They travelled with their bikes, their dogs, their work, even a bird – close to 300 members of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) who took over the Campbell Town Showground for the Tasmanian State Rally last week.
Huge Winnebago campervans, a tiny teardrop caravan and everything in between lined up on the lawn with many expected to extend their stay in the region and beyond in coming weeks.
Thousands of dollars were injected into the local economy as the members wandered around town and visited the shops between an action-packed program of events at the rally site itself such as art classes, disc bowls, chairobics, ukulele strumalong and a quiz night.
There was also a bus trip to Brickendon and a bush dance with music by Drops of Brandy.
Many chose to attend the Northern Tasmanian Light Horse Troop parade for War Animal Remembrance Day held at the Campbell Town War Memorial.
Another highlight was Sunday’s market day in the pavilion and captive audience were delighted with the home-made produce and crafty products on the stalls.
Campbell Town is well known as an RV friendly town, with free overnight camping by the river where visitors can fish for trout, have a picnic, watch the ducks and check out the amazing wood carvings and the beautiful Red Bridge.
Two happy attendees, both widowers, were Ros Edwards, 75 and John Hunt, 73, who found companionship through their mutual love of travelling.
Ros was working in admin for CMCA helping organise a rally when John signed up.
He lost his wife three years ago while travelling in Tasmania, when she took ill and passed away at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
Ros was the person who took John’s rally registration and whether by luck or design he had not filled out all of his paperwork and she was forced to call him up.
They’ve been keeping each other company and continuing their journey together ever since, even though Ros is from Burleigh Heads in Queensland and John is from Casino, NSW.
They are at each other’s place or on the road most of the year.
“I was diagnosed with cancer around 27 years ago and given two years to live – so my wife and I quit our jobs and took off to see Australia while we could,” John said.
“I’m lucky to be still here and just keep travelling – I’ve been to Tasmania 16 times with my campervan and visiting Campbell Town is always a highlight.”