The Perth Caravan & Camping Show is back at Claremont Showground in March 2026, giving WA travellers a four-day window to compare caravans, campers and touring gear in one place. The show is listed as running Thursday 19 March to Sunday 22 March 2026, with show hours 9am–5pm (Thu–Sat) and 9am–4pm (Sun).
If you’re going along with a shortlist in mind, it can be one of the fastest ways to sanity-check layouts, weights, storage and off-grid setups before you spend big. If you go in cold, it’s easy to get pulled into “show-only” bundles that don’t actually match how you travel.
Key details
- Where: Claremont Showground, Claremont (Perth)
- When: 19–22 March 2026
- Times: Thu–Sat 9:00am–5:00pm, Sun 9:00am–4:00pm
Perth Caravan Show Game Plan
Claremont Showground is massive. Use this checklist to stay focused, compare accurately, and avoid the high-pressure “show special” trap.
01. Before You Arrive
- • Define 3 “Non-Negotiables” (Payload, Layout, 12V)
- • Measure your garage/storage heights
- • Set a strict “No Deposit Today” cooling-off rule
02. On the Stand
- • Photograph the compliance plate (not the brochure)
- • Ask: “Is this price for the van exactly as displayed?”
- • Verify real-world 12V power (Induction/Air-con load)
03. Red Flags
- • “Show-only” bundles with vague itemisation
- • Pressure to sign to “secure a production slot”
- • Unclear refund terms on “subject to” deposits
The Final ‘Yes’ Test
Only proceed to a contract if the following is met:
What to see first (before the crowds build)
1) Walk-through comparison of layouts (caravans + campers)
Don’t start with the biggest vans. Start by checking what actually affects day-to-day touring:
- fridge access with the door open
- bed access without climbing
- bathroom space with the door closed
- pantry depth and usable bench space
- where wet gear and shoes realistically go
If you’re travelling WA distances, you’ll feel these choices every day.
2) Off-grid power setups you can actually use
Shows are a good place to compare off-grid systems side-by-side, including battery capacity, inverter size, solar input and charging options. If you’re unsure how much power a typical touring setup actually needs, our guide Is 1kWh Enough for Caravan Touring? What the Numbers Say explains what common caravan appliances use and whether smaller lithium systems can handle the job.
A quick reality check to ask on-stand:
- “What runs at once without tripping?”
- “What’s the recharge path on a typical tow day?”
- “What is standard equipment vs an option pack?”
3) Towing and weights advice (worth waiting for)
If there’s one place buyers get caught, it’s weights. Use the show to gather specifics (and take photos of spec sheets), then verify later.
Ask for:
- ATM / tare
- ball weight (as shown, not “typical”)
- water capacity and how it changes weights
- storage ratings and where heavy items are meant to sit
What to buy at the Perth Caravan & Camping Show 2026
Accessories you can compare properly in person
Smaller-ticket items can be worth buying at a show because you can check build quality and fit, and avoid guessing online:
- awnings, shade walls and quick-set shelters
- outdoor chairs/tables that actually pack down
- portable power and charging gear (if you know your needs)
- cooking gear sized for caravan storage
If you can pick it up, inspect it, and take it home that day, a show purchase usually makes more sense.
Run-out or in-stock vans (if the paperwork stacks up)
If a dealer has an in-stock van that suits your needs and the contract is clear, show pricing can be genuinely competitive. The key is to treat it like a major purchase, not a show special.
What to skip (or slow down on)
“Show-only” upgrade bundles that aren’t itemised
Caravan shows are also known for “show-only” upgrade bundles and limited-time pricing. For buyers who want to understand how these deals really work, our guide Show Season 2026: Are “Show-Only” Caravan Deals Really Worth It? breaks down what’s genuine value and what to look closely at before signing anything.
Deposits paid before you’ve checked the fine print
A show is noisy, crowded and rushed. If you’re about to pay a deposit, make sure you know:
- refund terms
- delivery timeframe (and what happens if it slips)
- exact inclusions (not “as displayed”)
Anything you haven’t measured for your setup
If it needs to fit your canopy, battery bay, fridge slide, tunnel boot or kitchen cavity, measure first. Guessing at a show is how gear ends up in the shed.
New model watch: Lotus “Trooper Platinum”
Lotus Caravans has been promoting the 2026 Trooper Platinum as part of its MY26 content. If it appears on the floor in Perth, it’ll likely draw attention from travellers cross-shopping higher-end off-road layouts.
Tip: treat “new model” displays as a research stop, not a buying trigger. Get the spec list, photograph the build details you care about, then compare calmly after the show.
What travellers should know before they go
Before heading to the Perth show, it helps to have a clear idea of what you actually need from your touring setup. Many travellers arrive focused on big upgrades but overlook the smaller items that make trips easier. Our guide What Most Caravanners Forget to Pack – Until It’s Too Late looks at the simple essentials many caravanners only realise they need once they’re already on the road.
- Pick 3 priorities before you arrive (layout, weight, off-grid, storage, bunks, bathroom size — whatever matters most).
- Take photos of spec sheets, not just the van.
- Do a second lap after lunch. If it still stacks up, it’s worth deeper questions.
- If signing anything, read it away from the stand and ask what happens if delivery dates or inclusions change.
Closing
For WA travellers planning the next 6–12 months of touring, the Perth Caravan & Camping Show is less about grabbing a deal and more about making fast, confident comparisons. Go in with a shortlist, slow down on the contracts, and you’ll get far more value out of the day.
