Tough competition in Dargo

EIGHT camper trailers from four states were put through their paces in the foothills of the Dargo High Plainsearly this month, to vie for the coveted Camper Australia Camper Trailer of the Year Award for 2023.

The anticipated annual event washeld from February 1-5, withcampertrailers represented from South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

AdventuresGroup Holdings head of partnerships and sales, Dominic O’Brien, said the competition among the entrants was as tough as the terrain on which they were tested during the fivedays of judging.

“We are looking forward to announcing the winners,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Keep an eye outfor the amazing way these camper trailersperformed on Dargo's 4WD tracks, which offers some of the world's most challenging terrain.

“We were very excited to bring this industry signature event to Dargo, in partnership with Destination Gippsland, and showcase Australia's leading campertrailersinstunningcountry.Each camper went through arange of testing and judging and the winners will be announced at the end of March.”

Now in its 14th year, Camper Trailer of the Year has grown to become Australia's most respected camper trailer awards.

The judging team is chosen to reflect awide range of industry skill sets, typically comprising specialist outdoor 4WD journalists and trade-skilled individuals who are passionate long-time camper owners, to outback off-grid, off-road remote touring experts.

This year’s entrants were:

 Opus Camper Trailers;

 Ultimate Off Road Campers;

 BLUEWATER Campers;

 Market Direct Campers;

 Far Horizon Campers;

 New Age Caravans;

 Track Trailer, and;

 Signature Camper Trailers

They were judged on anumberofcriteria including fit for intended purpose; innovation, self-sufficiency, off-road ability, ease of use and value for money.

The awardsculminatedina freepublic showcase day on Saturday, February 4atthe Dargo Cricket Ground, which attracted around 400 people from the local community.

Dargo was selected as the location for this year’s awards as Camper Australia was looking to support acommunity that is re-building after the bushfires.

“Dargo offered us afantastic, internationallyrenowned backdrop to really showcase Australia's