Trailers on rise with campers

NSW Caravan and Camping Industry Association boss Barry Baillie says camper trailer and tent trailer travel popularity is increasing because they provide a "vast range of products and can cater for any budget".

"Camper trailers are becoming increasingly popular for young families and middle-aged couples," he says. "There are off-road and on-road varieties of camper trailers with soft and hard floors, some with simple living quarters and some fully equipped with extended kitchen and dining facilities. With their light mass and low wind resistance, camper trailers are also easy to tow and suitable for small tow vehicles."

"With canvas extensions, they can make quite a large and comfortable camping unit. Better yet, you'll have all your gear set up in no time because tent trailers are so quick and easy to erect," he says.

Baillie says their association has also noticed a strong resurgence in camping.

"Camping is a great way for the whole family to get in touch with the great Australian outdoors and is the best way to experience and appreciate nature," he says. "Since the global financial crisis we have seen travellers returning to family values, camping in larger tents with all of the modern facilities. Camping has now become a luxury experience. Gone are the days when camping meant sleeping on a hard floor and being faced with the elements during the cooler months. Today, tents and accessories help modern campers enjoy natural surrounds in comfort and ease for the entire journey."

However, caravanning remains the most popular form of touring because it is generally less expensive and gives travellers more flexibility of vehicle use, Baillie says.

"Caravans can accommodate the whole family and are the perfect option if you like to take your own vehicle with you to do all of the additional tripping around once you get to your destination," he says. "Caravans can be designed to individual needs and personalised with a range of different interiors to choose from."

He says 5th Wheelers have an "elegant and spacious" five-star atmosphere with huge storage capabilities including pull-out pantries, slide-outs, large lockers and full height wardrobes. Motorhomes come in all shapes and sizes, from smaller vehicles for two, through to larger A-class motorhomes, that can accommodate the whole family.

"Motorhomes are easy to manoeuvre and take less than a few minutes to set up once you have reached your destination," Baillie says. "Once you have decided on the type of holiday you are after, there are hundreds of brands and products for you to research and compare."

The association website (www.caravan-camping.com.au) has comprehensive listings of more than 600 caravan and camping retailers, services and places to stay.