Our First Family Caravan Trip To Macalister River, GippslandLoading Up Loading up a caravan for the first time with five kids either breaks you or bonds you. For us it bonded us.
Our first proper family caravan trip in this van was to the Macalister River region in Gippsland -and it's a trip we still talk about.
The Caravan
Ours isn't bought off a lot. It's built by us a DIY project Dylan put together from the ground up, every weld and fitting done by hand. Taking it out for the first time felt like sending a homemade boat out to sea. Spoiler: it held up perfectly.
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Getting There
Maffra sits in the heart of Gippsland, a short drive from our home base in Sale. Montana on the Macalister Caravan Park & Campground sits right alongside the river peaceful, and close enough that if something went wrong we weren't hours away, but far enough to feel like a real adventure.
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Setting Up & The River
What we thought would take 20 minutes took an hour, but everyone had a job. The Macalister River was perfect for families — shallow wading spots, deeper pools for fishing, rods out within the hour.
The Campfire
Nothing brings a family together like a campfire. No phones, no screens just fire, stars and five kids asking questions about everything. Simple food cooked outdoors tastes incredible.
What We Learned
- Less is more half our gear never left the van
- Routine disappears and that's okay
- The drive is part of the trip
- A DIY caravan is a brilliant conversation starter at every park
Would We Go Back?
Absolutely we have. Montana on the Macalister is now a regular spot for us. Close to home comforts, far enough to feel like a real escape.
For more family adventure ideas, gear recommendations and travel inspiration visit the Adventure Hooked Homepage → link to adventurehooked.com.au
Dylan & Fiona - Adventure Hooked
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