Advice Archives - Pat Callinan's 4X4 Adventures

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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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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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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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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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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Essential 4×4 Mods and Camping Gear You Actually Need

So, you’re now the proud owner of a 4X4. Whether you’ve got ambitions of a weekend rock crawler or a trusty big lap tourer, congrats! But the fun doesn’t stop…

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School of rock – rock crawling 101

Whether your 4X4 is an adventure machine designed to get you to the far reaches of the continent, or a weekend warrior for ticking off every local campground you can…

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How to pack your 4X4 like a pro

Heading out for a big 4X4 adventure is like prepping for an epic battle—you need the right gear, in the right places, at the right time. It’s not just chucking…

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How to tackle water crossings

If there’s one thing that gets the heart pumping for any 4X4 enthusiast, it’s a good water crossing. There’s something exhilarating about conquering a body of water in your trusty…

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5-Must have 4×4 recovery accessories

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer amount of kit on the market. You’d be forgiven for thinking dream destinations like the Cape or the Kimberley simply aren’t attainable…

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How to Build the Perfect Campfire: A Sizzling Guide

Ah, the allure of the Friday night camp, the freedom of endless bush, and the promise of an ice-cold beverage and a hearty meal after a long day on the…

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Top Tips for saving fuel

There’s no freedom quite like owning a 4×4. Endless tracks, pristine beach campsites, and crystal clear rivers far beyond the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s the epitome of…

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What’s missing in your first aid kit?

You are driving your 4X4 on a remote dirt road, enjoying the scenery and the thrill of the adventure. You have prepared well for this trip, packing enough food, water,…

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