Royal Flair Caravans: Quality over quantity - Caravan World Australia

Royal Flair Caravans: Quality over quantity

Written by: Amelia Mansell; Photographer: Supplied

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With 50 years of experience behind it, Royal Flair Caravans has earned its reputation of one of Australia’s premium boutique builders of offroad and off-grid ready caravans.

Founded in 1975 by Peter Deralas senior, Royal Flair (formerly New Home Caravans) is a family-run manufacturer based in Melbourne’s north. From the beginning, the focus has been on crafting quality-built vans tailored to suit the needs of every unique traveller.


Blending tried-and-true methods with modern technology and a drive for innovation, the team has grown the range to eight models — each designed with purpose and backed by a quality-first mindset that’s been there since the beginning.


Now 50 years on, Peter’s son Billy Deralas is at the helm, and that commitment to quality over quantity remains a core part of Royal Flair’s DNA.


Celebrating success


Celebrating 50 years is no small feat, but this isn’t the only milestone under Royal Flair’s belt.


The company is accredited under the Caravan Industry of Victoria’s (CIV) RV Master Manufacturer Program — a standardised program assessing compliance, business systems, quality management, human resources and customer service. Accreditation isn’t a one-off; it’s something participating brands must continually uphold.


At the 2025 Caravan Industry Awards, Royal Flair took home bronze in the RVMAP People’s Choice Manufacturer of the Year category, while the new AussieMate 19ft 6in was named a finalist at Caravan of the Year 2025 presented by MSA 4X4 Accessories.


In 2023, Royal Flair was inducted into the CIV Hall of Fame — a major achievement and recognition of decades of quality and consistency in an ever-evolving industry.


Royal Flair celebrated 50 years this year — an impressive feat for this family-owned and operated brandRoyal Flair celebrated 50 years this year — an impressive feat for this family-owned and operated brand


Melbourne-made


Royal Flair has always called Melbourne home, although the factory has moved a few times over the years. Peter first set up shop in Reservoir before moving to Campbellfield in the 1980s — long before the area became the mecca of Melbourne caravan manufacturing that it is today. Back then, Royal Flair was one of only around eight manufacturers in the northern suburb.


Today, the brand operates out of Epping, just a short drive from Campbellfield. Around 45 staff work at the site, producing 200 vans each year — a number deliberately capped to maintain Royal Flair’s commitment to refinement, reliability and quality.


“We have a large facility set up to produce seven caravans per week, however we only produce five for quality assurance,” said the Royal Flair team.


Royal Flair now operates out of a large factory in Epping in Melbourne’s northRoyal Flair now operates out of a large factory in Epping in Melbourne’s north


Crafted for adventure


While Royal Flair is known for using tried-and-true and often more traditional build methodologies, each van showcases the brand’s innovative mindset and use of modern technology that ensures a high-quality, contemporary finish. And with every model custom-built from the ground up to suit its owner, each van carries a unique flair — a reflection of the manufacturer’s commitment to craftsmanship, individuality and long-lasting performance.


One of Royal Flair’s signature innovative features is its electric drop-down bed that fits over the club lounge, creating a flexible setup that maximises the interior living space without increasing the van’s footprint. It’s a feature more commonly seen in motorhomes, and Royal Flair was one of the first caravan manufacturers in Australia to incorporate it.


“We develop multiple styles of builds from marine timber construction to full composite, designed for the customers’ needs, wants and travelling desires,” said the Royal Flair team.


“Fifty years of manufacturing R&D and testing is why we are what we are in the current market. We also take our caravans on some of Australia’s most challenging adventures — like the journey to the Top End and Cape York — to ensure they’re built tough and ready for wherever the road takes you.”


All Royal Flair vans are custom-built to the owner’s requirementsAll Royal Flair vans are custom-built to the owner’s requirements


The Royal Flair range


From compact units to family-size rigs, Royal Flair’s lineup of eight models has something to suit every style of traveller, and all models bear Royal Flair’s ‘quality over quantity’ ethos and are designed for offroad adventures.


We’ve tow-tested quite a few Royal Flair models over the years, with the most recent being the new AussieMate 19ft 6in at this year’s Caravan of the Year (COTY).


When we asked which model is the most popular, the Royal Flair team said “The Piazza, due to its uniqueness and the fact that it really encapsulates the whole idea of the outdoors with its design.”


But when it comes to team favourites, the AussieMate was the standout. “It’s awesome and has just about everything you need.”


AussieMate


Royal Flair’s top-tier model for offroad and off-grid adventures, the AussieMate is designed to take on Australia’s toughest terrain without compromising on comfort. Features include EnduroX suspension and coated chassis, 3000W Enerdrive inverter/charger, 300Ah lithium battery and 800W solar. The interior includes Royal Flair’s electric drop-down bed and club lounge, soft touch leather furnishings, premium finishes and appliances. There are multiple layouts available in sizes ranging from 18ft to 21ft 6in. A new 19ft 6in variant was launched at the brand’s 50th anniversary in an eye-catching green colour — the very model the brand brought to COTY this year.


The new 19ft 6in AussieMate in green was launched at Royal Flair’s 50th anniversaryThe new 19ft 6in AussieMate in green was launched at Royal Flair’s 50th anniversaryThe AussieMate is built for family travel off the beaten trackThe AussieMate is built for family travel off the beaten track


Family Flair


One of Royal Flair’s all-time best-sellers, the Family Flair is idea for families who like to head on offroad adventures. Features include a Victron MultiPlus 2000W inverter/charger, 200Ah Arizon lithium battery, 600W solar and EnduroX independent suspension. There are multiple layout options available for this model, from 17ft 6in to the spacious 24ft model that sleeps up to eight people, all geared towards family travel. There’s a fully equipped internal kitchen with all the expected appliances, high-quality finishes and leather furnishings. And a concertina door between the main sleeping quarters and the living space offers extra privacy. It’s a well-thought-out design with plenty of storage inside and out.


The electric drop-down bed that fits over a spacious club lounge is just one of Royal Flair’s innovative features

The electric drop-down bed that fits over a spacious club lounge is just one of Royal Flair’s innovative featuresThe electric drop-down bed that fits over a spacious club lounge is just one of Royal Flair’s innovative featuresThe electric drop-down bed that fits over a spacious club lounge is just one of Royal Flair’s innovative features



Razor XT


This small but tough model is built for couples or small families who love off-grid escapes. It comes in single and dual axle models and is considered the smaller cousin of the AussieMate. There’s plenty built into this compact unit, including 3000W Victron MultiPlus inverter/charger, two 200Ah lithium batteries, 600W solar, two 95L freshwater tanks and independent EnduroX coated suspension on all dual axle floorplans. Cooking is sorted with the slide-out gas barbecue kitchen and internal gas hobs. Heading inside, there’s quality finishes throughout with either a 152L or 274L Thetford compressor fridge, plenty of storage, ensuite with separate shower. A updated version of the Razor XT sporting the new ‘Dune’ colour was revealed at the 50th anniversary earlier this year.


Piazza Series


One of Royal Flair’s most innovative offerings, the Piazza is designed with a fold-down outdoor platform that transforms the drawbar area into a 4.5sq m undercover ‘Nature Balcony’. This model is ideal for those who enjoy relaxing outdoors or travellers with young children or pets who require a safe and accessible outdoor area. The interior features Royal Flair’s commitment to high quality finishes and features, with a range of floorplans available — some including slide-outs for extra living space — with sizes ranging from 16ft 6in to 24ft.


The Piazza Series features a ‘Nature Balcony’The Piazza Series features a ‘Nature Balcony’


Eco Mate


Designed for travellers who want a comfortable and sustainable way to head on offroad and off-grid adventures, the Eco Mate boasts plenty of power and capability for free camping in Australia’s most remote locations. There’s 1000W of solar, including two panels on sliders, two 300Ah lithium batteries and an Enerdrive ePRO Combi system. Other features include Cruisemaster ATX airbag suspension with EndruoX protection, combination diesel heater, two 95L freshwater tanks, a 62L grey water tank and 12V pressurised water system. Three layouts to suit couples and families are available — 18ft, 19ft 6in and 20ft — all featuring Royal Flair’s premium finishes and all customisable.


Raptor


Considered Royal Flair’s boldest and most versatile vans, the Raptor is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. There’s a customisable roof rack and rear ladder that can be used for storing kayaks, dinghies, fishing gear and the like, a large toolbox up front and down the back there’s a rear fold up tray for quadbikes or motorcross/dirt bikes. Other features include fridge and generator slides, a full shower and toilet combi ensuite inside, 3000W Enerdrive inverter/charger and a 300Ah lithium battery. There are three layouts available — a 13ft 6in and two 16ft 6in options to suit either couples or families.


Designer Series


As the name suggests, this is Royal Flair’s most luxurious model, blending rugged capability with a premium interior featuring a bespoke design and handmade components. This model takes ‘creature comforts’ to the next level, with almost a dozen layouts available (16ft 6in to 23ft) to suit every style of traveller. All models are offroad ready and features include a 2000W Victron MultiPlus system, EnduroX coated chassis and independent suspension, 400W solar and top-spec entertainment system.


Australia-wide support


Royal Flair offers a five-year warranty that includes roadside assistance backup, giving owners peace of mind and support wherever they travel in Australia. The brand’s website also features a handy resource hub, with tools like a tyre pressure calculator, how-to videos for troubleshooting and maintenance and all the key warranty information and forms.


Looking to the future


Having recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, Royal Flair is continuing the legacy left by Peter Deralas, who passed away several years ago. The Royal Flair team reports that the brand is focusing on expanding its range and the team has plenty of new things on the horizon.


Plans are already in motion for a new 50th anniversary edition model, spearheaded by Billy Deralas, and intended as a tribute to his father’s dedication and vision.


Celebrating 50 years and Peter Deralas’ legacyCelebrating 50 years and Peter Deralas’ legacy


When we asked the team how the caravanning industry and lifestyle has changed since Royal Flair was founded, they said there the focus has shifted towards more off-grid and more exploration, which means more power and self-sufficiency are required — which is exactly what Royal Flair caters for.


To find out more about the range, head to the Royal Flair Caravans website or contact the team on 03 9357 8118.




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Related articles: 


Royal Flair AussieMate 19’6 reviewed at Caravan of the Year 2025 presented by MSA 4X4


Royal Flair Caravans celebrates 50 years and releases new models


Review: Royal Flair Eco Mate 19’6”


Watch the COTY 2025 review of the Royal Flair AussieMate 19’6 now:

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