News & Stories
Best Places in Australia to Visit in Autumn
- green leaves convert into bright hues of red, orange, gold.
- sparkling and shimmering sunshine on the roads,
- mesmerizing cool breeze, or
- blooming luscious fruits,
- you need not go anywhere else in the world.
Wondering where in Australia is it possible? Here's a line of alluring places that bloom their best during autumn.
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Places to Visit
Golden Valley Tree Park, Balingup, WA
Set amidst the amazing hills of Balingup, Golden Valley Tree Park is a sixty hectares arboretum in Western Australia. The collection of trees started hundreds of years ago, and today it holds thousands of diversified Australian native trees.
A park is a great place for relaxing under the gazebo, leaf watching, walking around the orange autumn leaves, or having a picnic with some wine and snacks. You can take along the Xtend Outdoors Wine Glass Buddy for ensuring your glasses are safe while you travel and have some fun time over there. You could even take a guided walk at the park for knowing more about the historical changes of this special place.
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, Sherbrooke VIC
One of the most delightful Australian gardens, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens has got you covered not only in spring with cherry blossoms and azaleas but with bright red, orange leaves in autumn and every other season. You can explore the garden by strolling down to the linking pathways with your dog on a leash, have a picnic by the lake in the boathouse, sit under a gazebo surrounded by autumn foliage.
Mountain Field National Park, Tas
Autumn is the perfect time for experiencing this one of the biggest parks in Tasmania in its boldest colors. Not only the foliage, but you would also see the variety and plenty of vegetation as well as wildlife. You might even spot some endangered species, too, while taking a walk through large fern forests. The park has diverse landscapes and waterfalls to discover, Russel Falls, being famous amongst all.
Alpine High Country, VIC
Alpine High Country is the synonym of autumn as it is truly a wonderful place to visit. The place even runs a grand autumn festival for celebrating the season while experiencing the cool air, spectacular sceneries and ends with a parade and massive gala.
Heathcote, VIC
If you wish to grab an amazing view of autumn, nothing better than the Valley of Liquidambers can do it. Liquidambars are a type of tree that turns colorful in the autumn season. The spot is great for a picnic, or you can even stroll across the swinging bridge to the main street. Apart from this, Heathcote is home to many more natural wonders like Pink Cliffs Reserve, Viewing Rock, Devil's Cave, Dargile Reserve, etc.
Cloudehill, Olinda, VIC
Do you know what makes this place autumn special? The entire autumn garden. As the weather cools, Cloudehill's autumn garden is perfect for watching the dramatic autumn foliage, sunset hues, and enchanting plants. It overflows with a wide variety of plants and comprises numerous gardens with magnificent sculptures for every season.
Moidart, Bowral, NSW
Set on the unique landscape of Southern Highlands, the garden at Moidart, Bowral, holds five acres of rare plant species. It features the deciduous trees that display the dazzling and colorful vibe of autumn, making the garden worth visiting, especially during the autumn season. There's a sunken rose garden at the east of the house, followed by leisurely walks to the terraces and a large lawn leading to a woodland garden in the west. Moidart also has a wholesale nursery consisting of quaint and rare plants.
Conclusion
Australia's autumn is worth feeling and experiencing. The season delivers beautiful constituents that make these places bloom and burst with beauty for capturing your heart.
7 Fun Camping Games for Kids
Nothing is more exciting than escaping on a camping trip with your family and friends. But it is quite challenging to keep your kids entertained and screen-free throughout the trip when it comes to traveling with them. Apart from involving adventurous activities like hiking, swimming you need also to make the trip fun. Otherwise, you will hear "I'm bored" plenty of times.
Including some outdoor games on the list is a wonderful way to create a memorable and adventurous trip. Games will make them happy and enjoy everything at the same time.
Some of the popular and amusing games include:
Scavenger Hunt
Engage your kids in a scavenger hunt, making them explore and find the items at the campsite. Tweak the theme of objects according to your camp location, like if you're in a forest, then include leaves, rocks, or other wild but safe jungle items and if on a beach, ask them to collect shells, stones, and other undersea or seashore items.
They will enjoy the competition and the thrill of finding each item on the list which will introduce them to new items.
The Alphabet Game
The alphabet game is a simple yet fun game for little campers to play. It is a fantastic way to practice alphabets while identifying the objects by calling their names and keeping kids engrossed in fun.
The game involves verifying and finding items that start with the particular letter from A to Z. Whoever gets their hand on the item first wins the game!
Camping Olympics
Prepare a camping Olympics, an exciting outdoor game not only for kids but for the whole family instead. At times you and your kids may feel a little dizzy and bored. Pump them up with energy and fun when outdoors with the Olympic game.
Arrange various activities at your campsites, such as relay races, jumping jacks, tug of war, egg spoon race, potato sack race, and many such games. You can plan and tailor beforehand so that you have all the required supplies at the moment.
Chubby Bunny
It seems cute from the name itself. Every player will place a marshmallow in their mouth and say 'chubby bunny' without chewing it. Again, the player will put on a marshmallow and say, 'chubby bunny'. Players will keep on stuffing marshmallows until they can. And whosoever stuff most of the marshmallows in their mouth and say, 'chubby bunny', without swallowing any, wins the game!
Marshmallows will surely make you a chubby bunny at the campfire night.
Chinese Whispers
Sit around a circle at the campfire and start whispering!
While playing the game, Chinese Whispers players form a circle, and the first player whispers a phrase into the ear of the person sitting beside them, and this way, the message passes on to the next person through whispering. When the message reaches the last person, he/she says out loud what they heard to the entire group.
Usually, it turns out different from the original message! HAHA!
Hide & Seek
Old but Gold! No matter how many years this game is known, it is still every kid's favorite game. Everyone from the youngest member to the eldest will have fun while playing it.
Ensure playing this game only during the daytime. You can explore the campground and set up some rules regarding the playing area's boundaries for a safe game. For more fun, decide how much the seeker should count before starting to find the hiders.
Twig Castles
For a play-sit camping session, bring some glue and scissors along with you to the trip. Ask your kids to go and gather some twigs & leaves from the campsite and build a twig castle or fort. It is a great idea for some fun and interesting activity at the campsite.
Conclusion
The list of the games will go on. Ensure you have a proper and feasible camping area, even if you decide to play some board games with them.
It is advisable to attach an Xtend Outdoors Caravan Annexes https://www.xtendoutdoors.com.au/annexes/ for a proper shade from rain and scorching heat at the campsite while playing outdoors.
How to celebrate Christmas in a Caravan?
Some folks like to spend holidays in the warmer destinations in the comfort of static caravans that offer all the accouterments of a modern house. With plunging temperatures, long nights with snow all around is one of the best ways to celebrate in the caravan.
A caravan can be equipped with all the conveniences you have come to rely on at home. With your festive goodies, party games, and winter woollies, this is your chance to push the boat out on Christmas.

Decorate your Caravan
Celebration means following all the rituals and festivities that Christmas is known for. A caravan can be all decked up to your heart's content. To get the vibe, you need to decorate your caravan into a real-life Santa's grotto when on a winter caravan holiday.
Garnish the windows with tinsels, lights, and baubles. Instantly transform your caravan into a festive haven with rope lights that are quaint and nostalgic.
Whether you want to go all-in for Christmas decorations or want to make a few subtle additions, choose carefully when in a caravan. For making it spacious, get Xtend Outdoors Awnings which will add a new dimension to the festivities, you can pitch it in a couple of minutes, offering valuable party space and annexes for bedroom storage if your guests have come.
Position your Christmas tree under an awning which will keep it dry and safe. Create your festive decorations that will create Winter Wonderland away from home.
Set the Table
How about complimenting the scene with the cheery table setting? Some delicious food, along with a glass of mulled wine is what Christmas is for. Bring some cutlery sets along with wine glasses that add on to the party.
So, traveling light and with care is essential, swapping your regular glass box with our wine glass buddy will be handy, which protects your precious glassware which folds completely and is flat for storage. And covers the glasses from breakage and scratches. Make your Christmas feast special in a caravan with wine and dine.
Barbecue the Bird
Cooking outdoors in summer is usual for the Australians You'll require a barbecue or oven with a roasting pan that will cook while spreading heat evenly to every part. Xtend Outdoors BBQ Arm is designed especially for caravan and is the most versatile barbecue platform. You can accessorize it with a few handy tools and game up your whole barbie experience.
Make Christmas Eve special with a traditional feast with family by your side.
Expand the Cooking Facilities
Christmas Eve without turkey, potatoes, or parsnips?!! Not at all.
For more than two rings, gravy, and Xmas pudding, a microwave oven is ideal for well cooked, crunchy, and frees up valuable hob space. You can carry a microwave oven with you without any fear of breakage of the microwave dish made of glass.
Slide the microwave dish in Xtend Outdoors Microwave Dish Buddy, close, and place it back into the microwave for protection in your journey both on and off-road. Makes it easy to handle without any worry and consists of multiple padded layers.
Food Prep
Food Preparation involves much cutting and chopping during the Xmas feast. Prepping will become much more comfortable with a portable induction cooker, and you can enjoy the freshly cooked food and cozy up in front of the bonfire and catch some Christmas special movies. Mingling with local residents will make it even more interesting and fun.
Enjoy some Activities
Along with Christmas food preparation, and despite the size of the caravan, it can be an excellent abode for you to enjoy some cozy Christmas activities. Go for some snowboarding with your kids and enjoy every minute of it.
People usually prefer going for some shoveling driveways but celebrating in a caravan can be adventurous and quite startling. Make your Caravanning during Christmas an unforgettable experience. Although preparing food and decorating the space is easy, with Xtend Outdoors, it becomes more portable and light-weight and gets everything at the tip of your fingers.
A Guide to Become an Expert on Awning Roof Rafters
caravan camping trip. They are multipurpose and easy to handle.
BUT, if you have a large-sized awning, it will start sagging without proper
support.
Once it starts sagging, it can cause your entire setup to collapse. And
then you have to either do it again or look for some alternative or call it
off.

None of which will be fun at all!
So, here’s our recommendation to keep your PAARTYYYYYY
ROLLINGGGG!
Use some Awning Roof Rafters!
What is a Roof Rafter?
It could be a plastic or metallic pole that is used to support the roof of an
awning from sagging. It is placed horizontally under the roof at some
specific distance to help the roof to increase its bearing capacity.
Some advanced variants can even let you set the inclination in the
middle of the roof so debris roll down and fall away quickly.
What is Curved Rafter?

There are some rafters that come straight and some that have an advanced
mechanical setup to add some inclination. Still, fortunately,
manufacturers cared enough for all kinds of people and made rafter
poles with a slight curvature.
Such rafters are economical and more comfortable to be used by
anyone even without much of the technical expertise. And so, everybody
loves them!
How do Curved Rafters Benefit?
In a new Awning, they help to add slight inclination to the roof and
keeping the exposed side free from any debris collection. Whereas they
are great for old awnings too. As time passes, awnings can often go
loose or stretch. The curved rafters with more curvature can support
stretched roof by giving some extra inclination. And thus, turning a
problem into an advantage.
How to Select the right Curvature?
The rafters come in various curvatures at the center. You can select the
curvature-based upon the width of your awning and its age. When both
are high, you will want to go for a curvature that’s high in number too.
But when both are at their minimum, you will also want to go for a
minimum curvature.
In case you are not sure, contact us to counsel.
Which Rafter Shape is Better: Round or Square?
Both!
There are two contradicting replies to it – Round is better in one case;
Square is better in another.
When you are considering only rafters, then Square rafters win as the
the shape helps in distributing the tension equally. But when you think the
whole awning and rafter as a system, Round rafters win as their shape
accommodates the roof better and the material can have a better life
with much lesser tears.
Still, people choose to go with square ones as after a storm, having a
strong roof over the head is better than a fine quality collapsed awning.
How apart should I keep the Rafters?
Ideally, the rafters must be placed 8 feet apart.
But depending on what kind of overall awning length and width are in
consideration the distance can slightly vary up to +/- 3-feet.
Such as, when you have an 11-feet awning, you need not bother about
rafters. Whereas for a 15-feet awning you should definitely respect the
experts and do it. In some cases when you have a pretty long awning as
much as 100 feet lengthy, you would prefer to place rafters just 5 feet
apart.
How many Rafters do I need?
Measure the length of the awning, and then you can do the math with
our super easy formula.
If the length of the awning is below 11-feet, then you do not need any.
For more than 11 feet awning, you would prefer to check the sagging
and climate. If everything is favorable, you can skip adding any up to 15
feet or maybe just for safety you can have one rafter for lengths between
12-feet to 18-feet.
When the length goes beyond 18-feet, you would definitely want to go
according to the ideal distance or even add up a few extra rafters in
between for assurance of strength.
How to Install an Awning Roof Rafter?
Now you have to adopt some roleplaying and have to act as a
mathematician, an installation expert, and even a handyman.
Step 1: Measure the length of the awning.
Step 2: Evaluate the sagging and climate.
Step 3: Calculate the distance and number of rafters.
Step 4: Purchase if you are short on them or have not purchased yet.
You can skip this step if you already have a bunch of rafters resting near
insight. (Translation: You already purchased them.)
Step 5: Mark the position to drill holes. We highly recommend measuring
double before you pick up your drill.
Step 6: Start drilling holes.
Step 7: Pick rafters one-by-one and start screwing them.
In case you find it difficult, contact us to install it.
4 Useful Tips to Make Your Caravan Packing Easier
Don’t you agree that packing for your caravan trip can often be overwhelming? When you drive with an overpacked caravan, it makes you disorganized. On the other hand, there are chances that you might miss your necessary camping items when you under a pack.
To help with the above issue, we bring you some helpful tips to make your caravan packing easier:
1. Keep a Checklist Handy With You
Whether you are going on a long trip around Australia or just a short weekend getaway, you can always follow a checklist while packing. Since there are so many caravan essentials to carry, keeping a list on your phone or a paper can be very helpful.
The checklist will serve as a reminder for you to pack all the necessary items. You also do not forget packing any caravan item. It makes your packing job much easier and quicker than usual.
2. Assign a Fixed Place for the Basic Items in Your RV
Several small items might slip away from your mind while packing for your caravan. To resolve this, you can fix a proper place for these items in your caravan. This applies to things like remote control, sanitizer, iPod, first aid kit, etc. You can use hooks, clip gates, or holders in your RV to place them properly.
This practice is helpful whenever you hit the road and want to keep things handy in your motorhome. It also increases the visibility of your essential items in your RV, and you can easily access them.
3. Do Not Unpack All Your Camping Equipment At Once
Taking all things out as soon as you reach your campsite is one of the biggest mistakes. This might include your camping equipment like awnings, extensions and shades, folding tables, chairs, etc. You can first plan what you will need for your camping ground beforehand and then setup those items only.
This method will save your hassle of packing/unpacking your camping equipment at one go. It will not make you tedious or tired during your caravanning. This way, you can enjoy a relaxed caravanning holiday with your loved ones.
4. Do Not Pack Things That You Will Not Use While Caravanning
It is equally important to identify what you not to pack while caravanning. This tip might sound obvious, but any campers or caravan enthusiasts fail to do so. At times we tend to pack an extra pair of an item that we assume that we will need along our way. But we realize it later that we do not actually need them.
This practice applies to your clothing, footwear, and kitchen equipment specifically. Make sure only to carry the ones that you will actually use them during your trip.
Summary
The above tips are something that every camper or traveller should know. They can help you in packing for your caravan trip efficiently. You can also have a peaceful, organized, and enjoyable travel experience with your family and friends.For more such useful caravanning tips and travel hacks, you can visit Xtend Outdoor and read our blogs.
How To Pack Away Your Awning (Or Tent)

Here are some easy-peasy steps to pack your Awning correctly
- Never compete with the first-time packaging standard. Mostly any Awning is packed by robots, and that is why it comes so perfect.
- Start packing at least an hour before you want to leave the site.
- Take out everything from your Awning.
- Now disassemble all the parts and put them on the ground.
- Flat the Awning by keeping the base on the ground and the top facing sky.
- Open door and windows so any trapped air can move out.
- Wait for 5 mins.
- Now take two opposite edges of the Awning and fold them towards the centre.
- Take your packing bag and measure the length of further fold needed by keeping your bag on one of the folded halves. Make sure that you keep the long side of the bag parallel to the new half folded side of the Awning.
- Now fold the Awning moreover to reduce it to the length of the bag. (may need 3 to 5 folds)
- Now let the arrangement settle for 5 minutes so any trapped air will move out.
- Now start rolling your Awning from the closed side towards the side with the open flap.
- This helps in making sure that as you fold, the air keeps on getting out.
- Take help from someone at this stage, so you get it evenly folded.
- Once you have rolled the entire Awning, it should reduce to the diameter slightly lesser than the width or height of the bag.
- Tie with ropes, so the Awning doesn’t open up. If your Awning came with flap, tighten them.
- Your Awning is ready to go in the bag.
We are sure that you would have never tried to pack your Awning this way and after reading this guide, you’ll feel more confident about packing your Awning. Rest assured that this method is alike to pack a variety of tents, Awnings, annexes and many more such Camping products.
This is an industrial-standard packing technique that your manufacturer uses to pack your Awning for the second or any consecutive time after they are done with cleaning or servicing or repairing your Awning.
In case you need any assistance in packing your awnings or on-site awning installation, then contact us. Our trained and experienced installers are available in all the states which follow all the Government Provided Guidelines for your safety.
A Guide to Pack, Clean, and Store Your Camping Gear

So, let’s learn about how you can clean, pack and store your camping gear effectively
How to Pack your Camping Gear?
Tick off every item from your camping packing list
Caravanning anywhere requires you to pack a lot of things. Sometimes, you might end up over-packing or forgetting to pack an essential item. Check out our detailed camping guide to know the camping essentials, following items, however, are the must-haves for any camping trip:
- Tent
- Flashlight
- Medicines and First aid kit
- Kitchen equipment
- Sleeping bags
- Water filter
- Toiletries
Keep Your Outdoor Camping Gear AT TOP
Equipment like tents, Awnings, and Shades are the ones you will need as soon as you reach your camping site. So, you can keep them at the top of your campervan from where it is easily accessible.
Pack Some Frozen Water Bottles for DIY Ice Packs
Whether you want to preserve your food or medicines, you can use frozen water bottles to cool your food items and medicines. You can use them as your DIY freezing packs during caravanning.
How to Clean your Camping Gear?
Use Industry-Safe Cleaning products to Clean Your Camping Gear
Your camping gear needs special care while cleaning. You need to pay attention to the frame and fabric while washing off the dirt. In case you cannot brush off dirt with a cloth or a brush, you can use industry-safe cleaners (like Camco Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner) for thorough cleaning. Such cleaners will not damage the fabric and clean effectively.
For stubborn black streaks on your utensils, bathroom, roof or interiors, spray Black Streak Remover and wipe it with a clean cloth.
Wash off your Sleeping Bag
A clean sleeping bag ensures a comfortable sleep during camping. If you are a regular camper, you need to wash your sleeping bag 2-3 times a year. Most of the sleeping bags are machine washable nowadays. It is better to wash it in the front-load washer to clean it properly.
Clean Your Tent and Let It Dry Fully
You can always gently wipe off your tent to get rid of dirt and dust. To remove the mould and mildew from your tent, you can use a vinegar solution or a washing liquid. Once you are done cleaning, allow it to dry thoroughly. Drying it fully ensures that your tent will not be exposed to fungus after washing.
Wash Off Your Dishes and Kitchen Equipment
You can always carry a washing liquid or soap with you while camping. When you use a disinfectant or a washing liquid to clean your kitchenware, it will also keep your caravan kitchen clean and tidy.
If you keep separate utensils for home kitchen and Caravan then we suggest to thoroughly wash utensils with strong soap solution before storing them until the trip.
How to Store your Camping Gear?
Group your Camping essentials according to their type
With so many items in your camping packing checklist, it is better to classify and arrange them in groups. For instance, you can keep all your bowls, forks, stove, etc in the “kitchen group”. You can keep your sleeping bags, Awnings, Shades, Pegs, in the “Outdoor Group”.
Store Camping Items in Crates and Bins
Once you have grouped all similar items, you can store them in crates or wire baskets. You can also label your camping essentials, which will make it easy to access them.
Summary
Packing your camping essentials is the first step while driving to your camping destination. In case you are new to camping or want to purchase new camping gear, you can visit our online RV store. At Xtend Outdoors<please link to home page>, we can even offer you customised camping accessories and equipment.
Travel Hygiene Tips for a Germ-Free Caravan

Your caravan can be a germ magnet with dirty countertops, stained washrooms, and surfaces. Thus, it is vital to clean your motorhome to keep you and your loved ones healthy.
With the Below Travel Hygiene Tips, You Can Keep Your Caravan Germ-Free:
1. Maintain Personal Hygiene When You Are on the Go
Prevention is better than cure. Maintaining personal hygiene is the very first thing effective for a germ-free caravan. You should take a proper shower, brush your teeth, and maintain your body odour each day.
- On days when you have limited water, wipe down your body with a towel
- Don’t let your dirty clothes lying around. Instead, you can dry them in the night
2. Carry Travel Hygiene Essentials with You
Whether you are on short camping or a backpacking trip, you should always carry a travel hygiene kit. Make sure to carry your toothbrush, shaving kit, sanitizer, deodorant, antibacterial wipes, sunscreen, mouthwash, and combs to groom and clean yourself.
You can go for travel-size toiletries kit to save space. Your hygiene kit will keep bacteria and bugs away from you, and help you to stay fresh while travelling.
3. Keep your Caravan’s Interior Fresh during Travelling
Keeping your caravan clean while travelling can be a daunting task. There are food packets, drink bottles that result in an unpleasant smell. To keep your caravan fresh, you can keep your kitchen, bathroom, and other windows open. This will maintain the air circulation in your caravan.
You can also carry an air freshener with you to keep out that random smell from your campervan. While you are on the go, you can keep disinfecting contact surfaces like door handles, steering, and appliances to get rid of germs. Don’t forget radio knobs, switches, and seat belts. They too can have a lot of bacteria and dust.
4. Keep your Camping Gear Spotless and Clean
When you carry your camping essentials, including awnings, annexes, extensions, it is vital to clean them. The fabric of your camping gear can be a breeding ground for germs.
Camping equipment like awnings is challenging to clean. They have a delicate fabric that might get ruined if you wash it with harsh detergents. With industry-safe cleaners like Camco RV Awning Cleaner and Camco Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner, you can easily clean your awning. You can remove the mould and mildew that lie on its surface. You can use them on all kinds of fabric.
Summary
Your caravan is your home away from home. Thus, you should treat it like one! Keeping your caravan germ-free ensures a healthy and enjoyable trip. To know more about caravan cleaning tips, you can also read our blog on Keeping the Caravan Clean from both Inside and Outside.
8 Reasons Why You Must (and Should) Take Road Trip in Australia

Here’s why Australia Is a Perfect Road Trip Destination
To Experience the Real Thrill while Camping
If you are an Aussie, the ideal way to discover your country is by travelling in your very own RV. Travelling in a camper trailer or motorhome takes the excitement and adventure to another level altogether. Australia has many options such as beach camping, camping sites in National Parks, Caravan Holiday parks for you to ditch flight, and take your RV.
For a comfortable and relaxing experience, make sure to carry your own camping equipment such as Awnings, Annexes, Extensions and Shades.
To Unwind On Open Wide Roads
Australia has remarkable roadways to relax and rejuvenate. You will find gorgeous highways, coastlines, and lush greenery along your way. Some fascinating roads like Great Ocean Road, Great Barrier Reef Drive and the Road to Western Australia are the ones you can hit.
To Discover Small Towns and Villages
Australia gives you a lot of quiet and tropical towns to enjoy. Some of the fascinating towns are situated around the South Coast, Broken Hills, and Kalgoorlie, etc. You can also walk around the historic streets, quirky little cafes and food joints, and heritage homes to explore ancient ruins.
To Drive through Big Cities
Along with gorgeous regional towns, Australia has a good number of modern and sophisticated cities for tourists. You can choose to take a road trip in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, etc. You will find plenty of vibrant restaurants, markets, and Landmarks to explore.
To see the best beaches in the world
Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches and coastlines. The beach culture here welcomes you with turquoise waters and savoury seafood. You can drive to Cable Beach, Burleigh Heads, and Whitehaven Beach to enjoy breathtaking sunsets and water activities.
To Get a Glimpse of Native Wildlife
Australia has more than 500 national parks for tourists. You can find a variety of flora and fauna, beautiful scenery and pristine beaches. Kakadu, Purnululu, Freycinet are some of the top National parks for visitors. You get a chance to explore the wilderness, adventurous sights, and enormous views in these parks.
To Drive Through Amazing Islands
Australia has 8222 islands, which are all a bit of paradise on earth. You can easily drive to Kangaroo Island, Bruny Island, and Magnetic Island that are all a perfect summer getaway for you. While some islands cannot be travelled by your own car, make sure to check and prepare your itinerary in advance.
To Cherish the Outback Experiences
Australia offers you to enjoy iconic outdoors via road trip. Some famous outbacks for you to travel are near Darwin, Perth, and Brisbane, etc. You will certainly enjoy the perfect blend of luxury accommodation and rugged landscapes at these places.
Summary
Whether you are an Aussie or a tourist in Australia, you can take a self-drive journey here. An epic road trip is the best way to spend time with nature and your loved ones. Plan your holiday and marvel at everything Australia has to offer to you!
How to Look After Your Caravan Accessories Effectively
Caravan accessories provide comfort and convenience when you are outdoors. They make your holiday easier while you are away from your home. Thus, it is crucial that you look after your caravan equipment time and again. This way, you can increase their lifetime and avoid last-minute chaos while travelling.

Here Is the Checklist for Caravan Accessories That You Should Take Care Of
1. Rollout Caravan Awnings for Extra Privacy
Choosing a flexible and functional awning is important before touring. You can install rollout awning walls to add privacy to your caravan. To avoid problems like dirt on top and bottom surfaces, fabric discolouration, etc., you should look after your awning.
Quick tips for proper care:
- Check for any holes or tears
- Keep your fabric bright by cleaning it
- Rinse off the soap thoroughly till no residue is left on the fabric
2. Fire Extinguisher for Dealing with Fire Mishaps
Fire extinguishers are an important caravan accessory to ensure your safety. When you carry cooking stoves, you need a fire extinguisher too. It can save you from severe damages. Before caravanning, inspect your fire extinguisher for any signs of trouble.
Quick tips for proper care:
- Check the last service date on the surface. In case the date is older than 5 years, contact your service provider
- Check if the smoke alarm is in working condition
- Go for an annual inspection done by a professional
3. Portable Refrigerators to Keep Your Food Cold On the Road
Keeping a caravan fridge adds up to the whole comfort. You get chilled drinks, beverages, and food items along your way. To avoid a noisy fridge while driving, check its cooling system, door, and freezer for any faults.
Quick tips for proper care:
- Clean your fridge and its parts time and again
- Cover it by a fridge shade to protect it from weather elements
- Keep a dehumidifier in your RV to prevent moisture accumulation
4. Annexe for extended living space
Annexes are a great option to customise your space while caravanning. Inflatable camper annexe can double your living area, in just a few minutes. You can even attach them to your awnings for additional strength.
Quick tips for proper care:
- Clean its roof to remove the dust and dirt
- Inspect your manual hand pump to inflate annexe, before travelling
- Check the zips of your annexe windows for repair
5. Caravan Battery to Charge All Your Appliances
The battery is one of the most important caravan essentials to charge your gadgets. You should check and maintain your battery that will last long while caravanning. To avoid any potential damage, check for any power irregularities in it.
Quick tips for proper care:
- Charge your battery fully before driving
- If your battery is still dead after charging, contact your service provider
- When you are not caravanning for a prolonged time, make sure to disconnect your battery. Store it in a dry place and charge it in a few weeks.
Summary
Taking care of your Caravan accessories can make your holiday even better. In case you feel that your caravan equipment will demand a lot of effort, time, and money in repair and maintenance, you can buy a new one from us. At Xtend Outdoors, we have a wide range of caravan accessories such as awnings, annexes, extensions and shades, and much more.
Winter Camping: A Guide to Keep Your Caravan Warm

When you are fully prepared, you can endure cold temperatures. The right kind of heating equipment can keep your caravan warm. By checking for insulation and heating devices can help you to do camping in winters. This way, you can make your trip adventurous and not worry about extreme cold weather.
Here’s How You Can Ensure Warmth in Your Caravan:
Choose Insulated Flooring for your Caravan
Usually, caravan flooring is not as insulated as your home flooring. Therefore, you can add insulated flooring designs in your caravan. This underfloor insulation is effective in keeping your warm. Insulated floors also keep moisture away from entering into your caravan floor.
Install Heaters to Keep your Warm Inside
You can add heaters in your caravan. Using heaters is an efficient way to keep your interiors warm. Some heaters are just like a central heating system in your home, they can even heat the water in your sinks, basins and showers.
There are four types of heaters that you can install in your RV namely:
- Space Heater
- Reverse-Cycle Air Conditioning
- Gas Heater
- Diesel Heater
Gas Heaters are fuel-efficient. You can use your cooking gas to run your heater. On the other hand, Diesel Heaters are compact. You do not need any fitters to install this kind of heater.
Improve Comfort in Your Motorhome
The level of comfort in winters is vital to enjoy a caravanning experience. You should install a good windscreen that prevents condensation while cooking and washing utensils. You can install insulated windows and thermal blinds to maintain the temperature inside your caravan.
Carry Propane Cylinders for Cold Weather
Since butane does not work in places with temperature less than 5 degrees Celsius. It is appropriate to carry propane cylinders. The gas does not freeze under cold weather conditions. Propane works in high-pressure areas. Make sure to carry extra tanks to refill propane from the station.
Other Winter Camping Essentials
Other than the usual heating gadgets, you also need some necessary camping accessories. You can keep yourself warm as well as enjoy the natural surroundings with annexes and shades. The porch awnings can also help to prevent heat from escaping the interiors during winters.
Moreover, if you are fond of pets, then you can use pet enclosures to keep them warm and safe. You can also carry blow dryer to defrost pipes, extra clothing and coverings, electric blankets to stay warm during the night. You can also keep some extra sleeping bags, GPS in case of emergency.
Summary
Taking a trip during winters can seem challenging. But the above guide is full of winter camping tips to keep your caravan warm. The heaters are useful in maintaining a warm temperature inside your RV. However, the potential downside of installing heaters is their high cost.
Suppose you think that the heating systems are a costly affair. In that case, you can also purchase affordable extensions, shade walls and other camping accessories from Xtend Outdoors. We have a wide range of awnings, annexes, roof covers, kitchen blinds that can keep you warm during winters.
Caravan Guide: All You Need To Know About Your Caravan And Its Accessories
A modern Caravan or RV is a similar vehicle without essentially having an engine of itself but mostly towed behind a road vehicle. It is like a motorhome with fitted accommodation and cooking equipment. A caravan covers all your basic needs while embarking for a camping trip, enhancing your camping travel experience multifold.

Here's a caravan guide that will help you to know all about Caravanning and the accessories that are best to buy:
What do you need to know about caravanning?
Caravan travelling is a perfect activity to spend fun time with your family and friends. While planning for a Caravanning trip the answer, you must know about the questions are:
- which season is best
- which places to visit
- which places are best to visit at this time of year
- what to carry on a caravanning trip
- how to make more space
- how and why people enjoy caravanning trips so much
A Beginners Guide to Caravanning
Sorry to break this to you but the hard truth about caravanning is that caravanning for beginners is exciting but difficult. We have curated a list of some most common questions that will help you a lot if you are just a beginner and it's your day zero to camping.
Part 1: What to Carry
Que. What do I need for my first caravan trip?
Ans. Planning for your first caravan trip may seem just like packing for a simple vacation, but on a caravan trip, you need to carry caravan tools with you. You should plan your trip in advance. Arrange a list of towing services on the way so you can quickly contact them in case a need arises. Make a list of all the places you can visit or rest. On your first caravan trip, you must also carry a few items, such as:ol>
- Fire extinguisher
- RV coolant
- Extra RV batteries
- Sleeping bags
- Toolkit
- Shovels, clamps and poles
- Extra storage spaces like awnings and annexes
Que. Is towing a caravan difficult?
Ans. Depends on how you plan to tow it! If you have a caravan that needs an additional vehicle to carry it, then it is highly recommended that you assess the weight and load-bearing capacity of both the caravan and the vehicle that you plan to use for towing. You can fasten both with a locking nut and bolt system that will make sure the safety of the link between the two.
Que. What do I need to put in my caravan? (A Complete caravan set up checklist)
Ans. We suggest you can carry a lot of items to put in your caravan.
- Batteries
- Chargers
- Cutleries
- Groceries
- Tables and chairs
- Warm blanket, pillows and sleeping bags
- Toiletries
- Sanitisers
- Towels
- Empty bags and pouches
- First aid kit
- Extension cords
- Dustbins
- Torch
- Sporting gears
- Indoor sports
- Extra blanket
- Picnics
- And anything else that you regularly need at home
Que. What equipment does a touring caravan need?
Ans. There are many types of equipment that come handy while travelling for a smooth and luxurious trip with your loved ones. You should carry both indoor and outdoor essentials such as:
- Indoor equipment: Gas Kettle, Water Containers, Gas Bottles, Barbecue, Essential Toilet Items and other handy kits and tools
- Outdoor equipment: Awnings, Rugs, Lightweight Chairs And Stools, Static Motorhome Step and utility items according to your comfort needs
Part 2: How to prepare
Que. What do I need for caravanning?
Ans. You need to make sure to have a valid license for both your vehicle and towing a caravan behind it. Without a license, you may attract some serious trouble to yourself. You will also need intercity and interstate permit for caravanning. Carrying some cash is also very helpful as you may often travel through highways and the ATMs are not filled quite regularly.
Que. What do I need for a caravan holiday list?
Ans. A caravanning holiday is very different from any usual holiday trip. It requires packing a lot of extra items. Even the best size is incomplete without preparing for a full-fledged holiday list.
To ensure a fully-prepared caravanning holiday, you should pack these things before hitting the road:
You can prepare your checklist category wise.
- Kitchen: Pack extra plates, knives, serving ware, pots, and express maker
- Medical: Personal and emergency medicines with extra pair
- Bedding: Sleeping bags, portable bunk beds, cushions and bedsheets
- Toilet: Hand wash and sanitisers, chemicals, cleaners
- Caravan equipment: Battery, awnings, caravan covers and step
- Entertainment: Card games, sports equipment
- Additional: LED Flashlights, extra cords, glue, etc
Que. How to set up caravan?
Ans. Setting up a caravan is a very easy 3 step process. The difficult part is the labour needed in doing the steps. Steps to set up the caravan on site:
- Identify the proper space and park your Caravan
- Level your caravan and unhook from any other towing vehicle
- Connect utility supplies and facilities like electricity, gas, water, and toilet to your caravan
Caravanning essentials
For a carefree caravanning experience, there are popular caravan brands that supply caravan products. These items help you in different ways once you reach your caravanning site.
- Awnings: They can be fixed in the ground and protect you from weather elements like heat and rain
- Annexes: Designed for providing you with a room for doing your favourite tasks in a hassle-free manner
- Carpets: Beneficial for offering a stabilised structure to your caravan
- Shades: Overnight camping is incomplete without shades
Caravan tips and tricks
Some caravan tips and tricks to bear in mind are:
- Carry divider walls for dividing space inside your annexe.
- If you are travelling with your pet, then carry pet enclosures with you.
- Bring along slide-on bag sealers for storing multiple things.
- Include gas bottle cover for securing it from weather elements.
- Buy foldable pop-up laundry baskets before caravanning.
- Carry compact water carriers for filling your aqua guard.
Popular caravan products and accessories
Annexes for Caravan and Motorhome

What is an annexe?
The most frequently asked question is, what is an annexe? An annexe is designed to provide an extension in your caravan. They can be installed in the fly screen, full walls, doors and windows.
Benefits of Having an Annexe
Annexes offer you privacy to relax in your space. They allow you to spend quality time in the fresh air. You don't have to worry about sudden weather changes as they are durable enough to protect you. They can be attached with awnings for additional space.
How to choose Right Caravan Annexe?
It is important to ask yourself what I should look for when buying a caravan annexe. First of all, decide whether you want porch rooms or extra rooms. It is recommended to buy the one with flared walls for enhanced protection. Also, buy the one with zips so that you can assemble the annexe easily.
How to set up caravan annexe step by step?
One of the convenient ways to Setup an Annexe is to:
- Initially open and stretch up the annexe.
- Roll out the fabric of your caravan annexe.
- Make sure to layout the walls before installation.
- Ensure to fit the poles properly.
- Your annexe can now be attached to your awning for use.
Buying Guide: Which Annexe is Right For You
While purchasing a caravan annexe, you should be mindful of the following factors:
- Right material: It is important to choose between canvas and vinyl material. Canvas material allows you to breathe comfortably as compared to vinyl. But vinyl material is lighter than canvas. As a buyer, you should go for an annexe with top material made of canvas and bottom made with vinyl.
- Pattern and Colour: You can choose between the striped or plain design of your caravan annexe according to your taste.
- Layout: It includes factors like annexe with internal walls, number of rooms, doors and windows. It is better to purchase an annexe with flared walls for improved space and protection.
- Shade walls: You should consider buying a product that protects you from UV rays. Consider purchasing an annexe with a high sun protection aspect.
Awnings for Caravan and Motorhome

What is caravan Awning?
A caravan awning is an extended form of shading system. There are popular caravan awnings with extra rooms, providing a wide area for your individual requirements.
Popular Caravan Awnings
A caravan awning is essential for many caravan and motorhome enthusiasts. Finding the best caravan awning for your needs can be tricky, especially when you have a lot of options. It becomes difficult to decide the one awning for your caravan that would suffice all your requirements while being within your budget. Let’s start by exploring the different types of awnings on the market.
- Roll Out Awnings
- Wind out awnings
- Wind Up Camper Awnings
- Electric Awnings
How to install caravan awning?
You can roll out and wind your caravan awning out. For this, you need to follow these steps:
- Slide awning in awning trail of the caravan.
- Place the awning legs vertically.
- Fix the top and bottom brackets (both sides) of the awning.
- Remove the travel pins from both sides.
- Extend your caravan awning properly.
- Take measurements and levelling, set screws on the awning hardware.
- Your awning is now ready to use.
How to choose the most appropriate awning for your caravan?
After figuring out how big should an awning be, the next step is to focus on its material. Choose canvas material for sun rays protection. Mesh fabric is perfect for enjoying the scenery outside. Acrylic fabric is less transparent than mesh but allows sunlight to enter. You can choose it if you want something stylish. How big should an awning be?
How to put up caravan awning
The simple tips to how to put up caravan annexe on site are:
- Undo the travel locks from both ends.
- Undo the plastic hatch and pull out the awning roller.
- Once the awning is extended, fix the support arms up.
- Put both the legs up and lock them.
- Lock the support arms off from both ends.
- Your awning is now rolled out.
How to put down the caravan awning
To close your caravan awning, follow these simple steps:
- Take both front and rear outside arms and bring awning down.
- Loosen tensioning knob to slide off both front and rear support arms.
- Slide off your awning smoothly.
- Close your travel locks now.
Caravan awning maintenance
Once you have figured out how to choose a caravan awning, you also need to know how you can maintain it. To keep your caravan awning long-lasting, you should wash off the fabric with water once a month. Once it is dry completely, then only close it.
Remember to not use any harsh detergents while cleaning. Keep a kit handy in your caravan for effective maintenance.
Caravan awning repair kit
Having awning repair kit ensures instant action on any piece or equipment. This kit is useful in cleaning flat surfaces of your caravan—the repair kit comes with repair adhesive, tape, wipes and gloves for easy and reliable repairs.
How to remove stains from vinyl awnings
You can use cleaning solutions to clean stains from your vinyl fabric awning. This solution contains bleach, soap and water to hose off the awning. It is necessary to let it dry fully before using it again.
How to secure a caravan awning
A caravan awning has the risk of bending or blowing off due to stormy weather. When you are camping in windy locations, remember to carry ratchet straps to hold your awning against the wind.
You can also use de-flappers to place the awning tight. Other than this, you should pitch the poles tightly. A 45-degree angle offers maximum resistance.
Best way to stop caravan awning from flapping
To prevent flapping of caravan awnings, make sure to carefully set the awning rolling correctly. It is better to use anti flap kit to stop strong wind damaging your roller bar. Fix the awning properly in the ground for firm support.
What awning does my caravan need?
A perfect caravan awning depends on two things: measurement and material. Analyse your requirements properly to choose between canvas, vinyl or mesh fabric material. Take and note down measurements correctly before buying a caravan awning.
How do you measure a caravan awning?
You can use a string for measurement. But how to use it to measure a caravan awning? Here's how you can do so:
- Place the string on the position where awning channel meets the ground.
- Stretch it to another adjacent side.
- This length is the actual size of your caravan awning in centimetres.
- Make sure that the caravan is placed on the even ground.
Does a caravan awning need to be exact?
As far as the measurements are concerned, it is recommended to have the exact measurement size of the full caravan awnings. But there can be little adjustments in the fit, as companies offer a wide variety of size in their products.
What's the best caravan awning to buy?
Xtend outdoors is one of the most popular caravan brands that deal in awnings, in different materials and designs. They offer vinyl awnings, wind up camper awnings, roll out awnings, and electric awnings.
You can also buy an awning repair kit from here. Get a caravan awning price guide by requesting a quote on their website.
What type of awning is best?
There are mainly two types of caravan awnings available in the market
- Static awnings: They are permanently fixed to offer protection against weather throughout the year. You can choose to install them for decks or patio at your home.
- Retractable awnings: You can use these temporary awnings for extending your outdoor space. Can be mounted to both wall and roof, one may use it to beat harsh weather.
So, which are the best caravan awnings for your abode? Choose wisely.
How do I know what size awning I need?
To purchase an exact awning for your caravan, you need a perfect awning size. The calculator suggests you measure from the point where awning rail meets the ground, and again back to the ground. This length is taken in centimetres.
What is the best size caravan to buy?
The size of an awning depends on the measurement of the caravan awning rail from the ground. This length is in centimetres. The size 9 caravan awning is a common size that fits into 850-875cm long caravan awning size.
Best Caravan Spots in Australia
New South Wales
BLUE DOLPHIN HOLIDAY RESORT, YAMBA
Known for its family-friendly accommodation, Blue Dolphin Holiday resort lets you enjoy in their in-house caravan and camping sites. All their sites are well-equipped with camp kitchen facilities. Plan a weekend getaway for fun activities in their picnic areas and pools.
FIRST SUN CARAVAN PARK, BYRON BAY
First Sun Holiday Park is dedicated to camping and caravanning lovers. They offer lush green surrounds, picnic spots and cooking facilities. You can enjoy trekking and campaigning activities along with taking water rides in their 15 waterfront powered sites.
Western Australia
ESPERANCE SEAFRONT CARAVAN PARK
Located opposite the beautiful Esperance Bay, Esperance Seafront Caravan Park consists of 170 sites surrounded by national parks. They have powered camping sites with the view of pristine beaches. It is the perfect escape to enjoy both caravanning and water-related activities.
MONKEY MIA DOLPHIN RESORT CAMPING
Famous for dolphin encounters, Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort has more than 120 caravan and camping sites. You can plan a luxurious time with your family in their beachfront family villas. Plus, they have both powered and unpowered camping sites.
Queensland
CAIRNS COCONUT HOLIDAY RESORT
Located in Cairns city, Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort provides you with a lavish stay where you can play sports and enjoy on-site water games. Each of their accommodation is inclusive of a private balcony, free parking, flat-screen TV and an air conditioner. Spend a luxurious vacation here.
DALRYMPLE TOURIST VAN PARK, CHARTERS TOWERS
Dalrymple Tourist Van Park offers you camping cabins with a pet-friendly facility. You can relish a wide range of meals that can be customised to your requirements. Plan a relaxing holiday and explore their toasty campfire, herb gardens, and resort-style pool.
Northern Territory
KAKADU LODGE AND CARAVAN PARK
To make you experience a quintessential camping experience, Kakadu Caravan Park has 200 unpowered camping areas surrounded by lush greenery. Have a pleasant stay with their family cabins, clean amenities and barbecue facilities.
BATCHELOR RESORT, RUM JUNGLE
Surrounded by Rum Jungle, Batchelor Resort gives you a comfortable stay along with discovering nature's beauty. The resort has powered sites, family cabins and tent sites for camping. Plus, you get to explore historical sites and natural grandeur of Litchfield National Park.
Victoria
BEST FRIEND HOLIDAY RETREAT, YARRAM
Best Friend Holiday Retreat is an award-winning park that offers you both affordable and luxurious cabins. Their park is pet-friendly, and their camping and caravan sites are fenced properly—a perfect holiday resort with a fantastic garden and rainforest views.
ANGLESEA BEACHFRONT FAMILY CARAVAN PARK
Angelesa Beachfront Caravan Park is an ideal destination to experience an adventurous camping trip with your family. You can book their bush camping sites, vents, tents suited to individual needs. Situated near the coastline, you can enjoy soothing waves and fresh ocean air.
South Australia
ARKAROOLA TOURIST RESORT, FLINDERS RANGES
Arkaroola Tourist Resort attempts to provide you bush camping, unpowered caravan sites, bunkhouse and cabins on its premises. For camping, they offer camp kitchen and laundry facilities. All you need to do is to book your favourite camping option in advance to enjoy a hassle-free stay.
TANUNDA CARAVAN AND TOURIST PARK, BAROSSA VALLEY
Tanunda Caravan and Tourist Park consist of both powered and unpowered camping sites. You can relish a real camping experience here as they offer a camp kitchen and BBQ facility. They have pet-friendly cabins along with beautiful swimming pools to refresh your body and soul.