Looking for a pop top caravan here in Australia?
Pop top caravans are everywhere here in Australia. And there’s good reason; they’re a great touring caravan, you have loads of options for size and layout, they are available in off road models and they have all the creature comforts of any other caravan.
In this post, as per usual, I’m only looking at NEW pop top caravans that sleep at least two people, have a shower and toilet (wet bath is fine) and cooking facilities inside the caravan.
You’ll find loads of hybrid caravans now available and most of them (70%) are pop-tops. I’ve got quite a lot of posts about hybrid caravans, so in this one, I’m going to try and stick to pop-top caravans that aren’t classed as a hybrid.
Let’s see how we go.
- Looking for a pop top caravan here in Australia?
- How does a pop top caravan work?
- How high is a pop top caravan?
- Are pop top caravans good?
- What is the best pop top caravan to buy?
- All the caravans in Australia
- 10 awesome pop top caravans
- Looking for other 'small' RV options?
- All the new caravans in Australia on 1 spreadsheet
How does a pop top caravan work?
In case you’ve never seem them before, a pop-top caravan is just like any other caravan except that the roof is lowered for travel, and then ‘popped up’ when you set up camp.
This means that the top section of the walls (approx 400-500mm) is made of canvas.
A picture explains it all:
For my North American friends, you may know it as a Garagable Unit (GU).
How high is a pop top caravan?
When set up, a pop top caravan is the same height as any other caravan. But with these roof down, it’s 300-500mm shorter.
This makes them an excellent choice for those people that have a garage or carport where they’re planning to store their caravan. A pop top means that it’s more likely to fit in the space.
Are pop top caravans good?
Yes.
Why are they good?
Well, I’ve mentioned the fact that being able to lower the roof when not in use means that you can store the caravan in carport or garage.
The lower height profile is also good while travelling as there is less wind resistance.
Some cons about the pop top?
In windy weather, the canvas can flap a bit. It’s not as bad as sleeping in a tent, but it can flap a bit.
And in cold weather, you don’t have insulated walls protecting the top section of your space. You can get insulated canvas for some pop-tops though.
And storage space. You lose a fair bit of storage space as your overhead cabinets can not be as big, nor your caravan wardrobe as tall.
What is the best pop top caravan to buy?
Ahh, the $70k question!
I’ve tried to find the prices for each of these pop tops, but sometimes they’re hard to find.
So I highly recommend that you have a look at what brands you like, and then reach out to your local dealer for more information and prices.
All the caravans in Australia
Before we get to the selection of caravans in this post, I wanted to let you know about this spreadsheet that I’ve put together.
If you’re serious about finding the perfect caravan but need some help narrowing down your choices, we’ve put together a spreadsheet of all the caravans you can buy new in Australia, so you can filter and sort to find the perfect pop top caravan for you and your family.
I’ve included the Make, Model, Length, Number of people it sleeps, Base Price (where listed) and other notes like whether it’s off road, includes a bathroom, tanks, power and more.
10 awesome pop top caravans
Okay, let’s take a look at some of the best pop top caravans to buy here in Australia. These one’s all have a bathroom.
In no particular order:
Jayco pop top caravans
The Jayco Expanda is one of those caravans that almost everyone in Australia recognises — and for good reason.
Its party trick is the fold-out beds, which let a relatively compact pop top sleep anywhere from four to eight people without needing bunks or a massive body length. That makes it especially appealing for families who want flexibility rather than a fixed layout.
With a low travel height under 2.5 metres, it’s also garage-friendlier than many full-height vans, while still delivering a roomy feel once set up.
Add Jayco’s huge dealer network and strong resale value, and the Expanda remains a safe, popular choice for first-time caravan buyers.
Jayco Expanda Pop Top
Travel Height: 2.495m
Travel Length: 7.19m
Tare: 1,886kg
Sleeps: 4-8
Price from: $70,413
https://www.jayco.com.au/range/pop-tops/expanda-pop-top
Paramount Caravans – Micro Pop Top
The Micro is touted as a great option for single travellers, and I agree. The pop top is compact and light, but still includes everything that I would want in a caravan.
The Micro range includes 10 layouts ranging in body length from 14’6″ to 17’6″ (Approx. 4.42m – 5.33m) with either a queen bed or 2 singles.
The M1 model (the smallest in this range) is all about doing more with less. It’s short, neat, and deliberately designed for couples who want a high-quality build without towing something oversized. At just 6.5 metres in travel length, it’s easy to manoeuvre in caravan parks and much less intimidating on tight roads.
Despite the compact footprint, the Micro still feels considered rather than stripped back.
If you’re chasing simplicity without feeling like you’re “roughing it,” the Micro M1 hits a nice balance.
Paramount Caravans – Micro Pop Top M1
Travel Height: 2.55m
Travel Length: 6.5m
Tare: 1,700kg
Sleeps: 2
https://www.paramountcaravans.com.au/our-range/micro/
Avan 500 Series Pop Top 555-1
Avan has long been known for lightweight caravans, and the Aspire 555-1 continues that tradition nicely. With a tare under 1,500kg, it’s one of the more tow-friendly pop tops in this lineup, opening the door for smaller tow vehicles and more relaxed highway driving.
What makes this model appealing is its no-nonsense approach. It’s designed for couples who want something practical, reliable, and easy to live with rather than flashy. The lower travel height also helps with fuel efficiency and storage, making it a strong option for travellers who value simplicity and proven design over luxury extras.
Avan 500 Series Pop Top 555-1
Travel Height: 2.46m
Travel Length: 6.9m
Tare: 1,490kg
ATM: 1,890kg
Sleeps: 2
https://www.avan.com.au/our-range/pop-tops/display/18-aspire-500-series-pop-top
Goldstream RV 1500 Remote Series
The Goldstream 1500 Remote Series is where pop-top convenience meets genuine off-road intent. Built with tougher tracks in mind, this model suits travellers who want to explore beyond sealed roads without stepping up to a full off-road full-height caravan.
Goldstream’s long history in Australian conditions shows through in the chassis and suspension choices, and the higher ATM gives you more payload flexibility for longer trips.
It’s still a pop top at heart — keeping overall height manageable — but it’s clearly aimed at couples who plan to spend plenty of time away from powered sites and busy caravan parks.
Goldstream RV 1500 Remote Series
Travel Height: 2.5m
Travel Length: 6.8m
Tare: 1,700kg
ATM: 2,300kg
Sleeps: 2
https://www.goldstreamrv.com.au/rvs/1500-remote-1500 Remote Series – Goldstream RVseries/
Golf Savannah Pop Top 499
The Golf Savannah range is a popular little caravan, and while most of their layouts are full height walls, there are 3 layouts that are pop top. The Savannah 402,499 and 563.
I don’t see a lot of these layouts that have the small bathroom right next to the bed, but for some people this layout is probably perfect.
The Golf Savannah 499 sits comfortably in the middle ground between touring comfort and off-road confidence. It’s not trying to be extreme, but it’s also far from delicate, making it well-suited to mixed travel styles that include highways, gravel roads, and national parks.
Golf Savannah Pop Top 499
Travel Height: 2.66m
Travel Length: 6.89m
Tare: 1,700kg
ATM: 2,200kg
Sleeps: 2
https://www.golfcaravans.com.au/caravans/display/8-savannah-range-
Long Haul Campers T-Rex T16 Ensuite
The T-Rex T16 is unapologetically heavy-duty. This is a pop-top caravan built for travellers who want to go remote, stay self-sufficient, and still enjoy an ensuite at the end of the day. Everything about it suggests strength, from the chassis to the suspension and overall stance.
It’s not designed to be light or subtle — and that’s exactly the point. For experienced caravanners with a capable tow vehicle, the T-Rex offers a blend of off-road toughness and pop-top practicality that suits extended off-grid travel rather than quick park-hops.
Long Haul Campers T-Rex T16 Ensuite
Travel Height: 2.6m
Body Length: 6.69m
Tare: 2,390kg
ATM: 2,990kg
Sleeps: 2
Price: from $68,990
https://longhaulcampers.com.au/product/caravan-t-rex-t16-lux/
Dreamseeker Caravans Summit 18’6” RD-Ensuite
This is a pop-top caravan that doesn’t shy away from weight or luxury. The Dreamseeker Summit 18’6” is firmly aimed at buyers who want an ensuite and a premium feel, but still like the lower towing height of a pop top.
With a higher tare and ATM, it’s clearly designed for larger tow vehicles, but in return you get a more residential feel inside. This is the sort of van that appeals to long-term travellers who prioritise comfort and space once parked, and who see the pop-top roof as a practical bonus rather than the main selling point.
Dreamseeker Caravans Summit 18’6” RD-Ensuite
Body Length: 5.64m
Tare: 2,300kg
ATM: 3,000kg
Sleeps: 2
Price: from $79,990
https://dreamseekercaravans.com.au/caravan/summit/
Malibu Caravans Thunder 17’6 – Pop Top
The Malibu Thunder 17’6 is an interesting option for travellers who want something robust but not overly long. It feels purpose-built rather than generic, with a focus on durability and a layout that suits extended trips.
While still a pop top, this model leans more toward the “serious touring” end of the spectrum, especially in terms of weight and construction. It’s not the lightest or simplest van here, but that’s part of the appeal. Buyers looking at the Thunder are usually prioritising strength, storage, and long-term usability over minimalism.
Malibu Caravans Thunder 17’6 – Pop Top
Body Length: 5.33m
Tare: 2,130kg
ATM: 2,700kg
Sleeps: 2
https://malibucaravans.com.au/models/poptop-thunder/
Snowy River SRP-14
If lightweight towing is high on your priority list, the Snowy River SRP-14 is hard to ignore. With a tare around 1,200kg, it’s one of the easiest pop tops to tow in this group and opens up options for smaller SUVs and utes.
The SRP-14 is clearly designed with weekenders and shorter trips in mind, but it still offers a comfortable couples layout and modern styling. Its competitive pricing also makes it an attractive entry point into caravanning, particularly for buyers who want something new, simple, and unintimidating without stepping up into heavier or more complex vans.
Snowy River SRP-14
Travel Height: 2.651m
Travel Length: 5.927m
Tare: 1,757kg
ATM: 2,500kg
Sleeps: 2
Price: from $54,990
https://snowyrivercaravans.com.au/caravan/srp-14/
TrackStar Starliner
The TrackStar Starliner stands out immediately with it’s retro vibe and unique profile.
At just 2.27m travel height it’s one of the most garage-friendly and aerodynamically efficient pop tops available, which is a big win for storage and towing confidence.
The Starliner feels thoughtfully designed rather than mass-produced. It’s a great fit for couples who value smart design, reduced wind drag, and a more refined towing experience. If low height and clever engineering matter to you, the Starliner is well worth a closer look.
With such a small ATM though, you’re going to need to be very careful about your payload. It would pay to double check that ATM with your dealer.
TrackStar Starliner
Travel Height: 2.27m
Travel Length: 6.25m
Tare: 1,200kg
ATM: 1,500kg
Sleeps: 2
https://www.trackstarcampers.com.au/starliner
Pop-top caravans continue to be a popular choice in Australia because they strike a practical balance between comfort, towability, and versatility. Whether you’re chasing a lightweight couple’s van, a family-friendly layout, or a tougher off-road tourer, the models in this list show just how wide the pop-top market has become. Lower travel heights can mean easier towing, better fuel efficiency, and simpler storage — without giving up the internal space many travellers want once set up.
Ultimately, the “best” pop-top caravan comes down to how and where you plan to travel. Short getaways, long-term touring, off-grid adventures, and tight suburban driveways all point to different priorities. Hopefully, this comparison helps narrow the field and gives you a clearer idea of which pop-top style suits your travels best.
Looking for other ‘small’ RV options?
You may have seen that hybrid caravans are really popular at the moment, and they’re mostly pop tops, so you may find this post on Hybrid Caravans helpful too.
And if it’s just a ‘small’ caravan that you’re after, check out our post on Micro Caravans.
All the new caravans in Australia on 1 spreadsheet
Don’t forget, if you want to be able to sort through the full list of Australian caravans, we have them on a spreadsheet, available for just $49.
Tracey
Saturday 3rd of October 2020
Hi, thanks for your article. We're looking at a pop top caravan but are fairly limited for size as we need to be able to store it in a garage (we live in a townhouse complex). Do you know of any vans that would come in under 2m travel height and 5m travel length? The height seems to be our problem. We were looking at the option of a folding draw bar to help with the length.
Michelle
Sunday 4th of October 2020
Hi Tracey, Hmmmn... I think you're right, height is going to be the challenge. A camper trailer might be your best (only) option?
Seamus O’Sullivan
Thursday 20th of August 2020
Hello Ben & Michelle, Thanks for your article above, we currently own a Goldstream Storm & are considering changing this over to a pop top as we reaching retirement age. We do intend to continue off roading however in an endeavour to maximise space are you aware of any off road pop tops that incorporate a slide out bed on the side of the van. Thanks in advance.
Brett
Monday 23rd of November 2020
Emu campers -expedition model.
Michelle
Friday 21st of August 2020
Hi Seamus, The first one that pops into my head is the hybrid from MDC. It's a small off-road pop-top where the bed slides out the back of the van. You can have a look at them here: https://www.marketdirect.com.au/off-road-caravans/xt-12-hybrid-offroad-caravan/