Maximised storage and functionality – this family caravan is custom-built to travel Australia.

This family caravan with bunks had to be prepared for travelling Australia’s sometimes surprising terrain and allow for comfortable off-grid camping for lengthy periods.

Ami and Stephen are embarking on an indefinite journey around Australia in their family Great Escape Caravan.  Homeschooling the three kids aged 11, 9 and 6 while sharing the space with their much-loved cat Lily. 

Family caravan with three bunks – custom interior setup.

Inside the caravan, every space had to be well planned, with Ami working closely with Jason, Anthony and Chantel at Great Escape Caravans Melbourne HQ to design much of the interior herself. 

Storage and practicality are significant aspects in ensuring everyone has what they need to explore, learn and enjoy their time on the road, with Stephen fitting out their tow vehicle, a Fuso Canter Truck with a canopy fitout and MW Manufacturing toolboxes giving the family an excellent base for stops along the way and easy access to all they need. 

Inside their family caravan, Ami ensured the daily duties would be simple to do, leaving no wasted time. Quick access to kitchen utensils and laundry (plenty of it with three kids) could be quickly dealt with, with adventuring and homeschooling as the high priorities each day at camp.

This custom caravan was fitted with an inside laundry chute from the bathroom, leading to the outside opening laundry space.  Chute, washing machine and the Vendline Wall Mounted Folding Drying Rack added on pick up, ensuring laundry was no big deal. 

In the kitchen and bathroom, each space is filled with additional cupboards, storage purpose-built for appliances and utensils, making bathing, cooking and daily tasks possible, even with a caravan full of kiddos! 

Internal inclusions that make this custom caravan something special include:

• Full-height pantry
• Coffee machine slide with power outlet
• Dishwasher with added storage underneath
• Pull out bin 
• Collapsible kitchen table (leg provided by Ami and Stephen)
• An additional 30mm width to each bunk
• Window and privacy curtains to each bunk
• Sirroco fans throughout
• Under fridge storage
• External laundry with collapsible drying rack
• USB ports throughout 

Sleep spaces were a priority for everyone when Stephen and Ami began planning their Australian caravanning adventure with the kids. With three growing boys, the bunk spaces had to have plenty of room for each to have a relaxing space, and maximised storage for the all-weather clothing we need in Australia (beautiful one day, a mixed bag the next!). 

The family chose a custom three-bunk layout with two bunks on one side, and one bunk with nine under-bed storage drawers (and the laundry) underneath. 

Each sleep space has a window for natural light, curtains on the window and the individual bunk. An extra 30mm in width was added to each bunk, making the beds suited to growing boys and the added concertina doors provide privacy and a cosy sleep space. 

Lily the cat even has her own sleep space under the main bed, with the ability to add a cat door down the track if needed – everyone was considered during the design phase. 

Mum and Dad, their parents retreat, well-equipped with lift-top bedhead storage in the east-west bed, windows for natural light and maximum floor space beside the bed; the internal step well was removed. 

By removing the internal step well, all internal floor space can be utilised, and entering and exiting the caravan can be made safe by simply adding another step to the exterior. It’s these small details that add to the sleekness and neatness of the caravan’s interior.