Ok which part

John thank you for clarification. Neither Viscount or Jayco models to have bathrooms in smaller vans.  Also no double glazing on windows or hard top pop up section.  If I have missed a model would appreciate a pointer.  We won't be cooking more than a wok outside or a microwave hence why not concerned re the kitchen which appears to be in most Aussie vans.  Retirement is a ways off, so this is the week-ender.  Thx

Just bought a new van. Listed all my pre-requisites and eventually came up with a Jurgens (which I bought) and a Swift (brand name, not a Jayco model). Everyone said Jurgens are expensive but it turned out to be no more expensive than the closest Jayco - and much, much lighter (one of my pre-requisites).

Jurgens is a South African Company that assembles vans just outside Melbourne. South Africans have similar requirements to Australians when it come to vans.

Swift is a UK company that makes a range that is engineered specifically for Australia. Specs are impressive. They also market their Euro vans here too. Euro vans are made to tour on smooth roads (our major highways) and stay in van parks. They are not all built for free-camping. Also, the RACV would not insure a fully imported van because of parts availability when repaired under insurance.

Hi thanks for the information.

If we were going to buy a slightly bigger van the Swift already has our vote. It is taller than the Bailey and has all of the internals that we like. We saw the Jurgens at the Caravan show week before last and were impressed. If we take to caravans we will buy a slightly bigger car (but not much), buy the bigger van with the European annex and enjoy.

I might have misled the forum - this van will never go away from the highway or van parks. When I said between Brisbane and Kingscliff I didn't mean literally. That is the only drive it will do apart from up the highway to the Coolum or Noosa caravan park.

This is a bedroom on wheels that is going to beach at the caravan park on the week-end. No camping, toast and tea, with the odd wok outside at best (my cooking has never been worthy of much more). A good bed, air con, beer fridge, sink and private facilities are the only necessities. Most nights will be at restaurants behind the park in Kingscliff or Pottsville. I know it isn't what everyone is looking for when they hit the road, which is why I was hoping to find information on one of the forums.

I really appreciate all of the feedback though and completely understand why no-one in their right mind would buy a European van and try any camping trails or offroad experiences. If there any Australian vans that are bedrooms on wheels with a bathroom, no kitchen, but a fridge that are lightweight and purely for the highway and parks, I would buy them in a shot. After 3 months of research the only one I have found that has even come close is an Infinity Gazelle that has a toilet and would need half the kitchen bench and the dinette removed for the right bed and a shower. Still no double glazed windows or hard pop top though and pretty average on interior.

Moving past the van though any suggestions on the storage?

This van company www.ansuleisure.com.au imports vans and brings the electricity & gas up to Australian regulations. Their ads used mention all the upgrades that had been done but they don't these days. You maybe able to find a another dealer who does the same thing but lists what has been upgraded. From the upgrades required, you could probably work out how much it's going to cost. Also, you probably need to check out what's required for a RWC for an imported caravan.