G'day Maz,
Went to the Van Nats couple of years ago when it was in Mt Gambier. Live in Wodonga so the missus & I cruised down the Hume to Anglesea then along the Great Ocean Road to Mt Gambier for the Nats then back again. Was a 2,000km road trip & had a ball.
Just a thought, most vanners seem to be in the NSW/VIC region. Maybe having it in some central location to these 2 states would maximise participation (Woolongong, Wangaratta, Albury/Wodonga) etc. By having it way down south at Philip Island could deter potential entrants (like me for instance) having to travel so far.
Somewhere in central Vic or NSW might be the go. Don't think I'm trying to tell you how to your job. I think you & your organisers do a great job. Just a positive comment for future events.

Cheers,
Glenn.