Caravans, boats and fishing: Adelaide’s 4WD show has more than you think

Shopping for a caravan or dreaming of a campsite near the water? Here’s where to find the vans, boating displays and fishing action at the Adelaide 4WD & Adventure Show.

A good campsite, a comfortable van and somewhere nearby to throw in a line. For plenty of us, that’s a holiday sorted. And it’s a pretty good reason to put the Adelaide 4WD & Adventure Show on the calendar, even if a new bullbar is nowhere on your shopping list.

Running from 23 to 25 October 2026 at Adelaide Showground, the event combines the Adelaide 4WD & Adventure Show with the Club Marine SA Boat & Fishing Show. You could spend the morning comparing caravan layouts, catch a fishing demonstration after lunch and head home with a few ideas for your next waterside escape.

Start with the caravans and campers

There’s a difference between liking a caravan in a photo and imagining yourself living in it for three wet days. Shows give you a chance to get past the glossy pictures and work out what actually suits you.

For a starting point, head to the outdoor displays around Hamilton Boulevard. The published map lists Stoney Creek Campers at H1 and H1a, Ezytrail at H2, Bushtracker at H26, MDC at H30 and Kokoda at H44. Over in the Goyder Pavilion, look for Cameron Caravans at G5, G6 and G7, and Great Southern RV / Avida Adelaide at G3. The latter’s exhibitor listing includes Avida motorhomes and campervans.

Download the show map and exhibitor list before you go and mark a few priorities. The RV displays are spread across the grounds, so a little planning will save your feet.

Then take your time with the practical stuff. Can you reach the overhead cupboards? Is there room to get dressed without elbowing your travelling companion? Where would the fishing rods go?

Ask what’s included in the displayed price and how much carrying capacity remains for your own gear. Those answers will matter long after the excitement of a new van wears off.

Make your way to the boating and fishing displays

If your favourite road trips follow the coast or finish beside a river, allow time for the marine side of the show.

The map places Pelican Marine at J10, Yamaha Pitmans at J21 and Christies Beach Marine at J2 inside the Jubilee Pavilion. For fishing exhibitors, Lure Lifestyle is listed at JB14 and PIRSA Fishcare Volunteers at JB20.

It’s an opportunity to ask questions about the gear and boating options you’ve been considering. Think about how it would fit into your existing touring setup, where you’d store it and how often you’d actually use it.

Pull up for a fishing demonstration

Head to the Fishing Stage at J1 in the Jubilee Pavilion for sessions covering everything from preparing your catch to buying a boat. Greg James runs fish-filleting demonstrations at 11.30am Friday and 10am Saturday and Sunday, plus Tackle Talk at 2.30pm daily. Al McGlashan takes the stage at 11am and 2pm each day.

There are also Kimberley fishing sessions with Owen Douglas and the Barra King at 10.30am and 1pm daily, and a boat-buying panel at 1.30pm.

Pick a session before you start browsing and plan your wander around it. It’s easy to lose track of time once you start opening caravan cupboards.

Let the kids have a go, too

The free Recfish SA Fishing Simulator gives the family a chance to test their skills with a virtual catch. Look for Recfish SA at FZ12 on the map. It could also settle a few claims about who the best angler in the family really is.

Plan a day around your next trip

You don’t need to be shopping for a new vehicle to find a reason to visit. A caravan to compare, a boating question to answer or a fishing demonstration to catch is enough to build a day around.

The Adelaide 4WD & Adventure Show runs from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October 2026, with gates open from 9am to 5pm daily. Your ticket also includes entry to the Club Marine SA Boat & Fishing Show.

For more on the other attractions, read our caravanner’s guide to the Adelaide 4WD & Adventure Show.

Exhibitor locations and stage schedules are subject to change. Check the show website before visiting.

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