Picture your family chatting excitedly as the open road stretches ahead…
Your very own holiday home trailing behind, packed with everything you need for an outstanding getaway.
Australians have always had a love affair with caravans.
The freedom to pack up and explore this incredible country… to wake up somewhere different whenever the mood strikes… to give the kids those unforgettable childhood memories that stick with them forever.
Since the pandemic, this love affair has turned into a full-blown romance. Caravan registrations have skyrocketed across Australia. The network of accessible caravan parks has expanded.
What’s driving this boom? Families are realising that owning a caravan opens up a completely different way to holiday. One where you’re not dealing with cramped hotel rooms, rigid travel schedules, or constantly escalating eating out costs.
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Why Australian families are choosing the caravan life
Long weekends and school holidays enter another dimension when you own a caravan.
You get instant access to freedom, flexibility, and family fun that transforms how you think about time off.
Your kids will be outside playing and befriending other families before you’ve even finished setting up. You’ll cook meals everyone actually wants to eat, on your own schedule. Booking a holiday becomes as easy as calling the campsite. And those precious family moments in beautiful natural settings? They just unfold naturally.
Best of all? It’s the mental recharge and digital detox everyone needs in today’s noisy, always-online world.
Meet your caravan-loving finance partners
Here at Fido Finance, we’ve helped thousands of Australian families navigate the exciting journey from “dreaming about a caravan” to “keys in hand, ready for adventure”.
What makes us different? We understand that buying a caravan is about investing in your family’s future experiences and memories.
Our team specialises in caravan finance solutions that actually make sense for busy families. Whether you’re looking at your first caravan or upgrading to something that fits your growing adventure appetite, we’ve streamlined the entire process.
Want to see how simple we’ve made caravan financing?
Check out our How it Works page where we’ve eliminated the confusing jargon and created a clear path from application to approval to adventure.
Planning your adventure profile
Before diving into the exciting world of caravan shopping, let’s get clear on what you need:
- Who’s joining your crew? (Couple getaways or full family adventures?)
- How will you use it? (Weekend escapes or extended holidays?)
- Where are you heading? (Coastal parks or outback landscapes?)
- How long do you typically travel? (Quick weekends or longer journeys?)
- What’s your towing experience? (First-timer or seasoned traveller?)
For more information, check out our complete caravan buying guide.
Caravan vs motorhome vs campervan: finding the right fit
While motorhomes eliminate towing and campervans offer simplicity, caravans give families the ideal balance – comfortable accommodation that unhitches for local exploring. You get a proper holiday base without having to drive your entire home through narrow town streets or crowded shopping centres.
For most families, caravans hit the sweet spot between comfort, flexibility, and value.
First time caravanning:
reality checks & learning adventures
Every caravanning family has their “first trip” stories… and they’re usually filled with laughter, learning, and the occasional “well, that didn’t go as planned” moment.
Here’s what to expect (and embrace!) on your maiden voyage:
Levelling your caravan
Your caravan needs to be level for the fridge to work properly, doors to close correctly, and for your comfort while sleeping. Getting your caravan level might take a few tries initially. But even experienced caravanners sometimes need to unhitch and reposition. It’s all part of the adventure, and you’ll get quicker with practice.
Worth noting: some newer caravan models come with automatic levelling systems or levelling assist features that make this process much simpler – especially handy for families who want to spend less time setting up and more time exploring.
Your essential first-trip packing list
Even the most organised families discover a few extras they wish they’d brought on that maiden voyage. Here’s what experienced caravanners recommend adding to your packing list:
- A longer water hose for campsite taps that are just out of reach
- Extra wheel chocks for different ground types
- An electrical adaptor for different campsite power configurations
- More storage containers than you think you’ll need
- Emergency kit – basic tools (adjustable spanner, screwdrivers), plus safety items like torch and emergency triangle
- First aid supplies – invest in good quality kits and keep one in your car and one in your caravan (you never know which one you’ll need to grab quickly)
- Emergency contacts programmed into your phone, including roadside assistance and local rangers. Also download the what3words app before you travel – it works without phone signal or data connection, using GPS to help you share your precise location in an emergency. Even when you’re completely offline, you can still find the 3 words for your location and navigate using the app’s compass feature.
- Backup drinking water and purifying tablets for day trips and peace of mind
Many caravan dealers can help you put together a starter pack, and experienced caravanning families are usually happy to share their must-have lists.
Equipment mastery
Every caravan comes with its own personality, and getting to know yours is part of the adventure. Here’s what to expect as you become familiar with your home on wheels:
- Water pump systems – ask your dealer to walk you through the switch sequence and take a quick video on your phone for reference
- Awning setup – assign one person to handle the winding mechanism while the other guides the fabric and secures the legs
- Hot water systems usually need 15-20 minutes to reach optimal temperature – switch it on first when you arrive, then set up camp while it heats
- Grey water outlets are strategically positioned, though the location might surprise you initially
Remember that caravan equipment is designed for regular family use. Most systems have clear instructions, and caravan communities are incredibly generous with hands-on advice.
The most important thing to remember? Your first trip is absolutely a test run, and you should expect a few hiccups. Embrace the learning process because it’s all part of becoming a confident caravanning family.
New vs used: finding your sweet spot
Both new and used caravans have their own exciting advantages…
New Caravans bring that fresh-start energy we all love. You’ll get the latest features and complete warranty coverage for ultimate peace of mind, plus that wonderful “first family to make memories here” feeling.
Used Caravans offer fantastic value and often delightful surprises. You’ll typically get more bells and whistles for your budget, and previous owners often include helpful extras they’ve collected over time.
A well-maintained caravan that’s 2-4 years old often gives you the best of both worlds – modern features without the steepest depreciation hit.
On-Road vs Off-Road
On-Road Caravans are great for coastal parks and family-friendly destinations. They’re lighter, more fuel-efficient, and handle beautifully on sealed roads.
Off-Road Caravans are built tougher with reinforced chassis and heavy-duty suspension. They open up incredible remote camping adventures.
Most Australian families discover that on-road caravans meet their complete needs. You can always upgrade later if you catch the off-road adventure bug!
Cost comparison of caravan vs traditional holiday
Let’s talk real numbers, because the financial case for caravan ownership is actually pretty compelling once you see it laid out clearly.
Holiday costs
Traditional family holiday costs (annual):
Two-week Gold Coast Holiday: $6,500
- Accommodation: $280 per night x 14 nights = $3,920
- Meals out: $180 per day x 14 days = $2,520
- Flights: $1,200 for a family of four
- Entertainment/activities: $1,400
Plus two long weekend getaways: $3,000
- Accommodation: $220 per night x 6 nights = $1,320
- Meals out: $140 per day x 6 days = $840
- Fuel/flights: $840
ANNUAL TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY SPEND: $9,500
Caravan holiday costs (same trips):
Two-week Gold Coast adventure: $1,960
- Caravan park fees: $55 per night x 14 nights = $770
- Groceries: $65 per night x 14 nights = $910
- Fuel: $180
Plus two long weekend getaways: $660
- Caravan park fees: $50 per night x 6 nights = $300
- Groceries: $45 per day x 6 nights = $270
- Fuel: $180
ANNUAL CARAVAN HOLIDAY SPEND: $2,620
YOUR ANNUAL SAVINGS: $6,880
Research shows Australian families average just $1,108 per road trip*.
Think how much you’ll be saving without airfares and hotel rooms.
The breakeven math
If you purchase a quality $50,000 caravan with financing…
- Year 1: You save $6,880 in holiday costs
- Year 2: Another $6,880 saved
- Year 3: Another $6,880 saved
By year 3, you’ve saved $20,640 in holiday expenses alone.
However, after seven years of ownership, you’ll have saved approximately $48,160 in holiday costs. Your caravan, well-maintained, could still be worth $30,000-35,000 on resale.
TOTAL FINANCIAL BENEFIT: $78,000-83,000 OVER 7 years
That’s not including all those spontaneous weekend trips that become possible when accommodation costs disappear from the equation.
The emotional ROI
Those spur-of-the-moment “let’s go somewhere this weekend” conversations? They’re no longer budget discussions. They’re just exciting family decisions about which beautiful spot you’ll explore next.
And here’s something the travel brochures don’t tell you about traditional holidays.
Remember last year’s resort vacation? The one where the kids spent half their time asking for the WiFi password and complaining about the restaurant food? Where you came home feeling like you needed another holiday to recover from your holiday?
Compare that to the magic of campfire conversations, kids making friends with the family next door, and everyone actually talking to each other instead of staring at screens.
Priceless…
What real families are saying
A 31-year-old mum of two toddlers who financed her Jayco Work N Play for $240 per week
“We’ve used it every weekend since taking delivery. We just got back from a 6-week break, and my partner actually proposed at Charlotte Plains during our caravan adventure!”
Her advice for other families?
“Just go ahead and do it. You can always sell the caravan if it doesn’t meet your needs (and you’ll get a reasonable amount back). What you’ll really enjoy is being able to travel on a whim when the weekend arrives, particularly a long weekend. In fact, we’ve inspired friends and family to follow our lead and buy one as well.”
A 39-year-old father of three who does roster work in the mining sector
“We’ve owned caravans since 2015, but scaling up this time in caravan price, features and comfort is the best decision we’ve made by a country mile. The simplicity of leaving on a Friday afternoon and returning on Sunday evening with the family is unparalleled, and we’ve already visited Cairns, Brisbane and Townsville from our home base in central QLD.”
His advice?
“Don’t settle on the cheapest caravan options. Before this we had bought a brand-new imported model for $69,000 thinking we would get ‘bang for buck’, but the finishes and product quality were inferior.”
A 38-year-old mum of three who spent over a year researching
“We spent over one year researching, attending caravan shows, visiting local dealerships and even searching on Facebook marketplace. The thing I love most about our purchase is having the up spec of triple bunks and an inbuilt ensuite. No more showers outside – privacy is particularly useful with three young kids whenever we head off on adventures.”
Her finance tip?
“If you don’t like the dealer’s finance solution, partner with a broker like we did. The dealer gave us a very fair price, but we didn’t like their loan terms, rate or repayments. The experience with Fido Finance just felt simple, easy and stress-free.”
A 34-year-old mum of two planning her first caravan adventure
“Because we’re no longer limited to a tent, swag, rooftop camping or cabins… the days of overpriced holidays in hotels are behind us. We normally go on 4 to 6 caravan trips per year, and with this new caravan, we’ll take a big trip sometime in the next 2 to 5 years where we visit Uluru.”
Her crucial advice?
“We had a bad experience where a dealer sales rep told us our car would be capable of towing the caravan we were originally ordering. Once we realised it couldn’t and he had made an error, we frustratingly had to forfeit our deposit. This taught us to do your own research on caravans, towing capacity, and car compatibility first… then get pre-approved for finance. This tip will give you peace of mind when you’re ready to make the purchase.”
Making your caravan dreams reality
Quality caravans can provide many years of reliable family adventures, and smart financing can help make those memories start sooner rather than later.
Pre-approval: your secret shopping weapon
Walking into a dealership knowing your budget is already sorted? That’s shopping with confidence. Pre-approval helps you negotiate from a position of strength, and honestly, it feels pretty amazing to shop knowing your financing is already organised.
Plus, when you find “the one” – that perfect caravan – you won’t lose it while scrambling to organise finance.
Finding terms that work for your family
Different lenders offer various term options to help make monthly payments fit comfortably within family budgets. The key is finding payments that don’t compete with your mortgage or other family priorities.
Monthly caravan payments often cost less than what most families spend on weekend entertainment, making ownership more accessible than you might expect.
Safety and insurance:
peace of mind on every adventure
The thought of towing a caravan down the highway with your precious family inside can feel pretty overwhelming at first. And that’s completely normal.
Towing safety: building your confidence
Remember learning to drive? That overwhelming feeling of managing so many things at once? Towing feels similar initially, but like any skill, it becomes second nature with practice.
Most caravan dealers offer basic towing instruction, and there are excellent driver training courses specifically designed for caravan towing. Many families find that a half-day course transforms their confidence completely.
Insurance
Your regular car insurance typically won’t cover your caravan or its contents. But specialised caravan insurance can be comprehensive and affordable.
Some policies cover not just the caravan itself, but also your personal belongings, camping equipment, and even temporary accommodation if something goes wrong during a trip.
Some insurers even offer “new for old” replacement in the first few years, meaning if the worst happens, you’re not left with a depreciated payout that won’t buy you a comparable replacement.
Your Fido Finance broker can arrange competitive caravan insurance alongside your finance, making the whole process seamless – one conversation covers both your loan and protection.
Always review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Financial Services Guide (FSG) before purchasing any insurance to understand exactly what’s covered and what’s not.
Ready to turn your caravan dreams into weekend adventures? Start your finance application today, and let’s get your family on the road to unforgettable memories.
Emergency roadside assistance
Imagine a blown tire on your caravan in the middle of nowhere, or a mechanical issue with your tow vehicle. Regular roadside assistance often doesn’t cover caravan-specific problems or have the specialised equipment needed.
Caravan-specific roadside cover means help that actually understands your situation and has the right equipment to get your family back on the road safely.
Many families say this coverage alone gives them the confidence to explore further from home, knowing expert help is just a phone call away.
Financing your caravan
How do you turn your caravan dreams into an achievable reality without financing stress?
At Fido Finance, we work with 30+ trusted lenders to find you the best caravan financing rate available. That means you make one simple application with us, and we do all the heavy lifting behind the scenes. No running around to different banks or making multiple applications that could impact your credit score.
The process? Refreshingly simple. A quick 10-minute chat with our team, and we’ll find you the best rate available for your situation. Approve it, sign online, and you could be funded within 24 hours.
We’ve approved over $300 million in loans, and our customers consistently rate us 4.9 stars because we actually make financing feel manageable instead of overwhelming.
Whether you’re buying your first caravan or upgrading to something bigger, our specialists understand this isn’t just another loan. It’s an investment in your family’s happiness.
Ready to stop dreaming about caravan adventures and start planning your first getaway?
Call 13 FIDO (13 34 36) or get your best rate online. Our obligation-free pre-approval puts you in the driver’s seat when you’re shopping, and our streamlined process means you can focus on the fun part – choosing the right caravan for your family’s story.
* This article’s data is sourced from a survey conducted by Dentsu Intelligence, involving 2,019 individuals from Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory from 18 September 2024 to 25 September 2024.
Any information contained in this article is for general information only and is not comprehensive advice.
Any recommendations should be considered against your personal circumstances.
