The sun shone down on Shepparton Showgrounds across the weekend, providing the adventurous types the perfect encouragement to buy up big at The Great Outdoor and 4 x 4 Expo.
The expo, held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, offered people a range of fishing, camping, four-wheel driving and caravanning products and advice, along with activities related to the outdoor lifestyle.
Expo managing director Rod Lockwood said since coming out of COVID-19 lockdowns the sector had experienced significant growth as people turned to Australian-based driving holidays.
“With the difficulties of travelling internationally and even interstate with air travel, people have really embraced Australia as their home destination,” he said.
“Hitting the road with the right equipment is much easier than it used to be, people have really embraced it and what’s really good is that a lot of younger families are doing it, it’s not just the superannuated people.
“The industry is growing and it’s great to see.”
Mr Lockwood said Shepparton’s weather had helped keep the turnstiles going round.
“We’ve been blessed with the weather and the crowds have been fantastic,” he said.
“We’re really happy.
“The exhibitors are thrilled.
“Lots of people have come here to buy or do their homework and it’s been a terrific show and Shepparton’s really embraced this event.
“So we’re very happy here, the showgrounds are terrific and it’s a great community.”
Mr Lockwood said the expo would provide a welcome economic boost to the city with many customers and exhibitors travelling from other regions to attend.
“We’ve even got exhibitors from Queensland,’’ he said.
“So for the economy, tourism especially, a lot of the exhibitors are advertising in Melbourne and we’re finding, through the gates, people are having a day trip or getting into the restaurants and they’re making a weekend of it.
“These exhibitors, they also spend a lot of money while they’re here.
“We’ve been out in the restaurants and pubs at night and they’re all there.
“So it’s (the expo) doing its job.”