Advice Archives - Pat Callinan's 4X4 Adventures

Spend a few hours out bush and you’ll learn real quick, the Australian sun doesn’t muck around. It burns harder, faster, and longer than almost anywhere else on Earth. Yet…

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The Bush Uniform: Thongs, Boots and the Sun-Smart Choice

There’s a sort of unofficial uniform when you head bush. You know the one, thongs, singlet, cap, maybe a bit of zinc if you’re heading to the coast. It’s the…

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The Most Underrated Mod for Long-Distance Touring

We spend a fortune protecting our engines from the harsh Australian elements. We fit snorkels to keep the water out and high-quality airboxes to stop the dust. We obsess over…

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Skin Cancer : The Track You Don’t Want to Go Down

If you’ve spent enough time behind the wheel, you know the rule, ignore a warning light long enough, and something bad’s about to happen. The same goes for your skin.…

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How To Buy The Suspension You Need, Not The Suspension You Want

We’ve all seen it. You’re rolling through a campsite and a dual-cab bounces past. It is stiff as a board and the rear end sits three inches higher than the…

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Sun Safety: The Mod You Can’t Afford to Skip

There are mods you add because they look good. A set of flash looking wheels, a stainless snorkel, a big set of flares. And then there are the mods that actually…

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Crackdown on Dodgy Caravans

The caravan industry is in the crosshairs, with the ACCC dishing out fines and launching legal action against some of Australia’s biggest names. After years of complaints about misleading advertising,…

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5 Tips for Stress-Free Mud Driving

Mud. You either love it or hate it, but one thing’s for sure, once you’re in it, there’s no hiding. Few types of 4X4ing are as much fun as slinging…

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How To Master Approach, Departure & Rampover Angles

If you’re pointing your 4X4 at steep climbs, rocky ledges or washouts, your bodywork is usually the first thing at risk. That’s where approach, departure and rampover angles come in.…

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7 of the Worst 4X4 Mistakes (That’ll Catch You Out Sooner or Later)

Let’s face it – there’s a lot of opinion in the 4X4 world. Everyone reckons their way is the right way. And if you do it differently? You’re doing it…

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How to Keep Your Wheels and Tyres Legal in Australia

Fitting aftermarket wheels and tyres to your 4X4 isn’t just about looking good, it’s also about clearance, performance, load capacity, and keeping your rig compliant on the road. What a…

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Timing the Tides: How Not To Drown Your 4X4

Driving on the beach is one of the great joys of 4X4 touring. Salt on the wind, open sand ahead, maybe even a sneaky campsite tucked into the dunes. But…

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Sharing Outback Tracks with Road Trains: What Every 4X4er Should Know

When you’re out touring remote Australia, it doesn’t take long before you come across one of the true giants of the road; road trains, graders, and other heavy vehicles that…

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Should Outback Speed Limits Be Raised?

With modern 4X4s packing more power, more safety, and better handling than ever before, many Aussie drivers are wondering: should speed limits in remote areas go up? It’s a debate…

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The Dry Grass Fire Risk — And What You Can Do About It

If you drive a modern diesel 4X4, particularly one with a DPF, then this article’s for you. Honestly, anyone heading out into Australia’s arid interior should be paying attention to…

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What Really Goes Wrong in the Outback?

When you’re 800 clicks from the nearest mechanic, breakdowns hit different. And thanks to the Birdsville Hotel’s Simpson Desert Recovery truck, we now have some hard data on what actually…

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Folklore Legends of the Aussie Bush – What’s Really Sharing Camp With You?

Campfire crackling, the wind whistling through the spinifex, maybe a roo thumping through the bush at 2am, or was it something else? Australia’s outback isn’t just home to snakes, spiders…

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Saltwater Crocs on the Move In The Pilbara

If you’re planning to head north this season, maybe to throw a line in around the Pilbara rivers or enjoy the views at Cleaverville Beach, there’s something you should be…

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Northern Floodwaters Set to Revive Menindee Lakes

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to head west, this might be it. After months of dry paddocks, dwindling rivers and cracking floodplains, a massive surge of water is…

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Free Virtual Caravan Safety Workshop Coming to Your Lounge Room

Whether you’re gearing up for your first big lap in your new caravan or just want to be sure you’re towing within your limits, there’s no shortage of advice out…

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How Remote Healthcare Access Keeps the Mr 4X4 Team on the Road

For the team at Mr 4X4, work is anything but predictable. Whether we’re deep in the outback filming the TV show, covering the latest gear at 4X4 trade shows, or testing…

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Travelling off-road with kids? Pack these 10 things.

One of the hardest things about travelling off-road with kids is working out what to pack to keep them entertained, ideally that doesn’t involve a screen. Here’s our pick of…

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From 4X4 Tracks to Weight Loss Hacks: How To Stay Healthy In The Bush

Let’s be real: when you Google someone who’s big in the 4X4 scene, you expect to see search results about epic tracks, crazy mods, and maybe a few cringey old…

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Is Your Rig Illegal? How to Keep Your 4X4 On the Right Side of the Law

Let’s face it: half the fun of owning a 4X4 is kitting it out with all the cool gear—bigger tyres, beefier suspension, a tough bull bar up front. You want…

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Pat’s Weight Loss Story

Writing this story reminds me of the worried kid that says to his dad: “But dad, how will I tell if they’re vegan” The dad answers: “Don’t worry son, they’ll…

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Essential Gear For Remote Emergencies

Anyone who ventures into the Aussie bush knows a first aid kit and a snake bite kit are absolute non-negotiables. But what if you’re faced with a sudden medical emergency…

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Stay Mozzie Safe In Outback NSW

While no one ever enjoys being a mozzie’s breakfast, with a spate of infected mozzie’s in western NSW people may be reaching for the DEET more than ever. A couple…

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How to Tackle Australia’s Most Remote Track – The Canning Stock Route

If you’re an avid 4X4er chasing adventure, there’s nothing quite like tackling Australia’s most remote track: the Canning Stock Route. Spanning 1,850 kilometres from Wiluna to Billiluna, this iconic outback…

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How to Use Your Exitrax Like a Pro

Getting bogged might be part of the adventure, but knowing how to get out of it like a pro is what separates the weekend warriors from the seasoned off-roaders. Recovery…

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Issue 067 is Here: Your Guide to Conquering the Red Centre

If you’re chasing big horizons and bigger adventures, the latest issue of Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures magazine is packed with everything you need to hit the dirt and do it properly. Issue…

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Advice

Campfire Classic: Beef Casserole Recipe

If you’re after a hearty, easy-to-make campfire dish that’ll keep the whole crew happy, Josh’s Beef Casserole from Episode 5 is the one to try. It’s packed with flavour, simple to whip…

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How To Call For Help In The Outback

When you’re venturing into the heart of the Australian outback, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the closest neighbour might be a wombat, reliable communication isn’t just a convenience—it’s a…

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With Rising Road Tolls, Should There Be a Licence to Tow?

There’s no denying it: towing a caravan isn’t just hitching up and hitting the road. With more caravans hitting Australian roads than ever, we’re also seeing a rise in towing-related…

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How 4X4 Drive Modes Work

When you’re out exploring the bush or navigating technical tracks, understanding how your 4X4’s drive modes work can make a world of difference. Modern 4X4s like the Ford Ranger and…

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Quick and Easy Caramelised Bananas

When you’re out exploring the great outdoors, there’s nothing like a sweet treat to end the day. This quick and easy recipe for caramelised bananas is the perfect dessert—or even…

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Advice

Wet Season comes to the Kimberley

Planning a trip to the Kimberley soon? As the wet season looms, it’s crucial to be aware of seasonal closures that could derail your adventure. The Kimberley’s rugged beauty is…

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How To Winch With A Snatch Block

On a run down above the snowline in the southern states, Pat and the crew faced an unexpected challenge; A massive snow gum tree had toppled over, blocking the track…

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Cold Front Brings Chance of Winter Wheeling

Regions across New South Wales and Victoria are shivering through a prolonged cold snap with many inland areas recording sub-zero temperatures this morning. The frigid air has brought record-challenging lows.…

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Quick Tips for Better Winching

If you’ve ever found yourself bellied out in the bush, you’ll know just how crucial effective winching can be. Whether you’re at the infamous Springs 4X4 Park like Pat and…

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Alpine Tracks To Avoid This Winter

If you’re planning an off-road adventure down to the alpine regions this winter it’s worth noting that a few of the must-do tracks may be gated by the time you…

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Do you need to be bush fire aware in winter?

Ahhh winter. There’s a heavy mist rolling through the mountains. Campfire banter and thick flannel jackets are the order of the night. And, for those lucky few, a morning camp…

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Advice

The Bushman’s Checklist: Prepping Your 4X4 for your next adventure

Heading into the bush is a rite of passage for many of us, offering the thrill of exploration and the beauty of the untamed Australian landscape. But as any seasoned…

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Surviving the Slithery: A 4X4 Adventurer’s Guide to Snake Bites

Heading into the wild on four wheels? Fantastic! But before you channel your inner Bear Grylls, there’s a little something about our legless friends you might want to consider. Yes,…

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Four steps to conquer Inskip Point

Inskip Point, the gateway to the southern end of Fraser Island, appears deceptively tranquil with its stretches of sand, calm waters, and stunning views. But these few hundred meters have…

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Cooking Up Adventure: Snags in a Swag

Today, we’re taking a detour from the typical 4X4 tracks and camping spots to focus on something equally exciting—campsite cooking. Pat and his son Bill found themselves at the picturesque…

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The Down-Low on Snake Bites: Staying Safe in the Australian Bush

When it comes to exploring the great outdoors, especially in Australia, there’s always an element of risk involved. One such risk is receiving venomous snake bite. Recently, Pat and his…

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Advice

Make your roof rack do more: Tips from Issue #62

Over on the Mr4x4 app we’ve just released the latest edition of the Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventure’s magazine. In this issue, we dive deep into the essentials of roof rack…

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Beach Tips from Northern NSW

Australia’s Northern New South Wales coast offers a unique blend of breathtaking scenery, challenging off-road experiences, and local culinary delights. Our recent journey through this rugged paradise in our trusty…

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Weighing Up the Risks: The Heavy Truth About Towing in Australia

Picture this: You’re cruising down the Landsborough Highway, the quintessential outback road stretching across the rugged Queensland heartland. Your caravan’s hitched up, and you’re ready to soak in the vast…

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4X4 Recovery Mistakes: What Not to Do When You’re Stuck

Getting stuck is almost a rite of passage in the 4X4 world. It happens to the best of us, whether we’re experienced trailblazers or newcomers eager to conquer the great…

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