Meet Artie—our 1982 Millard Pop Top Caravan
She’s a little retro, a little bit hip, but with an old soul and a spirit always eager for exploration. Artie isn’t just a Millard Pop Top Caravan; she’s a living piece of history. With her mission brown fabric valances and classic four-berth bunk bed layout, Artie once carried Kim’s family through countless Easter holidays at Pambula Beach Caravan Park on the beautiful New South Wales Sapphire Coast.
For six glorious weeks every year, the caravan adventure became a hub of sandcastle building, BMX bike riding, and kangaroo petting. Today, what was once a simple holiday spot has transformed into Pambula Beach Caravan Park, rumored to be one of the most luxurious and expensive caravan parks in Australia. But for Kim, Artie remains a gateway to those cherished memories.
Our journey with Artie began with a mission to bring her back to life after 25 years in storage. This was a safety mission—it was about reviving a beloved family treasure and ensuring she was road ready for the potholes ahead.
Preparing this old gem for our own adventures, safety was our top priority. From the moment we picked her up in Melbourne, we undertook a series of repairs and checks to ensure Artie was roadworthy, safe, and secure. Future projects will continue to enhance her comfort, but for now, our focus was on making sure she was ready to roll.
Restoring the Millard Pop Top Caravan: Repairs and Upgrades
Our departure point was Melbourne, where Artie’s home had been in Kims parents shed custom made just for Artie. The transformation truly began when we tackled the essentials: replacing wheel rims, wheel bearings, tyres, and brakes, and making sure the trailer lights were up to modern standards. Each step presented its own challenges, but every upgrade brought us one step closer to making Artie a reliable travel companion for the future.
A key part of Artie’s revival was ensuring her 240-volt electrics were safe, especially since they hadn’t been used in over 25 years. We traveled without power hook ups for almost 2 week so this became a high priority if we wanted to become part time nomads. We knew who to call and have no shame in calling a business shout out.
We called in Mark Zeidler of Mark Zeidler Electrical Contractor & Solar. Mark, a trusted friend and expert electrician, came highly recommended, and his attention to detail instantly put us at ease. He meticulously inspected every aspect of Artie’s electrical system, from power points and lights to the refrigerator, ensuring everything was safe and up to modern standards. Knowing that Artie was free from potential fire hazards was a huge relief, especially when dealing with an older setup like hers.
Mark didn’t stop there. Understanding our need for convenience on the road, we asked him to install an additional outdoor power point. This upgrade will make it easier for us to embrace outdoor living, whether it’s using Nick’s electric barbecue or keeping our laptop charged to write about our adventures. Mark’s service was quick, friendly, and incredibly professional, with seamless communication and reasonable pricing that made him a pleasure to work with. If you need electrical services in Brisbane or the Ipswich area, we highly recommend Mark for his expertise and dedication.
Unfortunately, our vintage refrigerator didn’t quite pass the test—it’s no surprise that after all these years, it couldn’t meet today’s electrical standards and compliance levels. But not to worry. At this stage we have decided to repurpose it as a handy space as a simple storage cupboard.
Now, the search for the perfect portable fridge freezer begins! We’re already set up with a 100W Brass Monkey Portable Solar Blanket, which has been a fantastic investment so far, making us curious about their range of fridge and freezer options. If you have any experience or recommendations with these or other brands, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
From the Past to the Present: Artie’s New Lease on Life
With all her major repairs complete and her electrics fully checked, Artie is now ready to hit the for adventure and new memories. She’s more than just a caravan—she’s our trusty travel companion, a piece of history, and a reminder of the joy of exploration. Thanks to the hard work of professionals like Mark and a bit of our own elbow grease, Artie is equipped for the next chapter in her journey.
Whether we’re setting up by the coast on weekends or finding a quiet extended retreat in the hinterland (maybe a trip to revisit Pambula Beach Holiday Park), Artie, the 1982 Millard Pop Top Caravan, is ready to be part of our story once again. Here’s to the open road, the adventures to come, and the memories we’ll make along the way with our beloved Artie.
