The Caravan Show

In this episode we chat with Jason Plant, the CEO of CTIAQ (Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Queensland) about his career, responsibilities and the role of the CTIAQ. Of course we cover off wider issues across the industry including the role of Caravan Shows and heaps more!

Did you know Charters Towers is bigger than Tasmania? We didn't. But that isn't the only interesting thing about Charters Towers.

You will find Charters Towers about 130km from Townsville and around 5hrs from Cairns.

Mayor Frank Beveridge is one of our most interesting guests and has plenty of stories to share. The region is very rich in history, with many stories revolving around gold and when Charters Towers was one of the most populated areas in QLD.

Something else that Charters Towers is known for is ghosts. We don't want to spoil anymore of Frank's stories so you will have to listen.

Gympie is only about 2hrs north of Brisbane and a gateway to Fraser Island and those travelling north from Brisbane.

Our guest today is Division 4 Councillor Bruce Devereaux who has recently returned from a trip around Australia in his bus with his family so he understands exactly what The Caravan Show is about. 18 months, 5 kids and 20,000km's! This means that Bruce understands the benefits to a local community of caravan travellers.

Gympie has a unique history, with gold being particularly, amazing historical architecture and possibly the jewel in the crown, Rainbow Beach. The Mary Valley Rattler train is a must-see.

One of Bruce's secrets in Imbil where he likes to pop in for a coffee with his kids. Oh and we nearly forgot about the beautiful and quiet Tin Can Bay that sits right on the coastline.

It was great having a chat with you Bruce: good luck with the gold!! You were certainly one of our most exciting guests and without a doubt the best laugh!

Located 2.5hrs south of Perth and a bit closer to Albany, West Arthur isn't that far to go for most West Australians.

Today our guest are Councillor Graeme Peirce and Kerryn Chia. Graeme knows all about caravans as the Manager of one of the local caravan parks.

The area has one of the lowest populations of the areas we have interviewed so is one of our smallest regions interviewed - but it does't mean it isn't an amazing place!

Astro Tourism is a big thing in the area and the views are amazing. Kerryn tells us about The Milky Way and the stunning stars.

Traditionally the region has had a strong agricultural base and tourism is an area they are keen to grow.

The local cafes and markets will give you some therapy and an opportunity to mingle with the locals.

The rail trail sounds amazing especially during spring. We are imagining a lot of open space, quiet and beautiful skies so if you are looking for this in your travel destination, check out West Arthur.

Thank you Kerryn and Graeme.

In this episode Roy chats with Shellharbour Mayor, Marianne Saliba. The region has a population of 72,000 and is only 1.5hrs from Sydney.

Marianne calls herself a grey nomad and loves jumping in her bus with her husband and two dogs.

The area has a council managed caravan park in addition to a couple of private parks.

Our words can't really do the beauty of Shellharbour justice, if you don't believe us just do a Google search and click on images. Wow!

Other things to do including checking out the HARS Aviation Museum (look out for John Travolta! or is that the Mayor's husband, Roy?), maybe a skydive with some of the most amazing views in Australia is your style?

Fishing is magic as explained by the Mayor. Lots of fish and whales and even a new marina under construction!

Thank you Marianne, you are one of the most passionate Mayors we have interviewed and we loved hearing about your special place.

In this episode Roy interviews Sandy O'Rourke from the Narrabri Visitor Information Centre.

Located about 560km from both Sydney and Brisbane, Narrabri is an ideal location for tourists from NSW and QLD (subject to border restrictions). Keep an eye out for a giant pink slug and you might even see a yowie!

The clear night sky is one of the assets of the region. The CSIRO telescope and the astronomy garden (free admission) are two must-visits.

The waterfalls and cliffs at dripping rock sounds amazing. A rich indigenous history along with aboriginal arts and crafts that are showcased just south of Narrabri. Make sure to see the sandstone caves in this area.

The area offers 6 caravan parks, local showgrounds and a selection of other sites in the region for your accommodation.

Check out Australia's cotton capital while you are there! - so much to see in do in the Narrabri region. We don't have enough space to tell you about it - luckily it is all in this podcast! Thanks Sandy.

Situated about 800km from Townsville and 1600km from Brisbane, Cloncurry sounds remote but they don't look at it that way.

With mining, beef cattle and transport major industries they are also looking to grow tourism.

The birthplace of the Flying Doctors is just claim to fame for Cloncurry.

Another point of difference is the link to the $10 and $20 notes: make sure to listen to find out about these ones!

Greg talks about how there are so many things to do in Cloncurry. 2 caravan parks, an RV park and other options provide accommodation.

The 3 major events in Cloncurry are the Cloncurry and District Show, The Stockman's Challenge and the Rodeo! Try and time your visit in with one of these events to make the most of your stay! As Roy says these are real cowboys!

When Roy asked Greg about secrets in the area he told us about he didn't know what to say! As they have been voted QLD's friendliest town they don't keep secrets! He did end up giving us something though.

Make sure to check out their Facebook and Instagram pages for some great images, scenery, landscapes and events!

When you get to Cloncurry you might even find a gold nugget!

After working in tourism in Carnarvon for 10 years we expected Stephanie Leca sure knows Canarvon.

Located 900km north of Perth, Canarvon is one of the more remote locations we have had on the show. But with that remoteness you get benefits.

Caravan travellers are certainly well catered for in the region with 7 caravan parks in addition to wilderness and nature camp options.

Fishing is amazing in the area so if you are a keen angler make sure to do your research and pack your gear. 600km of Indian Ocean coastline, reefs and adventure activities will tick your boxes.

Carnarvon played a central role in the first moon landing - but you will have to listen to find out what!

The region offers diverse offerings, from the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, art, history, wildlife including rare birds

With border restrictions in place make sure all your West Australians head up to Carnarvon and experience just some of the things on offer.

Oh and don't forget the worlds biggest rock! And it isn't Ayers Rock Roy! Mt Augusta is twice the size!

Thanks Stephanie for being one of our favourite guests and Carnarvon is definitely on our must-visit list.

After our interview with Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO, Stuart Lamont received so much interest, Roy interviewed Chief Technical Officer, James Field in a wide-ranging interview about James, his role, warranties and issues, caravan shows and a whole lot more!

In this episode we chat with Liverpool Plains Information Centre Manager Nikki Robertson.

Centrally located in north-west New South Wales and strategically nestled in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, our diverse and abundantly resourceful Shire is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and expands across the vast and bountiful Liverpool Plains.

After working in the information centre for 10 years Nikki knows everything there is to know about the area for tourists.

The area has a rich railway history including the Australian Railway Monument and Rail Journeys Museum in Werris Creek.

Nikki's tells us about Bob's Shed in Quirindi: a must see especially if you are a Peter Brock fan.

Others things to see are The Who'd-A-Thought-It Lookout on Who'd-A-Thought-It Hill, sunflowers are big in the region, there are plenty of dining options and local produce.

If you are in the area make sure you drop into the information centre and say hello to Nikki!