Designed to increase driver understanding of potential challenges on the roads, VANSafe Queensland aims to ensure drivers are better equipped and informed to help improve safety on our roads.
VANSafe Queensland – an initiative of Caravanning Queensland in partnership with the Queensland Government – has been launched this week, just in time for the Easter holidays and one of the busiest travel periods on Queensland roads.
Established in response to the rapid rise of recreational vehicle ownership over the past few years, the FREE Caravan Safety Check Program will educate and support recreational vehicle owners with the information they need to tow confidently, safely and compliantly.
Open to all owners of caravans, campers and motorhomes, the educational program includes workshops, displays and masterclasses and is a safe zone for all who attend, meaning no fines or breaches will be issued. Attendees can also get their RV combination inspected and weighed for safety and compliance.
With 2.9 million overnight caravan and camping trips taken in Queensland for the year ending June 2022, it would appear that Queenslanders right across the state are hungry for this information.
Additional Google search trends over the past twelve months include:
- A 190% increase in searches around caravan safety (Qld)
- A 34% increase in searches around caravan weighting (Qld)
- A 60% increase in searches around caravan towing (Qld); and
- A 122% increase in searches relating to caravan payload (national)
The rise and rise of RV’ing in Queensland
Nowhere is the caravanning lifestyle more popular than in Queensland, with the highest number of registered recreational vehicles across the country (201,477), beating out the southern states of Victoria (185,507) and New South Wales (182,764) respectively.
In addition, total registrations of RVs have increased by over 20 per cent in the last five years in the Sunshine State, with an average of 2,333 new RVs on the road each month through 2022.
Jason Plant, CEO of Caravan Trade and Industries Association of Queensland comments that the data alone demonstrates the need for and importance of safety programs of this nature.
“While all RV owners and drivers have a responsibility to educate themselves on safe caravanning practices, the more we can do to support both new and seasoned drivers, the more confident they’ll become and the safer our roads will be.
“We’re proud to partner with the Queensland Government on this exciting new program which will see an additional fourteen events added to our existing safety program in locations spanning as far south as Logan to as far north as Cairns.
Safety programs to save lives
According to the Department of Transport and Main Roads Land Transport, Safety and Regulation there were 297 lives lost on Queensland roads last year, the highest number in over a decade.
Transport and Main Roads Land Transport, Safety and Regulation Acting General Manager Joanna Robinson says that she’s dedicated to supporting initiatives which improve road safety.
“Queensland’s roads can take us to some incredible places to see all our state has to offer, and caravanning is a great way to travel.
“The rising popularity of these types of vehicles indicates we have more drivers on our roads who are either new to caravanning or who might have returned to it after some time away, so they may not be used to handling a longer and heavier vehicle.
“It’s important that drivers who are inexperienced in manoeuvring such large vehicles can do so safely to avoid becoming a danger to themselves or other vehicles.
“We are very happy to support the work being done by Caravanning Queensland to promote safe travelling around the state. I encourage RV drivers and passengers to seek out the tools and resources available to ensure they have a safe trip,” she concludes.
The first VANSafe event will take place in Maryborough from April 21-23. For more information on the full program or to make a VanSafe booking click here.
About Caravanning Queensland
Caravanning Queensland is the peak industry body for caravan dealers, manufacturers, camping suppliers, service providers and caravan park operators through two related associations. These are the Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Queensland and the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland Inc.
You might also be interested in...
EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS AT THE ALBURY WODONGA OUTDOOR SHOW!
Outdoor enthusiast and adventure seekers are invited to experience the best in outdoor lifestyle products and activities at the Albury Wodonga Outdoor Show, coming to Albury Showground from Friday 4th September to Sunday 6th September.
With over 200 companies represented the show provides visitors with the opportunity to see it, touch it, try it, compare it, and if it fits all your requirements – buy it. From camping gear and caravans to 4WD accessories and outdoor lifestyle products, visitors can explore a huge range of equipment and speak directly with industry experts in all one place.
Adding to the excitement, Wangaratta Caravans, has sponsored the major gate prize. One lucky visitor will have the chance to win an $3,795 prize simply by placing their ticket into the barrel at Wangaratta Caravans site during the show.
Father’s Day is to be celebrated at the Outdoor Show. To help celebrate the organisers have introduced for Sunday only the Father’s Day Special.
Dad, Granddads, dads to be all get in for the greatly reduced price of $10 – Sunday only and only available at the gate.
Visitors wishing to attend can purchase tickets online prior to the show or at the gate and for the first time Rural Scene is offering a discounted two-day pass available online only, giving visitors even more time to explore everything the show has to offer.
Whether you’re planning your next adventure, upgrading your set-up, or simply looking for a great affordable family day out the Albury Wodonga Outdoor Show offers something for everyone who loves the outdoors.
EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS AT THE MID NORTH COAST OUTDOOR SHOW!
Outdoor enthusiast and adventure seekers are invited to experience the best in outdoor lifestyle products and activities at the Mid North Coast Outdoor Show, coming to Wauchope Showground from Friday 7th August to Sunday 9th August.
With over 300 companies represented the show provides visitors with the opportunity to see it, touch it, try it, compare it, and if it fits all your requirements – buy it. From camping gear and caravans to 4WD accessories and outdoor lifestyle products, visitors can explore a huge range of equipment and speak directly with industry experts in all one place.
Adding to the excitement, Mid Coast 4WD Centre and Ironman, has sponsored the major gate prize. One lucky visitor will have the chance to win a $5000 prize simply by placing their ticket into the barrel at Mid Coast 4WD Centre and Ironman site during the show.
Visitors wishing to attend can purchase tickets online prior to the show or at the gate and for the first time Rural Scene is offering a discounted two-day pass available online only, giving visitors even more time to explore everything the show has to offer.
Millard new generation caravans will be on display at this show. Millard is proudly Australian made and owned for 79 years and the new caravans are built tougher, stronger and smarter than ever before, ready to take you further across Australia in total comfort.
So, experience the exciting new Millard range and see the friendly team from Coffs Caravan Company while you are at the Show.
Whether you’re planning your next adventure, upgrading your set-up, or simply looking for a great affordable family day out the Mid North Coast Outdoor Show offers something for everyone who loves the outdoors.all the up to date news, exhibitors and product listing are posted plus follow us on Facebook for the chance to win free passes to the Show, or contact Rural Scene Promotions (02 6769 4132, Email: [email protected]
Australia's Biggest Caravan Show Returns to Queensland Bigger Than Ever
Australia’s largest caravanning event returns to Brisbane bigger than ever when the Let’s Go Queensland Caravan and Camping Supershow rolls into the Brisbane Showgrounds from Wednesday, 3 June to Sunday, 7 June.
The biggest Supershow in the country, the event will have the highest value prize ever given away at a caravan and camping event, as well as more than $120 million of product on display spanning caravans, motorhomes, hybrids, camper trailers, and outdoor and offgrid accessories from Queensland’s leading RV brands.
Caravanning Queensland CEO, Jason Plant, said the 2026 Supershow is shaping up to be a landmark event for the industry and for Queensland adventurers.
“We’ve never had more on offer, and we’ve never had a better moment to be showcasing what this lifestyle delivers. “Australians are thinking carefully about how they spend their holiday dollars right now. What they’ll find at this year’s Supershow is that caravanning answers that question better than anything else. It’s one investment for a lifetime of travel. Weekend escapes just a few hours from home, longer adventures through the regions, or extended trips across this incredible state, all on your own terms and your own budget.
“Whether you’re a grey nomad or planning your first family road trip, this is where the next great Australian adventure begins.”
Adding to the spectacle this year, attendees have the chance to win a brand new Hilltop Feathertop 17’6″ caravan valued at over $86,200 RRP, one of the most significant prize pools in the event’s history. The fun starts before the gates even open. Purchase a ticket to the Supershow during May and go in the draw to win a $200 fuel gift voucher, drawn every day throughout the month.
