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At $50 a day, caravanning is still great value ഀValue for money is a major consideration for anyone planning a holiday in the current economic climate and according to our research the traditional caravanning tour around Australia is still great value - costing only $50 a day! ഀCaravan, RV & Accommodation Industry of Australia's (CRVA - the owners and coordinators of the We Love this Country VIP Club) research compared fuel and accommodation costs from couples doing the long-haul trip in 2003 and 2006 with fuel and accommodation estimates from today (excluding spending money and food). ഀ
Chief Executive Officer of CRVA, Ben Yates, says the great Australian caravanning road trip will continue to be a popular holiday choice for Australians and that the recent combined effects of lower fuel prices, lower interest rates and an increasingly competitive retail market means there has never been a better time to buy a caravan, motorhome or other type of recreational vehicle (RV). ഀ"Despite the recent global financial crisis, caravanning in Australia retains its popularity and thanks to current low fuel prices, is now an even more affordable way to holiday. ഀ"Caravans and Motorhomes also have the added benefit of retaining their value and can be enjoyed for years to come. After the initial outlay, the only other costs involved are maintenance and servicing, fuel, site hire at a caravan/ holiday park, food and miscellaneous expenses," said Mr Yates. ഀKevin Clark, Dealer Principal and General Manager of Bayswater Jayco, Bayswater VIC, said their dealership had so far experienced bumper sales. ഀ
"People want to de-stress from all the economic doom and gloom, they still want to take their holidays and they’re discovering that a caravanning holiday is the cheapest way to go. It’s a great way to wind down and enjoy your free time," said Mr Clark. ഀOur complementary Buyers Service links your caravan, motorhome and RV enquiries direct to retailers in your region. Visit the Buyers Service here. ഀAlternatively, take advantage of some great deals and learn more about new products at the upcoming Caravanning and Camping Shows: ഀ CARAVAN SHOWSഀഀഀ ഀ
We are offering you the chance to win a fantastic 5 Litre Dream-Pot just by signing up a friend to the VIP Club eNewsletter. Feel free to subscribe more than one friend to increase your chance of winning the coveted prize! ഀThe winner will be announced in the next edition of the VIP Club. ഀThis amazing portable pot cooks, keeps food hot or cold and is safe and easy to use for cooking while you’re on the road. So what is a Dream-Pot? It’s a portable oven that retains heat and cooks while you… do whatever you like! This is an ancient way of cooking similar to a Hay-Box, where the ingredients literally cook themselves in an insulated pot. For those who love home cooking and also appreciate the freedom of being on the road, the Dream-Pot is the perfect portable oven. ഀClick here for more information on the Dream-Pot. ഀ*Friend must not already be a member of the VIP Club ഀ ഀഀ ഀ ഀ ഀ ഀ Victoria’s Bushfire Devastation ഀCRVA offers accommodation assistance ഀ
CRVA has approached the relevant government bodies to outline the ways in which the Caravanning Industry could collaborate with State Government departments to supply temporary accommodation. ഀBen Yates, Chief Executive Officer of CRVA, said the association was well positioned to assist with temporary accommodation considering the many industry businesses based in Victoria who are able, and willing, to help. ഀ"A lot of our caravanning manufacturers are based in Victoria, so this disaster has struck a chord within our industry," said Mr Yates. "We will do whatever we can, in conjunction with government, if they so choose, disaster relief coordinators and industry businesses, to provide support for those victims of the bushfires that have been left homeless." ഀIf you are an individual who wants to help by providing temporary accommodation, call the Victorian Bushfire Accommodation Hotline on 1800 006 468. ഀ ഀ What could be more romantic than escaping the fuss and noise of the city to rest and relax in some of Australia’s most sought after destinations with your partner? ഀ
This Valentines Day however, we discovered some stunning destinations that perfectly compliment and augment romantic getaways that are sure to spice up the standard romantic evening. But hasn’t Valentine’s Day been and gone you ask? Well, the We Love This Country Team prefers not to restrain expressions of romance to a particular calendar date, so feel free to take a romantic getaway anytime of the year!ഀ The modern Holiday Park Cabin is perfectly suited to getaways with your partner, allowing you to relax in locations that other forms of accommodation can only dream of offering. Many Holiday Parks throughout Australia boast luxurious indoor accommodation that is located literally only a few steps from the beach and are often accompanied by five-star, heavenly features such as spa baths, saunas, message therapy centres and restaurants. ഀ A fine example of a romance friendly destination is BIG4 North Star Holiday Resort located in Hastings Point, Northern NSW. North Star has specially built a one-off cabin perfectly designed to make your romantic getaway an enjoyable, unwinding and bonding experience. The cabin is called the Villa Romantico and features a king size bed with separate spa bath and double spa shower. The cabin also opens out onto a covered verandah with swinging two person love seat and barbecue.ഀ
Next time you’re in the mood for a romantic getaway why not stay in one of Australia’s many perfectly equipped cabins? Click here to explore a range of holiday parks throughout Australia.ഀ
ഀ PRIZE WINNERS ഀHere is a list of some recent, lucky winners from the We Love This Country's Engel Fridge Promotion (if you missed out, make sure you enter the 'Sign Up a Friend' Competition for your chance to win another great prize!): ഀWinners of a Portable Engel Fridge valued at $899: ഀ
Winners of the January VIP Club Survey Prizes: ഀ
ഀ PROFILES ഀ ഀ
A fantastic range of accommodation options are available including beach houses, beachfront units, on-site vans and powered & unpowered camp sites. Solar-heated pool, spa and sheltered gas BBQs with expansive lawns are all available on a fabulous beachfront location. ഀClose by are villages that are filled with local art and craft shops as well as antique stores and popular cafes where you can enjoy coffee and cake or gourmet lunches. This award winning park is a truly magnificent place to spend a holiday. ഀ83 Nelson Pde, Tuross Head, NSW, 2537
Along the coast near the holiday village both, north and south, are picturesque beaches ideal for swimming, surfing and beach fishing including Mollymook, Racecourse and Rennies beaches. Take a bushwalk in the Morton National Park for spectacular views across the region, climb to the top of the famous Pigeon House Mountain and view rugged cliffs and gorges carved by the Clyde River and its tributaries and views across to the coast. ഀ300 Kings Point Drive, Ulladulla NSW 2539
The business was founded by David Carrick and Helen McCarthy and continues to be a friendly family run business with the highest service standards. With over 30 years experience in the Caravanning Industry and a fully equipped service centre, Jayco Sydney should be on the top of everyone’s list when searching for a new Caravanning product. ഀ63-67 Glossop Street St Marys NSW 2760
The staff at Dave Benson Caravans are committed to high quality service and believe it's the "little things" that count. They recognise that looking for a Caravan/Camper Trailer can become a very confusing and over-whelming task, and are happy to help you every step of the way providing you with all their product knowledge, personal opinions, and solutions. ഀ583 Grand Junction Road, Gepps Cross SA 5094
They individually constructed quality caravans and pop-tops of all sizes and layouts to order. The caravans are suitable for around Australia touring and are mostly specialised for 4WD towing. Each caravan they produce is crafted with the benefit of their forty-five year continuous experience in the caravan industry. ഀWhether you are a seasoned caravanner or just starting outlet Evernew Caravans provide you with the benefit of their long experience in manufacturing quality caravans and pop-tops for clients all over Australia. ഀ101 Bell Street, Heidelberg Victoria 308
By purchasing a GoldstreamRV product you are buying into guaranteed style, quality, design and workmanship, all backed up by a national dealer network. ഀFactory 1-4, 75 Bald Hill Road, Pakenham, VIC 3810
Next time you are looking to purchase a new caravan ask whether the manufacturer can fit an Aircommand air conditioner. If you wish to fit an air conditioner to an existing caravan or motor home consult their range of sales outlets to find the nearest convenient dealer. ഀPh. (08) 8445 2877
1273 The Horsley Drive, Wetherill Park NSW 2164
Po Box 373 Burwood, Melbourne, VIC 3125
Whether you’re in the market for quality recreational vehicle accessories or traveling furniture to recline on during those extended pit stops, stop by Coast to Coast and check out their extensive range. Air conditioners, awnings, chairs, tables, camping equipment, car accessories, plumbing, water heaters… the list is endless. ഀLook up their website for offers on an extensive range of products that is continually being reviewed and kept up-to-date with the latest in caravanning and camping equipment. Alternatively, why not have a leisurely browse at one of their extensively stocked outlets where friendly, helpful staff will be on hand to discuss your requirements. ഀ44 Adderley St East, Silverwater NSW ഀ NATIONAL SPONSORS SPOTLIGHT ഀ ഀ
Their fantastic range includes ovens, grills, hotplates, solar panels, refrigerators/freezers, portable toilets, awnings and lighting. A recent addition to the Camec range is the Eco Instantaneous HWS which supplies instant hot and cold running water for your Caravan, RV or home. The Eco Instantaneous HWS is designed to be environmentally friendly with premium water saving efficiency and 99% heating efficiency. ഀNext time your looking for accessories and equipment for your Caravan or other RV product, make sure you check out Camec. ഀWebsite: http://www.camec.com.au/ Since its inception in 1990, Family Parks has sought to provide travellers with a consistent and high quality ‘home away from home’ holiday experience. Offering a wide variety of accommodation, a minimum 3 star standard and friendly service, Family Parks now boasts over 200 independent caravan and holiday parks operating in a range of destinations throughout Australia and New Zealand. ഀ
In mid March 2009, Family Parks launched a whole new story based around the proposition that Family Parks are a great place to get the family closer. The story is supported by a colourful new creative, fresh new website, exciting new member rewards program and a much stronger focus on guest experiences. ഀFamily Parks has not forgotten its loyal and regular caravan and camping guests and now when you join Family Parks Tribal Rewards program you will get discounts and special offers at over 6000 merchants throughout Australia and New Zealand offering savings on attractions, restaurants, shopping, cinemas, theme parks and auto services. Plus you’ll receive your usual 10% discount on the cost of your accommodation at over 200 Family Parks locations throughout Australia and New Zealand*. (Up to a maximum of $20 per stay on a site or a maximum of $40 per stay in a cabin/chalet/unit). ഀFamily Parks is also placing greater focus on quality and consistency and guest experiences. Guests will be greeted in the reception of all caravan and holiday parks with a guest story reminding them to have a good time and to treat the park as if it were their own home. ഀWebsite: www.familyparks.com.au | ഀ
Over a 30 day trip, the total cost difference between 2006 and today is only $25.50, just 0.85 cents a day. Over a six year period, the difference is $484.00 or $16 a day, with fluctuating fuel prices causing the most differentiation. 
"I think that people have started to realise that caravans hold their value really well and that they are a great asset; after years of travelling you can still get an outstanding resale value," said Mr Clark adding that the financial crisis had not dampened Australia’s enthusiasm for caravanning. 
Caravan, RV & Accommodation Industry of Australia (CRVA) are seeking to work closely with State Government disaster relief coordinators in Victoria to provide housing assistance for those left homeless by Victoria’s devastating bushfires. 
The stereotypical expression of romance on Valentine’s Day usually involves a stunning array of flowers, a quiet candle lit dinner and the whispering of sweet nothings beneath the stars, which is most certainly an enjoyable way of spending the evening and something worth indulging in at least once a year.ഀ
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Tuross Beach Holiday Park is situated on one of the most beautiful headlands in New South Wales with stunning views of the ocean. It boasts direct and easy access to the beach and lake right at your doorstep.
Ulladulla Holiday Village is set on 12 pristine acres surrounded by native bushland, located just minutes from the Ulladulla town centre, Racecourse Beach and Burrill Lake. A great destination that provides fun and relaxation for the whole family - visit the local attractions and enjoy swimming, water skiing, fishing, pigeon house mountain, golf, arts and crafts of nearby Milton, cafes, cinemas and shops.
Jayco Sydney is your one-stop-shop for a full range of Jayco Camper Trailers, Pop-Tops, Caravans, Expandas, Motorhomes and accessories. They are New South Wales’ largest Jayco dealer and sell both new and used stock.
Dave Benson Caravans is a South Australian owned and operated business committed to customer service. They offer one of Australia's largest range of new and used recreational vehicles and leisure products in South Australia's largest undercover showroom.
Evernew Caravans Pty Ltd is a family owned and operated business, continuously operating from the same site in Heidelberg, Victoria, since it was established in 1963.
Since 1993 Goldstream RV have been making quality caravans renowned for their tough and reliable wind up camper trailer which is available in 10 different layouts. The extensive choice of models begins with the on-road touring units which will suit most small cars. The off road camper is where the spirit of adventure begins with many people enjoying what the Australian outback can offer. For several years now Goldstream RV has also expanded into making a range of Pop tops and Caravans. 
Aircommand design and manufacture a full range of air conditioners for mobile applications. They supply a large number of caravan and motor home manufacturers and are one of the largest manufacturer in the southern hemisphere. Aircommand products are developed for the harsh Australian environment, which means lower running cost, maximum cooling and long life.
The multi-award winning Australian designed OZTENT was released in 1993 and is now considered by many as the best touring tent on the market today. It is easily erected by one person in less than 30 seconds! The OZTENT has a patented internal aluminium frame which is the heart of its revolutionary design. The frame allows for effortless erection and packing away. It does not require assembly or disassembly.
Mediscope thrives on providing the best customer service and quality Australian made products at a competitive price. They specialise in a range of well being products, including: 
Coast to Coast is one of Australia's largest wholesale/retail suppliers of RV and caravan/leisure products. They stock a massive range of holidaying gear and equipment from well known brands including Fiamma, Suburban RV Water Heaters, Lafuma, Winegard, Coleman Air Conditioners, Waeco and others.
Camec is one of the largest product suppliers, manufacturers and importers for the Australian and New Zealand recreational vehicle and marine market. The business was established in 1962 as a subsidiary of Fleetwood Corporation Ltd and continues to grow today into an all encompassing, one-stop-shop for Caravanning equipment.