SUTTON THE SPRINTER

Step into a van designed to embrace our southern neighbours’ raw, untamed beauty. This van is crafted to allow its owners to wake up beneath snow-dusted gums and breathe in mountain air in the heart of Tasmania. With triple-layer insulation and acoustic soundproofing, the interior offers a quiet, warm sanctuary that mirrors the misty palette of a winter morning.

The walls and ceilings are lined in Australian hardwood, coated in a liming-white wash and light grey carpet finishes soften the trims. The flooring used is hardwearing, waterproof linings in Porcelain, trimmed with sleek aluminium, perfect for snowy boots or muddy trails. Strategic lighting consisting of downlights, LED strips and a multi-colour kicker light (yes, red included for night mode), sets the mood for any adventure.

From Arthur River to Eddystone point, winter in Tasmania is no joke and this van is built for it. A diesel heater warms the entire cabin, while a second heater services the ensuite, turning it into a drying room. Hot water flows, powered by the reliable diesel system. Airflow is managed by a MaxxFan (with remotes), a dome vent in the shower, skylight and twin Sirocco fans at the bed, so you’re always in control of your microclimate.

Off-grid power you can count on is of utmost importance. The robust 400AH lithium battery system, paired with fixed solar, means you're fully powered, no matter how remote you venture. The Enerdrive E-SYS setup includes detailed monitoring and all the safety protection you need for peace of mind. You’ve got 240v shore power, a 3000W inverter, Bluetooth monitoring and outlets positioned for practical off-grid living.

A fixed east-west double bed with an inner-spring mattress customised to the owners’ personal taste and breathable underlay offers a deep sleep under the southern sky. Bedside USBs and personal lighting keep you cosy and connected, while net pockets at the bed head keep essentials close.

The ensuite shower is a dream - brushed brass fittings, stylish wall panels and tiled flooring with a cedar inlay - ready for the shower you might need to thaw out. Water storage is ample, with approximately 190 litres split between underbody and internal tanks, supported by a comprehensive plumbing system. A removable hanging rail facilitates its dual purpose as a drying room (perfect for damp thermals or wet jackets).

The kitchen boasts a white ceramic sink with brushed brass tapware, an 85L Bushman fridge, microwave and a portable single-burner induction stove allowing you to cook a full meal or enjoy a hot cuppa after climbing The Sentinel. The gorgeous, tiled splashback adds warmth to the benchtop, tying in beautifully with the surrounding timber cabinetry.

The cabinetry throughout is lightweight yet strong, finished in Plyco’s ‘Cloud’ with blackbutt hardwood veneer benchtops. Overhead cabinets feature soft-close hinges and self-holding struts. Clever storage touches include a pantry drawer with integrated step, plant shelves, flip-up benchtop extension and an outdoor flip down table with a cupboard behind that has access internally and externally.  A vertical timber feature wall and matching divider elevate the aesthetic, with built-in LED strips for a touch of magic when the sun goes down.

Net pockets and a headliner shelf keep everything in place during rugged drives. With smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a fire extinguisher, and full compliance through VASS certification and accompanying documentation, your safety is assured no matter where you venture.

The result? A winter-ready, off-grid mobile cabin ready for wherever/whenever nature calls.

Photos by Brody Webb