External Kitchens and the New Expectations of Modern Road Life
Caravan buyers in 2026 are increasingly prioritising outdoor living, and an external kitchen is becoming a natural fit for that lifestyle.
The consumer appetite for caravan and camping remains strong heading into 2026.
The Caravan Industry Association reports that 88% of camping enthusiasts plan to hit the road within the next 12 months, reinforcing the appeal of caravan travel.
Value is a key drawcard: 77% of people say caravan trips offer better value than other holidays, and 76% rate them as a great bargain.
Domestic travel also continues to win ground, with 50% of people saying it offers better value than heading overseas.
The market is already huge. National vehicle data shows 834,220 caravans on Australian roads as of January 31, 2025, highlighting how many buyers could benefit from features that make touring more comfortable.
External kitchens also align with the broader outdoor cooking boom.
The Australian outdoor kitchen market is forecast to reach US$1.7 billion by 2033, growing at an 11.3% CAGR from 2025–2033, with momentum expected to carry through 2026.
Globally, the camping gear market is projected at US$20.85 billion in 2025 and US$28.1 billion by 2030, putting 2026 at around US$22.1 billion.
Picking the Perfect Caravan with an External Kitchen for Your Travel Style
1. Pair the External Kitchen up with Your Travel Style
- Decide on a model that suits your cooking breaks.
- One-night stoppers will want a simple slide-out or hatch that whips up a meal in no time. On the other hand those on longer adventures will be after bigger bench space, a bigger fridge and a cooking zone under the awning.
2. Pick a Kitchen Layout That Keeps the Conveniences Coming
- Kitchen layouts can be a bit of a letdown when you get inside.
- Some offer a great flow – cook, prep, wash – but others are more of a compact cook station.
- Go for a layout that lets you get at the fridge, prep area and stove without needing to unload gear at every stop.
3. Get a Kitchen that Can Handle the Rough Stuff
- Outdoor kitchens need to be built to last.
- They need to put up with dust, wind and rough roads – so look for a solid seal, some serious slides, easy-clean surfaces, reliable hinges and protected plumbing and gas fittings.
- A kitchen that feels like part of the caravan, not an afterthought, is the mark of a great design.
4. Check the Off-Grid Capabilities and How it Integrates with the Rest of the Van
- A good external kitchen should keep up with your off-grid systems – power and water.
- Check the water tank size, battery capacity, solar support and whether the kitchen has working water at your fingertips when you’re cooking and cleaning.
- This becomes crucial for beach trips, bush camping and remote adventures.
5. Choose a Setup that Keeps the Cabin Spotless
- An external kitchen should make your travel life easier, not more complicated.
- Good design should keep the cabin cool in summer, keep cooking smells out and make cleaning up a breeze.
- This is perfect for families, pet owners and anyone who likes to keep the outdoor-ness of travel to a minimum
JAWA Stealth 12 Push-Button Pop-Top Kitchen for Unfettered Camping
Joys of A Push-Button Pop Top: Convenience at the End of a Long Day
The JAWA Stealth 12 really stands out because its clever little slide-out kitchen – complete with a nice bit of extra bench space – is designed to take the hassle out of cooking outdoors.
Which is a godsend when you’re bouncing from beach stops to dusty camps to roadside eats in Australia – you don’t want to be messing around with a greasy old stovetop when all you want is to kick back.
Having your cooking gear outside where it belongs also means you can keep the heat, smells, and dust bunnies out of the bedroom – a major plus for anyone who likes a tidy campsite.
And let’s be real – being able to get set up in a flash is a huge bonus, especially on those quickie overnight stops. You know your gear is sorted, so you can just get on with enjoying your trip.
Practical Camping for Real People: A Kitchen That Works
The Stealth 12 pairs that nifty outdoor kitchen with a push-button pop-top roof, which is a game-changer for solo travellers and couples who want to keep things simple after a long drive.
It’s safer too – when you’re running on fumes, you don’t want to be futzing around with complicated setup routines.
Some of the bits we really love about this outdoor kitchen setup include:
- Slide-out kitchen with plenty of extra bench space to keep things tidy.
- Four-burner gas cooktop, because who wants to be cooking just solo snacks on the road?
- 95L dual-zone fridge to keep your food from turning into science experiments on long trips.
- External fridge slide with some much-needed pantry space – a real bonus for anyone who likes to keep their cooking gear close at hand.
The Art of Towing Safely on Your Weekend Escapades
Australia’s caravan boom has put a major spotlight on the need for towing safety to become second nature.
In Western Australia, caravan crashes have shot up by nearly 20% in just 3 years – with a total of 8 tragic fatalities since 2019 – and that’s a chilling reminder of just how essential proper setup, loading and driver training is for those long-haul trips.
In South Australia , the analysis made for some pretty grim reading: caravans are 3 times more likely to roll and 5 times more likely to have a head-on collision when compared to other vehicles.
Which is exactly why if you’re opting for a compact off-road hybrid like this one, you should make sure to be ticking off Transport for NSW towing rules, getting up to speed with the Queensland Governments safe towing guide and generally keeping an eye on those Australian Design Rules so you stay on the right side of the law.
Easy Overnight Escapes by the Coast – No Fuss Setup Required
Pulling up at your destination, hit the roof at the press of a button and before you know it you’re sitting down to dinner on the patio in no time.
That’s exactly what this Stealth 12 is all about.
Quick comfort means you can roll up, exhausted, and in one easy click be snuggled up and settled for the night, so you don’t have to worry about scrambling to get sorted when you arrive.
Outdoor living for real means this layout is all about encouraging you to cook, eat and chill out under the awning – which keeps the interior nice and cool, nice and tidy and just generally more relaxing.
A kitchen that actually meets the way Aussies like to travel means the pull-out setup lets you chuck together a quick dinner on the roadside, whip up a beachside feed or just a lazy feed in the bush without turning your bedroom into a sweltering mess and clutter zone
Gold Class AC16C Outdoor Kitchen Van for the Real Aussie Adventure
Thetford Outdoor Kitchen: cooking up a storm
Getting a spot on our top 10 Aussie travel vans list wasn’t a hard task for the Gold Class AC16C – this van’s got an external kitchen that’s been designed to bring the outdoors in, and not just tacked on as an afterthought.
The slide-out kitchen is the real deal – Thetford 3-burner gas cooktop, a sink with hot & cold water – this outfit gives couples the freedom to cook up a storm in the great outdoors without having to compromise on comfort.
This is exactly what many Aussie couples are looking for – a way to cook up a meal under the stars without having to rely on the cramped space inside the van. Whether you’re parked up in a coastal park, a forest site or a dusty old red dirt stopover, this van’s got you covered.
And the best bit? You can cook up a storm without heating up the van itself – keep the cool, calm and peaceful sanctuary of your interior clean and bug-free.
And for those short stays where you want to get in, cook up and get out, this van’s a real winner – just pull in, slide out the kitchen and you’re in business in no time, no unpacking or fussing around with indoor cooking gear.
Water On Tap for Longer Loops
If you’re planning on doing some serious exploring, the water setup on the AC16C is a real game-changer.
You get a total of 2 x 80L fresh water tanks and 1 x 80L grey water tank – plenty of capacity to play with.
That means you can:
tackle those national park style camps with limited facilities without worrying
head inland and take on those detours with confidence
enjoy those slower, quieter camps in the bush without stressing about water.
And it goes without saying, the buffer of all that water capacity gives you heaps of confidence to get out there and explore.
Couples Off-Road Comfort with Smart Recovery Readiness – The Full Aussie Adventure
Gold Class combines a kitchen with the rugged spirit of adventure – the kind of travel where one day you’re cruising sealed highways and the next you’re wrestling with rough access roads.
The AC16C spec puts it all together, with storage solutions and those practical recovery touches like the front-mounted MAXTRAX – so this isn’t just about cooking outside.
It’s about a van that’s made for couples who want to live the full rhythm of Australia – from sealed highways to rough gravel roads and back again.
Weighing Up the Risks – Safe Towing Across Australia
More and more caravans are on the road these days, so safety discipline is more important than ever.
StreetSmarts in Queensland has some scary stats – on average every year 14 people lose their lives and 243 people get hospitalised in crashes involving a car towing a trailer.
That’s why it’s a good idea to make sure you’re up to speed on the Transport for NSW towing rules, check your setup against the Queensland Government’s safe towing guide and keep an eye on the Australian Design Rules overview.
And get this – it’s reckoned that up to 90% of caravanners don’t have a clue about their towing weight limits. That’s a big worry.
When it comes to spacing, the advice is to add some extra seconds when towing – RACQ reckon at least four seconds in ideal conditions.
A Day at Camp – Red-Dirt Stopovers and Easy Outdoor Living
Imagine a trip to the Flinders Ranges or a WA south coast circuit where long drives, rough roads and remote camps are the norm. You need a van that’s built for comfortable outdoor living on the go.
You roll in dusty and starving after a big day on the road, and you just want to get set up without turning the interior into a mess. You want to prepare a meal without unpacking a million bags or heating up the van when the evening is still warm.
The AC16C’s outdoor kitchen gives you the works – hot or cold, a proper cooking station that slides out easily, and you can rinse up and get cooking in minutes. That’s the kind of smooth, low-effort routine that refined off-road couples touring should feel. Capable, comfortable and unapologetically Aussie.
MDC XT10E-LP 15 Year Edition Compact External Kitchen Hybrid
Garage and Carport Friendly – A Low-Profile Storage Solution
The 15 Year Edition of the MDC XT10E-LP is all about being unobtrusive – and that’s exactly what its low-profile design is all about.
Built to fit neatly under garages, carports and those lower parts of houses that can be a challenge to make use of – this really does make a big difference in Australia where every bit of extra storage space is precious.
Having a van that can actually fit in your driveway at home means you’re much more likely to be grabbing your keys and heading out on a spontaneous weekend getaway rather than waiting for that annual big trip to come around.
Externals Cooking and Sinks – ideal for the one-nighters
This 15 year model’s compact cooking setup has been designed with one thing in mind: practicality.
You get a 3-burner stainless steel gas hob cooktop outside, slap-bang in the middle of an outdoor layout that’s all about churning out a meal in record time with the minimum of fuss.
That matches the Australian travel vibe perfectly – short trips along the coast, overnight adventures inland, quick dinner breaks on the highway.
These are the things that this setup really delivers on:
- Less heat and mess in the sleeping area.
- Get your one-night stops set up and done within no time.
- Cook in the dust and sand, and just wipe it off when you’re done.
- Make use of the awning area as a proper outdoor kitchen.
Anniversary edition value with a proven hybrid dna – A winning combo
MDC sees the XT10E family as the perfect hybrid platform for going off-grid – that’s why they’ve equipped it with a slide-out kitchen and dedicated fridge storage so you can really make the most of your longer self-contained stays.
The LP format keeps all the good stuff while making the caravan a bit more street-friendly to boot.
Balanced Loading Habits Are Crucial – Don’t Take the Risk
With caravan ownership holding up so well, it’s more important than ever to be towing responsibly.
We know all too well that crashes involving caravans are a serious issue – and in Queensland alone, 14 people are dying and 243 folks are getting hurt each year because of it.
In fact, in 2025, the Queensland Police were pretty clear that 90% of caravanners were unaware of their towing weight limits – so don’t skip out on those crucial checks and compliance before you set off on your next long trip.
Even though the XT10E-LP is a compact car, the safety rules don’t get any less important.
It’s a good idea to get up to speed with Transport for NSW towing rules, double-check your technique against the Queensland Government safe towing guide and make sure you’re ticking all the compliance boxes according to the Australian Design Rules overview.
A Coast-to-Inland Mini-Loop Just Got a Whole Lot Easier
You can stash it in the garage or carport without any dramas because of its low-profile design, making those spontaneous weekend getaways a lot more realistic.
You’ll be towing a lower-profile hybrid that’s way more manageable on Australia’s mixed roads, so you can cruise in on the highway and still handle the tighter regional routes with ease.
Slide out the kitchen and cook up a storm under the awning – keep the heat, smells and mess out of the sleeping quarters.
And the best bit? You can keep your travel simple, fun and quintessentially Aussie by pairing easy storage, easy setup and a love of outdoor living – perfect for all those short coastal hops and inland overnights.
Windsor Rapid Hybrid Family External Kitchen Van
Four Burner Outdoor Dinings for Busy Family Parks – No Compromise
The Windsor Rapid Hybrid earns its place here because its outdoor setup is genuinely family-friendly, not just something that’s “nice to have” but a must-have for any crew.
The range takes a sensible approach to the external kitchen idea.
On the 15B specifically, the outdoor kitchen comes with the 3 essentials you need to keep a hungry family happy even on a breezy foreshore stop or a frantic holiday park: a 4-burner cooktop, a sink, and a fridge slide – which are all exactly what you need when cooking up a storm for a crowd.
As promised by the headline, this means you can whip up a great meal on the go without the stink of cooking, wafting inside the van and heating up your sleeping area.
Bunks, Bathroom, and Outdoor Living in One Beautiful Package
A hybrid setup like this is all about making the most of the outside – and the 15B delivers on that in spades.
The 15B proves it with a king bed plus two fixed bunks and a full ensuite, blending the best of outdoor practicality with the comfort of a proper bedroom.
This is the kind of mix that’s perfect for a family on a long Aussie school-holiday adventure.
What does that get you?
- Complete control over your outdoor meals – and the quick clean-ups that go with them.
- All the comforts of a proper bedroom when the weather decides to turn nasty.
- A layout that makes even the most spontaneous one-night stops feel as easy as a week-long stay.
Off The Beaten Track with a Solar Power Boost
A good external kitchen is only any good to you if you can actually get to some of the really good campsites.
The Rapid 15B has independent coil spring suspension with twin shock absorbers, mud terrain tyres and a chassis that’s been dipped in hot galvanised steel – just for starters.
But it’s also got 600 watts of solar and lithium battery power on tap which makes the “cooking anywhere” pitch a heck of a lot more believable.
Towing a Family Car is a Serious Business
Every year in Queensland, on average, 14 people die and another 243 are hospitalized because of a crash involving a car towing a trailer – an average over five years.
That’s the reality, and it’s one reason why you should always match a family-friendly tow vehicle with some pretty disciplined towing habits.
In practice that means – before you set off – sorting out your tow set up to make sure it meets Transport for NSW rules, having a refresher on the Queensland Gov safe towing guide and keeping an eye on things to make sure you’re still compliant with the Australian Design Rules.
The Queensland authorities also reckon a 5 second gap between you and the car in front is a good idea when towing.
Weeks at the Coast – With as Little Effort as Possible
Imagine a family road trip from the Sunshine Coast to the Whitsundays. You know – the sort of trip where you’re only moving from place to place a short distance a day, so you can spend your afternoons at the beach, or just kicking back in the van.
You turn up late after a long drive, you don’t want to waste any time setting up, so you just rip out the fridge, fire up the external kitchen and keep the mess outside where it belongs – so the van stays cool, clean and ready for the next day.
That’s what Rapid Windsor is all about, and it’s the difference between a holiday and a chore.
BOSS Yamba 13 Compact Off-Road External Kitchen Hybrid
A Bush Caravan that Packs a Big Trip Punch
The BOSS Yamba 13 caravan is a no-brainer for couples and small families who want to take the great outdoors to a whole new level without being tied down by a huge rig that’s hard to tow around.
This baby’s perfect for Aussie couples and small families because it checks all the right boxes – loads of features, a hybrid that’s got you covered indoors and out, and just the right size footprint to still get you to those secluded, quiet spots.
With the Yamba 13 you get that all important confidence boost – you can pull up to a camp site without having to wrestle a massive, cumbersome caravan that’s just too big for everyday touring.
Slide-Out Kitchen Magic – 2025 Upgrade for Real Aussie Campsite Cooking
This is where the Yamba 13 really starts to shine – it’s the perfect caravan with an external kitchen.
The updated 2025 external kitchen is a real game-changer – a slide-out stainless steel rig with 4-burner gas stove and sink that’s a must-have for anyone serious about camping out.
It’s not just a nice-to-have either – this thing is a total lifestyle upgrade. On a hot coastal day you can cook outside without overheating the van, and at dusty inland stops the external setup keeps all the mess and dust out of your living and sleeping space.
And let’s not forget those windy ridge camps – with the slide-out kitchen and sheltered prep area you can still have a good meal even when the weather’s a bit sketchy.
It all adds up to a kitchen and outdoor space that’s been carefully designed to keep things easy and enjoyable even when the weather’s against you.
Fridge-Drawer Meal Workflow for Heat-Free Interiors
The Yamba 13 also comes with a slide out fridge drawer that’s designed to fit a 96L dual zone unit. The fact that it can keep all your meal prep outside is pretty key.
That makes a big difference – less of a rush getting in and out, less heat building up inside, and a whole lot more ‘park up, fire up the stove & kick back’ freedom.
Outdoor practicality is where the Yamba 13 really shines, including:
- An external kitchen that slides out on a stainless frame with a 4-burner cooktop & sink.
- That 96L external fridge drawer, perfect for a dual-zone setup.
- A layout that makes quick 1 night stops or longer off-grid weekends a breeze.
Pre-Trip Checks for a Stress-Free Time on the Rough Stuff
Caravan sales have been doing alright, and towing skills are definitely one of the areas of concern right now.
In Qld they reckon, on average, you’ve got 14 people losing their lives & 243 getting hospitalised every year thanks to crashes involving a car towing a caravan.
At the national level, the road fatality rate has been pretty grim – 4.9 deaths per 100,000 people over the last year, which was 5.2% higher than the year before. So yeah, road risk is still a major worry heading into 2026.
That’s why you should be following Transport for NSW towing rules, the Qld Government safe towing guide, & the Australian Design Rules, all before you even fire up the rig.
Outback Overnight with a Super-Quick Outdoor Cookup
Imagine you’re doing a SA coast to Flinders loop and you’re rolling in after a long day of driving and it’s already getting dark – you need something that won’t blow you out.
Because you rolled in late with no light to spare, convenience & speed are the order of the day, not some complicated cooking routine that fills up the interior.
You want to cook up a decent meal that keeps the heat, smells & mess outside of your compact van instead of turning it into a cramped cooking zone.
The Yamba 13s’s external kitchen & 2025 slide-out fridge combo lets you chuck everything you need outside in one go & cook up a storm under the awning without turning the inside into a messy cooking zone.
That’s exactly the kind of easy-going, outdoor-first comfort that Australian travellers are chasing on short breaks & longer regional adventures.
Swag SCT16 Family 4B External Kitchen Off-Road Hybrid
Simplicity in Hard Roof Design for a Stress-Free Family Getaway
The Swag SCT16 Off-Road Family 4B is a great fit for this series because it’s designed with the realities of family touring in Australia in mind.
When you’re on a family trip, what you really want for the kids is a nice quiet space where they can get some shut eye – dedicated bunks that make bedtime a breeze and take the stress out of multi-stop holidays. You want to know that your young ones are tucked away safely and that you can get on with packing up the next morning without too much fuss.
You also want an ensuite option so that your family can keep themselves clean and comfortable, no matter where you are – whether that’s a busy holiday park or a quiet spot off the beaten track. You want to be able to have the freedom to do your own thing without having to worry about finding a shared bathroom or making do with a dodgy campsite loo.
And let’s not forget the build quality – you need a van that can handle the ups and downs of touring in Australia, from the long highway stretches to the rough tracks that lead to the really special campsites.
And finally, you want an outdoor kitchen that takes some of the pressure off your living space. Imagine being able to cook up a storm while the kids eat under the awning, keeping the sand and mess outside where it belongs.
Or picture this: it’s a hot day, and you don’t want to be heating up the van cooking the kids’ lunch – an outdoor kitchen lets you cook in comfort, without making a mess of your living space.
A Full-Blown Outdoor Dinner Zone for a More Civilised Family Camping Experience
An outdoor kitchen really changes the way you move through a day on a family camping trip.
Cooking outside means you can eat under the awning with the kids while you’re still cooking up a storm in the kitchen. It means keeping the dust and sand outside where it belongs, and avoiding cluttering up the interior with cooking gear and dirty washing. And let’s not forget about keeping the interior cool in the warmer months – it’s a small thing, but it can make a big difference to your overall camping experience.
This model’s focus on outdoor cooking really aligns with the Swag approach of combining family-friendly features with practical off-road capabilities.
Some of the key reasons why this matters when you’re touring around Australia are:
- Faster meal times at busy holiday parks
- Less dust and mess when you’re driving inland
- Less clutter in the interior when you’re on a multi-stop trip
- A more social and relaxed atmosphere at the campsite
Insulated Composite Comfort Across Shifting Climates
The SCT16 Family 4B really shines with its fully insulated composite walls and a honeycomb floor, all designed to keep families comfy under changing conditions. And that’s just what Aussies need when we’re on the move.
- Hot days aren’t the killer they used to be thanks to the insulation keeping the heat at bay inside the van.
- Cool nights feel perfectly snuggly because the composite build does a great job of holding onto warmth.
- Coastal humidity suddenly doesn’t feel like it’s bashing the doors off when we hit the dry inland air because the insulation just seems to even out the temperature inside.
Planning For Stress-Free Highway Cruisin’ with the Family
Heading into 2026, caravanning is still goin’ strong with the Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s 2025 numbers looking pretty solid – 88% of folk are lookin’ to caravan or camp over the next 12 months and 77% reckon these holidays are the better value for money.
All that suggests family demand is goin’ to keep on keepin’ on, so it’s more important than ever to tow safely. Destination NSW
And then there’s the figures from Queensland’s StreetSmarts program – on average 14 lives are lost and 243 people get hurt every year in crashes involving a light passenger vehicle and a trailer.
So before you head out on that school-holiday adventure just refresh your setup checks with the Queensland Government safe towing guide , review your towing gear to meet NSW’s Transport for NSW towing rules, and just generally stay on top of build compliance with the Australian Design Rules.
Easy-Peasy Regional Basecamps
Talk about the kind of trip that winds up at some sweet coastal spot after a few hours of easy driving on the highway – Brisbane to Hervey Bay or Melbourne to Gippsland for example.
You drop the van quickly and get settled without it being a big production.
Kids can unwind under the awning outside while you keep the interior ticked off and tidy.
Dinner gets chucked outside in the external kitchen which makes cookin’ a breeze, keeps the van cooler and makes cleaning up for the next day a doddle.
Snowy River SRH-14 The Ultimate Compact Hybrid
Slide-Out Kitchen – Perfect for Last-Minute Getaways
The Snowy River SRH-14 is a standout choice for Aussie’s who want a hybrid that’s big on comfort but still compact enough to call ‘home’ when you’re on the go.
This beauty has been designed with a nifty slide-out kitchen and loads of storage, making it an absolute natural for a quick weekend escape or even just an overnighter.
The external kitchen idea really comes into its own when you’re doing short coastal hops or just a night or two in the bush.
This means you can keep the cooking routine outside for a more relaxed and mess-free meal on a short stop.
It also means you can keep the sleeping space free from crumbs, spills and cooking smells, keeping it cooler and cleaner.
Built for the Backroads – The SRH-14’s Agility
This van is more than just small – it’s been built to handle the rougher access roads that will get you out of the main throng and into those secret spots.
The spec sheet highlights a 6″ Raptor-coated chassis, proper coil suspension and ESC support to keep you stable when things get a bit hairy.
So the external kitchen becomes even more valuable because the van is capable of getting you to some amazing spots to make the most of it.
The Awning Way to Easy Outdoor Living
The SRH-14’s outdoor kitchen story is about finding that sweet spot between practicality and comfort – and it’s a winner with Aussie couples.
Key reasons it stands out:
- Its layout is a real timesaver when you just need to set up for a quick single-night getaway.
- Not only does it get you cooking outdoors faster, but it also makes a big difference when the sun’s beating down – less heat in the van, no worries.
- Cleaning up after a messy cookout just got a whole lot easier. No scrubbing down the van when you’re done.
- That awning area of yours? It’s now a dedicated outdoor living space, not just some under-allocated space that’s hard to make the most of.
Staying Safe on the Mixed-Surface Roads
We’ve all seen the Aussie caravan and camping love affair grow even stronger – 88 per cent of folk are planning to get out there in the next year and that’s driving people to look for value when choosing their next trip.
More and more vans on the road means you’ve got no excuse not to keep your towing skills up to scratch.
Some pretty sobering stats from Queensland’s Safe Drivers Guide – around 14 lives lost and 243 people injured every year in crashes involving a light vehicle towing a trailer.
So even if you’re cruising around in a compact hybrid, the Transport for NSW towing rules, the Queensland Government safe towing guide and the Aust Road Rules will tell you to keep things tight and tidy on the road.
A Stress-Free Getaway in a Snap
Think of a quick weekend jaunt to the Dorrigo or Mornington Peninsula – the kind of trip where you can drive it, uncoil and just enjoy the local scenery without breaking a sweat.
You pull in after a long drive and don’t want to spend all evening wrestling with setup – you just want to kick back and chill out under the awning.
The SRH-14’s slide-out kitchen and compact footprint make getting into that relaxed, flexible outdoor mode a real snap – perfect for those super-relaxed Aussie getaways.
Arctic Campers Glacier 16 External Kitchen Tourer A Taste of Adventure
Kitchen On Wheels – Built-In Ease for a True Touring Experience
The Arctic Campers Glacier 16 knocks it out of the park because its external kitchen isn’t just a tacked on afterthought – it’s built-in, the real MVP.
That makes all the difference when you’re tearing up Australia’s coast, where the best meals often happen outdoors.
One day you’re parked up on the beach and can whip out the kitchen for a super-quick ocean-side dinner without heating up the whole van. Next, you’re in the forest and the built-in setup lets you keep your meal routine tidy and organised under the awning even when the campsite is a damp, shaded mess.
After that, a windy high country stop is no problem – the outdoor kitchen and slide out fridge keep you efficient and sheltered in the awning zone, so you can prepare a hearty meal in no time without tripping over clutter inside.
And that’s where the Glacier 16’s big fridge slide really comes into its own – it helps keep your cooking flow under the awning where it belongs, rather than inside the cabin where it’s chaos.
Plenty of Water to Go Around – for Campsites Far From Town
This model’s water numbers are seriously impressive – they’ll get you through longer stretches between refuels.
The highlights are:
- 2 x 120L of fresh water at your beck and call.
- An 80L grey water tank to keep things tidy.
It’s a game-changer for couples or families doing the slow lap around regional Australia – they can stop whenever, wherever they like.
And it’s not just for the long-haul crew – it’s also perfect for short, self-contained stays in national parks or quieter coastal spots where amenities are a bit scarce.
Temperature-Change Comfort for Shoulder Season Travel
The Glacier 16 range is all about keeping you comfy as the temps swing wildly across the country.
It’s not just about “cooking outside” – although that’s definitely a big part of it. No, what really sets Glacier 16 apart is the fact that it makes the whole outdoor cooking thing a whole lot easier, and then you can just step back into a cozy space when the weather starts to cool down or the wind picks up.
Value-Led Momentum in 2025 and Still Going Strong in 2026
Caravan and camping is still one of Australia’s top domestic travel habits.
In the year to the end of December 2024, Aussies took a whopping 15.2 million caravan and camping overnight trips, spent a combined 57.1 million nights, and splurged a total of $14.0 billion in the process.
And if that wasn’t enough, most of that activity and spend happened in regional areas.
That context explains why a medium-sized model like the Glacier 16 with its focus on outdoor living has been able to keep on resonating with people.
Long Haul Setups and the Importance of Safe Towing
With more caravans on the road than ever before, it’s never been more important to brush up on your towing skills.
The fact is, towing a caravan can be pretty hazardous – each year in Queensland alone around 14 people lose their lives and 243 end up in hospital following crashes involving light passenger vehicles towing trailers.
So before you set off on your next long loop, make sure you’ve got the basics covered. Check out Transport for NSW towing rules, go over the Queensland Government’s safe towing guide one more time, and keep an eye on the Australian Design Rules to make sure you’re up to speed.
Campsite Efficiency – The Keys to an Outdoor-First Routine
- The external kitchen is a game-changer – all the heat and mess stays outside where it belongs.
- The big fridge slide is a real boon for campsite meal flow – you can grab what you need and go.
- The water capacity on the Glacier 16 is huge, which means you can hang out in the country for a bit longer without having to worry about running out of H2O.
In short, the Glacier 16 is a top choice for anyone looking for a reliable tourer that can handle the ups and downs of Aussie travel. It’s comfy, it’s outdoor-ready, and it’s designed with real Aussie travel in mind.
Signature SCT Marlu Off-Grid External Kitchen Hybrid
Taking Gourmet Cooking Seriously – Even in the Great Outdoors
The SCT Marlu really stands out in this series because cooking up a storm outdoors is its main priority, not just a nice extra feature. Which, for Aussie couples with a taste for adventure and a love of cooking, is the real deal. They want the freedom to whip up a proper meal without having to unpack half the van – and the Marlu delivers that luxury.
REDARC-Controlled Energy for Extended Bush Comfort
Having an external kitchen that’s top-notch is all well and good – but it’s only worth it if you can stay out there for as long as you please. And that’s where the Marlu really shines – it’s got the power to back up all the bells and whistles, courtesy of:
- A top-notch REDARC Manager 30 to keep your batteries in perfect sync.
- A powerful REDARC 2000W RS3 AC transfer inverter that keeps everything running smoothly.
- 720W of roof-mounted solar panels to keep you powered up even when you’re deep in the bush.
- Plus a REDARC Redvision display that makes it easy to keep an eye on the whole show.
With all that, “gourmet outdoors” is no longer just a dream – it’s a real possibility even when you’re miles from the nearest power outlet.
That means you can do longer loops through the regional areas and quieter bush camps, and still get the kind of views and experience you’re looking for.
Flexing Your Itinerary to Suit the Land
And then there’s the Marlu’s 240L fresh water tank and 80L grey water storage – a really useful safety net for couples who like to take the road less travelled.
You can plan for a few extra days between fills, or just pitch up somewhere and enjoy the views.
2025 Value Preference Gives a Big Boost to 2026 Off-Grid Plans
According to the 2025 Consumer Sentiment Report from the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, nearly 9 in 10 people are planning a caravan or camping trip in the next year.
The report also highlights that 77% of people believe caravan and camping holidays are better value than other types, and 76% think they’re an absolute bargain.
That explains why a high-end, couples-focused hybrid like the Marlu is still flying high in popularity as we head into 2026.
Getting Your Act Together for Those Long, Confidence-Boosting Distances
Even the best off-grid gear can’t replace a bit of common sense and towing know-how.
In Queensland, it’s a sad fact that on average 14 people die and 243 are hospitalised every year in crashes involving a light vehicle towing a trailer – that’s a lot of unnecessary grief.
So before you set off on a long trip, it’s a good idea to get your setup right by checking out the Transport for NSW towing rules, brush up on your technique with the Queensland Government’s safe towing guide, and keep yourself up to speed on the Australian Design Rules – all pretty basic stuff really but worth a quick brush up.
Think Long-Distance Treks with Self-Sufficiency Really Counts
What about those big trips where your ability to cook up a storm in the middle of nowhere really makes the difference between a quick 20 minute stop and a multi-day adventure? I’m talking about things like a run along the Kimberley edge, or a circuit of the High Country, or a long loop of South Australia’s outback and gulf country – in these situations, having a reliable outdoor kitchen that you can rely on is a total game-changer.
You pull up, and then you’re all set – no need to spend ages rearranging your gear because the layout of your van is designed with outdoor living in mind.
You set up your camp and do things the same way every day, which saves energy and cuts down on mess over the long term.
And you can cook up a storm outside with confidence because you know your external kitchen and off-grid gear has got you covered – even when you’re miles from the next powered site.
Mountain Trail RV LXV 4.7 External Kitchen Pop-Top Hybrid
Practical Pop-Top Storage for Home and the Open Road
The LXV 4.7 is its own one-of-a-kind off-road hybrid, effortlessly combining easy storage with an unapologetic love of getting outdoors and living life to the fullest.
They say the pop-top design is all about low-profile storage and towing ease – and they’re not wrong.
But alongside that, they’ve built in a serious outdoor kitchen under a generous 4 metre awning. This is exactly why this model deserves a spot in any “Right Caravan with External Kitchen” list for Australia.
Because the kitchen isn’t some add-on afterthought – it’s a core part of the way this thing is designed to go on holiday.
The Weight Advantage for Really Enjoying the Scenic Route
Australian driving is all about the mix of long straight bits and rougher roads – and it can be a real stress-fest if you’re driving out of shape.
But a nice light hybrid like the LXV 4.7 makes it all a bit easier – it’s just a more balanced thing to drive.
The numbers back that up with a 2,076kg tare and an ATM of 2,850kg – which is a pretty attractive weight profile if you ask me.
This kind of weight profile opens up a lot more options for tow-vehicle matching – so you can make more of those weekend holidays, rather than just saving up for one big annual trip.
Your Cook Shelter Under a 4m Awning – and the Freedom to Eat
And then there’s the outdoor kitchen – under a big 4 metre awning that will give you the comfort and security to cook up a storm, no matter where you are.
Stopping at the beach? No problem – just pull in, pop out the kitchen and cook up some fresh seafood without ruining your holiday with the hassle and smell of cooking on board.
Or try camping in the bush – the cooked meals will keep you going all day, and the breeze under the awning means you won’t be sweltering in the kitchen.
And when the weather gets a bit funky – don’t let it get in the way of your holiday. The big awning keeps you under cover, and the outdoor kitchen keeps on going.
Quick road trips to the highway become much easier fast breaks since you can just wheel your kitchen out of your caravan, toss a few things together and get going again without making a mess of the living area inside.
Practical advantages that’ll really make a difference for you are:
- A lot less heat building up inside when you cook during warm weather.
- Cleaning up after a sandy or dusty meal is so much easier.
- You’ll find that these campsite layouts help couples who live-on-the-road work so much better as well.
- Having that extended awning paired with your outdoor kitchen means much better shade and protection from the elements.
Keeping that Holiday Momentum in 2025 and Beyond
The Caravan Industry Association of Australia released a report back in 25 and found that 88% of people they polled said they’d be going caravan or camping in the next year.
Interestingly, 77% of those folk reckon that caravan and camping is way better value for money than other holidays, and 76% rate it as being great value too.
And that value-first mindset is probably going to keep backing outdoor-living hybrids right on into 2026.
Getting Your Setup in Order Before You Head Off
Even if you’ve got one of these tow-friendly hybrids, you still gotta get into some disciplined habits to make your whole trip stress-free.
In Queensland they’ve found that, on average, around 14 lives are lost and 243 people end up in hospital each year in crashes involving a car towing a trailer.
So its worth taking the time to make sure your setup is all dialed in with the Transport for NSW towing rules, have a read of the Queensland Governments safe towing guide and just keep an eye on the Australian Design Rules so you don’t get caught out.
Chasing the Sun with this Hybrid Setup
- When you’re cruising down the coast and then heading up into the High Country, this sort of design just makes sense because it gives you the comfort and practicality you need when the terrain and weather start to get tough.
- At home, it heaps easier to store this thing in the backyard thanks to the pop top, which cuts down on the overall height and stops you from hitting your head on the garage door every time you want to go for a spontaneous weekend adventure.
- And while you’re driving, you’ve got this hybrid setup with you that’s way lighter and more manageable, which means you can use it with a whole range of tow vehicles and still feel pretty relaxed.
- And when you do need to cook up a meal, that outdoor kitchen is a lifesaver, giving you somewhere to cook and eat under the awning without messing up the interior of your van.
