Australia is home to one of the most active caravan markets in the world — and with that comes a large and constantly evolving manufacturing scene. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned traveller, understanding how many manufacturers operate in Australia helps you gauge choice, quality, and how local the industry truly is.
If you’re looking into caravans in Heatherbrae, you’ll already know that brands like Retreat, Silver Valley, and Option RV are manufactured locally. But these are just a handful of the many Aussie builders out there. So, how many manufacturers are we actually talking about?
Defining a Caravan Manufacturer
Let’s start by clarifying what we mean. A caravan “manufacturer” isn’t just a dealer or brand name — it’s a company that physically builds caravans, often from the chassis up. Some produce in-house, while others contract out their production. We’re not counting importers who rebadge foreign stock or retailers who rebrand outsourced vans.
A true manufacturer designs, builds, and assembles within Australia — generally complying with Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and local engineering standards.
Estimated Number of Manufacturers in Australia
As of 2024, there are over 120 registered caravan manufacturers operating across Australia. These range from large-scale builders producing thousands of vans annually to boutique outfits crafting a few dozen custom rigs each year.
This number fluctuates — especially during economic shifts — but generally hovers between 110–130 active manufacturers at any given time. Victoria, especially around Campbellfield and Craigieburn, remains the industry’s epicentre, with over half the country’s caravan production located there.
Major Players in the Market
Here are a few of the better-known and widely stocked caravan brands in Australia:
- Jayco – The largest manufacturer by volume, producing over 10,000 vans per year.
- Retreat Caravans – Known for their robust off-road and off-grid builds.
- Lotus, Paramount, and Kedron – All recognised for specialised, premium or off-road offerings.
- Silver Valley and Option RV – Medium-scale manufacturers with strong regional dealer networks.
These brands supply hundreds of dealers nationwide and often lead innovation around off-road tech, composite builds, and lithium battery integration.
Boutique and Custom Builders
While big brands dominate the showroom floor, smaller boutique builders also form a vital part of the ecosystem. Companies like Spinifex, Bushtracker, and Zone RV focus on highly customisable vans with niche features — often targeting serious off-roaders or full-time travellers.
These builders might only produce 50–300 vans per year, but they’re highly respected for quality craftsmanship, design flexibility, and personal service.
Australian-Made vs Assembled in Australia
Not all “Aussie” caravans are equal. Some brands import pre-fabricated chassis, cabinetry, or even whole shells from overseas and finish them locally. Others claim “Australian designed” but manufacture offshore.
True Australian-made vans are built from scratch on local soil, using domestic labour and supply chains. The Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) offers an Australian Made certification for brands that meet strict local sourcing and production criteria.
Regulations and Oversight
Australia’s caravan manufacturing industry is subject to national and state-based regulations. Key frameworks include:
- Australian Design Rules (ADRs) – Mandatory compliance on build quality, braking systems, lighting, etc.
- Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 (VSB1) – Guidelines for building trailers under 4.5T.
- RVMAP Accreditation – A voluntary program run by the CIAA to improve quality and consistency.
These rules help ensure that manufacturers maintain safe, compliant, and roadworthy vans — especially for towing on Australia’s rough terrain.
How Many Vans Are Produced Each Year?
Pre-COVID, the industry was delivering around 25,000 to 30,000 new caravans per year. During the pandemic, demand spiked dramatically as domestic travel replaced international trips. In 2022–2023, production peaked above 35,000 units, although backlogs and supply delays followed.
With that kind of volume, it’s clear that Australia’s manufacturing base is not only deep but constantly scaling to meet demand.
Why Local Manufacturing Still Matters
Choosing a locally built caravan isn’t just about patriotism — it’s about practicality. Australian conditions are harsh: corrugated tracks, intense heat, salty air, and long distances between service centres. Local manufacturers understand these challenges and build vans accordingly.
Benefits of buying from an Aussie manufacturer include:
- Easier access to parts and repairs
- Better resale value
- Warranties aligned with local laws
- Builds tailored to Australian terrain
FAQs
1) How Do I Know If a Caravan Is Truly Australian-Made?
It’s a good question — and one that requires more than just reading a brochure. The best way to confirm if a caravan is Australian-made is to check if the brand is registered with the Australian Made Campaign. This program verifies local sourcing and production. You can also ask the dealer for details: where is the chassis built? Are the cabinetry and insulation Australian-made? What percentage of materials are sourced locally? Brands like Retreat and Silver Valley openly promote their Australian manufacturing credentials, while others are more vague. If a manufacturer claims “Australian designed” but doesn’t specify the build location, there’s a good chance components are imported. Always ask for specifics before signing a contract. A quick Google search or inquiry with the Caravan Industry Association can also confirm legitimacy. Don’t rely solely on marketing terms — do your homework to ensure you’re truly supporting local industry.
2) Are All Caravan Manufacturers Based in Victoria?
Not all — but a huge majority are. The suburb of Campbellfield, VIC, is widely known as the caravan capital of Australia. It’s home to dozens of manufacturers, large and small, thanks to historical infrastructure, trained labour, and supply chain proximity. That said, there are still plenty of builders in New South Wales, Queensland, and even Western Australia. For example, Bushtracker and Spinifex are based in QLD, while a few small builders operate out of Perth and Adelaide. New South Wales is better known for its dealer network — but still contributes a handful of manufacturers. If buying locally matters to you, ask where the van is built and what factory it comes from. State location isn’t everything — but Victoria does dominate the scene.
3) Do Caravan Brands Like Jayco and Retreat Build Everything Themselves?
Mostly, yes — but with some outsourced components. Brands like Jayco have massive factories and handle the majority of their production in-house, including chassis, cabinetry, upholstery, and fit-outs. Retreat also builds their vans locally and uses their own RXP composite technology. However, even large builders may outsource things like air conditioners, hot water systems, or fridge units — these are often imported from specialist suppliers. That’s not unusual and doesn’t mean the van isn’t Australian-made. What matters is whether core manufacturing, design, assembly, and finishing are done locally. Some companies advertise full Australian manufacturing but still import key structures or shells. Always ask for a transparent breakdown if that’s important to you.
4) How Can I Tell a High-Quality Manufacturer from a Budget One?
Start by looking at materials and build processes. High-end manufacturers typically use composite wall construction, interlocking aluminium frames, marine-grade ply, and insulated flooring. Entry-level vans often rely on meranti timber frames and basic panelling. Check how plumbing and wiring are routed, whether seals are tight, and if welds are consistent. Pay attention to after-sales support — reputable builders back their work with clear warranties, service access, and dealer support. Online reviews, Facebook groups, and owner forums also provide honest insight. If you’re unsure, ask the dealer for a walkthrough of the production process. Trusted names like Retreat, Kedron, Lotus, and Silver Valley have strong reputations for quality builds — but not every brand delivers on its promises.
5) What Role Do Dealers Play in the Manufacturing Process?
Dealers don’t build vans, but they’re a critical link between buyers and manufacturers. In many cases, dealers like 7th Street Caravans work closely with builders to customise orders, manage customer feedback, and handle delivery coordination. A good dealer also acts as your first point of contact for post-sale issues, warranty claims, or upgrade options. Some dealers specialise in just a few select brands — which means they have deeper knowledge and better access to parts and support. In areas like Heatherbrae, this can make a big difference. Buying through a dealer rather than directly from the factory (when possible) can streamline the process and provide more local accountability.
Speak With the Local Experts at 7th Street Caravans
Trying to sort through more than 100 caravan manufacturers can feel overwhelming. That’s where the team at 7th Street Caravans comes in. We work closely with trusted Australian brands that are built for local conditions and backed by real service — not just a flashy brochure. Whether you’re after a rugged off-roader or a family-friendly tourer, we’ll guide you to a manufacturer that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Start your journey with confidence — visit 7th Street Caravans or give our team a call on 02 4012 6009 for friendly, local advice.