Club History

From a chance encounter in a car park to Australia's largest RV club. What started as one couple's simple idea how grown into a national community of tens of thousands of members, decades of rallies and a network of parks stretching across the country. This is the story of how CMCA came to be, and the people who have shaped it along the way.

Where It All Began

The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) was founded in 1986 by Don and Erica Whitworth, two people with a shared longing to form a club for and by motorhomers. Their aim was simple: to build a community where members could socialise, share experiences and find support and advice while on the road. Their passion was infectious and many quickly caught the spirit of their concept.

Having travelled throughout Australia, Europe, U.K. and North America in variety of campervans and motorhomes, the Whitworths developed a deep familiarity with overseas clubs designed for motorised camping vehicle owners. They became members of the London-based Motorcaravaners' Club and the California-based Good Sam Club, and the possibility of a similar club in Australia stayed with Don.

A Chance Encounter

One sparkling August afternoon, Don was driving their HiAce into the Tweed Mall parking area when he saw a similar colour and model vehicle driving out. Don had never seen the driver of the vehicle before, but he smiled and waved to Don regardless. In that moment, Don made his decision. He would create a club for Australian campervan and motorhome enthusiasts.

Growing a Community

The idea took hold quickly. Within 10 months, membership had passed 500, representing approximately 1,000 people. At the first Anniversary Rally held at Swansea, NSW in May 1987, Foundation Member 600 was welcomed. Membership reached the 1,000 mark in July 1988, with members scattered throughout Australia.

CMCA was formally incorporated in 1988 and, as the community continued to grow, became a company limited by guarantee in 2001.

40 years on the road

In 2026, CMCA celebrated its 40th anniversary. What began with a chance encounter in a car park had grown into a national club of over 60,000 members, welcoming caravan, camper trailer, campervan and motorhome enthusiasts from across Australia and beyond. Today CMCA is the largest of its kind in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, and the sixth largest RV club in the world.

Over four decades, CMCA had welcomed more than 150,000 members past and present, developed a network of 19 CMCA Parks across Australia, hosted national and state rallies that drove economic growth in towns and regions across the country, and worked with all levels of government to increase RV tourism and advocate on behalf of its members.

Today, CMCA remains focused on what it has always done best: preserving the RV lifestyle, championing the interests of its members, and making life on the road better for everyone who shares a love of the open road.