Whether you’re a seasoned caravanning veteran looking to upgrade to the latest model, or a complete first-timer about to hand over a deposit, the idea of buying an Australian made caravan often carries a lot of weight.
For many buyers, it feels like the safer option. Better build quality. Higher safety standards. Supporting local jobs and local manufacturing. And in many cases, fewer compromises when it comes to handling rough conditions, corrugated roads and long-distance touring.
But here’s the catch. The term "Australian made" isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. It can mean very different things depending on the manufacturer, and unless you dig a little deeper, it’s easy to assume more local involvement than actually exists.
So let’s break it down properly and look at what Australian made, Australian assembled and Australian designed caravans really mean, and which manufacturers fall into each category.
What does Australian made actually mean?
In simple terms, an Australian made caravan is one that has been designed, engineered and built in Australia, using predominantly Australian sourced materials.
This usually includes:
- Chassis built locally from Australian steel
- Frames welded and assembled in Australia
- Fit-out completed locally
- Final quality control handled by the manufacturer, not a third party
These vans are generally built with Australian conditions front of mind. Think long distances, harsh sun, unpredictable weather, and the kind of touring that takes you far from sealed roads and phone reception. For anyone planning remote travel or extended off-grid camps, that local understanding can make a real difference.
What caravans are 100% Australian made?
Everest Caravans
Operating out of their small factory in Campbellfield, Melbourne, Everest Caravans have been quietly building some of the toughest off-road caravans in the country for over 15 years.
They are one of the few manufacturers still offering genuinely custom-built caravans, with extreme off-road capability baked into the design rather than added as an option. Their vans are fully Australian made, designed, engineered and built locally using predominantly Australian materials.
A standout feature is their chassis, made from Supergal Australian RHS steel, and their confidence in the product is reflected in a 10-year structural warranty. For buyers planning serious outback roads and long-term touring setups, Everest sits firmly at the pointy end of the market.
A caravan being towed through a forest dirt track
Orbit Caravans
Orbit Caravans specialise in Australian-made off-road caravans and manufacture their vans in Craigieburn, Melbourne. They are 100 percent Australian made and owned, with TIG welded aluminium frames designed for strength without unnecessary weight.
Orbit places a strong emphasis on durability and customer service, offering a two-year structural warranty on timber components and a five-year structural warranty on their aluminium frames. Their vans are clearly aimed at travellers who value longevity and structural integrity over flashy finishes.
Grand Caravans
Craigieburn continues to be a hotspot for local manufacturing, with Grand Caravans also producing fully Australian made and owned caravans from the area.
Run by two brothers with more than 20 years of industry experience, Grand Caravans focuses on hands-on service and consistent build quality. Their vans are built locally from the ground up, making them one of the best Australian made caravans for buyers who want direct access to the people actually building their caravan.
Jayco Australia
Jayco is Australia’s best-selling RV manufacturer and has held that title for decades. While Jayco is an American brand globally, Jayco Australia operates as a 100 percent Australian owned and Australian made caravan brand.
Their Dandenong factory is a massive local operation, producing chassis, sidewalls, fibreglass panels and even furniture in-house. More than 1,000 Australians work across their manufacturing and support teams, and with 27 dealerships nationwide, Jayco has one of the strongest service networks in the country.
For buyers prioritising nationwide support and ease of servicing while touring, Jayco remains a popular choice.
A Jayco caravan at a campsite
What is an Australian assembled caravan?
Australian assembled caravans occupy the middle ground. These vans are built in Australia and must meet local compliance standards, but they use a mix of imported and Australian components.
In most cases, the chassis, body assembly, fit-out and final quality control happen locally, while items like appliances, frames or panels may be sourced from overseas suppliers.
For many buyers, Australian assembled caravans offer a balance between affordability and local oversight. Warranty support is generally easier to access than fully imported vans, and the build process still accounts for Australian conditions.
New Age Caravans
Based in Epping, Victoria, New Age Caravans is one of Australia’s largest caravan manufacturers. Their vans are assembled locally using a combination of imported and Australian components.
New Age focuses heavily on modern layouts, innovation and family-friendly designs, offering everything from touring vans to off-road models. Their wide dealer network also makes servicing and support easier when travelling long distances.
A caravan at a campsite with the awning open
Supreme Caravans
Supreme Caravans assemble their vans in Somerton, Melbourne, with a strong focus on value and practical touring layouts.
While many components are imported, final construction and quality checks are completed locally. Supreme vans are commonly chosen by buyers who want an Australian assembled product without the price tag that often comes with fully local builds.
Leader Caravans
Operating out of Tullamarine, Leader Caravans assemble a wide range of on-road and off-road models in Australia.
Their approach prioritises affordability and usable layouts, making them a common entry point for first-time buyers who still want local assembly and compliance.
What does Australian designed mean?
Australian designed caravans are typically styled and engineered locally but manufactured overseas, most often in China.
These caravans must still comply with Australian Design Rules before being sold here, and most brands conduct final inspections and quality checks locally. However, the bulk of manufacturing takes place offshore.
This category often appeals to buyers focused on price, modern styling or shorter trips rather than heavy off-road use.
The rear of a caravan at a campsite with a bike on the back
Snowy River Caravans
Snowy River Caravans are Australian designed and built offshore, positioning themselves as an accessible option for on-road and light off-road touring. They take pride in their build quality, still adhering to Australian standards. They have 40 authorised repair centres around Australia and their 5 year structural warranty is an ode to their Aussie designs.
Their contemporary finishes, popular layouts and attractive inclusions are all at a price point that appeals to first-time buyers and budget-conscious travellers.
Dynsti Caravans
Dynsti Caravans are designed in Australia and manufactured overseas, with a strong focus on modern interiors, family-friendly layouts and competitive pricing. They were originally manufactured here, however production costs forced them to pivot to an overseas manufacturer.
They offer a broad range of touring and semi-off-road models aimed at buyers entering the market or upgrading without stretching into fully Australian made price territory.
Ezytrail Caravans
Ezytrail Caravans are designed in Australia and manufactured overseas, with a strong focus on hybrid and off-road-style caravans.
They are particularly popular with buyers looking for lighter, more compact setups that can handle weekend trips, beach runs and moderate off-road use without committing to a full-size caravan. Ezytrail’s designs are aimed at flexibility and ease of towing rather than long-term remote touring.
The silhouette of a car and caravan in front of a sunset
Which option is right for you?
There’s no single right answer. A fully Australian made caravan often delivers the highest level of local knowledge and structural confidence, particularly for remote travel and long-term touring. Australian assembled caravans can strike a strong balance between cost and local accountability. Australian designed caravans can offer competitive pricing and modern features, provided buyers understand the limitations.
The most important thing is to ask the right questions. Where is the caravan built? What materials are used? How is warranty handled if something goes wrong on corrugated roads or far from major centres? Those answers matter far more than a badge on the side.
If you’re planning serious touring, running a well thought out touring setup and understanding how your caravan is built can be just as important as tyre pressure or weight distribution.
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