Gawler Caravan Centre began life soon after 1962 when the successful business of ‘Phillips Welding Service’, in First Street, Gawler, South Australia was established. The business operated under that name between 1962 and 1970.
After buying a caravan for holidays and continually loaning it to friends, founders Bob and Elaine Phillips bought another. That caravan too was hired out. Eventually, caravans became the main focus and the welding business was sold.
Moving to larger premises in Willaston in 1970 (the northern area of Gawler), saw the business grow and employ 6 people full time. The establishment of a dedicated caravan sales yard on Adelaide Road, Gawler (opposite the Gawler Racecourse) around the same time, developed the business even further.
In June 1976, the workshop was relocated to the current location on Para Road, Evanston (the southern area of Gawler, behind St. Brigid’s primary school and the Gawler High School). It provided a workshop and several hectares of space for even more caravans.
For nearly 18 years Gawler Caravan Centre sold caravans from the Adelaide Road site which was subsequently sold in 1988 when Bob and Elaine were to semi retire. Retirement however didn’t last long and in 1991 when sons Michael and Ken returned to work for the company, Gawler Caravan Centre embarked on a large expansion program. Within several years the company had built a new, large and modern workshop, converted the old workshop into a spare parts shop and created plenty of space for the caravan sales yard.
After Bob’s passing in August 2017, Michael was appointed Managing Director and continues the tradition of providing the same genuine old fashioned service that has been one of its trademarks for more than 50 years.
Today, Gawler Caravan Centre is busier than ever looking after the needs of caravaners from all over Australia. New products and services are continuously being offered, complementing and moving with the changing trends in caravan design and construction. The company’s friendly and experienced staff can offer you first-hand practical advice or assistance with any of your caravan needs. ‘