Nestled in the heart of Mildura, Wirraway Motorhomes is a proud Australian family company. It has always been a family business and is now managed by Rob Tonkin with the support of his efficient wife Amanda. Wirraway was founded in the early 2000s with his parents, Ian and Alison Tonkin, volunteering to help him.
In the early 70s, Ian and Alison Tonkin, along with their three teenagers in tow, traded the hustle and bustle of Ferntree Gully for the warmer climate of Mildura. Ian also changed careers from construction manager to the captain of the passenger boat, Loyalty, on the Murray River. Life on the Alexandria, their houseboat home, became a new chapter in the Tonkin family story.
Camping was in the Tonkin’s veins which started with ‘The shack’ at Torrumbarry, where all the generations of the family would get together. Ian, despite his lively spirit, retired in his 50s, facing health challenges. Due to his medical conditions, every winter he and Alison would head north, away from the cold in a motorhome. Each year they would purchase a vehicle, fit it out, take a trip north and return home and sell it. Each return saw the sale of one motorhome funding the next, perpetuating a cycle of adventure that lasted 29 trips.
In his parents' backyard, Rob began working on motorhomes alongside his father, each one designed for his parents' annual northern journey. With each new motorhome, Ian's vision for improvement drove innovation. There was certainly a pivotal moment when Mercedes introduced the Sprinter Cab chassis. Rob saw the potential in the new design which housed its motor in the front, allowing for a flat floor all the way through and swivel seats, allowing easy access to the living area. And hence, the first Wirraway on a Mercedes was built and the start of a long relationship with the classic German vehicle manufacturer.
In a twist of fate, Rob sold the first Wirraway before his parents could embark on their annual journey. However, fortune smiled upon him when the buyer offered their previous motorhome for sale. Thus, instead of the anticipated Wirraway on a Mercedes chassis, Rob's parents found themselves acquiring the customer's old motorhome.
From those modest backyard beginnings, the path forward was clear. In 2002, the first factory was purchased, marking a significant leap forward for Wirraway. A few years later, Amanda married Rob and became the efficient, somewhat computer-savvy back bone of the new family business. As is often the way with newly weds, children soon followed, with Zoe and Ian completing the picture.
Expansion continued with the acquisition of a second factory in 2005. Ian and Alison contributed to the business for many years, and their legacy endures even after their passing. Their spirit lives on in the older motorhomes that return from time to time, a reminder of Wirraway’s lasting family ties.
How did the name Wirraway Motorhomes come about?
The name Wirraway Motorhomes emerged from a practical blend of factors. During a discussion about naming the business, Ian and Alison returned from dining at the Wirraway bistro, sparking inspiration. Rob has a flying background and Ian wanted to fly in the war but was too young. Wirraway planes were World War II fighter-trainers built at Fisherman’s Bend in Melbourne, where a relative, Uncle Clarice, worked on their construction during the war years. The name also resonated with Mildura's history, as the town served as a base for the training plane Wirraway. With catchphrases like 'Getaway in a Wirraway' and "We're away in a Wirraway' and a nod to local heritage, the decision was straightforward. Thus, Wirraway Motorhomes came into being as a name that honored both family connections and regional significance.
Wirraway Motorhomes has a simple business philosophy of delivering motorhomes with a quality build and providing ongoing customer service. Wirraway's motorhomes blend European-inspired design with cutting-edge technology, ensuring comfort and functionality on the road. With a motto of "do it while you can," the Tonkin family embraces life's adventures. Wirraway also prioritises local and Australian businesses, supporting our community while providing you with a motorhome designed for unforgettable journeys.