It was the first time I had attended the event and I was amazed by 

how popular camping and caravanning is.

More than 14,000 people attended the three-day festival, the biggest of its kind in regional Australia. 

Young and old enjoyed the warm, sunny Bendigo weather while exploring more than 250 motor homes, caravans, camper trailers and fifth wheelers on display. 

Some were after the latest caravanning innovations while others were after helpful hints about the best holiday destinations. 

Caravan Industry Association of Victoria chief executive Rob Lucas hailed this year’s festival a success. 

He said more and more people were turning to caravanning or camping for their holidays. 

“Our industry has been impacted by overseas travel because it is cheaper but what we are actually seeing is that it is the opposite,” Mr Lucas said. 

“We are seeing people say that this industry is actually affordable.”

I think the freedom of being able to explore this great country is what entices people to go camping and caravanning. 

The idea of getting in a caravan and travelling anywhere you want to, whenever you want to, is appealing to young families. 

I have never been caravanning before, but after attending the 

LeisureFest it’s definitely on my bucket list.??