Expo pitches wares to happy campers

MORE than 150 exhibitors are expected to take part in this year’s Cleveland Caravan, Camping, Boating and 4x4 Expo, to be held later this month.

The annual event attracts thousands of visitors to the region and injects millions of dollars into the local economy, according to Australian Events manager Bob Carroll.

 “It is also ‘driving’ more people to holiday locally more often,” he says.

“Our research clearly shows anyone who comes to the event and purchases a new four-wheel-drive, boat, camper trailer, caravan or motor home will use those leisure vehicles within a four-hour drive of where they live, about 90 per cent of the time.”

The expo is aimed at showcasing some of Queensland and Australia’s best caravan, motorhome, camper trailer, boating, fishing, four-wheel-drive and vehicle dealers, all in the one location.

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Visitors can shop and compare products and services within the one location.

This year’s expo will also feature dozens of complementary companies, providing a range of products and services, including holiday and touring information, camping, four-wheel-drive, vehicle and boating accessories, insurance services, bush cooking, tools, electrical and more.

“This is a welcome shot in the arm for local tourism,” Mr Carroll said.

“If you drive for even two hours’ north, south or west of Cleveland then you will see some pretty amazing places.

“You can fish, water ski, camp out, mountain climb, bush bash in your four-wheel-drive, go hunting or just laze about your camp site and enjoy the brilliance of a night time sky.”

The expo is aimed at families, with lots of entertainment for the children.

“The expo will help disconnect the kids from their iPhones and iPads and gets them doing things and talking to each other again,” Mr Carroll said.

Some of the entertainment includes:

There will also be free rides for children, a jumping castle and merry-go-round.

The expo has proved so popular, Redland City Council has made available additional ground space at the showgrounds, extending the event by about 10,000 square metres.

“Exhibitors have the opportunity to expand their displays while additional companies will also have the opportunity to exhibit,” Mr Carroll said.

Advenutre Shack is one of the featured exhibitors and is a one-stop shop for those wanting to hire a caravan or camper trailer and associated gear.

Family owned business Aussie Tough Trailers will show their specialised camper trailers, which can be customised for customers.

Other exhibitors include ARB Capalaba (for four-wheel-drive and auto accessories), Bayside Offroaders Club, New Age Caravans Gold Coast, North Queensland Flyfishers Club and R&M Marine, which provides Seatrail boat trailers, maintenance and repairs. 

There’s also the chance to win one of two filter kits, each valued at up to $550, as well as an OzWit gift pack, containing cook books, oven gloves, bottle holder and cable ties.

Parking will be available and the showground is close to public transport.

Pets are not allowed.

For more information visit clevelandexpo.com.au