What’s happening?
The Rockhampton Outdoor Adventure plus Home and Lifestyle Expo has opened at the Rockhampton Showgrounds for three days of displays, demonstrations and family activities.
Gates opened at 8.30 am on Friday, 10 July, with the event continuing until Sunday, 12 July 2026.
The Expo brings together caravans, camper trailers, four-wheel drive vehicles, camping gear and touring products. Visitors can also browse home improvement, outdoor living and lifestyle displays suited to Central Queensland.
People can compare products, speak directly with industry experts and gather practical advice before planning future travel, replacing equipment or starting home projects.
A full entertainment program will run across the weekend, including fishing demonstrations, camp cooking, wildlife encounters, road safety advice and towing presentations.
Discounted tickets are available online, while children aged 16 and under enter free with a paying adult.
Why it matters?
The Expo reflects how caravan and camping habits have changed, with travellers now looking for products that suit different stages of life.
In an exclusive interview with Rocky News, Australian Events Director Bob Carroll said strong interest had continued despite higher fuel costs. He said travellers were adjusting their plans rather than giving up road trips.
“We’ve been doing shows here, I reckon, for nearly 30 years, and fuel prices haven’t slowed people down,” Mr Carroll said. “People will just change where they go, but once they get to the destination, they’re staying.”
He said buyers were also placing more value on technology and flexible designs. LED lights, generators and off-grid equipment now allow people to travel with greater independence.
“Technology is a big thing, so LED lights, generators, off-grid living and being able to do their own thing,” he said. “Versatility in product is really important, and people aren’t emotionally attached to these items. They’ll sell them if they don’t suit them anymore.”
Mr Carroll said this marked a change from earlier generations, when families often kept the same caravan for decades.
“It’s not like 50 years ago, where dad would hold on to a caravan and keep repairing it,” he said. “Now, if the kids are growing up, they need something bigger. When the kids leave, they want something smaller.”
Local Impact
The Expo gives Central Queensland residents access to caravan, camping, vehicle and home businesses without travelling to a capital city.
It also allows local operators to meet customers directly and explain products suited to regional travel, outdoor living and home improvements.
Mr Carroll told Rocky News that Rockhampton had built a strong reputation for supporting travellers and outdoor industries.
“Rockhampton has a unique mix of businesses, and the city is blessed with a lot of really good industry and local operators,” he said.
He said the region was also known for helping travellers when they faced mechanical problems or unexpected delays.
“We always say that if you want to break down anywhere, break down in Rocky, because you’ll get help and people will want to assist you,” Mr Carroll said. “I think that’s excellent.”
Thousands of visitors are expected across the weekend, bringing more activity to the Showgrounds and nearby businesses.
The event also gives local families a chance to compare products and seek advice before making major purchases.
By the numbers
- More than 17.3 million caravan and camping trips were taken across Australia during 2025, showing the strength of road-based travel.
- Those trips generated $12.6 billion in visitor spending, including money spent across regional towns and tourism businesses.
- Almost 938,000 caravans and campervans are registered nationwide as more Australians invest in outdoor travel.
Zoom In
Mr Carroll said one of the biggest industry changes during the past 30 years had been the speed at which manufacturers responded to buyers.
“The manufacturers are listening to the consumer, and they’re not afraid to change the product,” he said. “When COVID came along, they realised family vans were what people were looking for, so they built them. Now buyers want different types of products again, and manufacturers are changing how they respond.”
He said the same pattern could be seen in boating, where customers wanted more choice in size, transport and use.
“People want boats that are small, large or versatile, and some want something they can put on top of the car,” he said. “All those preferences have changed.”
The Expo also features new four-wheel drive vehicles and advice about towing, loading and vehicle limits.
Mr Carroll said visitors were interested in both the vehicles and the technical details behind safe travel.
“We’ve got a lot of new four-wheel drives here, and people are fascinated by what’s available,” he said. “Big is not always best, but in many cases it is. People also want to understand GVMs, RVMs and what they can tow or carry in the back.”
He said the event gave visitors a chance to ask those questions before making decisions about vehicles, caravans or travel equipment.
Entertainment and Demonstrations
The features Dave “Mossy” Moss, Robbie Wells and the Crocwise Rangers.
Their live-fishing tank demonstrations cover casting, fish handling, and crocodile safety.
Camp Cooking with Kingbrown shares practical camp oven tips and simple meals for travellers and outdoor enthusiasts.
RACQ Road Safety and Towing Presentations provide advice about safe loading, towing and regional travel.
Hands-On Wildlife presenter Ranger Dan also gives visitors the chance to see native reptiles while learning how to stay safe around Australian wildlife.
Mr Carroll said the entertainment program was designed to give visitors information they could use on the road, at campsites and at home.
“These sessions combine entertainment with real-world advice, helping visitors build confidence when travelling, camping and enjoying the outdoors,” he said.
Home and Lifestyle Displays
The Expo also includes home improvement and outdoor living products alongside the caravan and camping displays.
Mr Carroll said the range reflected the variety of businesses operating across Rockhampton and Central Queensland.
“We’ve also got plenty for the home, and Rockhampton businesses bring a lot of variety to the event,” he said.
He pointed to local operators offering imported products that could help residents create more individual home and outdoor spaces.
“You can make your home environment really quite unique,” Mr Carroll said.
The displays give homeowners a chance to speak directly with suppliers before beginning a project or buying new products.
Zoom Out
The changing caravan market reflects wider changes in how Australians travel and spend time outdoors.
Buyers now want products that can adjust as families grow, children leave home or travel plans change.
Storage has also become part of the decision, especially for buyers who want a caravan that fits under a backyard shed.
Mr Carroll said safety remained just as important as flexibility.
“People are interested in destinations, but they also want to get there safely,” he said. “That is why they come to events like this, because they can get answers about the product, the vehicle and the trip in one place.”
What To Look For Next?
The Expo will continue at the Rockhampton Showgrounds until Sunday, 12 July.
Gates open from 8.30 am daily, with demonstrations, presentations and hands-on activities running throughout the weekend.
Visitors can use the event to compare products, ask safety questions and assess equipment suited to their travel or home plans.
The weekend will also show exhibitors what Central Queensland buyers want from caravans, vehicles and outdoor products.
Event Details
📅 Dates: Friday, 10 July to Sunday, 12 July 2026
⏰ Opening time: Gates open from 8.30 am daily
📍 Location: Rockhampton Showgrounds, Rockhampton
🎟️ Tickets: Discounted tickets are available HERE
👨👩👧👦 Family entry: Children aged 16 and under enter free with a paying adult
