Ditching the big rig: why Aussies are swapping caravans for 'stealth' campervans

While giant towed caravans dominate Australian highways, savvy grey nomads are finding that smaller, stealthier vehicles can offer far greater freedom.

Nick and Therese Bikeman explored Australia the hard way for years, pedalling their bicycles on endless highways and pitching lightweight tents in the rain, but the comfort of campervan-living was too tempting.

COVID-19 lockdowns caused plans to shift, and in late 2020 the couple made a "reckless purchase", buying a brand-new Volkswagen campervan for $100,000 after decades of minimalist camping.

"If I had to nominate one thing that makes me smile every time we go camping, it's the double bed and versatility," Bikeman said.

"No need to unhitch the caravan or trailer, or set up a tent in the rain.

"Just park up, fold out the bed and snuggle up."

Their "stealthy" compact van is easier to manoeuvre than a towed caravan, and it even has dark tinting so it passes as the type of vehicle driven by a tradesperson.

The Bikeman's preference for a compact and agile van isn't just about convenience, it's a response to a growing number of big camping rigs on the road.

Caravan and campervan registration across the country reached nearly 938,000 in 2025, an increase of 32 per cent since 2019.

And the vans are being put to use: Australians took a record 17.3 million caravan and camping trips in 2025, according to Tourism Research Australia.

"I have noticed a trend these last few years of people downsizing from large caravans to campervans or motorhomes because of their versatility, and ability to camp up in more places discreetly," Bikeman said.

"With so many people out on the road, caravan parks are often booked out especially in popular places in peak season.

"In a little van, free camping is always a possibility, no need to book ahead or stick to a particular plan."

Budget holidays matter more than ever, with 90 per cent of older Australians reporting that holidays are getting more expensive and trickier to budget for, according to the Australian Seniors Grey Gap Year report in 2025.

The Bikeman's self-contained van gets more than 1000 kilometres to a tank, making long distance touring economical.

"I appreciate a smaller campervan isn't for everyone but there's a huge thriving 'Van life' community out there living life on their own terms," Bikeman said.

"[This means] single older women, couples, families and those that have been priced out of the housing market can live a safe dignified life of travel and freedom."