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Jayco Expanda Outback Model review

• Words: Bill Savidan
• Published: October 23, 2015

The verdict

• The rugged ‘Outback’ look.
• Reduced height and length benefits; fuel economy and easier storage.
• Airy, spacious interior.
• Lack of a grey water tank. I’d fit one before hitting the road.

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Jayco Expanda: Spacious, Versatile Caravanning - A Complete Buying Guide

Looking for the perfect caravan to embark on your family adventures across Australia? Look no further than the Jayco Expanda. Designed with spaciousness and versatility in mind, the Jayco Expanda offers ultimate comfort and convenience for your caravanning trips. Whether you're traveling with a big family or just want a little extra space, the Expanda has you covered.

One of the standout features of the Jayco Expanda is its ability to sleep up to 8 people comfortably. With multiple sleeping options including fold-out double beds and bunk beds, everyone in the family can have their own cozy space. The fully equipped kitchen allows you to prepare delicious meals on the go, and the comfortable lounge area provides a perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring.

But the Jayco Expanda doesn't just stop at providing a comfortable interior. It also comes with a range of amenities to enhance your caravanning experience. The 4-burner cooktop, 153-liter fridge, and hot water system ensure that you can enjoy all the comforts of home wherever you may roam. And with the 100 AH battery, you'll have worry-free power throughout your travels, whether you're camping off the grid or staying at a powered site.

The interior of the Jayco Expanda offers ample space for the whole family to stretch out and relax. The flexible floor plans allow you to customise the layout to suit your needs, whether you prefer a spacious living area or extra storage. No matter where your caravanning adventures take you, the Jayco Expanda is ready to be your home away from home.

Key Takeaways:

• The Jayco Expanda is a spacious and versatile caravan designed for family adventures across Australia.
• It can sleep up to 8 travelers and includes amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable lounge area, and ample storage options.
• The Expanda offers a range of features like a 4-burner cooktop, air conditioning, and a 100 AH battery.
• The interior of the Expanda provides ample space for the whole family, and the flexible floor plans allow you to customise the layout.
• Jayco offers industry-leading support and a leading warranty to give you peace of mind on your caravanning journey.

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Key Features of the Jayco Expanda

The Jayco Expanda offers a range of key features that make it the perfect choice for your family caravanning adventures. Whether you're traveling with a small or large family, the Expanda has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Fold-Out Double Beds

One of the standout features of the Expanda is its fold-out double beds. These beds provide ample sleeping space for the whole family, ensuring everyone can get a good night's sleep after a day of exploration.

Stay entertained while on the road with the built-in TV antenna. This allows you to catch up on your favorite shows or watch movies with your loved ones, making every moment of your trip special.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

Enjoy peace of mind with the tyre pressure monitoring system. This feature alerts you if there are any issues with your tyres, ensuring your safety and allowing you to address any potential problems before they escalate.

153-Liter Fridge

Keep your food and beverages fresh with the spacious 153-liter fridge. This ample storage space means you can pack all your essentials and enjoy home-cooked meals even when you're on the road.

4-Burner Cooktop with Built-In Griller

Cook delicious meals for your family with the 4-burner cooktop and built-in griller. This fully-equipped kitchen ensures you can prepare your favorite recipes and enjoy a home-away-from-home dining experience.

Hot Water System

Stay comfortable and refreshed with the hot water system. Whether you need a hot shower after a long day or hot water for washing dishes, the Expanda has you covered.

Innerspring Mattress

Get a great night's sleep on the comfortable innerspring mattress. Designed for optimal comfort, this mattress ensures you wake up rejuvenated and ready for another day of adventure.

Air Conditioner

Stay cool in the Australian heat with the built-in air conditioner. This feature allows you to enjoy a comfortable indoor temperature no matter the weather outside.

100 AH Battery

Keep your power supply reliable with the 100 AH battery. This ensures you have enough power to run your appliances and devices, even when you're off the grid.

JTECH Independent Suspension (Outback models)

Experience a smooth and stable ride with the JTECH independent suspension, available in the Outback models of the Expanda. This suspension system provides enhanced towing performance and maneuverability, allowing you to tackle any terrain with ease.

Awning with LED Strip Light

Extend your living space with the awning and LED strip light. This creates a cozy outdoor area where you can relax, dine, and enjoy the fresh air.

2 x 9kg Gas Bottles

Ensure you always have a sufficient gas supply with the 2 x 9kg gas bottles. These bottles provide you with the fuel you need for cooking, heating, and other gas-powered appliances.

Ample Storage Options

The Expanda offers plenty of storage options to keep your belongings organised. From overhead cabinets to under-bed storage, you'll have enough space for all your essentials and more.

With its array of features, the Jayco Expanda is the ideal caravan for your family's caravanning adventures. It provides comfort, convenience, and versatility, allowing you to make lasting memories wherever you go.

Interior Design and Decor Options

The interior of the Jayco Expanda is designed to provide a bright, modern, and comfortable living space. The upholstery comes in Embrace Smoke as standard, and the cabinetry features a Braun finish. The laminate is Furlo. These options allow you to personalise the interior to match your preferences and style.

The Expanda is built with quality materials and construction techniques to ensure durability and longevity. The extensive storage options, fully equipped kitchen, and spacious seating and sleeping areas make the interior of the Expanda a welcoming and functional space for your family's caravanning adventures.

Why Choose Jayco?

There are several reasons why you should choose Jayco for your caravanning needs. First, Jayco offers industry-leading support with a network of 27 dealerships and over 100 authorised service agent representatives across Australia. This ensures that you have peace of mind, support, and expertise wherever your adventures take you.

Second, Jayco RVs are built in Australia for Australian conditions, using premium components from reputable suppliers. The company takes pride in employing local skilled specialists and supporting jobs across Australia and New Zealand.

Finally, Jayco provides a leading warranty with 2 years manufacturing and 5 years structural coverage, giving you added peace of mind for your travels.

Services Offered by Jayco

Jayco offers a range of services to support you throughout your caravanning journey. With 24/7 Jayco Assist, you can enjoy reassurance and peace of mind with the program available with every purchase of a new Jayco RV.

Jayco Service Agents are available across Australia to provide regular quality care and maintenance for your RV. Whether you need a routine service, repairs, or upgrades, the experienced technicians at Jayco Service Agents will ensure that your caravan is in top shape for your next adventure.

Jayco Financial Services makes financing and insuring your next Jayco Caravan or Motorhome easy, offering convenient and competitive financial options. Whether you're looking to purchase a new Jayco Expanda or trade in your existing one, Jayco Financial Services can assist you in finding the right financing solution for your needs.

• Competitive interest rates
• Flexible loan terms
• Convenient application process
• Personalised insurance options

These services ensure that you have the support and assistance you need to make the most of your Jayco Expanda and enjoy worry-free caravanning.

The Jayco Expanda is the perfect caravan for your family caravanning adventures. With its spacious and versatile design, the Expanda offers ultimate comfort and practicality. Whether you're exploring the stunning landscapes of Australia or embarking on a long road trip, the Expanda provides all the amenities you need for a memorable journey.

With Jayco's commitment to quality construction and attention to detail, you can trust that the Expanda will enhance your travel experience. The flexible floor plans and range of features allow you to customise your caravan to suit your family's needs. From comfortable sleeping arrangements to a fully equipped kitchen, the Expanda provides everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

What sets Jayco apart is their extensive support network and warranty coverage. With 27 dealerships and over 100 authorised service agent representatives across Australia, you can adventure with confidence, knowing that help is never far away. Jayco's leading warranty, with 2 years manufacturing and 5 years structural coverage, provides added peace of mind for your caravanning adventures.

So, if you're looking for the perfect caravan to create lasting memories with your family, consider the Jayco Expanda. With its spaciousness, versatility, and support from a reputable brand, the Expanda is the ultimate choice for your caravanning adventures. Start planning your next journey and experience the joy of traveling with the Jayco Expanda.

How Driva Can Help You Finance Your Next Vehicle Purchase

Looking for a way to finance your next vehicle purchase? Driva can help you make it happen. Whether you're in the market for a spacious van with an ensuite toilet, a slide-out cupboard, and a club lounge like the Jayco Expanda Caravan, or something more compact and on-road like the 20.64-1 Expanda Outback, Driva has Jayco finance options for you. With terms and conditions tailored to suit each customer and competitive interest rates, Driva can help you secure the amount you need to make your dream vehicle a reality. From tandem axle caravans with a shower and toilet to on-board heaters and televisions, Driva can assist with financing for a wide range of features and vehicle types. Contact Driva today and start the process of locating the exact vehicle you've been looking forward to touring around Australia in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a jayco expanda caravan.

A Jayco Expanda caravan is a spacious and versatile type of caravan designed for families and outdoor adventurers looking for comfort and convenience on their travels.

What are some key features of the Jayco Expanda caravan?

The Jayco Expanda caravan typically offers slide-out sections, fold-out beds, large water tanks, and a durable canvas construction, providing ample living space and convenience during your camping trips.

How does the Jayco Expanda caravan compare to other caravan models?

The Jayco Expanda caravan stands out for its innovative expandable design, making it a popular choice for families looking for extra space without compromising on towing ease and comfort.

Is the Jayco Expanda caravan suitable for off-road adventures?

The Jayco Expanda Outback model is designed for off-road use, featuring enhanced suspension, larger wheels, and added ground clearance for tackling rough terrains with ease.

Where can I find Jayco Expanda caravans for sale?

Jayco Expanda caravans are available for sale at authorised Jayco dealerships and online platforms specialising in caravan sales. You can explore different models, compare prices, and find the best deal that suits your needs.

What financing options are available for purchasing a Jayco Expanda caravan?

Depending on your preferences, you can opt for financing options such as credit loans, manufacturer financing, or dealer promotions offering competitive interest rates, flexible repayment terms, and additional benefits.

How long is the warranty period for a Jayco Expanda caravan?

Jayco typically offers a warranty period of many years for their caravans, providing peace of mind for owners in case of any manufacturing defects or issues. You can check with the manufacturer or dealer for specific warranty details.

Philana Kwan

Philana Kwan is the marketing coordinator at Driva she has a demonstrated history in customer service excellence and is knowledgeable in all things car and finance related. When she’s not working Philana enjoys learning new things and keeping up with the latest trends in marketing and technology.

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Jayco Journey Outback Walk Through

The Jayco Journey Outback is fast becoming one of our most sought-after products—for both new caravanners, and existing carvanners looking to upgrade from a smaller pop top.

The Jayco Journey Outback really ticks all the boxes for everyday caravanning and those longer trips around the country. Paul knows the Journey Outback like the back of his hand, so it’s only fitting he takes us through all the features on offer in this amazing home on wheels.

Jayco Journey Outback Features

One of the terrific features on the Jayco Journey Outback is the 12 Volt awning. With the simple press of a button on your smart phone, extend your awning out, and it takes one of life’s dreary tasks and turns it into a. bit of fun.

The Journey Outback also comes with our popular optional slide out kitchen. Feauting a sink, two-burner cooker, and foldout tray for your Weber as well.

Once we get inside this amazing caravan, you’ll find a pillow-top innerspring mattress on the main bed, which lifts up to find very generous storage.

The kitchen has plenty of bench space, cupboards, and features Jayco’s famous grill and oven combination with four gas burners on top.

And, you can’t live without it…a standard 24″ modular tv screen with dvd for the family nights in.

The Journey Outback also features generously sized bunks, a separate shower and toilet, and the all important standard washing machine.

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Review: Jayco Journey Outback

In 2014 Jayco combined the best of two models, the Destiny and the Sterling, into a new caravan, the Journey. It’s grown to become the most popular in the range of Jayco’s pop-tops, and continues to find new fans thanks to a line-up of sought-after features.

The Journey range is divided into two basic groups, those designed more for highway touring and those equipped for tougher operations on less accommodating tracks. Designated as the 17.55-8 and -9 or Outback models, these are the biggest sellers in the Journey range.

Jayco’s pop-top vans have always been popular with those looking for a lower roof line for enhanced aerodynamics, fuel consumption or storage reasons. They are also sought after by buyers who don’t want to fork out for a larger tow vehicle.

Today they’re increasingly an option for couples moving up from something like a camper trailer, or those moving up from tent camping and looking for more creature comforts. With good ground clearance in the Outback models, tougher set-up and a smaller travelling profile than most caravans, they can still be taken to many of the places you once sought with your camper trailer or tent.

The Outback kit including Jayco’s popular JTECH independent trailing arm suspension package with heavy duty drawbar (120mm deep instead of 100mm), a front jerry can holder, black checkerplate panelling over the lower portion of the body, external 12-volt power outlet, galvanised rear bumper bar, gas bayonet fitting to the exterior for use with an external barbecue and 120 watt roof-mounted solar panel. These vans have a much better resale value and give you that element of extra flexibility no matter what circumstances might throw at you.

The Outback fitout also introduces larger 235/75R15 tougher all-terrain tyres on alloy rims in place of the touring 185R14 rubber found on the highway models.

The downside to this is the weight increases by an extra 150kg and the ball weight increases by 25kg, although neither is excessive.

Since they have a shower fitted they come standard with a 100 amp-hour gel battery for the water pump, a second 82-litre water tank, and a second 9kg gas bottle to run the water heater unit.

image by: Brett Goldsmith

All of the 17ft vans, including the 17.55-8 and -9, also come equipped with a Truma air conditioning system. These excellent German-made units do a much better job in extreme conditions and are worth having.

Like all Jayco vans, the tandem axle shower-equipped models have a 475kg of carrying capacity to accommodate the extra water.

The fitout provides for a range of features that are worth having. There are 12 internal layout styles to choose from across the range. One of the attributes brought over from the Sterling was the higher walls. This allows for tinted Dometic double glazed windows built-in blinds and insect mesh.

With the larger windows, zip-out panels in the pop-top walls and a roof-mounted skylight over the bed, the interiors of these vans are bright and sunny.

The fully separate all-in-one bathroom across the rear is the stand out feature. It comes with comfortable layout, plenty of storage spaces and the shower has been improved with a single-piece unit eliminating the risk of leaks.

There are a range of bathroom and kitchen options to choose from. The Outback model as tested came without a normal oven to allow for extra storage, but it is an option. There is a microwave, Smev three-burner gas hotplates and single electric hot plate gas stove with griller underneath.

The extra electric hotplate comes in handy, saving gas when mains power is available, as does the dual-mode water heater. The fridge, which was 110 litres capacity in the Sterling, has now gone up to a standard 150 litre three-way unit.

For sleeping, there’s either an island orthopaedic double bed or two singles, with inner spring mattresses. For peace of mind, all the Journey vans are equipped standard with a Camec security door.

While the Outback vans are designed basically for two, there is a $299 option to purchase an additional cushion and baseboard, which converts the dinette into another bed.

A stand out feature certainly not available in the 1970s is the electrical and entertainment systems. Lighting is all LED and completely wireless. This eliminates the risk of any wiring problems and also means you never have to get out of bed to switch off a light – there’s a remote for that. A USB charging point is standard as well as an 18-inch LED television/DVD player with mounting bracket and wind-up antenna. There’s a Fusion CD/radio system, complete with external speakers.

To complete the outside living experience there’s an optional external shower (with free-standing shower tent if desired) and an external TV socket. To extend your options all Jayco outlets offer an annexe kit.

All the Journey models come with a white Euro-style fibreglass body, with sloping aerodynamic nose. Smart graphics set off the finish and give a sharp style to these vans.

There are so many options to choose from across the range. One certainly worth considering for off roaders is the Coast to Coast Control Panel ($207) which monitors water levels in up to four tanks (two standard plus optional third and waste water tanks) as well as battery charge levels   There is also the excellent Al-Ko Electronic Stability Control to keep your van where it belongs, as well as a longer A-frame, Tregg offroad polyblock coupling, and leather seat coverings.

Pop-tops have come a long way since the first humble camper was introduced by Jayco in the 1970s and they remain as popular as ever. The reason for that is undoubtedly due to their value for money in terms of quality, resale value and great list of standard features.

At $41,563 RRP as tested, it is excellent value.

Link: Read the full review and specs in Issue 15 of Time to Roam .

Review by David Cook.

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Jayco Caravan Weights & Lengths (Comparison Tables)

Jayco are by far the number one caravan brand in Australia. You just have to take notice of how many Jaycos you pass along the highway, versus that of any other brand.

Jayco offer very competitive prices in the caravan market and are 100% Australian owned and manufactured in Melbourne, Victoria, which crosses off any chance of them being imported from Chinese productions lines.

Just like anything, there are lovers and there are haters when it comes to Jayco. I personally owned a Jayco Starcraft for years and loved it, however our own experiences will always shape our opinions.

If you’re seeking out Jayco caravan weights and sizes, I’ve pulled all of the information together and condensed it into some handy tables so that you can easily compare and find what you’re looking for.

Good luck with your caravan research and safe travels!

We are a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to ebay.com and other affiliated sites. We may earn a commission from your purchases at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our disclosures here .

Key Caravan Weight Terms

Here are the key terms that you will need to know when looking at the following Jayco caravan weights and lengths tables.

• BODY LENGTH  – length of external caravan body, excluding draw bar & rear bar
• OPEN LENGTH – length of the entire caravan once all beds have been opened at the ends (for relevant models)
• TRAVEL LENGTH – full length of caravan from the tip of the draw bar to the end of the rear bar
• TARE  – EMPTY caravan before adding anything (i.e. what it weights as you collect it from the dealer)
• PAYLOAD  – the amount of STUFF you can add to the caravan (accessories, mods, luggage, water etc.)
• ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass)  – maximum FULLY LOADED weight the caravan is allowed to be (set by Jayco)
• TBW (Tow Ball Weight) – what the Tow Ball Weight is when the van is empty. Tow ball weight will change every single time you load/ unload the caravan.

For the full guide on working out your weights, check out my caravan towing weights explained post.

How to Read Jayco Model Numbers

Jayco make it pretty easy to read their model numbers and to quickly get the information on the caravan’s length and layout (once you know what you’re looking at).

Using the example above, the Jayco model number 22.68-1 means that the caravan is 22 foot or 6.8 metres long, in layout number 1.

However, I did notice a confusing discrepancy as I was putting together the body length information below. Each model on the Jayco website has the body length listed in millimetres, which I then converted (using an online converter) into feet. Sometimes, the conversion length in feet was slightly different to feet listed in the model number.

Therefore, just because a Jayco model states that it is (example) 19 ft, just be aware that the caravan won’t exactly be 19 feet long. It may be 18.8 ft or it could be 19.3 ft. For the exact caravan lengths, always look at the mm.

For more on lengths, here are the 6 ways to measure your caravan’s lengths .

Jayco POD CAMPER Weights & Lengths

Key terms for reading the Jayco J-Pod weights and lengths.

• TARE  – EMPTY caravan
• PAYLOAD  – amount of weight you can ADD
• ATM  – maximum allowable FULLY LOADED weight
• TBW – Tow Ball Weight when van is empty

Check out the full list of pod campers Australia to see all other manufacturers.

Jayco J-Pod

Jayco camper trailer weights & lengths.

Key terms for reading the Jayco Camper Trailer weights and lengths.

For a full camper trailer weight chart (across 35 Australian models), check out the how much camper trailers weigh post.

Jayco Swift Camper Trailer

Jayco lark camper trailer, jayco eagle camper trailer, jayco penguin camper trailer, jayco swan camper trailer, jayco wren camper trailer, jayco pop top caravan weights & lengths.

Key terms for reading the Jayco Pop Top Caravan weights and lengths.

For a full list of Australian pop tops, check out the Pop Top Caravans Spreadsheet .

Jayco Journey Pop Top

Jayco expanda pop top, jayco all terrain pop top, jayco hybrid caravan weights & lengths.

Key terms for reading the Jayco Hybrid Caravan weights and lengths.

For a full list of Australian hybrids, check out the Hybrid Caravans Spreadsheet .

Jayco CrossTrack

Caravan Buyers Guide

Take the stress out of buying a caravan with this interactive step-by-step guide!

• 15-page Guide
• Checklists to tick off
• Interactive prompts to fill out
• STEPS INCLUDE:  Budget, Set-up, Towing Weights, PPSR Check, Handover, Hitching Up & more!
• DIGITAL & PRINTABLE

Jayco CARAVAN Weights & Lengths

For a full list of Australian caravan weights and lengths, check out the The Caravan List Spreadsheet .

Jayco Starcraft – Touring

Jayco starcraft – bushpack, jayco journey – touring, jayco journey – outback, jayco all terrain, jayco all terrain – off-grid x, jayco silverline – touring, jayco silverline – outback, jayco toy hauler caravan weights & lengths.

Key terms for reading the Jayco Toy Hauler Caravan weights and lengths.

For more toy haulers, check out the full list of toy hauler caravans Australia .

Jayco Toy Haulers

Jayco campervan weights & lengths.

Key terms for reading the Jayco Campervan weights and lengths.

• TARE  – EMPTY campervan
• GVM  – maximum allowable FULLY LOADED weight of campervan

Jayco JRV Campervan

Jayco motorhome weights & lengths.

Key terms for reading the Jayco Motorhome weights and lengths.

• TARE  – EMPTY motorhome
• GVM  – maximum allowable FULLY LOADED weight of motorhome

For a full list of motorhome manufacturers and specs, check out the Motorhomes Australia Spreadsheet .

Jayco Conquest

Jayco optimum, australian rv directory.

Fast-track your caravan research with the Australian RV Directory , an interactive spreadsheet. ↓

• 200+ motorhomes & campers
• 2,300+ caravans
• Select the number of berths, RV style, bathroom, tank size, solar power etc.
• Narrow down your search
• Find the price and information details for your caravan shortlist

Jayco Caravan FAQs

A Jayco caravan can weigh anywhere from 1,763kg (Jayco Journey Touring) to 2,897kg (Jayco Silverline Outback), which are their tare weights (unloaded with empty water tanks). You can expect an allowance of between 350kg to 600kg for payload (the amount of “stuff” that you can add). This puts their average ATM (fully loaded) average at 2,138kg – 3,497kg.

The lightest Jayco in Australia is the J-Pod Sport, with a tare weight (empty) of 756kg and an ATM (fully loaded) weight of 972kg. This leaves a payload (loading weight) of 216kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jayco J-Pod is 830kg, while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 1,088kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jayco Swift is 983kg, while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 1,368kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jacyo Lark is 1,022kg, while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 1,437kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jayco Eagle is 1,196kg, while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 1,611kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jacyo Penguin is 1,150kg, while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 1,465kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jayco Swan is 1,288kg, while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 1,790kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jayco Journey is 1,501kg, while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 1,832kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jayco Expanda is 1,974kg, while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 4,949kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jayco All Terrain is 2,068kg, while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 2,586kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jayco CrossTrack is 1,458kg, while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 2,015kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jayco Starcraft is 2,037kg, while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 2,637kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jayco Journey Touring is 2,114kg, while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 2,686kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jayco Journey Outback is 2,245kg, while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 2,817kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jayco All Terrain is 2,496kg, while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 3,096kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jayco All Terrain Off-grid X is 2,492kg, while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 3,092kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jayco Silverline Touring is 2,622kg. while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 3,222kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jayco Silverline Outback is 2,759kg, while the average ATM (fully loaded) weight is 3,359kg.

The tare (empty) weight of a Jayco Work ‘n’ Play is 2,065kg, while the ATM (fully loaded) weight is 2,815kg.

The tare (empty) weight of a Jayco Basestation is 2,733kg, while the ATM (fully loaded) weight is 3,543kg.

The average tare (empty) weight of a Jayco JRV Campervan is 3,094kg, while the average GVM (fully loaded) weight is 3,963kg.

If you’re looking for more on caravans, head over and read 160+ Caravan Brands Australia and 11 Types of Australian Caravans .

Safe travels!

Travel Planning Tools

6 thoughts on “Jayco Caravan Weights & Lengths (Comparison Tables)”

I am attempting to get some idea of the weights for our Journey Outback Pop-Top for when i collect it late April/mid may. My order is for a ‘17.55-8 Tandem Axle. This vehicle does not appear in your online. Hope you can assist!

Here are the weights for the 2024 Journey Outback Pop-top 17.55-8 – TARE 1980 kg, TOW BALL 160 kg. You can find all of the Jayco Pop Top weights here https://www.jayco.com.au/range/pop-tops/journey-pop-top

Hi, I was hoping tho find the details for the 1991 Jayco Dove here as I inherited it after my Dad passed. Is there a manual that has the specs anywhere?

Hi Kell, you could either ring Jayco and see if they have the info of that model on file. Or, you can measure and weigh the caravan yourself. Here’s the full guide on how to weigh a caravan – https://myrigadventures.com/how-to-weigh-a-caravan/ . For measuring a caravan, the general length we look at is the outside of the body (not including the draw bar or rear bar etc.). Here’s the full guide on how to measure the dimensions of a caravan – https://myrigadventures.com/caravan-sizes-dimensions/ . I hope that’s helpful in figuring out the specs for your van.

The nayco conquest lenght information is for the current models. Do you have any info for a 2010 model conquest. How do I measure the lenght. Rear of body to where.

That’s right, these are all the most current models. To find out the length of your caravan, you measure the outside of the body only. So, from the rear of the body, to the furtherest point at the front of the body. This DOES NOT include the A-frame or rear bar etc. Here’s an article I’ve written on the topic, which goes into more detail https://myrigadventures.com/caravan-lengths/

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16.51-3.OB.JY-MY24

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18' Series   Touring vs outback

• Thread starter macpanda
• Start date May 27, 2022
• Caravan Forums
• Jayco Expanda Discussions (All Series)
• May 27, 2022

Hi All. My wife and i have recently purchased a 2010 Expanda 18.57-6 (non- outback version). We love the layout and fact that we didn't have to get a 21+ft van to have what we want! We are planning a 7 month half lap of Aus at the end of the year with our daughters, 6 and 8. We will be generally sticking to the main routes, most of which look sealed, and are not planning on crossing through any long distances (100km+) of dirt roads at a time. However we also don't want to be limited to going to caravan parks etc - we will be needing to use dirt roads and potentially sandy track to access national parks, more remote camp sites etc. So my questions are: 1. Should we sell up and get something more build for off road? I don't particularly want anything too much bigger, and to step to something more built for off road is a big leap in $$. 2. Are there some relatively simple modifications that we can make to beef up what we have a bit. I have spoken to a caravan repairer who will flip the axel for around $500, potentially add some bigger rims and deeper tread tires etc? What about suspension? 3. We don't yet have a tow vehicle - happy to spend $30k to $50k to get something reliable. I am thinking a Toyota Hilux, mainly because of reliability and access to repairers and parts in case something goes wrong on the trip. Also because we will need some extra space on the tray as the payload on the van is pretty limited. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!  

Well-Known Member

Really the main difference between OB and touring is the OB has bigger brakes bigger chassis some chequer plate for stone protection different rims and tyres solar don’t know about suspensión on the earlier models, J-Tech independent from around 2013/14 The OB and tourer vans from the floor up are the same. The joinery will fall apart in both. Best you do a bit of preventative maintenance/mods. My personal opinion is that the touring chassis is sufficient for some sporadic outback dirt road driving. Tyre pressures are probably more important to reduce damage. Yes flip the axle for greater clearance but remember if it is a solid axle then you have the same clearance there but better approach and departure angles. With a flipped axle, if you have an annexe it will now be short. Also drop down legs may need attention. I think payload is greater on a touring model compared to J-Tech OB due to the heavier suspension of the OB. Don’t know about non J-Tech OB. Solar can be retro fitted if you don’t have it. light truck tyres and different rims can be fitted if required.  

• May 28, 2022

macpanda said: 1. Should we sell up and get something more build for off road? I don't particularly want anything too much bigger, and to step to something more built for off road is a big leap in $$. Click to expand...

macpanda said: 2. Are there some relatively simple modifications that we can make to beef up what we have a bit. I have spoken to a caravan repairer who will flip the axel for around $500, potentially add some bigger rims and deeper tread tires etc? What about suspension? Click to expand...

macpanda said: 3. We don't yet have a tow vehicle - happy to spend $30k to $50k to get something reliable. I am thinking a Toyota Hilux, mainly because of reliability and access to repairers and parts in case something goes wrong on the trip. Also because we will need some extra space on the tray as the payload on the van is pretty limited. Any thoughts or suggestions? Click to expand...

Ask The Expert: How To Navigate Tow Vehicle Limits? - Without a Hitch

jazzeddie1234

The other thing to watch with non-offroad brakes is maintenance of the magnets. They tend to wear much faster when off road  

I did it to my 14.44 as it would scrape its bum at the Shell garage at Moree and my driveway.................10" drums versus 12" the shoe/braking area is the same so no need to worry about upgrading really....  

• Jun 15, 2022

Thanks all, great feedback. I'm going to take it out to a few different spots and see how the clearance goes at take it from there. I had a guy take a look at the axles and he thought he would need to weld new stubs on (currently a drop axle) so not as straight forward as i was hoping. Might just try to upgrade the wheels and tyres and avoid flipping the axles, but will see how it goes.  

macpanda said: Thanks all, great feedback. I'm going to take it out to a few different spots and see how the clearance goes at take it from there. I had a guy take a look at the axles and he thought he would need to weld new stubs on (currently a drop axle) so not as straight forward as i was hoping. Might just try to upgrade the wheels and tyres and avoid flipping the axles, but will see how it goes. Click to expand...

Boots in Action

Drover said: Throw some pics up for us to see, the more the merrier, we should have a solution for you, seems strange that a van that size would have drops fitted ... also what the tyre and rim size is ...... if it has got drops there are solutiuons, a whole new axle isn't all that expensive, using the old brake/hub combo and its easy to do in a driveway, not really a biggy... I hate throwing money away on complicated solutions when a practical inexpensive one is available. Click to expand...

Attachments

• Jun 23, 2022

• Jun 24, 2022

Suspension - Underslinging a Straight Axle

Drover said: To under sling the axle with a drop down its virtually the same as a straight axle : While I said originally it doesn't apply to drop axles, I can't for the life of me see why .....I.m more aquainted with them now........ @Boots in Action might be able to point out..... I may have been in error. Suspension - Underslinging a Straight Axle This is a rehash of a thread I've lost.......... detail how to undersling your Single Straight Axle.......It doesn't apply to drop/off set axles. At All Times Remember You Are Under a Vehicle Supported By Stands Think Safety Always. Now I would advise a flat concrete area to work on, you... expandasdownunder.com You will need 5 jack stands, spanners, hammer, scribe, wheel spanner, tape measure, new U bolts/nuts/fish plate and washers, welder, 2x spacer blocks, flat hard surface, good jack.... you cannot just flip the axle the brake drums have to be in the same position, they have LH and RH as well as front and back positions. Click to expand...

• Jun 25, 2022

You can get the U bolts and bits from most hardware shops, its a great time to actully replace the spring shackle bolts with greasable ones as well... If you haven't done them before check out Couplemates web site I'm pretty sure they have a good description of how to tighten up the U bolts so you don't stress them out too much........... don't have to remove springs entirely just drop one end so you can move the axle .....  

• Aug 31, 2022

The Expanda is at the shop getting the axle flipped. They have changes out some of the brushes/shackles as you suggested Drover. Have the option of going for 15 inch wheels - plenty of room now. I need new tyres anyway - have been quoted $1250 for 5x steel rims & tyres or $1700 for 5x alloys and tyres. More decisions! I have done a bit of reading for pro's and cons of alloys vs steel. My main concern is weight, but i cant seem to find specs for weights of different wheels/tyres. Does anyone know ballpark for weight difference between 14 inch alloys and tyres (originaly jayco stock from 2010) vs 15 inch steel with medium tread all terrain tyres vs 15 inch alloys with medium tread all terrain tyres? Are we talking a couple kilos per wheel (so don't worry about it) or could it be more like 10-15kg's per wheel? My other concern is how it will level out with the tow rig. I went with a Dmax, can raise the tow hitch a bit but not too much as the tailgate on the ute will hit the trailer hitch. I think i will need to take a drive and hook it up to be able to decide on that one.  

Hitting the road

Keep in mind that rims and tyres are "unsprung" weight, they really don't have an effect on the vans carrying capacity as such. But, obviously when weighed the total weight including rims and tyres comes in to play affecting what the manufacturers TARE & ATM are stated as...and as the TARE will be a tad higher, though I reckon we'd be only talking maybe 25 - 30kgs with a spare, the payload would be similarly less. All Terrains will weigh a tad more than conventional tyres due to the extra ply in the sidewalls, plus the difference in weight will also be influenced by manufacturer and tread pattern. Imo it would be worth opting for AT type tyres as you will get the extra sidewall strength, tougher tread, with a tread pattern more suitable for occasional forays on to unsealed roads...  

macpanda said: The Expanda is at the shop getting the axle flipped. They have changes out some of the brushes/shackles as you suggested Drover. Have the option of going for 15 inch wheels - plenty of room now. I need new tyres anyway - have been quoted $1250 for 5x steel rims & tyres or $1700 for 5x alloys and tyres. More decisions! I have done a bit of reading for pro's and cons of alloys vs steel. My main concern is weight, but i cant seem to find specs for weights of different wheels/tyres. Does anyone know ballpark for weight difference between 14 inch alloys and tyres (originaly jayco stock from 2010) vs 15 inch steel with medium tread all terrain tyres vs 15 inch alloys with medium tread all terrain tyres? Are we talking a couple kilos per wheel (so don't worry about it) or could it be more like 10-15kg's per wheel? My other concern is how it will level out with the tow rig. I went with a Dmax, can raise the tow hitch a bit but not too much as the tailgate on the ute will hit the trailer hitch. I think i will need to take a drive and hook it up to be able to decide on that one. Click to expand...

When I redid the suspension on the 14.44, I chucked the alloys for a nice pair of ROH steellies, wider and with the new tyres added about 1.5kg if I recall, preference to LT tyres of a mild aggressive tread if not highway, no need for chunky stuff, 15" gives more variety especially in lT .... don't worry about the weight if its going to be crucial then your need to throw out some junk ................ ignore the TARE weight, if the ATM and ball weight are okay the GTM will be as well, the tug is another matter..... As for setting up the hitch well start from scratch is easier, van on flat level pad, measure from ground to bottom of hitch coupling, with tug on the flat you will ideally want the bottom of the ball to be about 25-30mm higher than the van measurement, now to achieve this depends on the reciever/shank you have, some can be flipped around to give the desired lift some cannot, some can be adjusted in height, they come different sizes so no need to fit a plow on the back like some go round with.... if the tail gate is going to hit and you have a bog standard ball hitch swapping to an ALKO off road hitch or similar could be the answer as they have a lower profile.....  

I did the same thing when I connected up the raised level of Penguin to rear of Colorado. I removed the ball, reversed the position of tongue, and refitted ball to other side. Van now perfectly level for towing. Simples???!!!  

Your at 500mm already how much higher do you need?? Flipping the shank isnt a problem really but the extra bit may foul the hitch.....  

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Exploring Jayco Journey Range

Jayco's Journey is an impressive range of caravans, with a wide range of layouts and lengths in both caravan and pop-top models.

One of the major benefits of being Jayco, Australia’s largest caravan manufacturer, is that it can produce many models and layouts. Something for every purpose, budget and road condition be it a sealed road, rough road or offroad. 

The models include everything from a camper trailer to a toy hauler, but undoubtedly one of the big sellers is the Journey caravan range. Available as either a pop-top or full caravan, the Journeys are available in multiple layouts with different body lengths. All are offered as either a touring van or what Jayco calls its Outback range, something designed for handling rough road travel, not offroad. That includes two family vans, one a four berth and the other a six berth. 

Measuring up

Starting with the full caravans, there are eight different models. Jayco distinguishes between them by length, that is 16ft, 18ft, 19ft, 21ft and 22ft. In several cases, like the 19ft and 22ft , there are different layouts for the same lengths. What is slightly confusing is that the lengths are not actually an indication of the external body length, so the 16ft van actually has a body length of 17ft 6in (5.34m) and the 22ft van is 22ft 11in (6.99m) long. In between we have 18ft (18ft 8in/5.69m), 19ft (20ft 3in/6.18m) and 21ft (22ft 3in/6.79m). Consequently, all the vans are longer than might be expected. 

Weighty matters

For any caravan purchase, the caravan weight should be a consideration. Jayco does list all the van weights in its specification listings, but that should be taken as a guide only. Individual van weights will vary depending on the accessories fitted. 

Weights will of course be different with increasing body lengths. Just to give a couple of examples, the 16ft van has a tare mass of 1763kg and the  four-berth 22ft van has a tare mass of 2233kg. Although increasing length usually means an increased weight, that’s not always the case. The 21ft van has a tare mass of 2333kg, 100kg more than the 22ft but there’s a reason for that. All the vans have a payload of 600kg, except for the smallest, the 16ft, a single axle, which can carry 375kg. When comparing all the respective weights, it’s not surprising to learn that the Outback models with similar layouts all have a weight penalty, an extra 82kg in the case of the 16ft van and at the other end of the scale something like 190kg for one of the 22ft layouts. 

Layouts to please

Within the Journey caravan range there are several variations of the much-favoured front bed, and full-width rear bathroom layout. The 16ft and 18ft designs have a forward door entry and the 19ft has a rear door. The reason for the shorter vans having a forward door is that it’s a little more space effective. The alternative 19ft also happens to have a forward door entry but that’s because it’s a bunk van layout with accommodation for four people. To fit everything in, the front double bed is east west, not an island bed. 

A unique van in the Journey fleet is the 21ft layout being the only Journey with a slide-out. Hence the weight issue mentioned above. Fitted to the offside, it contains the east-west bed. A van designed for two, it has a full-width bathroom and a front club lounge, something appreciated by many. 

There are a few surprises in the longest vans, the three 22ft models. One is a bunk bed layout for four with plenty of room to move. Another family layout has beds for six, with a somewhat unusual arrangement for the bunks and the third has what many regards as the doyen of layouts, a rear club lounge. That’s achieved by having an island bed up front and a split bathroom next to the front bedroom. 

Fully equipped 

In all cases, the Journey vans are well appointed, with the fully equipped kitchen containing essentials such as a microwave oven, 171 litre three-way fridge and a four-burner cooktop with a separate grill and oven. Most of the bathrooms have a separate shower cubicle and cassette toilet. Items such as air conditioners, house batteries (100Ah), solar panels (200W) and two 9.0kg gas cylinders are all standard items. 

Pop-tops are go

A little surprise in the Journey range is the considerable array of pop-top layouts that Jayco has available. There’s more floor plan variety than the caravan range and in many cases smaller and lighter. The respective tare masses vary from 1110kg to 1817kg with payloads mostly between 350kg and 400kg. 

The pop-top lengths start with a pair of diminutive 12ft (3.83m/12ft 7in) units and extend all the way to four 17ft (5.48m/18ft) designs. Those include single and island bed layouts plus several family van designs. One, the 15ft (4.86m/15ft 11in) is a four-berth unit with an east west double bed and double bunks across the rear. Like the smaller vans, it does not have a bathroom but that keeps the weight down and makes them ideal for lightweight, caravan park style touring. Both the 16ft (5.2m/17ft) rigs have full-width bathrooms and are available in either single bed or double bed layouts. There are four vans in the 17ft (5.48m/18ft) range, two are bunk van designs and the other two are either single bed or double bed variants. Like the 16ft model mentioned previously, one of the 17ft layouts does not have a bathroom but it does have beds for a family of five making it a good budget option.

Similar to full caravans, the pop-tops are also available with Outback specifications. That does add extra weight of course but also gives more choice of touring destinations and ways to get to them. 

While fully fitted out, the pop-top equipment level specifications are a little lower than for the caravans. So, for instance, there’s a smaller fridge, an oven is optional, and the solar panels are only standard on the Outback models. 

It’s not really in the Journey line up but the 17ft Expanda is in a range all its own with just one model. I mention it because it has a pop-top roof. In addition to the roof though, the van also has expandable front and rear sections with beds at both ends. Having an external length of 5.62m (18ft 5in), its open length of nearly 8.0m (26ft 2in) is truly impressive. To say the least, that particular feature allows for much more living space inside the pop top. Not to mention beds, in standard form there being enough for six people. The tare mass of 1846kg and payload of 500kg makes the Expanda ideal for a wide range of tow vehicles. Like the Journey pop-tops, the Expanda is also available as an Outback version. 

Construction

Journey caravans and pop tops are all built the same way with most of the manufactured items done in-house. That starts with the hot dipped galvanised steel chassis, which is built with Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) rails and drawbar. C-section steel, with a weight saving punched hole design, is used for the cross-section members. The bodywork is definitely not the ‘sticks n’ tin’ approach but one that uses vacuum bonded quad layer construction. An aluminium frame supports the structure which consists of internal 3mm polyester coated plywood board, high-density polystyrene foam for insulation, external 3mm composite board and finally, a fibreglass panel exterior. The latter, according to Jayco, used to be hail and dent resistant, as well as being easy to clean. 

Outback extras

Touring Journey caravans and pop-tops are all fitted with leaf spring suspension as standard. However, the Outback vans come with a few extras like Jayco’s JTECH 2.0 independent coil suspension. Fitted with coil springs, shock absorbers, stub axles and bearings that are suited to using a Lippert Sway Command. In addition, the Outback vans have higher ground clearance, off-road electric brakes and protective side aluminium chequer plates. 

The bottom line

There’s an almost bewildering array of caravans and pop-tops in Jayco’s Journey range but the benefit of that is that there’s something for everyone, ranging from a diminutive 12ft single bed pop-top to a six berth 22ft caravan. 

THE NEXT STEP

If you need help choosing your first RV or are considering upgrading your existing one, check out Jayco  range  available on TradeRVs today.

The sellers will be happy to help and answer any inquiries you may have about the products advertised for sale.

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Jayco Expanda Outback

Once was a time when the caravan market was pitched heavily at retired and semi-retired people, but now there are increasing choices for holidaying families.

WHAT WE LIKED • Front expanding bed arrangement with hard roof • Reasonably sized family kitchen • Good general storage • Easy to tow • Good sized windows for bunk beds NOT SO MUCH • No powerpoint near the dinette • No battery fitted as standard • Lack of 12V sockets and energy efficient lights

Jayco’s Expanda range of caravans is a good example of vans designed with families in mind. With fold-out bedrooms at one or both ends of the van, they offer good internal living space and less towing length when compared to a conventional caravan.

In the case of our review caravan, an Expanda 18.57-6, it came with  only a front fold-out bedroom, but for older children who may not wish to share it features bunk beds rather than a second fold-out bedroom. Our van also came ready for rough-road use, being fitted with the Jayco Outback Pack. The Expanda is built very much in the Outback fashion, featuring a Millennium hot-dipped galvanised chassis with 150x50mm (6in x 4in) rails. A key characteristic of the Jayco chassis is the punched steel slots that keep the weight down without losing strength, while also providing somewhere to run cabling and plumbing. A number of the Outback inclusions are found under the chassis: Al-Ko Outback leaf spring suspension, Al-Ko offroad electric brake magnets, 15in alloy wheels, and longer corner stabilisers.  In the structural department, an aluminium frame is sandwiched together with an internal wall ply, polystyrene foam for insulation and an outer coating of ply and fibreglass sheeting. Conventionally, the door is a Camec triple-locker security item and the windows are tinted hoppers. There’s also a front boot. SETTING IT UP Once unhitched and level, there are the usual items like the corner stabilisers and awning to attend to. Not to forget the fold-out bedroom at the front. Setting this up is just a matter of undoing a couple of external clips, lifting up the roof and lowering the bed base. Inside, the mattresses simply have to be unstrapped and laid out to make a comfortable bed. Inside, Jayco’s cabinetry is done in its “Eurostyle” theme, in our case finished in a walnut timber look. Aluminium is used for framing in areas destined to bear a bit of weight, such as the dinette and beds. In years gone by, finding a bathroom in a van of this length would’ve been awkward, but having the expanding bedroom up front makes this setup quite practical. Of course, you are not going to get the full monty, but what you do get ain’t bad. There is a flexible-hose, variable-height shower, a Thetford bench-style cassette toilet and a washbasin. The basin is one of those clever fold-down items so it’s not in the way when you’re sitting on the loo, and is an integral part of the moulding, which also includes a shaving cabinet. A shower curtain keeps the spray off the toilet seat but for those who dislike curtains that stick, it might be easier just to wipe the toilet down. Being a family van, there are two sets of beds, with the main bed being in the fold-out. It measures 1.83x1.5m (6ft x 4ft 11in) and, with large screened windows all round, is my sort of bed in warm summer weather. Of course, in cooler or wet weather you can simply zip up the internal canvas flaps. An asset of the hard-top roof (rather than canvas that’s used with the camper trailers) is that it keeps condensation to a minimum. It’s not easy providing adequate lighting in the extended bedroom, but Jayco has come up with a good solution: a simple extension light that plugs into the fixed roof light. Keen bedtime readers might do well to invest in a low consumption LED reading light. Family members are not forgotten with the two 1.9x0.75m (6ft 3in x 2ft 5in) bunk beds. Both beds have their own windows and reading lights, but only the lower bunk has a powerpoint (located at the foot of the bed). A smaller ladder can be used by the top bed occupant and a largish sideboard prevents any accidental rolling out. Between the bunk beds and shower is a full-height wardrobe with hanging space, two drawers and two floor lockers. FITTING EVERYONE IN Quite often in family RVs the table and seats don’t comfortably fit a family, but this one does it with room for five people. Two halogen under-locker lights illuminate the table, as does a nearby ceiling-mounted incandescent. There isn’t a powerpoint for the dinette, but a single point that also services the kitchen bench is close by. The TV location in a van such as this is a matter of using a mounting point that presents the least disadvantage, which in this case is the wall above a waist-high cabinet by the entrance. It can be seen from both the dinette and front bed, both of which might need to be utilised for family viewing. Family catering does require a reasonable kitchen bench and Jayco delivers with this Expanda. The offside bench comes fitted with a Smev four-burner cooktop and stainless steel sink with drainer. It comes with both tank and filtered drinking water. Built in an L shape, the bench not only fits in quite well but offers a relatively good amount of benchtop area in addition to cupboard and drawer space. Opposite is a 175L Dometic three-way fridge with a Sphere microwave above. POWERING ON Given this Expanda is fitted with an Outback Pack, it’s a little odd that a house battery isn’t a standard feature, though one is available as an option. All of the 12V lighting is supplied by Jayco’s standard Setec power converter that operates from either 240V or 12V. A couple of 12V sockets inside would be good for camping away from mains power, as would more energy-efficient lighting. Towing the Expanda isn’t a weighty matter thanks to its ATM of 2451kg. That puts it comfortably into mid-range 4WD towing territory and our Jeep Cherokee certainly coped without difficulty across the Blue Mountains west of Sydney

BOTTOM LINE It’s not hard to see why the Jayco Expanda would keep a caravanning family very happy. The van has all the advantages of a normal caravan with the additional asset of the expanding front bedroom which allows for lots more living space. In addition, this Expanda comes fitted as an Outback for some rough-road exploring. A plus in anyone’s book.

JAYCO CARAVANS EXPANDA OUTBACK Overall length: 7.24m (23ft 9in) External length 5.72m (18ft 9in) External width (incl awn): 2.47m (8ft 1in) Internal height: 1.98m (6ft 5in) Nameplate Tare: 1976kg Nameplate ATM: 2451kg Unladen ball weight: 144kg Frame: Aluminium Chassis: Hot-dipped galvanised Suspension: Tandem axle leaf spring Cooktop: Smev four-burner (three gas, one elec) Fridge: Dometic RM 2553 175L three-way Microwave: Sphere Shower: Vari-height, flex-hose Toilet: Thetford bench Lighting: 12V incandescent/halogen Gas: 2 x 9kg Fresh water: 2 x 82L Price as shown: $48,400 (tow-away, NSW) SUPPLIED BY: Jayco Sydney, St Marys, NSW, (02) 9623 1971, www.jaycosydney.com . For more informationvisit www.jayco.com.au

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17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow

Written By: Linda Voltaire

Updated On: December 21, 2022

Visiting Russia? These are the top 17 things to do in Moscow to help you plan your trip.

If the western world has New York City , the first great metropolis on the eastern side of our planet is Moscow. A huge city with a complicated and impressive history, Moscow gets a bad rep over Russian politics – but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Capital to the largest country in the world, Moscow takes the grandeur of its standing very seriously.

This is a place where luxury is king and where opulence takes a front seat in every aspect of life. The buildings are grand and imposing, the parks are luscious and enormous, and even the subway stations look different in Moscow than anywhere else in the world.

Table of Contents

Best Things to do in Moscow, Russia

Walking around Moscow is also going through the tumultuous history of the 20th century, which had Russia as one of its main protagonists. There are fascinating remains of these times everywhere in the former Soviet capital, from the gorgeous Seven Sisters skyscrapers to the Orthodox cathedrals that were closed for the better part of a century.  Still, Moscow is also a completely modern city, with a vibrant social and party scene, incredible restaurants, and some of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

After living in Russia’s capital as an ex-pat for four years, I got the privilege to experience not only the main attractions in Moscow but also the everyday life in this huge city and quickly found my sweat spots off the beaten tracks! So here is my list of my top 17 things to do in this exciting metropolis!

Attractions in Moscow

When visiting a famous city like this one, it’s a must to go through the most iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin & Surrounding Area

No place tells the story of Moscow’s power in the past century the way the Red Square does. This is where the biggest political meetings in the USSR occurred for many decades, and you can feel the power on each step.

Here, you’ll also find the historic museum at the entrance, showcasing the decades of history behind this iconic landmark. The Lenin Mausoleum, perhaps the most famous resting place in the world and home to the remains of the former communist leader, is also here.

On one side of the Red Square you’ll find the Kremlin, the fortified complex that now hosts the presidential residence. This is also home to the most iconic of all Moscovite landmarks: St. Basil’s Cathedral, a 16th-century marvel of colors. This is the best spot to take a selfie and show the world you’ve reached the Russian capital!

• Get your Kremlin Skip the Line Tickets and Kremlin tour here.
• Free cancellation up to 24-hours in advance of the tour.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

You can easily spend a couple of days just exploring the Moscovite city centre, and the Bolshoi Theatre should be your second stop. Walk past the Red Square and then head to the nearby Bolshoi Theatre, one of the oldest and most renowned houses of opera and ballet on Earth.

Visit for the impressive early 19th-century architecture, but if you’re seeing a ballet performance, make sure you book between 3 and 6 months in advance! I can strongly recommend this as it is a truly unique experience!

• Book a private 2-hour tour of the legendary Bolshoi Theatre.
• See the presidential box reserved for tzars, watch a rehearsal and skip the lines through a separate entrance.
• Free Cancellation up to 24-hours in advance.

3. Luxury Shopping at GUM and TSUM

While many might think of Moscow as the sad place with the long bread queues from the USSR days, it’s been quite the capitalist haven for a while.

If you’re up for some shopping, you’ll find one of the biggest luxury malls in town, TSUM, right behind the Bolshoi and GUM, at the red square. GUM is the most famous department store in town, where you’ll find luxury everywhere and all high-end brand. 

All in an imposing late 19th-century building with lots of history, worth a visit just for the design, its bridges and the glass roof even though you are not up for shopping!

4. Christ the Savior Cathedral

A newer addition to the gorgeous Moscovite cathedrals and my grandeur neighbor during my years in the city Don’t let the young age of this building fool you. After the perestroika in the early 90s, the newly revived Russian Orthodox Church received permission to build a cathedral on this site. They did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church.

The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes as tall as the skies in bright gold and gorgeous paintings and decor! Bring a shawl to cover your hair to adjust to the local tradition.

Head to the back of the cathedral and you will find one of the most photographed bridges in Moscow, the Patriarshiy Most. This is the perfect spot to get a good view and photo of the cathedral but also to see the Kreml and Gorky Park from a distance. Or why not just enjoy a moment watching the river and its boats!  

• Get around Moscow with ease using the Hop On Hop Off boat and Bus ticket. 24, 48 or 72-hour tickets available.

5. Gorky Park

Cross the river and head to Gorky Park along the Moscow river. The most famous green area in town, similar to New York ’s Central Park and the weekend hangout for locals. There are many beautiful parks in the city, but if you’re only visiting for a few days, this is the unmissable one! 

With fair attractions to entertain children, beautiful artificial lakes and gardens, and lots of outdoor activities, it’s a lovely place to relax. A place of rest in the middle of the metropolis. The area in front of the New Tretyakov Gallery & the Muzeon Park of Arts is actually one of my favorite oasis as a bit more quiet and peaceful than Gorky itself.

Why not spend some time in the museum to get a great tour of Russia’s history through art or just enjoy the art exhibition outside where local artists spend their weekends. 

6. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow is from the Moscow River. There are many stops for the boats and one is just next to Gorky Park. See the city from another perspective – and turn the ride into a romantic one by taking the evening cruise. Moscow is magic during the night.

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, take the Radisson Blu cruise – or the Erwin for a delicious seafood dinner. Both stop at Gorky or at the luxury Radisson Royal Hotel, set in one of the Seven Sister’s skyscrapers.

• We use Get Your Guide when booking city tours and they offer a River Sightseeing Cruise seeing all the main tourist attractions in Moscow

7. Metro Hopping

First inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow subway system is one of the oldest in the world, and certainly the most beautiful. Started under Stalinist times, each metro station is dedicated to grandeur and oozing personality.

Visiting the subway stops is an attraction in and of itself, and Komsomolskaya, Mayakovskaya, Kropotkinskaya are my favorites. Those surrounding the Red Square are also mesmerizing – in general, these are kind of like underground palaces.

Most of the signs at the Moscow Metro now have Latin letters, so it’s very easy to get around!Unfortunately, the trains are not as beautiful and pleasant as the stations but still, this is a true Moscow experience.  Take a guided tour of the 9 most beautiful Metro Stations including the award-winning art deco station. See more details here.

8. Arbatskaya & Artsy Moscow

Novy Arbat Street is one of the most touristy areas in the city, with lots of shops and cafés directed at visitors. When you walk a little beyond, you’ll find a different part of town, where the hip scene thrives because so many artists live in the area. Just follow the small streets with fewer tourists!

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings hosts the main building of the Moscow State University, one of the most prestigious colleges in Russia – and the one with the best view.

Although this is a little outside the city centre, the sight from above is more than worth it, with the nearby fountains and park and then the whole of the city behind them.

10. Russian Market

If you love to visit markets wherever you go, Moscow has one of the most impressive ones in the world – the Izmailovsky. You can easily take the metro here and feel like you’ve been transported to another time.

This place was first built in the 16th century and retains the look of an old fairytale, with a lineup of colorful old castle. A lovely local experience beyond the confines of the bustling metropolis, where you can also try some delicious Russian barbecue.

Here, you’ll find beautiful souvenirs at great prices.

Off The Beaten Track Moscow

Once you’ve covered the most touristic spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer – and the places below will also be full of locals! Moscow is a city for hipsters, full of trendy and arty spots where you can literally feel the creativity oozing! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend my sweat spots below!

11. Patriarshiye Prudy

This is my favorite area in the entire city! While Moscow is generally a very noisy metropolis, Patriarch Ponds is far quieter, yet such a vibrant place. This is a very hip and trendy area making you think you are rather in Paris than in Moscow. Here the streets are narrow and full of chic eateries and clubs to see the local crowd.

A little bohemian and with an air of peace you won’t find anywhere in the city this is a great spot to spend an afternoon with your thoughts.

12. ArtPlay

Barely 15 minutes away from the city center you’ll find the artsiest Moscow district: ArtPlay. For decades, this block was a factory, but it was renovated to become a hub for the arts not too long ago.

Now, you’ll find it’s full of exhibitions, showrooms and art schools – and some of the most creative people in town. Writers, painters, and young hip people use ArtPlay as a rendezvous, and you can feel the creative energy here. The industrial design with modern interior decoration is also a feast for the eyes!

13. Shopping Local Designs

If you’re into design, both international and local, you’ll find lots of cute things at Patriarshiye Prudy. Department store Podium Market is also a great spot for shopping, as a department store everywhere in town, with lots of local and international brands. There’s one in the Four Seasons Hotel next to Red Square. My favorite Moscow mall is Tsvetnoy Central Market, a cool spot with great brands, lots of inspo, and even a cute café!

14. Moscow City

Like many other great capitals of the world, for the past few decades, Moscow has hosted a super modern area full of modern skyscrapers – Moscow City. With a completely different vibe than the rest of town, it’s like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressively tall glass buildings. Here, you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, such as Ruski and Sixty they are perfect spots for dining or enjoying a glass of wine with a view. There are also a relatively new shopping mall with lots of international brands called Affimall!

Wine, Dine, and Party in Moscow

Gone are the gloomy Moscow days – cold as it might be in the winter, Russia’s capital is a place for the senses. Great food and drinks abound – and the clubs are hot, too!

15. Where to Eat in Moscow

Moscow is a great metropolis where people love to dine out, and there are endless options for delicious food. The flavors are as diverse as you’d expect from a big city, with options of fine dining and little hipster eateries. 

• For traditional Russian flavors, I can’t recommend Café Pushkin, Dr. Zhivago, and Turnadot enough.
• When looking for international cuisines, Italian is always the way to go, and my local favorite is Probka.
• Fine dining is best done among the clouds at White Rabbit, with European flavors.
• As for the hip spots, you can spend a full day just eating around trendy places, from burgers to Asian fusion.

More Dining Options

• Patriarshiye Prudy offers a lot of small and classy spots with cool concepts, like breakfast restaurants I Love Cake and Fresh.
• For dinner, I love the NYC experience of Saxon & Parole, and the wonderful trendy Pins, with its delicious food and drinks.
• For delicious Asian food head to CutFish. 
• Lastly, there’s a recent revival of food markets in Moscow, offering lots of great choices of international flavors at affordable places.
• Don’t miss out the Vietnamese food stand at the Danilovsky market, and everything at Usachevsky!

16. Rooftopping

Big cities deserve to be seen from above, having a cocktail among the clouds. These are my recommendations for rooftop bars in Moscow.

• As I mentioned in the Moscow City section, Sixty & Ruski are two of my favorites, overlooking the newest part of town. 
• White Rabbit and its fine dining is also a lovely place for a fun dinner looking down on Moscow.
• O2, in the city center, has an advantage above all others: amazing views of the Red Square.
• Buono, above the Radisson Royal Hotel, might be the most romantic rooftop hotel in town, with its candlelit setting.
• Also on the Radisson stands the Mercedes. It’s a luxurious and posh experience with delicious cocktails.
• The Sky Lounge offers a peculiar experience, mixing an old Soviet building with futuristic additions.

17. Moscow by Night

Party the night away! The city is full of bars everywhere, but there are some areas where you’ll find more than others.

• Patriarshiye Prudy has lots of hip and small clubs and great bars, including the super fun private club Clava, which has a great vibe and people from all walks of life.
• For more hipster style bars, Red October is the place to go.
• Streak is a summer favorite, with a lovely terrace to catch a beautiful sunset – plus, their mozzarella bar is delicious.
• At night, Red October lights up with clubs everywhere, including the cool rooftop one Gipsy.
• Jagger is also a great spot during summer with a more relaxed vibe in garden setting. 
• For the traditional Russian luxury experience, go to SohoRooms, a whole other world including all-night go-go dancers.

There are so many things to do in Moscow at night and during the day, you definitely need several days to explore this exciting destination.

Moscow is a must-see city, a city like no other ! I hope you will enjoy this Russian metropolis as much as I did!

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About Linda Voltaire

Linda Voltaire is the owner of Travel with a Silver Lining, home to reviews of gorgeous boutique & design hotels, hip & trendy eateries as well as authentic and personal travel experiences beyond the crowd. She started blogging after a life-changing trip across South America. Follow Linda at TravelWithASilverLining / Facebook / Instagram /

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10 thoughts on “17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow”

These places look so awesome! Moscow is truly a beautiful city

Very good article, you have explained so nicely. Russia has always been a part of history and its good to know about much more about architecture and other things, wish i could see the inside of façade

Thanks for sharing such a nice article.You have very beautifully explained everything that one need for a trip to Moscow.

Nice article. Love the hidden gems and graffiti art, would love to visit Artplay. Thanks for a comprehensive guide to Moscow!

Moscow is a city where the past and the future live side by side. Here we can find everything from medieval fortresses and Soviet monoliths to glass skyscrapers and innovation centers.

Your article is good and meaningful .

Thanks for sharing about ArtPlay district, we didn’t know about it and it looks amazing 🙂 Hopefully there’ll be a second time in Moscow, we visited last May and really liked the city!

Wonderful stuff! I’ve been to Moscow, but not properly – it’s a long story lol!

Anyhoo, my next thing is to fly from Berlin to Moscow and then travel from there to Beijing via the Trans-Mongolian / Trans-Siberian train. Now, if only I could just find the time …!

I hear Moscow is very beautiful at night. I hope to get out there one day. A friend of mine went to St. Petersburg and had a great experience. Despite all the tension we see on the news with Russia and other Countries like the U.S. I wonder what the sentiment is with Russians and foreigners visiting their country for tourism. Especially Americans.

that looks like quite a beautiful place. 🙂