Australia's largest campervan rally to wind its way to the Western Downs in 2023

The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia has announced their 2023 annual rally will be held in Dalby, an event which is set to attract up to 600 recreational vehicles to the region.

The CMCA is the largest recreational vehicle enthusiasts club in Australia, with approximately 70,000 members around the country. Each year the club's most anticipated event, the annual rally, is held in a new part of the country, with members travelling great distances to enjoy the social event and experience the best of the host region.

Dalby's selection as the location of the 2023 rally marks the first time the CMCA has brought the annual rally to the Western Downs. The entire region is set to benefit with CMCA members encouraged to spend time travelling throughout the Western Downs before and after the rally event.

Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Events and Regional Promotion, Cr Kylie Bourne, said that the CMCA rally will be an amazing opportunity to showcase the many active, vibrant communities and natural wonders that the Western Downs has to offer.

"There is so much to see and do in the Western Downs. Like the CMCA, we are also passionate about the great outdoors, enjoying the best of modern amenities combined with a rich local history and of course, the very best of country hospitality. Hosting the CMCA rally in Dalby is a natural fit,' said Cr Bourne.

'On the Western Downs we enjoy an enviable country lifestyle, and Council is committed to proactively advancing our region as a tourist destination, to share the wonderful Western Downs with the world and benefit our whole region through touring and spending locally.

'We're not just the ‘Home of Festivals’, like the upcoming Big Skies Festival and Chinchilla Melon Festival, we also boast the majestic Bunya Mountains and newly renovated, top-class camping facilities in beautiful locations like Tara Lagoon, Caliguel Lagoon, and Chinchilla Weir. This will be one of the biggest and best CMCA rallies, and we know that the members of the CMCA will be amazed by our beautiful part of the country and ‘the people that make it’. We're sure that our visitors will have such a good time that they will be eager to extend their stay and visit region again.'

These sentiments were echoed by Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry Operations Manager, Cara Hawkey.

'We are thrilled to welcome the CMCA rally to Dalby. Aside from elevating our town on the national stage, it will also have a strong economic impact in our community. The rally will build awareness of our unique culture and identity, and introduce visitors to our great community spirit' said Ms Hawkey.

'The Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry will work closely with the CMCA and Council to promote the goods and services offered by our fantastic Dalby businesses. We recognise that the influx of visitors from outside the region will be a huge opportunity, and we want to get our local suppliers involved in as many ways as we can. I'm looking forward to seeing the community welcome our guests next year.'

CMCA CEO, Richard Barwick, said that they were excited to bring the rally to Dalby in 2023, and estimate that the event will attract around 600 vehicles, and over 1,000 people to the region.

‘The rally is always a great get together - people really look forward it. Not only is it an opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie and friendship of other CMCA members, but also the chance to do what we love most - see Australia,’ said Mr Barwick.

‘For our members, it's as much about the journey as the destination. People come to explore and enjoy what the region has to offer, and that was a big part of the appeal of selecting the Western Downs as our rally destination.

‘Our rallies are both informative and fun. It's a members' only event encompassing exhibits and tradeshows, craft and dance lessons, competitions, and music. Of course, we always love to spend time with the locals, so we will be hosting a Community Open Day with market stalls, entertainment, and the opportunity for locals to find out more about the CMCA and what we do.'

Council's Tourism Team will be working closely with the CMCA to promote a range of tourism activities and attractions across the region to coincide with the rally, which will be based at the Dalby Showgrounds from 9th to the 16th of October 2023.

For more information contact Council on 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624).