Thousands of RV travellers will gather in Bundaberg as the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia marks its 40th anniversary with an eight-day National Rally featuring entertainment, seminars, markets and community celebrations.
What started in 1986 with a family conversation inside a VW Kombi has grown into one of Australia’s largest RV communities and this year, the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) is marking 40 years with a milestone National Rally in Bundaberg.
CMCA National Rally Manager Judy Forster said the club was formed by Erica and Don Whitworth and their family in Tweed Heads, with a simple idea inspired by a love of travel and connection.
“Who could imagine that 40 years later there are over 60,000 members in the CMCA,” she said.
The National Rally, first held in 1987, has become the club’s signature event - a place where thousands of members come together not just for activities, but for friendship, shared experiences and a sense of belonging on the road.
Judy said that’s really what the rally was all about.
WHAT’S A NATIONAL RALLY ALL ABOUT?
“It’s an opportunity for members to catch up with old friends and make new ones. There’s a real camaraderie - especially at Happy Hour,” she said.
Now held once a year, the rally also incorporates CMCA’s Annual General Meeting and has evolved into an eight-day program packed with activities, entertainment, seminars and social events.
Across the site, around 230 volunteers help bring the event to life - coordinating everything from catering and administration to dog sitting, first aid, transport buses, maintenance, security and information hubs.
“Without them, it simply wouldn’t happen,” Judy said.
During the day, attendees can take part in craft sessions, yoga, line dancing, rock and roll lessons, ukulele, and disc bowls, alongside seminars covering travel planning and life on the road. Tours and shuttle buses also run throughout the event, helping members explore Bundaberg and the surrounding region.
At night, entertainment takes centre stage, with live music, themed performances, and the popular Rally Ball, which this year features an “Aussie Icons” theme.
Food courts, a busy trade hall and on-site services (including dog sitting) add to the relaxed, self-contained nature of the rally.
Judy said there was also a strong focus on community impact. She said CMCA members travelling across Australia contribute an estimated $1.5 to $2 million into host towns during rally periods, while supporting a range of charities including the McGrath Foundation, Rotary, Lions, QCWA, Red Collar Animal Rescue and others.
One of the highlights of this year’s event will be a special opening night parade on Saturday 10 October, honouring CMCA founders Erica, Don and their family. The procession will feature a VW Kombi - a nod to the club’s beginnings - along with the Bundaberg Municipal Band and chapter banners.
“It started with a VW Kombi and a golf cart, and now it’s a full parade,” Judy said.
The rally will also open to the public for Market Day on Saturday 10 October, inviting locals to experience RV life and connect with the travelling community.
An array of seminars are available from trip planning to health on the road. REGISTRATION STILL AVAILABLE
Registration is available via the CMCA website, with a special discounted 40th anniversary registration fee of $50 per person covering most activities, entertainment, seminars and transport.
For Judy, the milestone is both professional and personal.
“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone enjoy what we’ve put together,” she said. “It’s a great celebration of community.”
Find more information about the rally here.
RVs of all types gather together for the week long event.
