THERE has been record growth in manufacturing and sales of camper trailers, caravans and motor homes in Queensland.

Speaking a week before the annual South Queensland Caravan Camping Boating and Fishing Expo on the Sunshine Coast, organiser Bob Carroll said while there had been massive growth across the country, our state had been the star performer.

Mr Carroll said that the most notable change in the industry in the past two years was the drop in the age of the buyers and the sorts of products they are looking for.

Young families and young couples were now pushing manufacturers to introduce more family vans and they were keen for a shift to new age styling and colours in the interior layout and presentation.

He said they were after what the grey nomads had been happily enjoying for years.

"Caravans used to be the domain of the grey nomad or the older demographic but that is changing," Mr Carroll said.

"Dramatic world events and tragic air disasters have fuelled the demand with people choosing to explore Australia first and they want to do it in comfort, on their terms and with their families".

The South Queensland Caravan Camping Boating and Fishing Expo is on at the Nambour Showgrounds Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 9am to 4pm.

"This event is a major showcase for the Caravan Industry in Queensland and we pride ourselves on bringing the best manufacturers and the biggest range of what's new in leisure vehicles to the people rather than potential buyers having to traipse all  over Queensland to see what is available," Mr Carroll said.

More info

Go to www.caravancampingexpo.com.au for all the event details.