The biggest celebration of caravanning, camping and outdoor adventure in Melbourne’s southeast is just days away, with Melbourne Caravan & Camping Leisurefest set to return to Sandown Racecourse from October 1-4.
With 165 exhibitors confirmed, this year’s Melbourne Leisurefest will bring together leading caravan, motorhome, camper trailer and camping brands, along with new product launches, exclusive show specials, family entertainment and plenty of inspiration for the next adventure.
Among the highlights will be a number of new products and technology making their debut at the show, giving visitors the opportunity to be among the first to see what’s next in the caravan industry.
New vehicles and technology to discover
Vista RV will unveil its brand-new 2XL at Melbourne Leisurefest, with the new model set to make its public debut at the show.
Paradise Luxury Motor Homes will also reveal an all-new layout that has never previously been seen at Paradise, with the details being kept under wraps until the show.
For those looking to take their favourite toys on the road, Austrack Campers will introduce its first-ever Toy Hauler, the Gunbarrel X19. At 19 feet and sleeping up to six, the Gunbarrel X19 is designed for family getaways and off-road adventures, with features including a diesel heater, instant hot water, reverse-cycle air conditioning, 1050W solar, 920Ah lithium batteries, an internal ensuite and kitchen, and a push-button electric tailgate.
MDC will also showcase its new XT MK4 range, bringing a new level of off-grid capability and comfort to its caravan range. The eight-model range features Projecta Intelli-Grid 48V power, 48V air conditioning, high-output solar, induction cooking and built-in airfrying, alongside serious off-road equipment, all included as standard.
Adding another major new vehicle to the show, Supreme Caravans will celebrate its 40th anniversary with the launch of its new motorhome range. The new motorhomes are based on 4500kg GVM Iveco Daily Chasis and will be available across 10 different layouts, including couple and family configurations.
Another major launch will come from Snowy River Caravans and BMPRO, with the new Snowy River MY27 range and a purpose-built 48V power platform making their debut.
Designed and engineered in Australia specifically for Snowy River’s next generation of caravans and motorhomes, the new BMPRO platform has been developed to deliver faster charging, greater efficiency and power capability, supporting the growing demands of modern caravanning and providing greater freedom and capability off-grid.
Plenty of action for the whole family
There’s more to Melbourne Leisurefest than the products, with a packed program of entertainment and activities planned across the four days.
Wackadoo! Bluey and her little sister Bingo are heading to Melbourne Caravan & Camping Leisurefest on October 3-4 for real life! Come and meet your favourite Heeler sisters in person for smiles, photos and plenty of flossing of course!
Visitors can also experience high-octane fun with Remote Control Car Races, featuring RC Car stunt demonstrations and extreme demos, followed by racing sessions where consumers can take the controls themselves. Also on the program is Randy’s Junk Yard Motor Bike Action Show, bringing big stunts, big laughs and big entertainment to the show, with performances scheduled throughout the four days.
Pet lovers can also meet media veterinarian and television personality Dr. Katrina Warren, best known from Harry’s Practice. Dr. Katrina will be joined by dog trainer Julija Kinghorn from K9 Connect for practical and entertaining sessions, covering everything from preparing pets for travel to building confidence in new environments. Visitors will also have the chance to Pat the Puppies, making the experience a great day out for the whole family.
More to see, more to discover
With 165 exhibitors across the show covering over 55,000 sqm, visitors can explore the latest caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, camping equipment and outdoor products, while speaking directly with the brands and experts behind them.
The show will also feature a range of competitions and promotions, including the Passport to Freedom competition, where visitors can enter to win a Dreamhaven 15 Series Tourline Caravan valued at $70,290.
There will also be a major promotion running across all six Caravan Industry Victoria consumer shows, beginning at Melbourne Leisurefest and concluding at Cranbourne Caravanning & Adventure Leisurefest. Consumers will be given the chance to win $5,000 off their eligible purchase of a caravan, motorhome, RV or camper trailer, with a new winner picked every day of a show.
Caravanning remains strong
While the caravan industry continues to navigate a challenging economic environment, Australians are continuing to embrace the caravanning lifestyle, with millions of caravan and camping trips recorded each year and billions of dollars spent in regional communities.
The latest RV Production IQ data also highlights the changing nature of the RV market, with 3,728 new RVs entering the market in July alone. While towable production moderated 14 per cent year-on-year, motorised RV production increased by 36 per cent, reflecting continued activity and demand across the market. Rolling 12-month production remains at 47,567 units, demonstrating the substantial scale of the Australian RV market and the continued interest in the lifestyle.
Caravan Industry Victoria CEO Daniel Sahlberg said the current pressures facing businesses should not be confused with Australians losing their appetite for caravanning.
“Business pressure and Australians’ appetite for caravanning are two different things. Australians are still taking millions of caravan and camping trips, spending billions of dollars in regional communities and choosing this lifestyle in enormous numbers,” Mr. Sahlberg said.
“With spring here and summer approaching, there is enormous choice in the market, and there has rarely been a better opportunity to explore Victoria and Australia by caravan and camping.”
Read the full Victorian State of the Industry Statement from Mr. Sahlberg below.
State of the Industry: September 2026
The countdown is on
Melbourne Caravan & Camping Leisurefest gets underway next Thursday, October 1, at Sandown Racecourse and runs through to Sunday, October 4.
With new products to discover, major reveals, 165 exhibitors and entertainment for the whole family, Melbourne Leisurefest is set to be a major event on the Victorian caravanning and camping calendar.
Our shows are the only industry-run events in Victoria, delivering a level of trust and credibility you won’t find elsewhere. Every RV exhibitor is a member of Caravan Industry Victoria, offering quality, compliant and audited products and services. That means you can explore with confidence, knowing you’re speaking directly with reputable businesses and investing in products that meet the highest standards, giving you true peace of mind as you plan your next adventure.
