Not long ago we revisited the June 1999 issue of Caravan World, when the Y2K bug loomed but Aussie travel was in full swing. This month, we jump ahead to September 2000 — the world didn’t end, computers kept working and Caravan World marked a major milestone: 30 years in print.
This anniversary edition had plenty going on, from RVs built specifically for the Olympics to outback destinations and an exciting new brand on the rise. And for those trying to escape the Sydney 2000 Olympics chaos, the next issue’s theme — ‘Get out of town!’ — would’ve been right on cue.
RVs at the Olympics
The upcoming Sydney Olympics featured right off the bat — and not just for the sport. A convoy carrying the Olympic torch around the country was led by a fleet of vehicles, including red Holden Commodores, bright blue police Harleys, Mercedes-Benz buses and three Winnebago motorhomes.
Each Winnebago had a specialist fit out: one carried the torches, another housed media teams and the third was set up for Olympic security staff. “The floorplans are completely non-standard, so they can accommodate computer equipment for security staff and media, and racks and bins to hold the torches,” explained Winnebago’s then-marketing manager Brian Preston.
It was great visibility for the RV industry and a moment of fun national pride as these Aussie motorhomes travelled the country with the Olympic flame.
Aussie RVs represented at the 2000 Olympics
30 years on the road
The magazine’s 30th anniversary was marked with a reflective piece from editor Joan Green, who had been at the helm since 1989.
Much like we did in our first Looking Back column last year, Joan opened the feature with a look at the very first issue in September 1970 — a modest 42-page black and white edition priced at 30 cents — and recalled the early days of the magazine and how the industry has evolved since.
She noted the once-questionable vehicles suggested as tow tugs, such as the Fiat X19, and celebrated the growth in custom van design and the rise of younger and multi-generational travellers joining the scene.
“It has been gratifying to oversee the development of the magazine over the past 11 years and to be penning this on the occasion of the magazine’s 30th birthday,” she wrote, noting how few magazines have reached such a milestone and crediting writers and readers for its success.
Long-time contributors like Doreen Chamberlain and Bob Ustace were fondly remembered, and former editor Gwen Hasler was still part of the regular lineup.
And now, as Caravan World nears 55 years this September, we still wince at some old tow vehicles — and celebrate just how far vans have come.
Celebrating 30 years of Caravan World
The beauty of Broome
It’s no surprise that Broome was as popular back in 2000 as it is today. Colin Kerr (still a familiar name here at Caravan World) extolled this coastal town’s virtues as a must-visit location where the coast and culture meet.
Dubbed the ‘Pearl Capital of Australia’, Broome’s story began in the 1854 when it was first recognised for its surrounding pastoral land and then in 1870 when pearl beds were discovered off Roebuck Bay, drawing Japanese, Malay, Chinese and Indigenous workers to join the booming pearling industry. By 2000, that rich multicultural legacy had been thoroughly woven into the town’s character and celebrated each year at the Shinju Matsuri – the Festival of the Pearl — an event that’s still on the go (24 August — 7 September 2025).
Cable Beach remains one of Broome’s biggest drawcards. In 2000, Kerr noted that a one-hour camel ride at sunset would set you back $25 — a far cry from the ~$135 fee today. One of the beach’s other charms was (and still is) the ability to drive onto the sand and enjoy the view — though, in peak season, the foreshore can look more like a shopping centre car park than a beach.
Broome remains a popular destination for Aussie travellers
Regent launches Crusader
Another major development in 2000 was Regent Caravans’ announcement of a new factory in Somerton, Vic — a big step forward for the relatively new brand (founded in 1992).
It marked Regent’s shift toward expanded caravan production, the introduction of aluminium frames and the launch of an entirely new brand: Crusader.
Crusader was designed to offer something different from Regent’s existing range (Parklane, Mayfair and Cruiser), with its own national dealer network starting with the well-respected Brisbane dealership, Kedron Caravans.
The first Crusader model, the Adventurer Tandem pop-top, was shown at a Brisbane 4WD show for $25,990. It drew a lot of attention, with Kedron reporting six units sold over the weekend.
Regent Caravans announced a major factory expansion
Also in this issue
Elsewhere in the mag was a review of the Roadstar Vacationer Tango, a travel story on White Cliffs and a scenic detour to Harrington on the NSW coast.
The Motorhome World mini-mag profiled the ‘Free Spirit II’, a Swagman Australian Dream motorhome with a concealed dishwasher, washer/dryer and electric step — not bad for 2000!
Fishing and photography columns, plus a feature on Forest Glen Holiday Resort on the Sunshine Coast (still going strong), rounded out a packed 30th birthday edition.
Forest Glen Holiday Resort, Qld
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Related articles:
Looking back: Retro curves and off-grid charm | August 2003
Looking back: Preparing for the turn of the century | June 1999
Looking back: Caravan World’s first magazine | September 1970
Looking back: 30 years of Caravan World | September 1999