Imagine if you pull into your driveway after a long weekend exploring the Whitsundays. Your shiny caravan glints in the sun as you pat its side, feeling proud as punch. But then you catch sight of storm clouds gathering on the horizon. Heart sinking, do you really want that pride-and-joy stranded under the elements?
Out here in North Queensland, years of salty sea spray, scorching sun, and the odd cyclone will eat away at your favourite rig if it isn’t sheltered. That’s where caravan and boat sheds come in the unsung heroes of Aussie backyard life, keeping our wheeled and waterborne toys safe and dry.
Choosing the Right Size
Sizing is everything. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen someone try to shoehorn a camper into an undersized shed. We’re not talking about your average garden shed here – a caravan or boat is tall, long and heavy, and it needs space. Personally, I always say: treat your shed like planning a small house.
That means at least a 3.6m (12ft) roller door height – 4m is even safer if you can swing it – plus deep, reinforced footings. And remember, North Queensland is a cyclone country, so you want the frame engineered for our wind zone.
That’s why I recommend working with a trusted caravan and boat shed builder, who knows the local quirks (wild winds, hot sun and sandy soil) inside and out. They’ll double-check your clearance, wind rating and permits so you don’t end up with a beautiful shed that doesn’t fit your vehicle.
- Roller door clearance of 3.6m or more (4m or higher gives breathing room).
- Site-engineered design for local wind loads (cyclone-rated frame).
- Extra-deep concrete footings (taller means heavier walls).
- High-quality Colorbond or Zincalume steel (resists rust near the coast).
- Extras like insulation, skylights or a smooth concrete floor (keep heat and dust at bay).
Design & Material Options
Once you’ve got the size pinned down, design is pretty flexible. You can pick your roof style – skillion, gable, or even a curved roof if you need extra height for taller boats. Colorbond sheds come in all sorts of colours – pick one that matches your house.
Want extra ventilation? Drop in a louvre or two. Need lights or power? Just add them to the plan. In short, customisation is the name of the game. You can have skylights, gutters, big roller doors or wide sliding gates – your shed will fit your life, not the other way around.
Open vs Enclosed Shelters
Imagine rolling your trailer under a classic open-front boat shelter: it’s basically a roof plus a back wall and a couple of strong posts. This style is like a giant carport – you drive straight in and out without walls to block you. An open shed still keeps sun and rain off your pride and joy, and costs a lot less steel than a fully enclosed barn.
It’s great for quick access, just pull your boat under cover and back out in seconds. Just remember, you won’t have side walls to lock up or to block flying debris. It’s great for breeze and budget, but not as secure as a fully closed shed.
Now picture a fully enclosed boat shed, basically a mini warehouse built just for your rig. Three walls, a roof and a big wind-rated roller door up front mean it locks up tight (think Fort Knox for your boat). It costs more in steel and labor, but gives total protection: no prying eyes, no weather damage, no falling branches.
In cyclone season you can batten everything down and your gear stays snug inside. Add some LED lights, a workbench or even solar panels on the roof – suddenly that shed isn’t just storage, it’s a workshop or man-cave (or even a kitchenette on occasion).
Permits & Planning
What about approvals and red tape? Good question – rules do apply. In Queensland, any sizable shed typically needs building approval, especially if it has walls or sits on a concrete slab.
On the bright side, if your shed is on rural land, Queensland’s Development Code Part 3.7 cuts a lot of red tape for farm and vehicle storage sheds (for example, it eases up on fire-safety and lighting requirements). Either way, before pouring concrete or ordering that steel kit, talk to your council or a private certifier – their advice can save headaches later.
Budget & Costs
Let’s talk turkey: how much will it all cost? Great question – and one I get all the time. Costs vary by location (we’re in a cyclonic zone, so expect higher specs here) and by custom features. Generally, a basic steel shed kit starts around $150–$400 per m², plus concrete slab and installation. Here’s a rough breakdown of typical budget items:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Steel shed kit | $150–$900 per m² (varies by size, style, and region) |
| Concrete slab & footings | $120–$350 per m² (standard vs heavy-duty) |
| Installation & labor | ~20–45% of kit cost (higher in cyclone zones) |
| Wind-rated roller door | $4,000–$12,000 each |
| Insulation/finishes | $12–$80 per m² (helps cut heat) |
| Gutters & drainage | $1,500–$8,000 total |
| Permits & approvals | $500–$2,000 (approx.) |
| Contingency | ~10–15% of total budget (always good to have) |
Prices jump in a cyclonic zone, since heavy engineering and bigger doors are needed. Skimping on specs can cost you later – the cheapest quotes often cut corners. From experience, spending a bit more on a properly engineered, wind-rated shed saves hassles (and roof dents) down the track. Extras like insulation add cost upfront, but can keep your boat or caravan nice and cool during tropical summer.
Conclusion & Next Steps
At the end of the day, a caravan & boat shed is about peace of mind and protecting your investment. Think of it like insurance you can see and touch. You do the trips; I do the heavy lifting to keep your toys in tip-top shape, mate.
Whether you go open-air or fully decked out, plan carefully and work with someone who knows this part of the world. If you’ve got questions or need a hand, reach out to a local shed expert – they can save you time (and money!). Happy travels, and may your rigs always stay high and dry under a solid roof!
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should my caravan or boat shed be?
That depends on your vehicle’s size and your plans. First, measure your rig end-to-end (including any extras like bike racks or bow thrusters). Then add at least 0.5–1m to each dimension, plus at least 3.6m of height clearance. This gives you breathing room to manoeuvre and room to upgrade later. If you’re planning a larger van or boat in the future, build accordingly now.
How much do caravan & boat sheds cost in Queensland?
It varies. We’re in a high-spec (cyclonic) region, so prices run higher. A mid-sized enclosed shed can easily sit in the tens of thousands of dollars once you add slab, doors and engineering. The table above shows a rough breakdown. Get multiple quotes and budget for at least the middle range.
Do I need a building permit for a boat shed?
If your shed is more than a small backyard structure (for example, over ~10m² or fully enclosed), chances are yes, you’ll need council or certifier approval in Queensland. The good news is, if it’s on rural land, the QLD government’s Part 3.7 code can relax some requirements. Still, always double-check with Whitsunday Council or an expert before starting.
What’s the difference between an open carport and a dedicated boat shed?
An open carport (no walls) is cheaper and fine for covering a car, but a dedicated boat shed is built bigger, taller and sturdier. A boat shed often uses higher clearance and stronger steel to withstand cyclones. Think of a boat shed as a souped-up, cyclone-rated carport made for boats and RVs.
Can I build my own caravan and boat shed kit?
Technically yes, these sheds come as DIY kits. But be honest about your skills and tools, they’re huge structures. You’ll likely need help (and maybe a crane) for the big bits. Many people do the slab and put up walls themselves, but hire pros for the roof assembly and welding. If in doubt, a trusted builder or certifier can guide you so everything is safe and warranties stay valid.