Our family trip to Fraser Island with the Tvan & Defender

Our family of 5 (2 adults, 2 small kids, and one grandparent) hired the Land Rover Defender and Tvan MK5 camper trailer from USQUAM Campers for a week-long trip to Fraser Island (K’gari). We were looking for something comfortable, easy to use, and capable of handling both kids and a grandparent with mobility limitations.

What we got was one of the easiest and most memorable camping holidays we’ve ever taken.

Why we went with the Tvan MK5 trailer and the Defender

We needed a setup that worked for everyone:

• easy for us to tow and set up
• comfortable enough for a grandparent with limited mobility
• quick and simple around two energetic kids
• tough enough for Fraser Island’s sand and off-road terrain
• fully off-grid so we didn’t have to rely on powered sites

The Defender provided the power, storage, and smooth 4WD capability.
The Tvan MK5 provided the space, comfort, and speed of setup that made the whole trip stress-free.

This combination felt like travelling with a tiny, rugged holiday home — one that followed us to every lookout and beach.

Picking up the campers from Smithfield

Pickup with USQUAM was effortless. Rob walked us through everything in a way that made it feel doable even with kids running around. The Defender was already packed with all the essentials — we just loaded our bags, snacks, the family, and then rolled out.

Taking the barge to Fraser Island (K’gari)

A big highlight for the kids was driving the Defender and Tvan onto the barge. Watching the mainland drift away felt like we were heading somewhere completely different — and we were.

Once we landed on the island, the Defender didn’t miss a beat. The soft sand, ruts, and beach driving were all handled smoothly. Even towing the Tvan didn’t slow us down.

Visiting the Maheno Shipwreck

The first place the kids asked for was the Maheno Shipwreck — and it turned out to be magical for all of us.

We pulled up right along the beach, with the Tvan behind us. Grandad was able to step out comfortably without having to walk long distances. And the kids loved it!

This is where having your accommodation with you really pays off.
Need snacks? Right there.
Need shade? Right there.
Need a break? A rest stop is metres away.

It made the day relaxing instead of draining.

Setting up camp with 2 kids in tow

We expected setup to be the hardest part of the trip — but with the Tvan MK5 trailer, it wasn’t. Here’s what surprised us:

• The bed was ready in minutes.
• The tent lifted easily — no wrestling involved.
• The hard floor meant the kids weren’t sleeping in sand.
• The kitchen pulled out quickly, making dinner time quick and easy.
• The awning was fast enough that no one got grumpy waiting.

With five people to organise and grandad needing some time to lay down before dinner, the Tvan genuinely saved us hours and kept everyone in a good mood.

Sleeping arrangements were perfect. Us parents had the trailer bed and the the kids were excited to bunk with grandad in the trailer tent area – it was enough room for an adult and 2 kids. Everyone slept and woke up energetic for the next day.

Why this was the best camper hire experience

The combination of the Defender’s power setup and the Tvan’s self-sufficient design meant we camped wherever we wanted. No need for powered sites, generators, or complicated equipment.

We cooked meals on quiet beaches, slept under unbelievable stars, and woke up to the sound of the ocean, without worrying about anything. For families, that’s everything.

A trip like this needs reliable, well-maintained gear, and that’s exactly what we got from USQUAM.

What made the difference:

• Everything worked exactly as expected
• Pickup and drop-off were organised and friendly
• Perfect for families needing comfort and simplicity
• Serious off-road capability
• Stress-free towing and setup
• Ideal for Fraser Island or any NSW road trip

We would definitely hire from USQUAM again in a heartbeat. If you’re searching for quality campervan or trailer hire in New South Wales, we highly recommend USQUAM Campers.