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The ACC Pulse

May 2026

Board News

Board member Mr Robert Tudor was contacted by the Melbourne Age on the 2 April to comment on the impact of the current fuel situation. 
Rob commented that the Australian Caravan Club had already seen 7 of our branches cancelled their Musters due to the potential that fuel, especially diesel would not be available in regional areas.
If the situation continued, we would see more of our branches either cancel or look to have their Musters closer to their home base.
  • Registration for the 2026 National Muster, to be held in Mudgee, NSW opened the 1st May 2026. 
  • The Branch Operation Procedure has been forwarded to the branches.
  • New Age Media has been engaged to work with the promotion of the Australian Caravan Club

Vale Lionel Mussell 1-11-31 to 1-5-26

Lionel was the cornerstone of the Australian Caravan Club, almost from the beginning. He joined on 7th September 2006 as member number V00002 and was soon appointed to the Board on 29th September 2006. He served as Chair from 2006 to 2011, and for many was the Club’s dedicated Publicity Officer. He remained a lifelong member of the Gippsland Gypsies branch.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution, he was awarded Life Membership at the 2012 National Muster. Widely respected in the caravanning industry, Lionel shared his extensive knowledge through lectures, books, and magazine articles that prominently featured the Club.
His wisdom, deep caravanning expertise, and friendly, collegiate manner were instrumental in helping the Board function effectively and establishing the Club on a strong foundation for the future.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Position Vacant
Nomad Editorial - Supervising Editor.
Do you have an eye for detail? Do you enjoy researching areas for publication? Do you have experience in publishing a magazine? Do you like speaking to members? 
If you answered YES to any of those questions, then you could be the next Supervising Editor of your magazine the NOMAD. 
For additional information please contact Graham Humphreys 0409 126 308

 

Member Benefits

  • The RV Park of the Month is 

Trangie Caravan Park
38 Goan Street, Tragie NSW

Phone: 02 6888 7511    Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Paul, Clarisa and Alex will make you more than welcome. With a revamped camp kitchen and laundry, you will notice the changes that are currently happening. With great drive through sites Paul will see you on site without the hassles.
 

Branch Activities

The ACC Southerly Busters

 

The NSW branch, Southerly Busters last Muster was spent at the Canowindra Showgrounds attending the 2026 Canowindra International Balloon Festival. With the Festival running from the 11 – 19 April there is plenty of time to explore the area. With wineries, welcome street party, Balloon flights each morning from 6:00am. The Southerly Busters were joined by Judy de Loryn and Linda Brierley from the Sugar City Pioneers.
The Cabone Community Balloon Glow is the signature event of the Balloon Festival.

 

The ACC Bushrangers

The Bushrangers night activities.

The ACC Bushrangers are the featured branch in the next group of videos from New Age Media. With the Bushrangers committed to Freedom Camping it will be interesting to see what Chris has been able to create.


Log into YouTube and search for the Australian Caravan Club site and hit the subscribe link and the like. The first Bushrangers video has been seen by 881 viewers, and we have already had an inquiry for a similar freedom camping branch in New South Wales.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBQ9k5RLraw

 

ACC Sugar City Pioneers

The Sugar City Pioneers donate to organisations in the region when they have available finances to do so.  
In April the Sugar City Pioneers donated $250 to the BMA CQ Rescue Helicopter service in Mackay, with finances raised at a couple of Bunnings sausage sizzles.  Although hoping our members never require this service, it was presented at a recent meeting as a worthy cause.  The branch ironically donated the same amount to this organisation 8 years ago in April 2018.

  

Industry News

  • Tindo Solar
    Tindo Solar is an Australian solar pioneer crafting top tier solar panels designed to withstand the diverse and challenging conditions of the Australian climate.
    Founded in 2011 by Adrian Ferraretto, Richard Inwood and Ben Kerry, Tindo was established with a dream to create a high-quality solar solution that would contribute to the preservation of Australian manufacturing and play a pivotal role in fostering a sustainable future.
    Their dream continues to inspire our people to constantly innovate and seek better outcomes, creating something exceptional every day.
    In 2017, Tindo changed ownership with Glenn Morell taking the helm. Tindo has expanded its manufacturing capabilities through a purpose-built factory pushing the boundaries of solar panel production is Australia.

Queensland State Muster

  • NEW DATES 21ST – 27TH JUNE 2026
  • Bundaberg Recreational Precinct, University Drive, Branyan QLD 4670

A visit to a working Cane farm             River Cruise
Bundaberg Botanical Gardens              Macadamia Australia Orchard Tour
Kalki Moon Distillery                              Hinker Hall of Aviation 

•    BOOK YOUR SITE: -
Book and pay directly with the Bundaberg Regional Council Bookings Tuesdays – Fridays.
Call Simone during business hours on (07) 4130 4162

For any questions, contact the following:

  • Tom Smith – 0429 870 823
  • Diane Pugh – 0409 270 513
  • Frank Casey – 0418 573 292 

The Chairman's Muster

When: 11 – 15 September 2026
Where: Lake Albert Caravan Park, 25 Narrung Rd, Meningie
Contact Number: Ph: 08 08 8575 1411
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Farm Stay

Did you know that the ACC has member benefits that include overnight stays at a member’s property? 
Let’s have a look where they are.
  • Burrong – 1449 Kindred Rd, Sprent Tasmania (30 minutes from Devonport, before joining the Spirit)
  • Lower Heart – 165 Lower Heart Rd, Sale Victoria (a great place to explore the region from)
  • South of Sarina – 292 Greenhill Road, Ilbibie Queensland (not far from Mackay)
  • Thistlebank – 763 Pechey-Maclagan Road Groomsville Queensland (not far from Crows Nest)
  • Wallaby Flat – 44 Franks Place, Hartley New South Wales (a great stop over heading to Mudgee)
  • Yarraman – 38 Wild Lane, Alectown New South Wales (not far from Parkes)
A night or two spent with a friend that you have never met but have spoken to on the phone, but leave as long lost friends. A chance to explore a region, help around the property or just relax with a lovely meal and a great conversation.
 

Postal Address and Administration Contact Details.


Over the past months we have had letters/membership applications sent to the incorrect postal address, this has created issues both for the member and the branches involved.
The current postal address is PO Box 24, Kemps Creek, NSW 2178 
The current contact details for the Administration:
  • Phone – 0477 064 973
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

2026 National Muster Mudgee - 11 - 18th October 2026

2026 National Muster Mudgee - 11 - 18 October 2026

Registrations for the National Muster opened on 1st May 2026

Mudgee is looking forward to the ACC visiting the region. The businesses have welcomed the organizing committee with open arms and will look forward to seeing you, the members.

 

Where Friendships and Adventure Begin.

Graham Humphreys
Mobile: 0409 126 308
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Chairman and Membership Director

Australian Caravan Club 

Registration for the 19th National Muster – Mudgee

opens via the ACC website on the 1 May 2026. 

 

A feature of this year’s National Muster will be the four TAGALONGS:

 The Drip and Hands on Rock (100km return)

 The Drip walking track features a 35-meter-high sandstone ‘Great Dripping Wall’ that seeps water, creating a lush, shaded gorge with a swimming hole. The walk is 2.8km return, takes about 2 hours and is rated as a Grade 4. Enjoy a BYO morning tea and lunch in the picnic area There is no wheelchair access. 

The Hands-on Rock walk is 1.2km from the car park and is a Grade 4 walk taking about 1 hour. These stencils of hands were made by the Wiradjuri people who occupied most of central west NSW were one of the largest of the Aboriginal language groups. The path has a few roots across it but is otherwise an easy walk for about four hundred meters before it slopes up steadily to the rock cliffs. There are steps along the way, however, some loose stones towards the end of the path require little care, particularly on the way down. There are no wheelchair access and no public toilets.  

 

Gulgong (61km return)

  • Spencer Cocoa (just north of Mudgee) has Australian made, bean-to-bar chocolate produced by Luke & Thea Spencer and a small, dedicated team. They roast, grind, conch and temper the cocoa into lively and beautiful chocolate.
  • Gulgong – Morning tea about 11:00am at a local café. We will visit the Pioneer Museum which has photographic exhibits, machinery, printing equipment, textiles and early transport vehicles in historic buildings on 1.5 acres. Visit Stacks Down Under, Wear it Out (dress shop) and other venues if time permits. Purchase lunch in town and meet at Teresa Lane Park.
  • High Valley Cheese where small batch cheesemakers show respect to traditions established over thousands of years by using their hands to develop an individual feel for the product. It is this technique which provides the difference to our handmade artisan cheese. Enjoy a complimentary tasting. This boutique factory is powered by renewable energy.
  

Dunns Swamp - Ganguddy (176km return)

Drive to Kandos Museum. Included in your entry fee is a tour of the Museum and Morning Tea with scones. The museum is a community run permanent home for a collection of stories, objects and photographs that bring this history to life.

 

Dunns Swamp or Ganguddy. Stunning World Heritage area at Dunns Swamp-Ganguddy is a beautiful, serene waterway on the Cudgegong River in Wollemi National Park. The waterway was created when Kandos Weir was built in the late 1920’s. Some members may enjoy a walk-up Pagoda Lookout, 2.5km return 1hr Grade3. The walking track is a short but steep walk with incredible views over ancient pagoda rock formations. BYO lunch in the picnic area. There is no potable water at Dunns Swamp – Ganguddy.

Drive back to Rylstone for a quick stop then back to AREC via Capertee along the Castlereagh Hwy, passing Lake Windamere on the way.

 

Glen Davis Shale Factory (229km return)

  • Drive to the township of Rylstone where we stop for morning tea at the shops and pick up lunch if required.
  • Drive onto Glen Davis Park for BYO lunch. Meet up with our tour guide & drive to the ruins of the Shale Factory for a 2hr historic tour. The Glen Davis Shale Oil Works was a major, short lived (1940 – 1952) WW11 era plant created for national defense to produce petrol from shale. It featured a township of 2500 people, but it was closed due to declining shale supply. Drive back along the Castlereagh Hwy to AREC via Capertee and pass Lake Windamere.
  

 

The ACC Pulse

April 2026

Board News

  • The Board has approved the amended draft Branch Operation Procedures. These have now been emailed to all branch secretaries for comment. It has been requested that any comments be returned by the beginning of May.
  • As we are all experiencing the impact of the increase in fuel pricing, we have seen branches canceling upcoming Musters. We all hope that this situation will not be with us for long.
  • Over the past months Mr Tudor and I have been working though our membership, with the assistance of the branches, contacting those members that are long overdue. 
  • New Way Media will be working with the ACC Bushrangers at their Melville Muster at the end of April. This will show a different side of the ACC with freedom camping being on the agenda.
  • The current membership stands at 1238 units.  

Member Benefits

  • The RV Park of the Month is 

Warrawong on the Darling
25719 - 25721 Barrier Highway, Wilcannia. NSW 2836
Ring Kylee on 0437 010 105. The park provides Club Members with a 10% discount on presentation of our membership card. 

Branch Activities

  • ACC East Gippsland Roadrunners 10th Anniversary
 

The East Gippsland Roadrunners Branch was formed in 2016, and we are proud to say that four of our original members are still actively involved today.
 In February this year, we celebrated our 10th anniversary with a well-attended muster at Lakes     Entrance. Around 30 members joined us for this auspicious occasion, making it a truly memorable weekend.
Members arrived in their own time over Thursday and Friday, and the muster officially swung into action with Happy Hour on Friday evening. This was followed by a relaxed “cook-your-own” dinner in the camp kitchen, giving everyone a chance to catch up and ease into the weekend.
 

Saturday morning began with our traditional branch Egg and Bacon Muffins, cooked and enjoyed together in the camp kitchen - always a crowd favourite.

We then headed to Footbridge Mini Golf, which proved to be a fantastic venue full of fun and entertainment. The course features a wide variety of imaginative and challenging holes. Highlights included sections where compressed air shoots your ball high above your head into long stainless-steel channels and rails that twist and turn in all directions. The ball often splits into different pathways before making its way down in various ways, such as zigzagging in front of a waterfall or spiralling down a wire frame. It was an incredibly entertaining experience, something quite unique and not often seen elsewhere.

Kathryn won the indoor event with the lowest mini golf score, while Rob Hicks took out the outdoor event.

Afterwards, members had free time for lunch and to enjoy other activities of their choice

.At 4:00 pm we held our branch meeting, followed by another enjoyable Happy Hour. During this time,  Dennis Carstairs gave a brief and engaging history of the branch, reflecting fun and interesting times over the past decade. Dinner that evening was enjoyed together at the local bowls club, rounding off a wonderful day
 

Sunday morning saw preparations for our grand celebratory lunch marking this special milestone of the branch’s 10th anniversary. We shared a generous spread of cold meats and salads, and finishing with a special Anniversary Cake to commemorate the milestone.

It was a fantastic weekend of friendship, fun, and reflection — a fitting celebration of ten successful years for the East Gippsland Roadrunners Branch.

 

  • A big thank you to Ron McGrice would collates all the expense sheets that are completed by the branches. For 2025 the total expenditure from the branches was $725,283.
    Caravan Parks = $157,818             Tourism = $48,795
    Budget Camping= $23,854            Miscellaneous=$79,374 
    Groceries = $130,565                    Fuel = $125,388
    Eating Out = $132, 395                 RV Maintenance = $27,094
    Total = $725,283
    No. of days = 594
    Cost per day = $122.10

Industry News

  • Zone RV is set to be sold to Adventure Zone RV Pty Ltd, a company associated with Jamie Johnson of Essential Caravans and design RV. The administrators Cor Cordis has received a deposit and completion of the sales is scheduled for the 6 March.
    Since the start of the administration, 41 caravans have been delivered, with a further two planned for delivery before the handover.
  • Dr Regina, a former CSIRO principal research scientist, was the head of a team that created the new high fibre produce from concept to commercialization. She said “resistant starch was known to improve digestive and bowel health because it avoided digestion in the stomach and the small intestine. 
    As it travels to the end of the large intestine to feed good bacteria, it releases glucose more slowly into the bloodstream.
    “The lower glycaemic index or GI of high-amylose wheat products can help reduce the impact of type 2 diabetes,” said Dr Howitt.
    About $2 billion a year is spent on just medication and medical costs for type 2 diabetes, and it’s estimated that 58 per cent of people with type 2 cases could be prevented with lifestyle rectification. Dr Howitt also said, “this grain also helped protect from Colorectal or bowel cancer, which claims 5.000 Australian liver each year. 

Queensland State Muster

  • NEW DATES 21ST – 27TH JUNE 2026
  • Bundaberg Recreational Precinct, University Drive, Branyan QLD 4670

A visit to a working Cane farm             River Cruise
Bundaberg Botanical Gardens              Macadamia Australia Orchard Tour
Kalki Moon Distillery                              Hinker Hall of Aviation 

For any questions, contact the following:

  • Tom Smith – 0429 870 823
  • Diane Pugh – 0409 270 513
  • Frank Casey – 0418 573 292 

The Chairman's Muster

When: 11 – 15 September 2026
Where: Lake Albert Caravan Park, 25 Narrung Rd, Meningie
Contact Number: Ph: 08 08 8575 1411
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2026 National Muster Mudgee - 11 - 18th October 2026

The Australian Rural Educational Centre (AREC), 267 Ulan Road, Bombira NSW 2850.

  • The Charity for the Muster will be BlazeAid with Mr Kevin Butler as the guest speaker.
  • Registrations open on the 1 May 2026 and close on the 31 August 2026.
  • With activities from Tag-a-longs, the Mudgee Observatory, wine tours, Lue Pottery there is something for all. 

 

Where Friendships and Adventure Begin.

Graham Humphreys
Mobile: 0409 126 308
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Chairman and Membership Director

Australian Caravan Club 

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The ACC Pulse

March 2026

Board News

  • The Board approved an Application to form a Branch. The branch was formed from the attendance at the Geelong Outdoor Living & Caravan EXPO. The branch will be known as Bellarine and Beyond.
  • The third edition of the BOP is currently under review by the Board.
  • The Board discussed the media information from New Age Media for 2026.
  • Sourcing a new editor for the Nomad due to Mr John Porter stepping down.
  • Update on Queensland State Muster.
  • CIAA National conference.
  • Membership currently stands at 1265 units.

Member Benefits

  • The RV Park of the Month is 

Grampians Old Man Emu Stay,
3971 Ararat Halls Gap Road, HALLS GAP Vic
Ph: (03) 5311 3701 0r 0427 591 691

Grampians Old Man Emu Park offers a quiet and peaceful 100 acres for fully self-sufficient caravan and motorhome travellers to relax and enjoy the beautiful bushland and scenic views, with the Grampians to the West and the Black Ranges to the East.

MEMBER BENEFITS DEAL: Stay 3 nights and get the 4th night free upon presentation of your ACC Member Card.

  • Business of the Month

R&J Batteries are the business of the month for February. With over 30 years in business, 29 Branches across Australia, and a vast distribution in this area, a network of more than 18,000 stockists, they ensure the very best in battery technology and expert advice is accessible to all in the region. From popular car batteries to specialized batteries and everything in between, their comprehensive product range covers it all. This company knows Batteries and can help with your needs in this area of expertise. Go to our ACC Website and check out their discount offer and details to claim under the Member Benefits RVSave tabs.

  • The Member Benefits program connects businesses with our members, offering discounts to members and boosting business foot traffic. Please help by recommending RVSTAY and RVSAVE businesses so Frank can discuss the program with them aiming at increasing benefits for you the Club Members. 
  • Frank welcomes your feedback – positive or negative – about the Member Benefits, as all responses help improve the program. Suggestions for new Accommodation or Businesses to join as a Member Benefit Provider are also appreciated. Contact Frank on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Branch Activities

  • What is the standout Muster for your branch in 2026?
  • The ACC Golden Westerners Tag-a-long, the Murray Meander will certainly be an adventure.  Commencing in Khancoban and finishing in Meningie.
  • The Eastern Gippsland Roadrunners recently celebrated their 10th anniversary, watch out for the report in the next edition of The ACC Pulse. Congratulations to the branch on such a significant achievement.

Industry News

  • NRMA Parks have started to add the cost of pets to the camping fee. While they acknowledge that many travel with their furry friends there is also a cost associated with them staying in the park or a cabin. Make sure you ask if you travel with your pets, before booking at an NRMA park.
  • Does the Caravan Industry face the reality after the Pandemic Boom? Is the boom over and are sales sliding? We all remember the difficulties in purchasing a caravan/motorhome over the COVID period with record sales and long lead times. 
    However, with travel returning to the norm, and the economic pressures, the industry is facing a difficult landscape.
    The shift has become increasingly clear, with several caravan manufactures having collapsed or entering administration, remember Zone RV. Many in the market see this as a broader market correction rather than isolated failures.
    For the first time in 2025 Chinese imports outsold Australian manufactured caravans.
  • South Australian Park goes adults only. The Murray Bridge Tourist Park has gone adults only (18+) targeting couples, solo travellers and long-stay visitors looking for a more peaceful park environment. The adult only policy applies across the entire park, including caravans, motorhomes and cabin accommodation.
    For many travellers, particularly grey nomads, couples and long-term tourers, noise levels, site layout and overnight atmosphere play an important role when choosing where to stay. The owners have noticed a strong demand for the park. Is this a growing trend?
  • Tasmania’s Central Coast introduces camping fees from February 2026.
    Travellers using council managed freedom camping areas on Tasmania’s Central Coast will need to pay Central Coast Council $15 per night camping fees. 
    The change affects several well-known freedom camping locations on the Northwest Coast. The council has said the permit system has been introduced to help manage camping demand, support maintenance and upgrades at the sites. The sites impacted are:

Forth Recreation Ground, Midway Point (Sulphur Creek), Bannons Park/Bannons Bridge (Gunns Plains).

Permits can be purchased via the Central Coast Council website or from the Ulverstone and Penguin Visitor Information Centre. 
The Central Coast Council decision follows similar moves in other parts of Australia, as councils review how free and low-cost camping areas are managed in response to growing visitor numbers and site impacts.

  • NSW MEMBERS ONLY – DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE sign.

As usual Australia cannot have a consistent regulation across every State. The “Do Not OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE” sign now needs to be 400mm x 150mm with the letter size being 50mm in height. The sign is to be 50mm from the edge of the vehicle and between 400mm and 2000mm from the ground.

Queensland State Muster

The Queensland State Muster has had a date change to the 21st to 27th June 2026. The change of date was due to a double booking of the showground as the original booking did not provide sufficient water hook-ups. Tom, Dianne and Frank apologise for this necessary change, and any inconvenience this may have caused.
For any questions, contact the following:
Tom Smith – 0429 870 823
Diane Pugh – 0409 270 513
Frank Casey – 0418 573 292 

The Chairman's Muster

  • The Darling River Run has been filled with members joining from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
  • During September I will be meeting with the South Australian Branches in Meningie, at the Lake Albert Caravan Park, 25 Narrung Rd, Meningie 5264 from the 11th to 15th September 2026.

ACC Bellarine and Beyond.

The new branch became a dream after attending the Geelong Outdoor Living & Caravan Expo. A very special thank you to Joan & Geoff Brumby and their team, as they jumped at the offer to man the stand. With our updated marketing material, the stand certainly stood out from the crowd. The team worked each day of the Expo signing up new members and speaking to many people about the advantages of joining the Australian Caravan Club.\

  • Following the Geelong Expo, a meeting of potential members was called on the 6th February 2026. Joan was provided with a list of ACC Members that did not belong to any branch. Leading up to the luncheon, we were processing many new applications for membership and to Join a Branch, and this continued for some time.  The luncheon was held with 24 people in attendance and with many items discussed, including a branch logo, the branch is off to a flying start.
  • Joan mentioned that many of the new members, for the first time, were able to wear their ACC Name Tags, and how proud they were.
  • As Joan has said, the Australian Caravan Club has a lot to offer the travelling public, you just have to tell the story and they will come. 

 

Where Friendships and Adventure Begin.

Graham Humphreys
Mobile: 0409 126 308
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Chairman and Membership Director

Australian Caravan Club 

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