Latest news with #campervan
CNA
a day ago
- CNA
PRESENTED BY Menu WESTERN AUSTRALIA: THE ULTIMATE FAMILY PLAYGROUND Content share and bookmark MORGAN AWYONG & EU HOLIDAYS 05 Jun 2025 09:31AM (Updated: 05 Jun 2025 09:55AM) Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn From sun-drenched coastlines to starlit desert skies, this dynamic corner of the world offers adventures to suit every age, and the open road promises as much magic as the destinations themselves. MORGAN AWYONG EU HOLIDAYS
Planning a family holiday that ticks all the boxes can be challenging, but a campervan road trip might just be the answer – especially with the vast playground that is Western Australia. With the freedom to pace your itinerary and the comfort of a well-fitted home-on-wheels, it presents an enticing proposition for group discoveries and quality time together, just a five-hour flight away from Singapore. Singaporean travellers can hit the ground running for a quick holiday escape, as Singapore shares the same time zone as Western Australia – so no jet lag or adjustment needed. A ROAD TRIP THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL LOVE (ESPECIALLY THE LITTLE ONES!) Start your journey in the sunny state capital city of Perth/Boorloo, the gateway to Western Australia, and immediately dive into its thriving mix of nature and culture. The city's proximity to the coast means you can easily enjoy ocean views at Cottesloe Beach or explore Kings Park and Botanic Garden/Kaarta Koomba, which offers panoramic views of the city. Take some time to explore the city's weekend markets and cafes, or snap a family selfie with the friendly quokkas on Rottnest Island/Wadjemup. Begin the road trip with a short drive to the scenic Swan Valley, where families with infants and toddlers can enjoy a visit to Caversham Wildlife Park. Here, little ones can meet native animals such as koalas, wallabies and even the rare Tasmanian devils. While the kids are entertained, adults can savour the region's renowned wine and coffee offerings. Make sure to stop at Sandalford Wines to explore the country's oldest grapevines dating back to 1890, or head to Yahava Koffeeworks for a fragrant cuppa. Next, take a short drive to Fremantle/Walyalup, a port city where colonial history and indie cool collide. Visit the 12-sided Roundhouse – originally a jail – and explore its fascinating past. Then, spend hours eating and shopping through the buzzing Fremantle Markets and the nearby Cappuccino Strip. This lively street on South Terrace gained its nickname from the number of (mostly Italian) restaurants and cafes lining the length of it. From Fremantle, it's another short drive south to Mandurah/Mandjoogoordap, known for its peaceful coastline and abundant wildlife. Take a dolphin-watching cruise through the tranquil waters of the region's wetlands, where migratory birds and playful dolphins are frequently spotted. While you're there, set off on a thrilling quest to find the famed Giants of Mandurah – towering wooden sculptures tucked away in the wild, waiting to be discovered on a family adventure like no other. Continue south for one to two hours to the coastal town of Busselton/Undalup, where you can ride the Jetty Train along the longest timber piled jetty in the southern hemisphere - a perfect way to enjoy sweeping views of Geographe Bay. When you reach the end visit the Underwater Observatory to see vibrant corals and marine wildlife up close, and end the day with a relaxing picnic at Meelup Beach, known for its shallow, calm, turquoise waters perfect for little ones to splash around in. Make time for some memorable pit stops throughout your adventure. The region has plenty of small-scale food producers and cosy farm stays along the way. Vasse Virgin, located near Busselton, for example, offers high-quality crafted Australian olive oil products, including a skin and body care range for use during your travels. WIDE-EYED EXPLORATIONS AWAY FROM THE SCREEN Older children can be hard to impress, but offer them star-filled skies, ancient caves and sand dunes to surf – and suddenly, their screens will seem much less appealing. Drive 45 minutes south from Busselton to Margaret River/Wooditjbilyup, a region famous not only for its world-class wineries but also for its incredible caves, local markets and artisanal produce. Start at the Margaret River Farmers Market and sample fresh local cheese, olives and bread. Don't miss out on the Margaret River Chocolate Company, which offers some of the country's best sweets. Grown-ups can enjoy a wine tasting at Leeuwin Estate. The area also offers a massive subterranean world to explore. Visit the magical Mammoth Cave, a natural time capsule with ancient fossils embedded in its walls, including those of prehistoric sharks. From there, make an inland detour eastward to the Golden Outback to visit one of Western Australia's most iconic natural landmarks – Wave Rock/Katter Kich, near the town of Hyden. Standing at 15m high and 100m long, this striking granite formation curls like a crashing ocean wave frozen in time. Black streaks across its ochre face enhance the illusion, making it a must-stop for budding photographers and nature lovers alike. Don't forget to check out the nearby Hippo's Yawn, a rock formation that amusingly resembles a yawning hippopotamus – always a hit with younger travellers. After a day of inland exploration, head back north to Perth, which is roughly a three-hour drive away. ALL OF NATURE'S COLOURS (AND FLAVOURS) ON FULL DISPLAY Living in the city, it's easy to forget how spectacular some of nature's creations can be – something a week in Western Australia will quickly remind you of. From pink lakes and vineyard valleys to wave-shaped rocks and desert spires, the region is home to natural wonders that often defy belief. Head north from Perth and you'll find that each stop along the way reveals yet another side of Western Australia's incredible, ever-changing landscape – with plenty of surprises to keep the whole family engaged. Begin your road trip heading north from Perth, making your first countryside stop at Orchard Glory Farm Resort in the Chittering Valley. Surrounded by rolling hills, orchards and native bushland, this rustic retreat is ideal for families looking to ease into their northern journey. Children can explore open spaces and enjoy feeding and petting farm animals while parents unwind by the lake or enjoy a laid-back barbecue under blue skies. From there, continue on to Lancelin/Wangaree where you can soar down a white landscape with heart-racing sandboarding sessions on the dunes. Then, as the sun sets, visit the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park for its otherworldly landscape of rock spires rising from the desert floor. Away from the city lights, it also transforms into a magical spot for a cosmic show, as thousands of stars fill the night sky. Next, head north to Jurien Bay, where you can snorkel with sea lions or simply relax by the turquoise water at the jetty. The marine life is playful and abundant, making it a favourite stop for families. Further up the coast lies Kalbarri, where you'll find both dramatic coastal cliffs and the majestic Kalbarri National Park/Wurdimarlu. Stop at the Kalbarri Skywalk/Kaju Yatka, suspended above the Murchison River Gorge, and marvel at the ancient red rock formations (including the famous Nature's Window). You'll also pass the eye-catching Hutt Lagoon, also known as the Pink Lake. When exposed to sunlight, the algae that live in the waters produce a pigment that shifts from soft lavender to vibrant magenta, depending on the season and sunlight. For a taste of adventure deeper inland, continue northeast to Karijini National Park in the Pilbara region. Its spectacular gorges, waterfalls and swimming holes offer a more rugged experience. Hike through ancient geological formations and cool off in the natural rock pools – it's one of Western Australia's most breathtaking natural treasures. If you're extending your road trip further, journey all the way up to the Kimberley region, where wild landscapes meet deep cultural roots. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art hidden in remote gorges, and witness dramatic tidal movements at the otherworldly Horizontal Falls/Garaanngaddim. Finally, visit the coastal town of Broome/Rubibi where you can take a scenic camel ride along Cable Beach/Walmanyjun while the sun sets dreamily over the Indian Ocean. GATHER THE FAMILY FOR AN ADVENTURE Craft your own Western Australia itinerary and book your next trip with EU Holidays by Jun 30 2025 to enjoy up to S$200 off per couple. FIND OUT MORE
CNA
a day ago
- CNA
WIDE-EYED EXPLORATIONS AWAY FROM THE SCREEN
Planning a family holiday that ticks all the boxes can be challenging, but a campervan road trip might just be the answer – especially with the vast playground that is Western Australia. With the freedom to pace your itinerary and the comfort of a well-fitted home-on-wheels, it presents an enticing proposition for group discoveries and quality time together, just a five-hour flight away from Singapore. Singaporean travellers can hit the ground running for a quick holiday escape, as Singapore shares the same time zone as Western Australia – so no jet lag or adjustment needed. A ROAD TRIP THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL LOVE (ESPECIALLY THE LITTLE ONES!) Start your journey in the sunny capity city of Perth/Boorloo, the gateway to Western Australia, and immediately dive into its thriving mix of nature and culture. The city's proximity to the coast means you can easily enjoy ocean views at Cottesloe Beach or explore Kings Park and Botanic Garden/Kaarta Koomba, which offers panoramic views of the city. Take some time to explore the city's weekend markets and cafes, or snap a family selfie with the friendly quokkas on Rottnest Island/Wadjemup. Begin the road trip with a short drive to the scenic Swan Valley, where families with infants and toddlers can enjoy a visit to Caversham Wildlife Park. Here, little ones can meet native animals such as koalas, wallabies and even the rare Tasmanian devils. While the kids are entertained, adults can savour the region's renowned wine and coffee offerings. Make sure to stop at Sandalford Wines to explore the country's oldest grapevines dating back to 1890, or head to Yahava Koffeeworks for a fragrant cuppa. Next, take a short drive to Fremantle/Walyalup, a port city where colonial history and indie cool collide. Visit the 12-sided Roundhouse – originally a jail – and explore its fascinating past. Then, spend hours eating and shopping through the buzzing Fremantle Markets and the nearby Cappuccino Strip. This lively street on South Terrace gained its nickname from the number of (mostly Italian) restaurants and cafes lining the length of it. From Fremantle, it's another short drive south to Mandurah/Mandjoogoordap, known for its peaceful coastline and abundant wildlife. Take a dolphin-watching cruise through the tranquil waters of the region's wetlands, where migratory birds and playful dolphins are frequently spotted. While you're there, set off on a thrilling quest to find the famed Giants of Mandurah – towering wooden sculptures tucked away in the wild, waiting to be discovered on a family adventure like no other. Continue south for one to two hours to the coastal town of Busselton/Undalup, where you can ride the Jetty Train along the longest timber piled jetty in the southern hemisphere - a perfect way to enjoy sweeping views of Geographe Bay. When you reach the end visit the Underwater Observatory to see vibrant corals and marine wildlife up close, and end the day with a relaxing picnic at Meelup Beach, known for its shallow, calm, turquoise waters perfect for little ones to splash around in. Make time for some memorable pit stops throughout your adventure. The region has plenty of small-scale food producers and cosy farm stays along the way. Vasse Virgin, located near Busselton, for example, offers high-quality crafted Australian olive oil products, including a skin and body care range for use during your travels. Older children can be hard to impress, but offer them star-filled skies, ancient caves and sand dunes to surf – and suddenly, their screens will seem much less appealing. Drive 45 minutes south from Busselton to Margaret River/Wooditjbilyup, a region famous not only for its world-class wineries but also for its incredible caves, local markets and artisanal produce. Start at the Margaret River Farmers Market and sample fresh local cheese, olives and bread. Don't miss out on the Margaret River Chocolate Company, which offers some of the country's best sweets. Grown-ups can enjoy a wine tasting at Leeuwin Estate. The area also offers a massive subterranean world to explore. Visit the magical Mammoth Cave, a natural time capsule with ancient fossils embedded in its walls, including those of prehistoric sharks. From there, make an inland detour eastward to the Golden Outback to visit one of Western Australia's most iconic natural landmarks – Wave Rock/Katter Kich, near the town of Hyden. Standing at 15m high and 100m long, this striking granite formation curls like a crashing ocean wave frozen in time. Black streaks across its ochre face enhance the illusion, making it a must-stop for budding photographers and nature lovers alike. Don't forget to check out the nearby Hippo's Yawn, a rock formation that amusingly resembles a yawning hippopotamus – always a hit with younger travellers. After a day of inland exploration, head back north to Perth, which is roughly a three-hour drive away. ALL OF NATURE'S COLOURS (AND FLAVOURS) ON FULL DISPLAY Living in the city, it's easy to forget how spectacular some of nature's creations can be – something a week in Western Australia will quickly remind you of. From pink lakes and vineyard valleys to wave-shaped rocks and desert spires, the region is home to natural wonders that often defy belief. Head north from Perth and you'll find that each stop along the way reveals yet another side of Western Australia's incredible, ever-changing landscape – with plenty of surprises to keep the whole family engaged. Begin your road trip heading north from Perth, making your first countryside stop at Orchard Glory Farm Resort in the Chittering Valley. Surrounded by rolling hills, orchards and native bushland, this rustic retreat is ideal for families looking to ease into their northern journey. Children can explore open spaces and enjoy feeding and petting farm animals while parents unwind by the lake or enjoy a laid-back barbecue under blue skies. From there, continue on to Lancelin/Wangaree where you can soar down a white landscape with heart-racing sandboarding sessions on the dunes. Then, as the sun sets, visit the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park for its otherworldly landscape of rock spires rising from the desert floor. Away from the city lights, it also transforms into a magical spot for a cosmic show, as thousands of stars fill the night sky. Next, head north to Jurien Bay, where you can snorkel with sea lions or simply relax by the turquoise water at the jetty. The marine life is playful and abundant, making it a favourite stop for families. Further up the coast lies Kalbarri, where you'll find both dramatic coastal cliffs and the majestic Kalbarri National Park/Wurdimarlu. Stop at the Kalbarri Skywalk/Kaju Yatka, suspended above the Murchison River Gorge, and marvel at the ancient red rock formations (including the famous Nature's Window). You'll also pass the eye-catching Hutt Lagoon, also known as the Pink Lake. When exposed to sunlight, the algae that live in the waters produce a pigment that shifts from soft lavender to vibrant magenta, depending on the season and sunlight. For a taste of adventure deeper inland, continue northeast to Karijini National Park in the Pilbara region. Its spectacular gorges, waterfalls and swimming holes offer a more rugged experience. Hike through ancient geological formations and cool off in the natural rock pools – it's one of Western Australia's most breathtaking natural treasures. If you're extending your road trip further, journey all the way up to the Kimberley region, where wild landscapes meet deep cultural roots. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art hidden in remote gorges, and witness dramatic tidal movements at the otherworldly Horizontal Falls/Garaanngaddim. Finally, visit the coastal town of Broome/Rubibi where you can take a scenic camel ride along Cable Beach/Walmanyjun while the sun sets dreamily over the Indian Ocean. GATHER THE FAMILY FOR AN ADVENTURE Craft your own Western Australia itinerary and book your next trip with EU Holidays by Jun 30 2025 to enjoy up to S$200 off per couple. FIND OUT MORE
The Drive
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Nifty VW ID Buzz Camper Kit Stuffs a Picnic Table Into the Back of the Van
The latest car news, reviews, and features. The Volkswagen ID Buzz has to be the easiest, cleanest modern vehicle design for the aftermarket. Its slabby, happy shape is prime for basically anything. All-in-one camper kits fit just nicely, and there's finally one that won't cost you thousands. Dream Catcher Campers offers plug-and-play camper pods that start at £545 ($735 USD). Yes, that's British pounds because the camper specialists are based in the U.K. The company website doesn't state whether or not it ships products internationally. We did reach out, so crossing fingers? Nevertheless, these kits come with plenty of usability from the get-go. For example, the camper pod can be left in while the second-row seats are still up, thanks to a hinge system. And one recent buyer shared their installation experience with an ID Buzz Facebook group, noting that the compact camper is completely removable. '[It's] all attached to a board that just slides in and out,' said Cliff Roberts. 'No assembly, no bolting down. Stores in [the] garage as one unit.' Well, that certainly takes away any extra work for a weekend whim. You'll have to find your motivation killer elsewhere, eh? Dream Catcher offers four compact camper pods that 'tick all the boxes.' The starter version is the Nomad, which is made of 15mm construction-grade plywood—and that's it. In fact, all the 'ranges' (Nomad, Adventure, Explorer, and Trekker) look to have the same basic features, varying only in the type of plywood used, which affects weight and durability. Trim and finish between the kits also differ slightly, but all appear to come with a single built-in drawer and a small table that can be folded flat to create a sleeping area. The pods are priced from £545 to £695. From there, costs increase incrementally based on board finishes, trim colors, upholstery, and other factors. For comfort, a two-inch foam kit starts at £330, or go fancy with the three-inch deluxe foam in Harris Tweed upholstery (£450), of which there are more than 250 options. Every camper pod is seemingly infinitely customizable. You can request additional drawers, cooking stoves, cutlery storage, kettles, portable power units, 240V hook-up leads, a bed system, pullout shelves, water carriers, whatever. You're really just limited to the VW minivan's interior space, and maybe by how much weight you can lift.
BBC News
28-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
'I spent my life savings on my camper van - now it's been stolen'
A woman has been left distraught after her camper van, which she said she had spent her life savings on was stolen from near her Griffiths said the theft was spotted when a friend contacted her to say the van was not parked in its usual place in the car park of The Top House on Bardney Drive in said the van contained a number of sentimental items, adding it has left her "feeling like I want to cry all the time".Nottinghamshire Police said it was appealing for any witnesses who were in the area between 19:00 BST on 18 May and 07:00 on 19 May. 'Understandably distraught' Ms Griffiths said she had to park the van at the pub because other vehicles were blocking space at the back of her bought the vehicle in October - one month after she had taken partial retirement - she said the impact of the theft had been significant."Instead of paying my mortgage off I bought the camper van - I was going to use it so me and my dog could go everywhere," she said."We were going everywhere, and now we can't, it's just depressed me really."I worked all my life for that money."PC Andy Smith, from Nottinghamshire Police, said the force was "following a number of lines of inquiry"."It is believed that shortly before the crime was committed, a group of young people on push bikes were seen in and around the pub area and we would like to identify them," he said."The victim has spent a considerable amount of money buying the van and renovating the interior and is understandably distraught by what has happened."
Irish Times
25-05-2025
- Irish Times
‘It's gone absolutely loony': as Ireland's campervan culture explodes, problems arise
If you try to book a park-up spot on a tourist trail for your campervan this June bank holiday weekend, you will probably be told none are available. This form of tourism is at an all-time high. More than 20,000 campervans are under licence in Ireland. The boom in ownership has come since the Covid pandemic; more than a third of those have been registered since 2020. Understandably, the pandemic was a catalyst for a product driven by a desire for independent travel after stay-at-home lockdowns and pandemic restrictions. Ireland is well positioned for campervan trips. The country's scenery and coastal routes are dotted with internationally renowned tourist attractions and there is no shortage of high-quality hikes, trails and surf spots to entice active travellers. However, infrastructure is often lacking. READ MORE Campervan owners face pushback from locals and councils, which often introduce vehicle height barriers and ban overnight parking near beaches. Toilet and waste management facilities, particularly in rural locations, can be scarce. John Whelan has been running Vanhalla – Camping Heaven , a blog and resource for motorhome enthusiasts, since before the pandemic. He converted his Ford Transit into a campervan about 10 years ago; the alternative is to buy a factory-built motorhome directly at a higher price. 'It's quite an outlay so it's important that people get it right,' he says. 'I always suggest to people to try it out first rather than investing and finding out the hard way. There's nothing as sorry as seeing buyer regret, and a motorhome parked up in someone's drive for 50 weeks of the year is not the way to enjoy it.' John Whelan, the man behind the website Vanhalla. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw Whelan and his wife, Grazyna Rekosiewicz, were already avid campers, both in Ireland and in France, which is widely recognised as one of the most welcoming countries for campervans. They were accustomed to using tents, sleeping bags and gas stoves. He stresses the reality of owning a motorhome isn't too far removed from that experience. 'We had the camping bug, I suppose, and then decided to take the plunge,' says Whelan. 'I think some people wait too long to do it. Some people talk about doing it when they retire. I would suggest doing it when you have that feeling, that desire, that energy and capacity to do it.' [ Ireland's campervan boom: 'Most people will spend €45k to €50k' Opens in new window ] Buying their campervan was 'one of the best things we've ever done', he says. Whelan pushes back on the view that campervan owners don't contribute as much to a local economy as a regular tourist staying in a fixed accommodation; he argues that savings on accommodation are reinvested elsewhere. 'They do spend generously, and that is established on all other aspects. They need refreshments, entertainment, food,' he said. The absence of basic facilities became more pronounced over the pandemic, Whelan says, when pubs, hotels and restaurants were closed. While vehicles have toilets on board, owners need access to waste disposal facilities. 'If you go to France, Spain or Portugal, even the most remote little beach has litter bins and cold-water faucet showers just to rinse yourself,' he says. John Whelan's campervan interior. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw He says campervans are self-sufficient 'from a toilet point of view' but they need waste disposal for 'greywater' and emptying 'toilet cassettes'. 'Usually, people want to be able to empty their cassettes, their greywater and their rubbish, get some freshwater and have a shower. To be honest, that's not a big deal to ask for,' he says. Some local authorities have embraced campervan business with Aire sites, designated spots for campers with power and water at a low cost, including at sites in Sneem, Co Kerry; Portumna in Co Galway; and Dungarvan in Co Waterford. 'They realise that it's an economic driver for hospitality and employment in their areas,' says Whelan. Motorhome enthusiasts range from the young family with children to activity-driven surfers, hikers or mountain-bikers to retired couples. 'It's a fairly diverse community,' he says. In contrast to other forms of tourism, campervan travel is all year round, with some campsites extending their season. 'If you look at photographs taken last week around the campsites of Ireland, there wasn't a park-up to be got in places like Doolin and so on,' says Whelan. Campervans are also changing. David Hanley, a founder of Ennistymon-based Vanderlust , who builds about 40 custom campervans a year for clients in his Co Clare business, says demand for more compact vehicles has spiked in the camping community. 'Quite a few families have cottoned on to the fact that they can have a small transporter that they can use at the weekend that couples as a camper but also as a daily driver,' he says. 'That's one facet that's exploded hugely. A lot of people also started with large motorhomes and, after touring the country, realised that it's quite hard because of the narrow roads so they go to the van conversions which are a little bit more suited to Irish roads.' The length of time it takes Vanderlust to build a custom van varies, and it is also trying to facilitate the self-builds that have grown in popularity. Hanley says the company uses 3D software to design and builds vans and a lot of its jobs are bespoke, 'which is the reason people come to us'. 'We have just launched some flat-pack furniture for the self-builders, which takes out a lot of the legwork of building your van,' he says. A lot of people used them during the lockdown. Some people were very nice, and some were not so nice — Bill Lupton, founder of the Motorcaravan Club of Ireland On infrastructure, Hanley shares many of Whelan's frustrations. He believes a taskforce should be put in place to properly address the issue. 'If you compare it with the likes of France, it's shockingly bad. But they've had an industry since the '60s and they've built upon that,' he said. 'Some councils are a lot more forward thinking, and they've put infrastructure in place, but there's others that haven't, unfortunately. 'Because there's been an explosion in the number of campervans on the road, there has been quite a bit of backlash from councils.' This month Jimmy Brogan, an Independent councillor in Donegal, called for campervan culture to be embraced and new facilities to be built amid renewed concerns over the large number of vehicles parked at scenic spots in the county. When Bill Lupton bought his first campervan in 1983, it was a much less common venture. Tax was high and insurance was hard to come by. He decided to set up the Motorcaravan Club of Ireland (MCCI). Today it has 2,000 members. In addition to facilitating insurance, the club connects people with pubs around the country that can offer space to park overnight. He has seen the attitude around campervan culture change. In earlier years, he says, there was a great novelty around driving a campervan. Nowadays there can be more scepticism, and though he believes 90 per cent of owners are good and well-meaning, some give campervans a bad name. 'In the early days, when we were really stuck for tourism at the time, we did an awful lot of hard work to try and get the tourism board onside,' says Lupton. The club went to Britain and Europe to sell what Ireland had to offer and 'a freedom that you wouldn't get anywhere else', he says. 'We got a lot of people from the UK coming over here. 'In the last few years, since Covid, it went absolutely loony – people buying campers. A lot of people used them during the lockdown because they had a freedom to go where they liked and how they liked, bringing their house on their back. 'Some people were very nice, and some were not so nice.' Working with almost 20,000 members over the years, Lupton has seen the Irish interest in campervans rise and rise. The infrastructure to support, in many ways, has yet to follow.
