Horizon Motorhomes

Background

Horizon Motorhomes was established in 1995 by Clayton Kearney, who turned his love of all things motors and travelling into a family business in Ballina, Northern NSW. The business started with one motorhome in Kearney’s used car yard, which sold immediately. He began buying second-hand Toyota Coaster buses and refitting them, and the brand name “Horizon” was suggested by his wife, representing “the wide horizon of Australia.” Around 1998, the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter on the Australian market opened up new possibilities, and Horizon expanded its range significantly.

The company has since built over 600 motorhomes and earned significant industry recognition, including being named Motorhome Manufacturer of the Year by the CCIA (Caravan Camping Industry Association) NSW for three consecutive years (2015–2017), earning entry into the CCIA’s Hall of Fame. Horizon also won the RVMAP People’s Choice Award in 2024 (Gold) and 2025 (Silver).

Ownership & Structure

Horizon Motorhomes is a private, family-owned business run by founder Clayton Kearney from Ballina, NSW. There are no parent companies or corporate investors. The company sells direct and through dealers Australia-wide. The family-run nature of the business is frequently cited by customers as a key reason for the high-quality personal service.

Manufacturing

All Horizon motorhomes are hand-built at the company’s facility in Ballina, on the Northern NSW coast. The company converts primarily Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and other van/bus platforms into custom motorhomes. Production volumes are modest — the company celebrated its 600th sale as a milestone — which allows for close attention to detail and individual customisation. Horizon offers both standard models (Melaleuca, Wattle, Waratah) and custom builds to buyer specifications.

Market Position

Horizon sits firmly in the premium Australian-made motorhome segment. Their key models include the Melaleuca (Sprinter-based), the Wattle, and the Waratah 4x4 (a serious off-road motorhome). They build hand-built motorhomes in Ballina, NSW. The Waratah 4x4 occupies a niche that very few competitors service — a genuine off-road motorhome capable of tackling the Kimberley and similar terrain.