FINDING THE SEAL
For anyone who has spent time looking into buying a new or used Caravan or other form of recreational vehicle there is a good chance that you would have seen this logo before.
It is the RVMAA Seal of Approval and you will find it proudly displayed on approximately 95% of Australian made caravans, motorhomes and RVs sold within Australia.
But what exactly does it mean?
Essentially the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia (RVMAA) promote high quality production standards through self regulation and audits of manufacturing processes. This means that every part of an approved Caravan or RV has been produced to meet Australian Design Standards.
Members must ensure each and every RV produced is 100% compliant or risk losing their membership – and if that sounds strict it’s because it certainly is – the goal is to give consumers peace of mind that their new home away from home is up to the job and ready to tackle whatever terrain Australia can throw at them.
RV products that meet all of the necessary requirements carry the RVMAA Seal of Approval and you can usually find it adjacent to the entry door on the caravan or motorhome. So whether you want to experience the golden sands and rolling waves of our beaches, the arid beauty of our desserts or the luscious greenery of the rainforest, if you see this logo you can rest assured that your Caravan or other form of recreational vehicle has been designed and built by someone who has done it all before.
To find out more about the RVMAA, the Seal of Approval and industry training visit www.rvmaa.com.au
FATHER'S DAY COMPETITION
With Father’s Day just around the corner the team at CRVA were reminiscing about some of their favourite caravanning and camping holiday experiences with their dads.
So in celebration of Fathers everywhere we want you to write in and tell us in 25 words or less, about your favourite caravanning/camping holiday with your dad. Whether it be a father's day camping trip or a family caravanning holiday with dad at the wheel we want to hear your stories.
The most entertaining stories may be featured in a special Father's Day article on the We Love This Country website.
40 lucky entrants will also receive a promotional key ring and double pass to the new Australian film Charlie and Boots, in cinemas September 3.
Directed by Dean Murphy - (Strange Bedfellows) Charlie and Boots is a funny and heartfelt movie with wonderful Australian characters. Paul Hogan (Crocodile Dundee) plays Charlie McFarland and Shane Jacobson (Kenny) plays his estranged son, Boots. After a family tragedy Charlie and Boots try and put their differences aside and head off on the road trip of a lifetime
Fill out the form below to send us your story - and please remember to include your contact details, (name and telephone number) so that we can let you know if you are a winner.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that by entering this competition you are agreeing that your submission may be reproduced or incorporated into further industry public relations material.
© Charlie and Boots Holding Pty Ltd, Screen Australia, The Premium Movie Partnership and Film Victoria 2009
All Rights Reserved
UPCOMING PROMOTIONS
CRVA'S New Television Commercial
From late August through to the middle of September CRVA will embark upon our biggest ever national television advertising campaign showcasing our sensational new lifestyle commercial.
CRVA is committed to raising the profile of camping and caravanning holidays throughout Australia, and this campaign is just the start of what will be a huge year for the industry in terms of marketing.
By undertaking these marketing activities caravan/holiday parks will continue to grow and that means that the services and facilities they offer you can only continue to get even better.
The commercial will feature around high rating general interest programs such as Dancing with the Stars, Packed to the Rafters and Getaway as well as leading news and current affairs programming like 60 Minutes and Today Tonight, so be sure to keep an eye out for it.
Hopefully it will inspire you to hit the open road for your next holiday!
Get your Guide to the Good Life
CRVA has once again collaborated with one of our favourite television programs to give you the opportunity to win a phenomenal prize package.
Guide to the Good Life, which screens on Channel Seven, will be featuring several episodes showcasing the caravanning lifestyle over the coming months.
In conjunction with these episodes they will be announcing how you can have the chance to win a Jayco Swan Camper Trailer with Insurance from CIL insurance, a prize package which is valued at over $25,000.
Make sure you tune in for details on how this fantastic prize could be yours!
* Please check your local Television guide for the most up to date programming details
www.guidetothegoodlife.com.au
 
Discover Downunder with CRVA
If you are not already out enjoying the fun and adventure of caravanning and the great outdoors, there is only one other place to be on Saturday afternoons – tuned in to television’s only dedicated caravanning industry programme, Ch 9’s Discover Downunder.
Back on the air for a fifth series until late September, this continually evolving and increasingly popular show has a whole new look, promising “new faces, new places, more action and more traction!”
New celebrity presenters Frankie J Holden and his wife Michelle Pettigrove will amuse and educate viewers during their caravanning adventures around Australia. The couple will also have daughter, Georgia, along for the ride when school holidays permit.
For more information on the show visit www.discoverdownunder.com.au and don’t forget to tune in to get inspired for your next caravanning adventure.
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS MAJOR PRIZE WINNER
CRVA was recently involved in a cooking on-the-road segment and caravan giveaway with Channel 7’s ever popular lifestyle programme, Better Homes & Gardens.
While everyone was a winner thanks to the caravanning recipes and cooking hints by Celebrity chef, “Fast” Ed Halmagyi one lucky couple also found themselves the proud owners of a Sunliner Holiday Caravan with MHIA insurance, worth over $50,000!
Trevor and Nancy Skinner from Goulburn in NSW had been looking to purchase a caravan for several months – in fact, only days earlier they had been visiting local dealers. You can imagine their excitement then, when the call came through that they were the winners of this phenomenal prize package. 
“It was a real shock”, says Trevor, who had to race inside to sit down when he received the news, “A really happy shock”.
Trevor says that he and Nancy will be taking some small local trips initially as this will be his first experience towing a caravan. However in the future they would like to take a longer trip with the whole family to visit Parkes in NSW, a location that holds significant sentimental attachment as Trevor’s grandparents resided there during the 1920’s. The lucky couple plan on travelling in style in their new Sunliner Holiday Caravan but, as Trevor laughingly explains, the kids will have to find their own way!
Trevor and Nancy are now amongst those who have won some fantastic prizes, courtesy of CRVA. The best place for you to find out about our latest competitions and giveaways is right here in our bi-monthly VIP Club e-newsletter, so make sure you keep your details up to date and who knows, you could be our next lucky winner!
PRIZE WINNERS
Update Your Details Competition
Thank you to everyone who took part in June's VIP Club 'Update your Details' Competition. We had an outstanding number of entries with everyone keen to win the fantastic prize of 5 nights accommodation at any Aspen Park around Australia, valued at $1500.
We are happy to announce Mrs Bev Carra as the winner and we hope she enjoys her fabulous holiday.

VIP Club Subscription Competition
Congrtulations also to Ms Liz Latham who is the winner of our VIP Club Subscription Competition.
Liz is now the proud owner of an OzTent valued at $899.00
Note: Any prizes not claimed within 2 months of being announced will be redrawn and offered to another entrant.
SIDETRACK
The team at We Love This Country has collected plenty of notes on our travels around Australia.
DUBBO
Where is it?
Central West Region of NSW. Five hours drive North-West of Sydney
(See it on Google Map)
Why go?
Dubbo is a diverse regional city that provides visitors with plenty of old fashioned country charm. Situated amongst the sprawling red plains of the outback and with the stunning Macquarie River winding through its heart, Dubbo provides visitors with plenty of entertainment options. Whether you want to relax with friends and family or explore the wonders of the region Dubbo is a destination that offers something for everyone.
Things to do & see:
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Experience nature in the Biodiversity garden which aims to replicate the vast biodiversity of the Dubbo region in a small space. The park provides a small taste of all of the many different habitats that can be found in Dubbo's parks and reserves, including grasslands, woodlands and wetlands.
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The old Dubbo Gaol is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubbo providing visitors with an authentic insight into colonial prison life. The gaol has been fully restored and is now home not only to animatronic models and holographic displays but also to numerous rare and original artefacts. Sure to send a chill up anyone's spine.
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Bringing a piece of Africa to Australia, Taronga Western Plains Zoo is a perfect day out for the whole family. The open range design gives the impression of being right amongst the animals and with over 1000 different animals on display everyone will find their favourite. For those travelling with pets, Western Plains Zoo has a pet minding facility.
Local favourites:
- Cool off on hot summer days at the Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre with a 50m outdoor pool, children's pools and a waterslide.
- Paddling along the Macquarie River Canoe and Kayak Trail is a fantastic way to experience the true beauty of the local area.
Where to stay:
BIG4 Dubbo Parklands
Phone: 02 6884 8633
Address: Lot 11 Whylandra Street, Dubbo, NSW
Park Details
Dubbo City Holiday Park
Phone: 02 6882 4820
Address: Alfred St, West Dubbo, NSW
Park Details
Midstate Motor Park
Phone: 02 6882 1155
Address: 21 Bourke St, Dubbo, NSW
Park Details
Westview Tourist Caravan Park
Phone: 02 6882 1339
Address: Narromine Road, West Dubbo, NSW
Park Details
UPCOMING CARAVAN SHOWS
2009 Penrith Caravan, Camping & Holiday Expo
The Penrith Caravan, Camping & Holiday Expo is hailed as one of western Sydney’s biggest, brightest and best leisure shows.
Head to Penrith Panthers from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September 2009 for some great PRE-SUMMER SALES and bargains for all you need on your next caravan and camping holiday.
When: Fri 11 - Sun 13 September
Where: Penrith Panthers
Website: Penrith Caravan, Camping & Holiday Expo
2009 Melbourne Leisurefest
The 2009 second annual Melbourne Leisurefest will be held over four big days from the 1st to the 4th of October.
Showcasing the latest in RV, camping, touring, off roading and boating products, Leisurefest, to be held at Sandown Racecourse, will be a one stop shop for all outdoor enthusiasts.
When: Thursday 1 – Sunday 4 October
Where: Sandown Racecourse
Website: Melbourne Leisurefest

SPRING EVENT
Shoal Bay Jazz Wine and Food Festival
When: Saturday 12th to Sunday 13th September 2009
Where: Shoal Bay Resort and Spa, NSW
Website: Shoal Bay Jazz Wine and Food Festival
For two exciting days of fine wine, fabulous food and toe tapping jazz you need look no further than the Shoal Bay Jazz Wine and Food Festival.
The gorgeous views across Shoal Bay provide the perfect backdrop to indulge in a selection of wines from the Hunter Valley wineries whilst enjoying some of the regions local produce. There are plenty of other activities to, including mini makeovers from the Aqua Day Spa and face painting for the kids.

Be sure to check out the Shoal Bay Jazz Wine and Food Festival in mid September for a weekend guaranteed to tantalise your tastebuds.
Where to stay:
One Mile Beach Holiday Park
Phone: 02 4982 1112
Address: 426 Gan Gan Road, One Mile Beach, NSW
Park Details
BIG4 Karuah Jetty Village
Phone: 02 4997 5520
Address: 88 Holdom Road, Karuah, NSW
Park Details
Discovery Holiday Parks - Port Stephens
Phone: 1800 463 029
Address: 2 Oyster Farm Road, Lemon Tree Passage, NSW
Park Details
BIG4 Soldiers Point
Phone: 02 4982 7300
Address: 122 Soldiers Point Road, Soldiers Point, NSW
Park Details
Birubi Beach Holiday Park
Phone: 02 4982 1263
Address: S37 James Patterson Street, Birubi Beach, NSW
Park Details
Shoal Bay Holiday Park
Phone: 1800 600 200
Address: Shoal Bay Road, Shoal Bay, NSW
Park Details
Fingal Bay Holiday Park
Phone: 1800 600 203
Address: Marine Drive, Fingal Bay, NSW
Park Details
Halifax Holiday Park
Phone: 1800 600 201
Address: Beach Road, Little Beach, Nelson Bay, NSW
Park Details
Soldiers Point Holiday Park
Phone: 1800 600 204
Address: Ridgeway Avenue, Soldiers Point, NSW
Park Details
PROFILES
7th Street Caravans
With over 30 years of experience and dedication to the caravanning industry, 7th Street Caravans is a proud locally owned and operated caravan dealer.
7th Street Caravans stocks a range of the latest models from such recognised names as Retreat, Crusader and Regent, so they can provide you with the most up to date designs and features.
With an extensive range of new and used vans and pop tops, as well as a huge range of accessories, the team at 7th Street Caravans will use their personal wealth of experience to ensure you always “get away in style”.
Address: 52 Seventh Street, Boolaroo, NSW 2284
Phone: 02 4958 5505
Website: www.7thstreetcaravans.com.au/
Contact: sales@7thstreetcaravans.com.au
BIG4 Trial Bay Tourist Park (South West Rocks)
Located on the stunning Mid North Coast in between Sydney and Brisbane and nestled between luscious rainforests and rolling surf, BIG4 Trial Bay provides award winning accommodation in eco-friendly surrounds.
The South West Rocks area boasts beautiful beaches, clear aquamarine waters and breathtaking coastal scenery. The area also has some of the best scuba diving to be found in Australia with the renowned Fish Rock Cave attracting avid divers from all over the globe. For those who prefer dry land there are also many national parks to explore where you will find some fantastic bush walks.
The park itself has many activities to offer with facilities including a pool complex, children’s playgrounds, climbing wall, volleyball and tennis courts, giant jumping pillow, lending library and much, much more.
Address: 161 Phillip Drive, South West Rocks, NSW, 2431
Phone: 02 6566 6142
Website: trial-bay-tourist-park.nsw.big4.com.au/
Contact: info@trialbay.com.au
Phillip Island Holiday Park
The beachfront location of Phillip Island Holiday Park makes it the perfect place to sit, relax and soak up the atmosphere. However with restaurants, cafes and shops only 500 metres away and a multitude of island activities to explore we doubt you will be able to sit still for long.
For the young and the young at heart the nearby Amaze’n’Things Fun Park can provide hours of entertainment, whilst animal lovers will enjoy the Koala Conservation Centre and the nightly Penguin Parade.
The park provides cabins to suit all group sizes as well as powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites, so there is an accommodation type to suit every traveller.
Address: 24 Old Bridge Rd, Newhaven, Phillip Island, VIC, 3925
Phone: 03 5956 7227
Website: www.phillipislandcpk.com.au/
Contact: info@phillipislandcpk.com.au
Parravans
Parravans is a family owned and operated business with over forty years experience in the caravan industry.
Offering a variety of new and used vehicles, Parravans rigorously checks all of its stock to ensure that it represents value, and their service department performs quality tests on each caravan to guarantee trouble free running.
Parravans stocks a variety of caravans from the Millard Australia Range as well as camper trailers from Goldstream RV to ensure that you have access to brands you can rely on.
Visit their website at www.parravans.com.au or you can find Parravans at two great locations:
Windsor Dealership
Address: 130 Windsor Road, McGraths Hill, NSW, 2756
Phone: 02 4577 5577
Contact: sales@parravans.com.au
Hexham Dealership
Address: 354 Pacific Highway, Hexham, NSW, 2322
Phone: 02 4964 8888
Contact: parravans@commander360.com
Roma Caravans
Established in 1928 Roma was one of the earliest caravan brands to be created in Australia.
What sets Roma apart from other manufacturers is that every caravan is individually designed and constructed – there is no mass production, which means that every caravan created is as unique as the individual who leaves with it.
With dealers available throughout Australia Roma Caravans offer style, convenience and most importantly, individual attention to ensure that your caravan is a reflection of the trip you want to take.
Visit the website for details of a dealer near you.
Head Office Phone: 03 9357 7440
Website: www.romacaravans.com.au/
Email: info@romacaravans.com.au
Broken Head Holiday Park
Situated just 10 minutessouth of popular Byron Bay, Broken Head Holiday Park offers travellers the perfect location for a quiet, relaxing and rejuvenating holiday.
Broken Head has one of the few remaining areas of coastal rainforest, and visitors with a sense of adventure will find dozens of secluded and isolated beaches by exploring Broken Head Nature Reserve.
The Broken Head Holiday Park has a range of accommodation choices including cabins, caravan and motorhome sites and camping options.
Address: Beach Road, Broken Head, NSW, 2481
Phone: 1800 450 036
Website: www.brokenhd.com.au
Contact: info@brokenhd.com.au
Lotus Caravans
Lotus Caravans are proudly Australian made and owned and as a result are specifically tailored to suit Australian terrain.
There are extensive customization options available which ensures that you will be able to find a Lotus Caravan to suit your needs, whatever they might be.
With over 40 years experience in caravan manufacturing the team at Lotus understand the emotional investment in buying a caravan and pride themselves on working with you to guarantee that everyone is 100% satisfied.
Address: 1/144 Freight Drive, Somerton, VIC, 3062
Phone: 03 9305 3907
Website: www.lotuscaravans.com.au
Contact: Debbie@lotuscaravans.com.au
Vantec
Vantec offers a total caravan protection system for both new and used vans, which can dramatically extend the life of your caravan against environment damage caused by weather and exposure to the elements.
Using Vantec’s revolutionary paint preservation system you can lock in the original colour of your caravan which prevents fading and chalking and reduces cleaning time.
In addition to being able to treat new vans at the caravan manufacturers, dealers or their own factory at Bayswater Vantec boasts a network of national and mobile detailers.
Address: 140 Canterbury Road, Bayswater, Victoria, 3153
Phone: 03 9761 5552
Website: www.vantec.com.au
Contact: enquiries@vantec.com.au
RACV Resorts
To soak up the beauty of Victoria’s Sun Country RACV Cobram Resort is an ideal destination for any type of getaway, whether it be a mid week mini break or a family vacation.
With over 300 days of sunshine each year there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and the fantastic facilities provided by the resort, such as a solar heated swimming pool, tennis courts, children’s playground and a BMX track.
There are a variety of great accommodation options ranging from spacious apartments, to self contained cabins and a 4.5 star caravan park, so if you’re looking to submerge yourself in beauty and sunshine RACV Cobram Resort is a must see location.
Alternatively, situated only a leisurely two hour drive from Melbourne, RACV Inverloch Resort is located on the stunning South Gippsland Coast.
With all of the facilities you would expect of an RACV resort including recreation centre, retail outlets and dining options Inverloch is a fantastic base to explore the majestic natural beauty of the area.
With a host of annual events, festivals and markets there is always something new to experience when visiting RACV Inverloch.
RACV Cobram Resort
Address: Campbell Road, Cobram, Victoria, 3644
Phone: 03 5872 2467
Website: www.racv.com.au
RACV Inverloch Resort
Address: 70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Road, Inverloch, Victoria, 3644
Phone: 03 5674 0000
Website: www.racv.com.au
OzTent
Hassle free, easy to erect, no assembly or disassembly required – that’s the beauty of OzTent. Priding itself on providing slide on campers that are hard wearing and comfortable, OzTent’s award winning Australian design enables you to set up your tent singlehandedly, in only 30 seconds!
The OzTent comes in five different sizes and styles ranging from the two people OzTent RV1 to the OzTent RV5 which can sleep up to 6 people.
With a slew of OzTent Accessories as well as add ons such as the OzPod for easy transportation of your tent and the OzTent Change Room Cubicles, the friendly team at OzTent have your camping needs covered.
Address: 1273 The Horsley Drive, Wetherill Park, NSW, 2164
Phone: 02 9757 4466
Website: www.oztent.com
Contact: sales@oztent.com
Tathra Beach Tourist Park
With absolute beach frontage and a family friendly atmosphere Tathra Beach Tourist Park has everything you need for a fantastic holiday!
The area offers something for everyone with great surfing areas, a multitude of bushwalks, some fantastic dive and snorkeling options and plenty of popular fishing spots – including the famous historical Tathra Wharf.
The Tathra Beach Tourist Park has recently built new facilities including accommodation options, two swimming pools, large camp kitchen and a playground for the kids to make your holiday experience even better.
With a variety of organised activities on offer including surf lessons,kayaking and dolphin cruises it is not hard to see why many holiday makers return to Tathra Beach year after year.
Address: Andy Poole Drive, Tathra, NSW, 2550
Phone: 02 6494 1302
Website: www.tathrabeachtouristpark.com.au
Contact: info@tathrabeachtouristpark.com.au
NATIONAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHTS

Top Tourist Parks
Top Tourist Parks is one of Australia’s leading Holiday Park groups and continues to offer high quality accommodation to travellers traversing our vibrant country.
The Top Tourist Parks network spans across six states and covers most popular Australian destinations. If you are after a trusted standard of accommodation that offers a consistently relaxing, engaging and smooth holiday experience then book a Top Tourist Park.
With so much area covered by the large Top Tourist Park network regular travellers should consider signing up to the Top Tourist Club. The club entitles members to save 10% on their accommodation fees to a maximum of $25 per stay, which can add up to a massive saving if a long itinerary is planned.

For those who are still eager to save money along the journey the Platinum Card is available. The Card provides the same discount as the Top Tourist member benefits club plus unlimited savings on travel, tours, dining, lifestyle, accommodations, entertainment, leisure, attractions, automotive, retail, health & beauty, financial services, magazine subscriptions, body & mind, home & garden, pet care and car hire as well as member benefits, savings vouchers and reward programs.
When planning your next holiday, consider making it a Top Tourist Park one and book accommodation that offers consistently good getaways.

The Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon Awarded Best Off Road Vehicle by Overlander Magazine
For the second year in a row, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has been awarded Best Off-Road Vehicle in 2009 by Overlander magazine during their recent 4WD Awards.
Jeep’s ultimate off-road rig, the Wrangler Rubicon model features all necessary hardware to conquer some of the most extreme trails, right out of the box.
Since launch, the latest Jeep Wrangler has been an instant hit with Aussie off-road enthusiasts, firmly placing Australia as the number one Wrangler market for Jeep outside North America.
In addition to standard features on the Jeep Wrangler Sport the Rubicon model includes electric-disconnecting front sway bar, Rock-Trac® 4:1 part-time transfer case, heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles, Tru-lok® locking front and rear differentials, 4.10 axle ratio, rock rails, 17-inch machined-cast aluminium wheels, three piece modular hard top, odour-resistant seat fabric and Infinity premium speakers and subwoofer.
The two-door Jeep Wrangler remains true to its heritage as the original, extreme fun-and-freedom machine and is the only 4x4 with multiple open-air options.
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