Review: Australis TerraCore 20

Australis Caravans is one manufacturer we’ve had our eye on for some time. The company started small more than five years ago, focussing on vans framed in timber and aluminium. But the big news from this boutique manufacturer is the launch of a new fibreglass sandwich panel model called the TerraCore.

It was the natural next step for Australis. After all, the market has been trending towards fibreglass for some time. All manufacturers will eventually take the leap. But as for the TerraCore, it didn’t come a moment too soon – it’s a lovely looking van with a bold presence on the road that employs some other new ideas not seen by this manufacturer before.

Further, for a 20-footer, the weight factor is pretty pleasing at 2686kg Tare (ATM: 3500kg). Our review van was also the first one of its kind out of the Australis factory – we wasted no time in checking out what the inaugural fibreglass composite van from this manufacturer had to offer.

A SHOE LOCKER?

Inside, the TerraCore has a forward north-south bed surrounded by lockers and wardrobes, but there’s a surprise in the bedroom: a shoe locker either side of the bed. These double as step up into the bed, but the hinged lid gives you a place to hide your shoes or slippers overnight. I also loved the under-bed storage system. Rather than just leaving it as a large, open space, Australis has fitted shelving, some drawers and some open storage towards the front – it’s a small but welcome touch.

Obligatory USB points can be found in the bedside niches, and 12V fans can be found at the foot of the bed. Overall, it’s a thoughtful, well-executed space that includes additional wardrobes at the foot of the bed on either side.

The same can be said for the rest of the interior – it’s sincerely difficult to pick at, and having followed this company from its inception, I can say the fitout here is the best I’ve seen.

The gunmetal-grey sink and tapware in the kitchen look timeless and yes, there’s filtered drinking water here too. The kitchen is equipped with a gas cooktop, griller and oven beneath a hinged section of the bench. There’s arguably enough electrical grunt to go gas-less, thanks to the van’s dual 225Ah lithium batteries, which are connected to three 250W roof-mounted solar panels, a DC-DC charger and 3000W Projecta inverter 12V system; however, for this van, a traditional gas system complete with dual 9kg gas cylinders in the front toolbox has been fitted. The 12V system is managed by a Projecta PM35 power management system housed in an overhead locker while the inverter is in the front tunnel boot.

I’ll always check beneath the cabinetry, looking for unsightly gobs of silastic or other poor finishes’ and I’m pleased to say that all was in order here.

A club lounge sits to the offside complete with USB-fitted reading lights. By lowering the telescopic table, you can fit an infill cushion to convert the lounge into a second bed.

Now, what would a luxurious couple’s van such as the Australis TerraCore be without a large fridge? In this case, it’s a 224L Thetford compressor unit – excellent – with a flat-bed microwave recessed into the cabinetry above.

That leaves the bathroom. With its offside cassette toilet, large nearside shower and central vanity, it doesn’t leave you wanting. But it’s the wow-factor that sets this bathroom apart. The back-lit mirror (which also has an electric de-mister function) set against acoustic panelling – a 2026 trend in caravans – along with the gunmetal-grey washbasin and tap look brilliant. From a functional perspective, the bathroom scores big points thanks to the large linen cupboard. However, this van has not been given a washing machine – which to some extent explains the room left for the large linen cupboard.

A Furion sound system with speakers, a 24in smart TV, a diesel heater, RV Wi-Fi compatible with Starlink Mini, a Dometic Freshjet 7 air-conditioner… all are part of the package.

EXTERNAL AUSTRALIS FEATURES

The Australis TerraCore is built atop a 4in hot-dipped-galvanised Proline RHS chassis with a 4in raiser, giving the van 8in of steel underneath. Meanwhile, it’s a 6in RHS A-frame with a 450mm extension to provide room for features such as a storage box, a Grip Sport bike rack and a mesh stoneguard.

I had a look inside the two storage compartments either side of the powder-coated aluminium storage box and was pleased to note that an Anderson plug to power a portable fridge had been fitted inside the nearside box. Not always a given. In fact, I checked out a van from a reputable competitor that had a similar box for a portable fridge but without the power connection – which makes little sense.

Visually, there’s no argument that composite fibreglass panels are superior to any other construction method. No H-mould to fill expansion gaps in aluminium cladding and a smooth, seamless finish. Then there’s the practical benefit. These panels offer excellent shear strength and structural rigidity, while the foam core – known as XPS – offers vastly better insulation and sound-deadening than the polystyrene generally used in traditionally-framed builds. For me, there’s no argument.

Let’s go through some of the other external features. On the nearside, there’s a keyless picnic table with pantry space, a speaker, anti-insect awning lights, and even a pull-out kitchen complete with a barbecue, sink and flex-mixer tap. One small change I’d like to see is for the gas bayonet coupling to be instead moaned flush with the wall of the van.

There’s a through-the-wall connection for the RV WI-Fi system, so you can easily connect your satellite dish for internet access.

What do you think of the rear spoiler? Visually, it’s appealing, and it also serves as a mounting point for a reversing camera and LED light bar. Now, the rear bumper is of the traditional variety. Will we see a powder-coated rear bar complete with storage space and a firewood box on this van in the future? I think that’s inevitable. Of course, these things add weight and can alter the balance of a van – it isn’t just a case of bolting it on and hoping for the best, so time will tell.

The TerraCore rides on 3500kg-rated independent trailing arm coil suspension with dual shock absorbers. One thing I always check for: electric brake wiring that’s not been properly sheathed or protected, and fortunately the TerraCore had everything in order here. 

With three 95L water tanks (including a fast-fill connection) and two 95L grey tanks, this van is ready and able to spend a good amount of time off-grid. However, I’d love to see some protection around the grey water outlets.

An external shower, an electric awning, a DO35 V3 coupling, anti-sway control… the list goes on. The Australis TerraCore is indeed a comprehensive van, notwithstanding the omission of a washing machine. But Australis is a custom builder. If you wanted a washing machine, or anything else within reason, I have no doubt they’d find a way.

SUMMING UP

While this TerraCore was the first fibreglass sandwich panel caravan ever made by Australis, it did not present as a ‘prototype’ – it was a fully finished production van, loaded with options, with a great deal of aesthetic and functional appeal.

From a weight perspective, its Tare is roughly what I’d expect and the ATM puts it squarely in Land Cruiser territory – no big American ute required.

It’s cohesive and well-finished, it looks and feels strong and substantial, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the TerraCore range develops.

THE SCORE 

FIT AND FINISH –

LAYOUT –

INNOVATION –

HITS & MISSES

AUSTRALIS TERRACORE 20 SPECS