What We Learned
There's something about loading up a caravan for the first time with five kids and hoping for the best that either breaks you or bonds you. For us - it bonded us.
Our first proper family caravan trip was to Maffra and the Macalister River region in Victoria's beautiful Gippsland - and it's a trip our family still talks about.
The Caravan
Our caravan isn't bought off a lot. It's built by us - a DIY project that Dylan put together from the ground up. Every weld, every fitting, every detail done by hand. Taking it out for the first time felt like sending a homemade boat out to sea - exciting and slightly terrifying at the same time.
Spoiler: it held up perfectly.
Getting There
Maffra sits in the heart of Gippsland - just a short drive from our home base in Sale. The Macalister Caravan Park and Campground sits alongside the Macalister River and is genuinely one of the most peaceful spots you'll find in regional Victoria.
For a first family caravan trip it was perfect. Close enough to home that if something went wrong we weren't hours away. Far enough that it genuinely felt like an adventure.
Setting Up Camp
Setting up a caravan with five kids running around is an experience in itself. What we thought would take 20 minutes took about an hour - but that's part of it. Everyone had a job. Everyone was involved. By the time we sat down around the camp chairs with a cold drink the sense of achievement was real.
What we wish we had known:
Practice setting up at home first -seriously
Pack more than you think you need for the first night
Kids will want to explore the moment you arrive + let them
The River
The Macalister River running alongside the park is brilliant for families. Shallow sections the kids could wade through, deeper pools for fishing and that constant sound of running water that makes everything feel calmer.
We had our rods out within an hour of arriving. Did we catch anything? That's a story for another post.
The Campfire
There is nothing - and we mean nothing - that brings a family together like a campfire. No phones. No screens. Just the fire, the stars and five kids asking questions about everything.
We cooked on the fire that first night. Simple food tastes incredible outdoors. That's just a fact.
What We Learned
1. Less is more
We overpacked everything. Half of what we brought never left the caravan.
2. Routine disappears - and that's okay
Bedtimes, meal times, screen rules - all out the window. And somehow the kids were better behaved than ever.
3. The drive is part of the trip
Gippsland is stunning. Slow down and enjoy getting there.
4. A DIY caravan is a conversation starter
Every neighbour at the park asked about it. Dylan spent more time talking about the build than we expected - but it was genuinely great connecting with other travellers.
5. We should have done this sooner
That's the honest truth. The planning felt overwhelming before we went. The reality was simple, affordable and memorable.
Would We Go Back?
Absolutely - and we have. The Macalister Caravan Park and Campground is now a regular spot for the Adventure Hooked family. Friendly, well maintained, right on the river and perfect for families with kids of all ages.
If you're planning your first family caravan trip in Victoria - this is a great starting point. Close to home comforts but far enough to feel like a real adventure.
Gear We Used on This Trip
Planning your own caravan trip? Here's what we had in the van that made life easier:
Rod holders - essential for fishing sessions by the river - Get Yours Here
Landing net - lightweight and foldable - Get Yours Here
Camp chairs - check our gear recommendations page for what we use
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