The ultimate showroom: 2026 Sydney National 4×4 Outdoors Show

Planning a big lap? Thinking about upgrading the van? Or just trying to figure out what setup actually works for your family before dropping serious money?

The 2026 National 4×4 Outdoors Show is returning to Sydney Showground from 12-14 June, bringing together caravans, campers, 4WD gear, touring tech and off-grid setups all in one spot.

There’s probably no easier way to compare layouts, towing setups and gear. Instead of spending weeks driving between dealerships, your whole family can walk through dozens of the latest off-road campers and caravans in a single afternoon.

Better yet, first-release tickets are currently just $22, with kids under 16 entering free.

Event facts for families

Compare caravans and hybrids side-by-side

One of the biggest challenges for families is finding the right layout. Do you need those extra bunk beds for the kids, or would a more compact hybrid setup suit your tow vehicle better? These are the questions that are really hard to answer from a brochure, but very easy to answer when you’re standing inside the van itself.

At the Sydney show, you’ll find industry leaders showcasing their full 2026 ranges side by side, giving you the chance to test out club lounges, kitchen configurations, and storage solutions for yourself. Take your time, open every cupboard, and let the kids try out the bunks.

Some layouts look brilliant online… right up until you try squeezing past each other near the kitchen or realise the kids have nowhere to dump their gear. That’s why physically walking through vans is important.

Learn from the experts

Setting up your caravan for extended off-grid travel can feel a little overwhelming at first – solar panels, lithium batteries, inverters, communications gear, tyre pressures and more. There’s a lot to get your head around, and the stakes feel high when you’re talking about months on the road with the family.

That’s exactly what makes the “Gear up and Go” stage such a highlight. Hosted by the Girls Day Out 4WD Edition team, it’s an interactive, no-pressure space where you can learn practical knowledge from the experts.

Live recovery and safety demonstrations

Knowing your family is prepared for the unexpected is everything when you’re heading somewhere remote. New for 2026, the MadMates team will be running live demonstrations covering safe recovery techniques, including how to manage a vehicle rollover calmly and correctly.

Most of us hope we never need recovery training, but if you travel remotely long enough, something will eventually go sideways. Seeing proper techniques demonstrated in person is the sort of knowledge that sticks with you far more than a YouTube video does.

Keeping the kids happy (for free!)

We love that this show is so genuinely family-friendly. With kids under 16 entering completely free, a day at Sydney Showground is one of the more affordable family outings you’ll find this June.

The Wildlife Shows are a big hit with families. Watch a reptile show, learn some important information that may save your life one day, and have your photo taken with one of the reptiles. Don’t worry – they’re friendly!

It’s a rare thing to find a weekend event where everyone in the family comes away excited. This one manages it.

Worth going even if you’re “just looking”

The Brisbane show earlier this year pulled massive crowds, and Sydney is shaping up to be one of the biggest touring and camping events on the NSW calendar.

If you’ve been putting off upgrading the setup, researching hybrids, or trying to understand the latest lithium and off-grid gear, this is the sort of event where you can knock over weeks of research in a single day.

First-release tickets are limited, so it’s worth jumping in early before prices move up.