Sometimes living and working here on the coast you forget exactly what lies beyond your front gate, local coffee shop and the two blocks you walk to the gym. It’s time we all had a reminder, and started breathing new life into those dreams of travel and adventure you once had – just you and the open road, or the wide expanses of the Australian bush. The South Queensland Caravan, Camping, Fishing & 4×4 Expo returns to the Nambour Showgrounds this April 17 to 19, to bring to you the things dreams are made of, and the opportunity to realise them.

Obviously, there’s plenty to see and buy this year at the expo, but more than that, there is so much to learn. Thanks to TJM Maroochydore, there will be three daily shows from the Australian Off-Road Academy where you can watch demonstrations, listen to discussions, and ask any and all questions you have to do with 4×4 driving. From diff-locking to traction control and recovery techniques, Dingo Dave will show you how it’s done.

If it’s your fishing skills that need brushing up on, then Shimano have you covered with three shows a day from fishing expert Dave “Mossy” Moss at the 10-meter practice tank. Practice your cast, and get advice tips and tricks to improve your yield. Fancy learning some old tricks? Ron “c” Wilson will be on hand to show you how to get the most out of your campfire kitchens. Ron has been collecting tips and tricks from drovers and men of the land since he was a young boy, and can help you become the king of your campfire kitchen.

The wife and I have long talked about how “One day” we’ll pack up in a caravan and go where we will, settling up camp under the stars and really enjoying our beautiful country once again, like we used to when we were young in the back of the old Kombi-van. “One day” has been a long time coming, but hopefully this year we’ll find exactly what it is we’re looking for to spark this talk of realising our dreams into reality. We’ll be there, this October for the campers and caravan exhibitors, but for those still building their nests, there’s plenty on offer as well.

Personally, we’ll be beginning our visit with ModCon Campers. One of several featured Camper exhibitors, ModCon began life designing and building their creations right here in Queensland Capalaba and have gained a reputation for being innovative, and most importantly, rugged – designed for the Australian market. Since the company’s inception, they have pioneered and popularised many different designs that have taken the marketplace by storm, but none as strongly as the ‘Forward Folding’ camper that has since become arguably the most popular design available on the Australian market.

TJM Maroochydore will be present at the show as well, offering their wealth of knowledge on 4×4 accessories, modifications and general 4×4 operation and safety. Of course, there’s plenty more on offer over the exhibition weekend to suit any getaway seeker’s fancy, or those simply looking to make life a little easier, and a little more luxurious.

From Camper vans and caravans to boats, barbecues, pools, and classes to improve your adventuring skills – there’s something for everyone at the expo this year.

For more information on the exhibitors and the expo itself, visit the website here and start living your dreams at home, or further afield.