reversing skills to the test, with the skilled winner walking away with a Go Sun Grill + Sport Package valued at $1,268.00.

For those #Carafans who missed out on the Sunshine Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo, Caravanning Queensland are already gearing up to deliver a showstopping event at the Let’s Go Brisbane Caravan & Outdoor Show being held at the Brisbane Showgrounds from Thursday, October 31 to Sunday, November 3.