The last few months have been crazy. But if there is one big positive to come out of all of this, it’s that more Australian’s are going to be seeing plenty more of the great outdoors right here in Australia.

If you’ve been looking to gear up for your first big adventure back with the family, then you’ve come to the right place. This article is going to help you understand the differences between caravans and camper trailers, and how to make the right choice for you.

Campervans

Campervans aren’t quite all the way to a motorhome, but they cover plenty of the same territory. You might have seen a campervan or two that an individual or couple has adapted across from a traditional van like a VW People Mover or a Ford Transit.

A more compact alternative to a motorhome, campervans can be an ideal arrangement for a single or couple looking to spend plenty of time out on the road. With no towable load to worry about, and a vehicle small enough to find a spot for at even the busiest tourist destinations, a campervan is hard to beat for the solo traveller.

Caravans

Caravans are an alternative approach to the same question. Instead of building out a bed, storage and facilities in a van, the caravan option sees you towing a separate unit behind your car. A caravan is the complete solution, whether for an individual or family. Options like the Ceduna 15 or the Parkes 13 feature everything you could need to keep a group of people comfortable while getting out into the great outdoors.

Many of the caravans we sell here at PMX Campers, including the two above, are set up perfectly for off-road adventures. Towed behind a larger vehicle, the independent axle and trailing arm of a caravan is a much easier task to tow over tricky terrain than a larger static load like a campervan.

What is going to suit your needs?

As always, the question which option is going to be the best choice for you is going to come down to what you need and want from your trips and getaways. There is a reason why campervans are so popular among solo-travellers and couples. Being so easy to move around on the road, and having next to no set up, they can be ideal for those looking to make trips to known destinations like beaches and alpine lookouts.

But a caravan is going to be the clear choice for groups, and for those looking to get out into some of the less well-trodden parts of Australia’s great outdoors. A caravan gives you and the family the opportunity to travel comfortably to more ‘out-there’ places for a greater portion of the year. Although the weather here in WA rarely gets all that bad.

The choice is going to come down to the sorts of places you want to visit, the people you want to take with you and the sorts of facilities you want to have when you get there. It’s hard to beat the convenience of a well-arranged campervan for solo travellers, but for groups and families getting out there and into the wild, an off-road caravan is the clear choice.

Get in touch with PMX Campers today!

PMX Campers is where you’ll find the best of the best when it comes to off-road caravans and camper trailers. With a team of life-long outdoors enthusiasts to look to for guidance, we’re just the people to talk to about getting geared up for your next trip (and many more!). Get in contact at (08) 9455 1454 or leave us a message via our contact form today!

Western Australia is known for its white beaches, expansive outback and having one of the oldest living cultures on earth. With so much to see and explore, it can sometimes be hard to narrow down exactly what to do when travelling the state. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top must-see destinations across Western Australia.

Monkey Mia

Topping the list is Australia’s Coral Coast, home to the Monkey Mia dolphins, this reserve is located on the eastern shore of Peron Peninsula. Famous for their habitual wild dolphins who swim daily to the shores to greet and interact with humans, these special dolphins attract thousands of tourists to Australia’s Shark Bay region each year. Enjoy a magical face-to-face experience with a bottlenose dolphin, hand-feed the gentle creatures or stop into the Information Centre to learn more about the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.

Purnululu National Park

Spanning almost 240,000 hectares, Purnululu National Park contains one of the most striking geological landmarks in Western Australia, offering a remote experience for those looking to hike and explore. The Bungle Bungle Range boasts orange and black stripes that resemble a beehive and is one of the area’s main attractions. There are two campgrounds in the park, which are caravan friendly and there is plenty to discover by vehicle and on foot.

Karijini National Park

Just north of the Tropic of Capricorn in the Hamersley Range, this national park is Western Australia’s second largest national park, sitting in at almost 630,000 hectares. Defined as a topical semi-desert climate, the ideal times to visit are early spring, winter and late autumn (although it can get frosty during wintertime at night). There are two camping locations for overnight stays, so bring your camper trailer and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Cape to Cape Track

Running for 123 kilometres along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge in far southwest Australia, this trail features spectacular coastal scenery and abundant forestry. Explore caves, cliffs, rock formations and headlands in addition to the blossoming display of vegetation and flowers. Experience the joys of beachfront camping and discover the beauty of far south west Western Australia.

Wave Rock

One of Australia’s largest waves is the furthest from the ocean. Wave Rock rises above the outback plan and is over 2,7000 million years old and sits as one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. Situated just a 340-kilometre drive from Perth, this scenic four-hour drive features picturesque farmlands and wide vistas of canola and wheat fields. Just outside Hyden, there are plenty of wildlife parks filled with koalas and white kangaroos.

Horizontal Falls

Located in Western Australia’s north west in the crystal-clear blue waters of Talbot Bay, these powerful tides bring tourists from all over the world. Considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, Horizontal Falls is a must-see attraction in Western Australia. While the waterfall is not accessible by vehicle, you can take to the air or sea to view the spectacular site.

Explore Western Australia with PMX Campers

Exploring Western Australia’s vast landscape requires a vehicle that can keep up with the adventure. Contact PMX Campers today for more information on our caravan and trailer stock. Give us a call today at (08) 9455 1454 and one of our friendly staff members will be happy to assist you further.

Exploring different camper options can be confusing. Being spoilt for choice can also leave you spending hours researching different types of trailers and tents. If you’ve narrowed down your options between a camper trailer and roof tent, you are probably wondering, which one is better? Well, the answer truly depends on what you will be using it for.

Roof tents

Roof tents are a popular choice amongst travellers who are planning to explore Australia’s outback. This simple solution is inexpensive (compared to other options), easy to set up and take down, making it the perfect solution for travellers looking to spend a few nights somewhere before they move onto the next place.

The positives of roof tents

• Safe and secure space to sleep off the ground. This not only means you are safe from wild animals such as crocodiles when camping, but it also allows you to sleep anywhere. You won’t need to find a level site to camp.
• Packing is made easy. With rooftop tents, you can put your doona and pillow inside the roof tent before hooking it up to your car. It serves as a sleeping space, but also a simple way to pack up all your belongings.

The negatives of roof tents

• At times they can be inconvenient. After setting up, you cannot drive your car anywhere until it’s taken down. This means if you must run to the shop quickly or an emergency should occur, you will have to take down your entire set up before driving off.
• Limited in space. They typically only host one room and a small amount of space for bags and gear.
• No toilets. So, if you must use the restroom in the middle of the night you will need to climb down a ladder.
• Not allowed everywhere. Some campgrounds don’t allow roof tents due to bollards which may prevent your vehicle from accessing certain areas.

Camper Trailer

If you’re searching for a solution that boasts enough space for the whole family, a camper trailer is likely the best choice for you. Camper trailers have come a long way in recent years and host a variety of cutting-edge features which make them the perfect camping solution, especially for families.

The positives

• Safer and easier to tow. Unlike caravans, camper trailers are lightweight meaning you won’t have to invest in a large SUV or ute to tow it here and there.
• Perfect for larger families. This self-contained option is equipped with plenty of storage all in one place. There’s no need to carry food, a fridge and all other necessary equipment as it can be easily accessed in seconds.
• Exploring is easier than ever. Upon arriving at your campsite, just unhitch the camper and explore. With the camper trailer you can set up a base camp but still explore using your towing vehicle.

The negatives

• Higher fuel consumption. Due to their larger size and heavier weight, camper trailers must be towed which means a higher fuel consumption.
• Can be pricey. Depending on the model, camper trailers can be much more expensive than a rooftop tent.

So which is better?

Clearly there are advantages to both options but ultimately, it depends on what kind of setup you are looking to achieve. Tailoring your camping experience to the unique needs of your family is the easiest way to ensure a comfortable trip for all. Whether you are looking to purchase a rooftop tent or a camper trailer, PMX Campers can help pick the perfect solution for you. Contact our team for more information and further assistance.

Camping has long been a favourite way for families to spend some quality time together. With international tourism on hold for now, plenty more families are going to be heading out camping for the first time. Despite what has brought it about, we couldn’t be happier to see more Australians getting out into the bush and exploring what this wonderful country has to offer.

Camping doesn’t have to be fraught with risks, but a new setting and having plenty to explore, the little ones might find they have a knack for getting themselves into trouble. We thought we’d take a minute to clue some of the newer outdoors enthusiasts on how to keep their children safe while out camping.

Read on below to find out more!

Things to look out for around the campsite

The campsite is where you’ll likely be spending most of your time. But it’s also where your children are likely to be spending the most time without you looking directly over their shoulder. This makes your choice of campsite very important. The biggest things to stay mindful of are obvious. Bodies of water, wildlife, and flora like cacti and the like. These can all be hazardous for children.

You also must be very conscious of the things that you’re bringing with you to the campsite. Things like BBQs, camping stoves, or even campfires (when permitted) can be hazards to inquisitive little ones looking for something to play with. Keep an eye out and ensure that none of this gear is left unattended around your children, or accessible while you’re not around.

Things to look for while out exploring

Some of the best bits about camping are just getting out into nature and exploring all that Australia’s beautiful landscapes have to offer. But it’s also important that you have your eye on some of the things that can pose problems for your kids.

Throughout the day you’ll want to make sure that your children have had plenty to eat and drink, that they aren’t getting too much sun; and keep an eye out for any slippery sections or drops you might pass through or near. All that is common sense. Far less common though is for less experienced groups to have a plan for what to do if they get separated.

Some ground rules can make all the difference, particularly if your children are prone to wandering off. Clue your kids in on where you’re going but instruct them to stay put where they are if they ever do get lost. If you’re planning on spending plenty of time hiking, it might be worth giving your kids a whistle to call out with.

Get out there with PMX Campers

Camping is a great way to get out there with the family. We should know, at PMX Campers we’re all lifetime outdoors enthusiasts and love sharing that passion with our customers. If you’ve been looking for the perfect way to get the whole family out into the great outdoors with a little more regularity, get in touch with us to talk about camper trailers, caravans and more.

You can reach us by calling (08) 9455 1454 or leaving us a message via our contact form.

With international travel limited for the time being, exploring Australia is becoming a top priority for those looking to indulge in a bit of a holiday. It’s no secret that Western Australia boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the world.

That’s why we think during this brief hiatus of international exploration, you should take the time to explore your own backyard and travel to some of the most beautiful beaches Western Australia has to offer.

Rottnest Island

Situated just 19 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle, Rottnest Island is home to unique wildlife, rich heritage and picturesque scenery. It is also renowned for housing some of Australia’s finest beaches and bays. With beautiful coves, beaches and bays positioned all over the island, Rottnest Island is the perfect place to travel with the kids and caravan during a long weekend. You can choose your route, North or South (or both if you have some time on your hands) and explore the island freely.

Cable Beach

Broome’s Cable Beach is world famous and delivers turquoise water, 22 kilometres of sun-kissed white sand and breathtaking Indian Ocean sunsets. Bounded by ochre red cliffs and sand dunes, Cable Beach embraces the beauty of nature by the ocean. Cable Beach is famous for spectacular sunsets over the ocean featuring purples, golds and fiery reds that light up the sky and iconic camel rides.

Coral Bay

Deemed Western Australia’s marine paradise, Coral Bay is one of Australia’s premium holiday destinations. Named after the beautiful coral gardens situated metres from pristine beaches, this small laidback seaside location is the perfect getaway spot. Coral Bay activities embrace the beautiful ocean that surrounds it. From swimming with the manta rays to drift-snorkelling across the beach, there is plenty to do and see at Coral Bay.

Yallingup Beach

If you’re big on surfing, Yallingup Beach is the perfect destination to do just that. Renowned for its powerful surf, world class snorkelling and expansive long stretch of beach, there is plenty to do at Yallingup Beach. With a sheltered swimming lagoon at the southern end of the beach and a kid friendly swimming area, Yallingup Beach is a great place to take the whole family.

Lucky Bay

Famous for being home to kangaroos that hop around and lounge about the island, Lucky Bay is just a 45-minute drive from the small WA town, Esperance. Other than kangaroos, Lucky Bay has a lot to offer. The perfect spot to drive with your caravan, Lucky Bay is open to four wheeling thanks to compact sand which makes it perfect for driving around to explore.

Explore Western Australia’s most beautiful beaches in style

Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or month-long adventure, PMX Campers can help you get there. Ditch the airports and invest in something that will last you a lifetime. From camper trailers to caravans, PMX Campers has a variety of camping solutions to fit the unique needs of your family. Browse our vehicles and contact PMX Campers today at (08) 9455 1454 for more information on our products and services.