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Pat shows us how to turn a Ford Everest into the ultimate touring 4×4
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First jump: Next Gen Ford Ranger Raptor
400HP AND DESERT RACE SUSPENSION. WE PUT FORD’S NEW DO-IT-ALL OFF-ROAD WEAPON TO THE TEST 400hp in a ute. Bonkers, right? And it is bonkers, but in a good way. The last Gen Ranger Raptor was an excellent 4×4. In fact, one of, if not the best dual cabs on the market. The suspension, the interior, the drivetrain; it was all very good. The new version delivers twice as much, and then some. Sure, it’s more expensive. So is everything, right? But at least Ford is delivering huge additional value for the extra hit to the pocket. They’ve spent some serious time and money on this thing, and the end result is a truly special vehicle. One of those cars that puts a big cheesy grin on your face every time you drive it. Styling Objectively, there’s absolutely no faulting this car. Subjectively, however, the aesthetic of the Ranger Raptor might furrow some brows. While it’s all in keeping with Ford’s design language, it’s a big shift from the last model. Where the outgoing Ranger Raptor was beefy, the new version is imposing. The 50mm longer wheelbase and bulkier body shell combine for more of an F150 look than Ranger. The large C-clamp design headlights continue that F-truck theme. The huge F-O-R-D emblazoned grille is a bold statement, as is…
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5 quick and easy tips to make you the master of river crossings
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Bio-fuels – coming to a bowser near you
Australia’s move to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 means EVs are coming whether we like it or not. Could bio-fuels allow us to keep our current 4WDs for just a little longer? Let’s play a game, shall we? Put your hand up if you intend to purchase a new 4WD sometime over the next 10 years. Keep your hand up if you want to tow a big caravan with that new 4WD and perhaps travel around the country with it. OK. You guys and gals with your hands still up, keep reading because what I’m about to tell you may put a pretty sizable dent in your plans. Consider for a moment that the Australian federal government has committed this country on the path to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. We could argue the merits of that decision until the cows come home but in reality, it is a moot point because, like it or not, it’s going to happen. At the very least, Australia has fallen into step with the rest of the developed world and that can only be a good thing. What I do want to know now is how are we going to get there and what does it actually mean to the average person like you and I who enjoy getting out in this wide…
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Big mods for the Big Lap
As we travel around this great country, we get the opportunity to meet other fellow travellers living on the road or doing the big lap. Almost all of them are doing it in a 4X4 of some sort, and many towing a camper trailer or large caravan. What amazes me is just how optioned up many of these 4X4s are. There’s the usual fare of bullbars, driving lights, suspension lifts, and rooftop tents. All great kit for a touring rig. But then there are those who fit every conceivable option and accessory available to them with barely a thought to whether or not they will actually use all this gear. What many fail to consider is that all this kit takes up valuable space and adds considerable weight to their 4X4s. So much so that they have barely enough room for the essentials and their vehicles are dangerously close to exceeding their weight limits. Doing the big lap around the country involves many hours of driving great distances in the heat and rough conditions of the outback. It places a great strain on both vehicles and occupants. To my way of thinking, if you want your vehicle to be reliable and safe, less is more. Here are 5 essential modifications that I believe you need to make to your 4WD…
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Spotlight on: Pat’s FX4 Max
How Pat turned something special, into something amazing While it’d be hard to find a downside with Pat’s line of work, it’s certainly easy to find more than a few upsides. Where people typically buy and build one 4X4 that’ll do them for most of their travels, Pat gets the unique opportunity to not only try out 2-3 new vehicles a year as his personal tourer and the camera cars, but also to try all the weird and wonderful aftermarket accessories available. If you’ve been eyeing off his latest chariot, a 2021 Ford Ranger in battleship grey, this is your chance to get a little up close and personal with it. Even before it left the factory, Pat’s new ride was something special. Dubbed FX4 Max, the Ranger slots in somewhere around the top of the line Wildtrak, with a little Raptor DNA thrown in for good measure. It rode both higher and smoother than stock thanks to factory fitted upgraded shocks. It also had a wider stance, bigger offset wheels, taller tyres, and sleek fender flares adding to the look. The inside was spiced up plenty too making it just as good to drive as it is to look at. Front and rear pews were wrapped in tough-as-nails leather, while a trick dash mounted switch panel was designed right…
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Pat’s thoughts on the Next-Gen Ranger
In a world seemingly screaming for new electric vehicles, the new Ford Ranger is an unusual rockstar. Powered purely by diesel engines, it has attracted popularity hitherto unseen in this nation. Before a single vehicle was shipped to an owner, 17,000 orders were placed. This unprecedented demand is anyone’s guess, but by my estimation it comes for three good reasons. The last model, particularly in its latest incarnation, was incredibly popular and packed with good tech. Always number one or two on the best sellers list, it was great to look at and feature-packed. The new model features an even bolder look, which quite obviously appeals to the Australian market. It’s no ugly duckling. There’s a bold and striking front end with C-clamp headlamps that give little doubt as to its family resemblance. If it was a child. You’d say it’s a chip off the old man’s block (the old man being an F-Truck). And Aussies do like a tough-looking ute. But the killer blow in the new Ford Ranger. And the reason for so many confident pre-orders is the new 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine. The previous gen 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel was no slouch, but in Australia, V6 means sales. And with 600Nm on tap, Australia, your prayers have been answered. The most popular model thus far, is the Wildtrak…
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From one extreme… the story of Cecil Madigan
Sure, he has an iconic track named after him, but Cecil Madigan was no one-trick pony! Any 4wder and tourer worth their salt has at least heard of the infamous Madigan Line in the north of the Simpson Desert. It is one of those last remaining tracks here in Australia where you can truly be isolated and forging your own path. Where when the wind blows you have to rely on your navigational skills as the track disappears before your very eyes. We suspect that’s exactly how Mr Madigan would like it, being an explorer at heart as he was. Born in Renmark in South Australia in 1889. Madigan was raised by his Mother after his Father passed away in the Kalgoorlie goldfields. The early loss never held him back, particularly when it came to academic endeavours. Madigan attended Adelaide High School and earned a Scholarship to continue his education at the University of Adelaide. There he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1910. He studied mining engineering and geology but also had a keen interest in meteorology. In 1911 Madigan had moved to England after winning a Rhodes scholarship. He had planned to study Meteorology, however, fate intervened. An Australian explorer by the name of (Sir) Douglas Mawson (you know, that bloke off the old $100 note) was…
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Uncharted alpine adventure
When one thinks of touring through the Australian Alps with the hopes of getting a little white stuff below the tyres, generally the Victorian High Country immediately springs to mind. You could be forgiven for defaulting to that stunning backdrop. Usually, the inspiration for trips like these are drawn from what you’d see plastered on the socials, Youtube, or the occasional magazine spread. These mediums can be a little counterproductive to the adventurous mindset. Stumbling upon unknown hidden gems by pure chance is half of the fun, half of the adventure. It’s with retaining that uncharted mindset that we ourselves were able to find some pockets of uninhabited splendour, deep in the New South Wales alpine regions. Snow-capped mountains, rivers lined with snow drenched gums, and the occasional slippery climb to sink the muddies into. Perfect. Our trip kicked off at the cosy town of Khancoban, at the pub to be precise as the fridges and pantry’s were stocked in advance and it was bang on beer o’clock. What better way to kick off an adventure than with a couple of cold ones! Soon enough, with itchy feet to hit the tracks, we packed up the pool cues and set off chasing that glorious golden hour light. Deep within the gorges weaving along the Alpine Way we were led by…
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Species Spotlight: Tasmanian Devil
Devil by Name, Not by Nature. Shelly Lord takes a look at one of Australia’s most misunderstood and endangered marsupials. The Tasmanian Devil is possibly one of our more misunderstood native animals. Early European settlers named them “The Devil” after hearing screeches and growl’s coming from the bush at night. Then later being portrayed as a ferocious, spinning cartoon character called “Taz” that would eat anything in his path. There seem to be many people out there who are fearful of the Tassie Devil, believing it is an aggressive and evil animal. Tassie Devils have the most powerful bite for the weight of any animal, strong enough to crush bones. However, these nocturnal carnivorous marsupials are shy and prefer to run away. Tasmanian Devils have coarse black fur, and most have a white stripe on their chest. Some devils have white markings on their rump, with no two markings on a devil being the same. They are pretty small, stocky animals, with the males being larger than the females. A healthy male devil can weigh between 8-and 14kg while the female will weigh between 5-and 9kg. Although not a very big animal, standing up to 30cm at the shoulders, a Tassie Devil can eat up to 40% of its body weight in one day. Tassie Devils are not fussy eaters,…
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Track Trailer T4 Review: Uncommonly Uncompromising
In this product review, Pat gives you his thoughts on the Track Trailer T4 Hybrid Caravan. It looks like a ‘regular’ single axle off-road caravan by all intents and purposes. Off-road suspension and tyres, loads of ground clearance, and a bed up against one end. But in reality, that’s like comparing a Datsun Fairlady to a Lamborghini Huracan. Yes, they’re both sports cars, but one is a supercar, and the other is not. If you hadn’t already worked it out, the Australian-engineered and built Track Trailer T4 is the Lambo in this analogy. With their glut of winding roads and doorway to Europe, it makes sense that the Italians would design sexy fast cars that know how to corner. Yet it makes even more sense that Australia would be the home of the finest off-road creations on the planet. The caravan industry in Australia has, however, had a chequered past. Manufacturers come and go with the seasons, and things like R&D and warranty are what some builders consider ‘optional’. Track Trailer sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. While its trailers remain essentially hand-built, the roots of the company lie in military contract fulfilment. Before building fancy $100K-plus off-road caravans, they built off-road trailers for the Australian Army. Before Tesla had a Trunk, the T4 had one… HYBRID-OGRAPHY The…
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K’Gari: Your 4X4 Paradise Awaits
K’gari or Fraser Island is a paradise indeed, but you may benefit from some ‘Mr 4X4’ tips to ensure your journey goes to plan. You might think I’d be getting sick of it after venturing to K’Gari Fraser Island for the past 20 years. But being the largest sand island in the world has its advantages. There’s always a different route to take and something new to experience. This latest journey was blessed with great weather, incredible sunsets, and great rejuvenation. After the wildfires of a few years back, the island has bounced back with vigour. It’s genuinely looking better than ever. Inskip Point (just north of Rainbow Beach) was my start point this time around. This stretch of sand is undoubtedly one of the most changeable. One day, the sand spit stretches far and wide. The next? It’s a slender two-lane sliver of sand out to the barge. And let’s not forget about the sinkholes that randomly appear up here, swallowing whole caravans in the process. My advice with Inskip Point is to never take it lightly. Always air down before hitting the sand, and engage low range if you have it. Not only will you give your 4X4 the best chance of success, but you’ll also be saving yourself an embarrassing recovery in a high traffic area. Our…
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Bundjalung NP – Beware of RAAF planes bearing gifts…!
Protecting an area of coastal plains, heathlands and pristine beaches, Bundjalung national park also includes an exclusion zone used by the RAAF as an active bombing range….! But don’ty let that stop you visiting this amazing location. The North Coast of NSW has many diverse and unique areas all linking back to when the east coast volcanoes erupted 30-60 million years ago. If it wasn’t for the major upheaval, we wouldn’t have the Great Diving Range holding rainforest pockets, rich soil farmlands and wilderness areas. Luckily, along the north coast region, we can access most of these areas in some way. One of these areas is Bundjalung NP, just 90 minutes south of the NSW/QLD border. On paper, the park has a wide variety of things to do and I remember from 20 years ago I thought I’d head back in for a few days. Parks state that it covers 21,000 hectares with a variety of different environments including wetlands, coastal, rainforest and much more. One significant feature is the Esk River system which apparently is the longest natural coastal river ecosystem on the north coast, say that 10 times! My plan was to start at the southern end of the park at the coastal community of Iluka and 4WD through the park to the main camping area of Black…
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Why I’m Not Buying a 300 Series
The 300 Series Toyota LandCruiser would have to be the most anticipated new vehicle release in decades but is it a worthy replacement for the venerable 200 Series? Our resident not-so-grey nomad, Marty Ledwich, reckons it’s not for him just yet and here’s why. Toyota’s all-new 300 Series LandCruiser has been with us for a little over 3 months and much has been written about it since it first hit the streets. As the owner of a 200 Series LandCruiser, I’ve been following the commentary with great interest, particularly the feedback from those who have made the transition and those who have decided not to. I have to say, opinions sway both ways. If you’re considering making the switch, the decision is going to be a difficult one, to say the least. The arguments for upgrading to a 300 Series are quite compelling. The new Cruiser is a more modern vehicle sporting the latest technology. It is lighter, more powerful and supposedly more fuel-efficient. It arguably addresses many of the shortcomings of the vehicle it replaces which was looking pretty outdated five years ago. And while the prices for a new 300 Series are a little eye-watering (not to mention the wait times), the prices people are paying for second hand 200’s are positively atmospheric. You’re not likely to find…
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Industry News May 2022
Check out what’s happening throughout the industry with insurance options for our two-wheel-drive owner readers, some great news about the Birdsville Races and a major tourism award in South Australia. CLUB 4X4 GOES 2X4 Club 4X4 Insurance has recently broadened its offering to two-wheel-drive vehicles and SUVs. Company chief Kalen Ziflian said: “We recognise that many of our policyholders have a daily driver that is not a 4X4. We wanted to help these people and offer a multi-policy discount. So, when you sign up for an additional vehicle, you’ll receive a discount not just on your daily driver, but on your 4X4 too.” Currently, Club 4X4s Comprehensive Daily Drive Insurance is only available to policyholders. So, if you have your 4X4, caravan or camper-trailer insured with Club 4X4, you can access the Daily Drive Insurance and the associated discounts. The multi-vehicle discounts vary depending on the vehicle or trailer but are up to 10%. Club 4X4 also offers the new multi-vehicle policy to be covered by a single policy schedule. You can have one simple payment per month and a single renewal date across all your vehicles to make managing your insurance easier. To find out more, call 1800 CLUB 4X4 (258 249) BIRDSVILLE IS BACK! The iconic Birdsville Races is back in 2022, ready to celebrate its 140th anniversary!…
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Gear News – The latest 4×4 accessories for May 2022
Looking for some gifts ideas for mother’s day? We have plenty in this month’s gear news. I think mum would really love the Plasma Lighter…! PLASMA LIGHTER’S, ALL THE BUZZ An essential item for every camper has always been a box of matches or a butane lighter. Now there is a new player in the market, the plasma lighter. Plasma lighters first became available in 2015 but are only becoming more popular now. Plasma lighters are rechargeable, and they don’t require refilling with any gas or liquid. Once charged via USB, you can expect to get 300 uses per charge. A plasma lighter does not produce a flame. It forms what’s called a plasma arc. Plasma is an ionized gas in which electrons flow. At the press of the button on your lighter, the stored charge passes between two nodes to create an arc of highly charged plasma. The benefit of the plasma arc over a flame is it will not blow out, and you can safely use it at any angle. Most plasma lighters come with a safety switch which restricts the ignition time to around 10 seconds. There are a few different types of plasma lighter. I’ve chosen to review a 4tech brand lighter with the top facing dual arc configuration. This lighter has four nodes on the…
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Engel Outback Gourmet: Cheese and Spinach Cob
Pat has done it again and it couldn’t be simpler. Just tear off chunks of bread and douse them in the cheese. Delicious! This cheese delight is very easy to prepare and should be enjoyed around a roaring campfire. According to Recipe Pocket, Cob bread is a crusty round bread that can be made into one large loaf or smaller individual rolls. It’s a simple free-form bread that does not require a bread tin, making it great for cooks who only have basic baking equipment. It can be hollowed out to make a bread bowl for hot dips which is exactly what Pat has done in this yummy recipe. INGREDIENTS 1 large cob loaf (round) 1 big handful of spinach leaves, finely sliced 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 cup mayonnaise 1½ cups cheddar or tasty cheese, grated 250g cream cheese (Philly is good) 1 teaspoon mixed dried herbs Salt and pepper THE PROCESS 1. Preheat your camp oven to low/medium and drop in a trivet. 2. Slice a lid off the top of the cob and scoop out the inside – try to keep it in large pieces – leaving at least 2cm thickness of walls and base. 3. Mix all the other ingredients in a bowl, then fill into the cob. 4. Place the loaf on your trivet…
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Insurance premiums for your 4X4 are getting more expensive, but why? And how can you save a few dollars?
Have you received your 4X4 vehicle insurance renewal yet? If you haven’t, you’re likely to be in for a shock as our resident not-so-grey nomad Marty Ledwich found out recently when his arrived. Unfortunately, the news isn’t good. Premiums are on the rise. A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting in our new caravan, working on my laptop, looking for things to do during our visit to Canberra and thinking “how good is my life”. That was until my email pinged that I had received a notice for my car insurance renewal. Normally I would just flick this over to my wife who takes care of our finances and not give it a second thought but something inside me made me open it up and check it out. I had heard that premiums were on the rise. Crikey, that was an understatement. The next words that came out of my mouth cannot be repeated here. Suffice to say I had a bit of a shock. The insurance premium on our 200 Series LandCruiser had risen by 30%. No, that isn’t a typo. A 30% increase or an additional $300 per annum! Given we had not had any claims or changes in circumstances in the last 12 months, I was keen to find out what had happened. I called my insurer (who…
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Budgeting for The Big Lap
How much does it really cost to travel around the country in an RV? Now on his third lap of Oz, Marty Ledwich shares his tips for budgeting for the big lap and sticking to it. Budgeting for the big lap is one of the most asked questions on caravanning and camping Facebook groups, and for good reason. You need to know how much it is likely to cost before you head off. But how much should you budget for the big trip and how do you stick to the budget? Well, after being on the road now for the last three years and not having gone broke yet, we reckon we have the answer and it is a lot simpler than you could imagine. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? It is almost completely impossible for me to say to anyone how much the big lap is going to cost them for one fundamental reason. My particular situation would be completely different to the next person. I travel with my wife and our three dogs. I have an income but my wife does not. We sold our home and all our possessions so we have no pre-existing bills to pay with the exception of the costs of insuring and maintaining our car and caravan, both of which we own outright.…
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Bold Ben Hall – Bushranger
From humble farmer to the most brutal takedown in Australia’s history. The story of Ben Hall – legendary Australian bushranger. The notion of a good man turned bad through the harassment by law enforcement agencies is nothing new in early Australian history, but in most cases, it is a notion based on romanticised fiction, rather than fact. Perhaps the most famous tale along these lines is that of old Ned Kelly, however, the harsh truth is that Ned was always a bad apple, right from the start. Enter Bold Ben Hall, who fell in with the wrong crowd and was targeted by the local Police Chief until the bitter, and brutal end! Ben Hall was said to be born in 1837 in either Breeza or Maitland in NSW to convict parents, Ben Snr and Eliza. They settled in the northern NSW town of Murrurundi and Ben Snr even opened a store selling freshly butchered meat, alongside fruit and vegetables. However, it was around the end of 1850 that Ben Snr packed up the kids and headed off for a fresh start on the Lachlan River, where young Ben would spend his formative years developing his skills as a stockman and bushman – skills would serve him well later in life. Ben Snr eventually returned to Murrurundi, but young Ben stayed behind,…
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What’s involved in a Mapping Expedition (and how I scored the gig)
Ever wondered what it’s like to get onto a mapping expedition with the team from HEMA? Ben Carceller got the chance to find out. Hema Maps cover hundreds of thousands of kilometres of tracks all over Australia, and travellers rely on their maps to make real-time navigation decisions when they’re in the Outback or on their favourite local track, so having up to date track data is very important. The challenge for Hema maps is how to keep track data up to date, given the rate of tracks closures, changes of ownership, changes in track condition and difficulty, and the addition and removal of points of interest. One of the ways Hema does this is with regular Map Patrol trips, conducted by their full-time staff in one of the purpose-built vehicles they have for this sort of work. Another method more recently employed, is to engage a limited number of experienced contract operators to assist in the collection of some types of data. This is where we come into the mix. Since late 2020, when we were approached by Hema Maps, we’ve been working with them yet another set of eyes and wheels on the ground, collecting map data which makes its way into software updates for Hema devices and apps, as well as printed map products. Sometimes the two…
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Simpson with a Trailer: Would I do it again?
If you’re considering crossing the Simpson Desert with a trailer, you might want to read this first…! It might save you a lot of trouble. So, you’re wanting to cross the Simpson Desert and you may be wondering if you can bring your camper trailer or some other type of trailer you have for a particular purpose. There could be many reasons you’re considering towing across the Simpson. You might not have enough space to bring the equipment and supplies for you and your family, you might want the comfort and convenience of a trailer, or you might already be travelling somewhere with a trailer and want to include a Simpson crossing in your journey. There’s a good chance that if you turn to many of the online platforms for advice on the subject, you’ll be met with sternly worded replies about how you can’t tow in the Simpson, or that it should be illegal, how you’ll be stuck and destroy your gear, or that you’re an environmental vandal. Most people will tell you flat out no that you can’t tow across the desert, whether they’ve done it themselves or not. Some of these statements may be true, or partially true, but it all depends on the circumstances. The main reason behind the general suggestion not to tow in the…
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Gear News
iKamper Skycamp 3.0 RTT The age of the dumb roof top tent is over, and a new dawn of intelligent design is here. At least that’s iKampers goal with their 2022 launch of innovative roof top tents. There’s a host of new models but the iKamper Skycamp 3.0 is the one that’s caught our attention. The unique folding design aims to provide the rugged exterior and quick setup times of typical hard-shell roof top tents with the huge space available in the old-school soft-shell roof top tents. What makes it so impressive? In short, it’s a king size bed and takes just one minute to set up. It’s robust enough you could park a Jeep in there. You can leave your sleeping bags in fully packed up. The mattress is 25% thicker than their competitors. And it’s even insulated so will be cooler in summer and warmer in winter. In a word. It’s brilliant. Prices for the top tier Skycamp 3.0 start from $5,895 and there’s a mini version available from $4,995. To see the full specs and the rest of the line-up head over to https://ikamperau.com.au/ Ultimate 9 Codebreaker Modern 4X4s are getting more and more complicated, and it’s something that turns off a lot of potential owners with fears of outback reliability. Ultimate 9 are aiming to demystify…
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History: Bold Ben Hall Bushranger
From humble farmer to the most brutal takedown in Australia’s history WORDS BY AUSTRALIA REDISCOVERED WITH RICKO Legend has it that Hall’s share of the Eugowra Gold Escort Robbery is still buried somewhere up in the mountains of the Weddin Ranges The notion of a good man turned bad through the harassment by law enforcement agencies is nothing new in early Australian history, but in most cases, it is a notion based on romanticised fiction, rather than fact. Perhaps the most famous tale along these lines is that of old Ned Kelly, however the harsh truth is that Ned was always a bad apple, right from the start. Enter Bold Ben Hall, who fell in with the wrong crowd and was targeted by the local Police Chief until the bitter, and brutal end! Ben Hall was said to be born in 1837 in either Breeza, or Maitland in NSW to convict parents, Ben Snr and Eliza. They settled in the northern NSW town of Murrurundi and Ben Snr even opened a store selling freshly butchered meat, alongside fruit and vegetables. However, it was around the end of 1850 that Ben Snr packed up the kids and headed off for a fresh start on the Lachlan River, where young Ben would spend his formative years developing his skills as a stockman and bushman…
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Species Spotlight: Meet the Deadliest Bird on the Planet
Words by Naomi Stephens Which bird would be at home on the set of Jurassic Park, packs 120mm long daggers and has been known to kill humans? Meet the Southern Cassowary, one of the world’s largest breeds of bird with a fearsome reputation. Their sheer size and distinctive horn or “casque” are reminiscent of dinosaurs, so it’s no wonder that they are considered to be more like their prehistoric ancestors than most other bird species. Cassowaries are flightless, which is probably a good thing given they weigh between 50-76kgs and can grow up to 1.8m in height. They are the third tallest bird on the planet behind close relatives, the emu, and their more distant cousin, the ostrich. Where you’ll find them Southern Cassowaries are typically found in tropical rainforests and wetlands in north-eastern Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and neighbouring islands, and may also be found in mangrove areas or savannahs in these regions. Solitary by nature, outside breeding season cassowaries generally keep out of each other’s way. Their diet consists mostly of fruit, but when in need of a protein hit they are not above chowing down on the odd small reptile or mammal, or carrion. And their poo is something to behold (metaphorically, obviously). Unsurprisingly, given their size and diet, cassowaries produce large mounds of dung so…
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Tasmania: North-East Explore
By Kevin Smith Tasmania is full of stunning scenery, has an array of history and some bloody great 4WDing to boot. I wanted to try and get to the North-East corner on this trip from Hobart totally off-road, and with a few snippets of local info, I did just that. My main starting point was Sorell just out of Hobart where there are plenty of decent supply shops for food and fuel. I was given a tip that if I headed 20 km up the Tasman Highway and found Woodsdale Road that’s where I could hit the dirt and stay there to the cape. An easy and scenic run up to the bitumen to the turning point and this got me into the groove for the trip. Woodsdale Rd is a well-used dirt road to farms, a few wineries and into the forest, nether the less I was on the dirt for the journey. Passing alongside Prossers Ridgeline and turning across towards Mount Hobbs it was typical bush I was used to on the mainland with great views and the anticipation of what was in store for the next few days. A local told me about the Swanston Track and where it followed the northern side of the Buckland Military training area. It’s an easy track to find at the…
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Touring 4X4: 80 Series
Some things just get better with age WORDS BY DAN EVERETT IMAGES BY WARREN PILTON Do enough laps around the sun and it starts becoming painfully obvious our slow descent into a throwaway society. The march for more is never-ending. Each year new models of everything vie for our attention. More bells. More whistles. More finance. The ad campaigns trying to convince us we couldn’t possibly do something without the latest and greatest technology, even if we’ve been doing just fine without it for the last 20 years. Some things don’t need to be updated though. Some things are built to stand the test of time. Some things are worth keeping for life. For West Australian native Warren Pilton, his 80 Series LandCruiser is a forever kind of deal. He’s owned it most of his life, and no amount of gadgets or gizmos could ever catch his attention. Three decades ago, Warren was learning his trade down in Perth. An apprentice Master Tech and Auto Electrician in a Toyota dealership he spent his days doing pre-delivery inspections for lucky new 80 Series LandCruiser owners. Daydreaming on his smoko breaks with the other apprentices, promising them one day he’d own one. A few years later, working in the Kalgoorlie mines he’d saved his pennies and bought himself a 3-year-old 1994 LandCruiser.…
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Litchfield: Waterholes, Big Buffs & New Camps
Pat hooks into the tracks and surrounds of Litchfield National Park – and comes up trumps ADELAIDE RIVER – COOMALIE AIR STRIP – SNAKE CREEK – TIN MINE – THE LOST CITY – LITCHFIELD – REYNOLDS RIVER TRACK – CENTRAL VALLEY – PINE CREEK – BUFFALO CATCHING Story by Pat Callinan Images by Tommy Salmon Cities on the remote extremities of our nation are oft outward-looking. I’m talking about places like Perth and Darwin. They masquerade as cities but walk through their city streets on a Sunday, and the streets are dead, save for a few touristy pubs. The good people are doing what good people do. Either going to church or exploring god’s church – the Australian bush. Now with a city like Darwin, 4X4s are some type of religion; so when you plant an extraordinary national park just a few hours south, with incomparable swimming holes, then it’s bound to get busy. Some might say too busy. So, the attempt with this adventure is to show you where to go, what to do, and how to avoid the crowds. Sound good? Well let’s get started, shall we?! ADELAIDE RIVER & SURROUNDS Moment captured – the final plane prepares to land at Coomalie airstrip after the war is declared as won An almighty big buffalo called ‘Charlie’ presides over…
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Engel’s Outback Gourmet: One-Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Recipe by Pat Callinan Images by Tommy Salmon Minimisation of washing dishes should be one of your highest priorities when it comes to camp cooking. So that’s why I’ve resurrected this tasty ninety-year-old recipe – in an attempt to wash one less dish… Don’t worry, it goes alright too… INGREDIENTS 200g bacon (diced) 2 medium onions (diced) 1 capsicum Worcestershire Sauce 2 tins crushed tomatoes 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup red wine (Greenskin Cab Merlot) 2 red chillies 1 bag spaghetti Basil Leaves Fresh Parmesan STEPS 1. Brown the onion and the bacon in some olive oil. 2. Once cooked add the liquids along with the capsicum and chilli. 3. Heat it up to a boil and then add the spaghetti. 4. Put on a slow boil for 15 minutes. 5. Top with fresh basil leaves and parmesan to serve.
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Tasmania – Be Tempted
That was the slogan for promoting travel to the Apple Isle back in 1987. 35 years on and Tasmania is still a top 4WD destination. Tasmania is full of stunning scenery, has an array of history and some bloody great 4WDing to boot. I wanted to try and get to the North-East corner on this trip from Hobart totally off-road, and with a few snippets of local info, I did just that. My main starting point was Sorell just out of Hobart where there are plenty of decent supply shops for food and fuel. I was given a tip that if I headed 20 km up the Tasman Highway and found Woodsdale Road that’s where I could hit the dirt and stay there to the cape. An easy and scenic run-up to the bitumen to the turning point got me into the groove for the trip. Woodsdale Rd is a well-used dirt road to farms, a few wineries and into the forest, nether the less I was on the dirt for the journey. Passing alongside Prossers Ridgeline and turning across towards Mount Hobbs it was typical bush I was used to on the mainland with great views and the anticipation of what was in store for the next few days. A local told me about the Swanston Track and where…
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More Power…!
Need more power? Check out the six engine conversions you can expect to see more of – and four on their way out the door. Zed’s dead baby. Of course, by Zed, we mean the ZD30 common rail power-disaster known for leaving more 4X4s stranded on the side of the track than busted CVs and knee-deep bog holes could ever hope to. It’s not the only 4X4 engine people are throwing in the bin at rapid rates either. All across the country, there are TD42s boiling for the last time, 1HZs struggling up their last hill, 3.2 Duratorqs holing their last pistons, 1KZs cracking their last heads, and 1VD-FTVs slapping their last thong. The days of yanking out one boat anchor to replace it with another and the age of intelligent engine conversions are here. We’re taking a closer look at some of the up-and-coming engine conversions you’ll see in 2022, and why so many older engines are on their way out the door. WHAT’S HOT? ISUZU 4JJ WHAT MAKES THEM GOOD: If there’s one thing that draws D-MAX buyers towards Isuzu it’s the 4JJ engine. A commercial-grade 3.0L common-rail turbo-diesel four-pot putting out no more torque or horsepower than any of their competitors. So, what makes it such a popular conversion 4X4 owners are lining up down the street…
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Back to the Future with Cub’s Drifter
50 years later and Cub’s iconic Drifter is back and better than ever. We take a close up look. You don’t need to go far back in Australian history to find a different kind of family holiday. Instead of picture-perfect overseas beaches and 5-star hotels, generations of young Aussies were crisscrossing the country sliding around on the scalding hot vinyl bench seats in an old Holden station wagon. An Australian made camper hooked on the back, a year’s worth of board games and pushbikes strapped to the roof, and little more than an outback campfire for a destination. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more Australian memory. It’s fitting then, that as Aussie families look back to our shores for some hard-earned downtime, the iconic Cub Drifter is back for a whole new generation of young explorers. 50 years on and the Drifter is better than ever, and we recently had an opportunity to get an in-depth look at why Cub think it’s so special. THE SETUP Let’s get one thing straight. If you’re eyeing off a Cub Camper it’s because first and foremost you want something that’s easy to set up, and spacious when you’re done. To that end, the Drifter is perfect. If you can forgo the awning, one person can go from arriving at camp to fully…
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Secrets of the Kimberley
Pat heads up to WA’s iconic Kimberley region and discovers there’s more to it than the Gibb River Road. Read on to find out. The Kimberley township of Kununurra can get quite warm. Just ask our cameraman Bernie Kavanagh, who, at 9 am in October, was ferried off to hospital in an ambulance with heatstroke. Yes, you read that right, at nine o’clock in the morning. It was 42 degrees Celcius and Bernie was lugging a big video camera and bigger sticks (code for tripod) in the sweltering heat. I’m sure it had little to do with the eleventeen poolside ales he had consumed the day before… You wouldn’t typically plan to be travelling around the Kimberley in October during the build-up to the wet season, but Covid restrictions had pushed our run late. Was it worth it? Well, you tell me after dialling your focus into these Tommy Salmon images within. Your regular Kimberley 4X4 journey starts at Kununurra and finishes at Broome, running north to Mitchell Falls. But this time around would be different. Producer Paul Waterhouse had sniffed out promising-sounding locations that would keep us within a 100-mile radius of Kununurra. It was a gamble, but one that paid off handsomely. OLD KURUNJIE TRACK The most photographed part of the Kimberley, is undoubtedly the Pentecost River crossing,…
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The Triumph and Tragedy of William John Wills
William John Wills was the man behind the success of the epic Burke & Wills story. He is an unsung Aussie hero, but you have heard of him? He is an unsung hero, but you have heard of him. Seems like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? You mention the name William John Wills in any outback pub, and there will be a bit of head-scratching, but mention Burke & Wills, and you’ll be met with knowing nods and maybe even a deprecating monologue on how foolish they were. But to focus on the few bad choices they made is to do the whole story, and in particular, William John Wills, a massive injustice. Wills was born in Devon, England in 1834 to Dr William Wills, and his wife Sarah. Will’s early life in England saw him attend St Andrews Grammar, and he was also tutored by his father. After school, he worked with his father while undertaking courses at a couple of local hospitals. Like a lot of folks in the UK at the time, Dr Wills had a keen interest in Australia, in particular, the gold mining that was taking the world by storm. An 18-year-old Wills and his brother Thomas both boarded the Janet Mitchell in Dartmouth and set sail for Australia, arriving in Port Phillip in January…
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Ford Bronco: Pony up
Ford didn’t invent the 4WD but they certainly took it to a new level with the introduction of the Bronco. Its history is facinating. Over 100 years ago Henry Ford revolutionised the automobile, forever changing the world as we know it. While some may argue it wasn’t exactly a positive thing, it’s hard to argue his introduction of the production line directly led to affordable cars for the masses but there’s one quote from the man who revolutionized the world that we can’t help but find ironic so many years later. “If I had asked the public what they wanted, they’d have told me faster horses.” A century later and two of the blue oval’s most successful cars of all time are directly named after horses. The Mustang, and more interestingly for four-wheel-drivers, the Bronco. Of course, there was the Pinto as well, but we did say only two were successful. With the Bronco recently re-released after a huge 25-year hiatus we thought it was high time to have a look at where the bucking bronco originated, and how it got to where it is today. The Path to Glory While Jeep has built a brand around the WW2 Willy’s GPs the reality is far more complicated. Willys-Overland and the American Bantam Car Company were first to tender for the…
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Snakes, Disssspelling a few myths
When it comes to poisonous snakes in Australia, their reputations are more myth than reality. We try to set the record straight. Australia tops the list of countries for having the most dangerous animals. Up near the top of this list are snakes. There are about 170 species of terrestrial snakes and 32 seas snakes. Of these snakes, 104 are venomous, 40 to humans, but only 12 are likely to inflict a bite that could kill you. We are fortunate here in Australia to have a very effective first aid treatment for snake bites. On average, we see 3000 snake bites a year, with an estimated 300 lives saved by antivenom. We have an antivenom program thanks to The Australian Reptile Parks venom milking program, which has been running since the 1950s and continues to be the sole provider of snake venom in this country. Due to this program, Australia only sees an average of 2-3 deaths per year from snake bites. Most species during our winter months in the cooler climates of Australia will become inactive. The duration of inactivity depends on the species and where they live. Some snakes like the Tiger Snake and Copperhead are tolerant of colder conditions, so they may still be active during the cooler months. Most snakes are more active during the warmer…
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Engel’s Outback Gourmet: Creamy Seared Lemon Chicken
RECIPE BY PAT CALLINAN, IMAGES BY TOMMY SALMON ADVICE: RECIPE This dish is a hearty campfire delight, although it was admittedly cooked on the gas burners of the EzyTrail Ceduna. It’s a relatively simple cook, aided by a nice splash of Greenskin Wine (which is undoubtedly too fancy for cooking, but we had it in the pantry!). For the uninitiated, Greenskin Wine is quality Aussie wine that comes in 750ml sachets that don’t leak or split. And the upside is they can be stacked more efficiently than regular bottles, and weigh a lot less (so travel better). THE PROCESS Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and sear until brown and almost cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan, and then brown the onion and garlic, and add the chicken stock, white wine and mustard powder. Cook for around 10 minutes or until reduced. Add the chicken back to the pan, until cooked through. Reduce heat, and stir in the cream and lemon juice being careful to simmer, and not boil the sauce. Serve over a bed of brown rice, and garnish with fresh lemons and basil or coriander. Enjoy! INGREDIENTS 1kg chicken breasts1 x brown onion4 x cloves of garlic1 cup chicken stock1 teaspoon of mustard powder1 x cup of white wineJuice of two lemons¼ cup cooking…
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Top 5 Experiences on The Coffs Coast
WORDS AND IMAGES BY KEV SMITH TRAVEL: NEW SOUTH WALES Coffs Harbour, home to the legendary Big Banana and world class beaches. It prides itself on natural wonders, clean coastal air, and it’s a Mecca for 4X4 clubs. But what makes Coffs stand apart from its east coast brethren is its proximity to the Great Dividing Range. Nowhere else do the mountains hug the sea as they do here, creating quite the adventure playground. Those mountains formed over 30 million years ago via active volcanoes, especially the Ebor volcano some 100km inland from Coffs. The volcanic explosions created rugged valleys and mountain ridges, spectacular rivers and stunning areas of prehistoric like rainforest pockets. But for 4WDers it has given us the perfect playground to explore. Do your research before hitting Coffs, as the tracks are like a giant maze crisscrossing through the forest areas. It can be as hard or as easy as you make it. Camping options are excellent, from free camping in State Forests, booking online in NPWS through to caravan parks in town, or there’s plenty of luxury options. 1. HISTORY IN THE HINTERLAND The discovery of Timber (mainly Red Cedar) along the north coast opened up many areas deep into the thick forests. With this, the flow-on effect carried on with the discovery of gold, towns…
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Spectacular Views from A World War II Bunker Bar
WORDS AND IMAGES BY BEN CARCELLER TRAVEL: QUEENSLAND The Temple, in Portland Roads, Cape York is a boutique accommodation destination for those that love a great view, music, and the chance to stay in a piece of WWII history! The main bar area at The Temple is the main attraction, and the bar is built around a gun emplacement built into the side of the Iron Range high above the open sea! This particular gun emplacement housed a 60-pound gun, pointed at the sea. The bar isn’t the only thing open to the ocean, the main bathroom, and the shower in the penthouse room also being open to the wide-open views of the ocean. If you’re a bit of a WWII history buff, there are also several other observation posts, ammunition stores, and other remnants of wartime history in various states of restoration. Portland Roads in general was an important part of Australia’s defence, with airstrips and jetties constructed by the defence forces, and many military personnel stationed here. Jayson Watkin purchases the block that The Temple is built on in 2014 from Gregor Hardy, who sailed to Portland Roads in the 70’s, had a mining lease on the area and eventually secured freehold over the land in the 90’s and had a basic residence built over the gun emplacement…
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Is Bigger, Better when It Comes to Van Tyres?
WORDS BY CARAVAN COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA, IMAGES BY TOMMY SALMON ADVICE: CARAVAN TYRES Professional automotive engineer Colin Young P.Eng from the Caravan Council of Australia reckons many have got it wrong Tyres play a critical role in determining the Handling and Stability characteristics of all caravans on the road. On a few frightening occasions, the tyres selected by a ‘van manufacturer have been dangerously “under-engineered”, in that their Maximum Load Rating was less than the Maximum Load that the tyres could legally (as per the GTM Rating) be subjected to! In far too many cases, the tyres selected by the ‘van manufacturer have been hideously “over-engineered”, in that their Maximum Load Rating was much higher than the Maximum Load that the tyres would ever be subjected to! While there may be some other opinions on how much a tyre should be loaded to, for caravan tyres it is reasonable to have the maximum Load applied to a tyre, at around 90 – 95% of the Rating. Certainly, it should not be around 50 – 60%. “BIGGER ain’t always BETTER”… certainly applies to caravan wheels and tyres. If you are not happy with the way your ‘van handles on the road, or if you have any other concerns about your ‘van’s Tyre Size or Inflation Pressures, you should discuss the issues…
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Charlotte Springs Hot Bore Baths
After a few days of driving in the dust of the NSW outback, there’s nothing like a hot bore bath to wash away the red stuff. Check out Charlotte Plains station…! WORDS AND IMAGES BY BEN CARCELLER TRAVEL: QUEENSLAND Around 40km East of Cunnamulla, on the Balonne Highway, you’ll find a sign that tells you to “Turn Baaack for a hot bath”. This is one of the two entrances to Charlotte Plains station, a working Sheep Station in Outback QLD. The station features something not found on most station stays – a piping hot Artesian bore bath. A series of bathtubs running along a bore drain, pipe natural hot water in for you to sit back and relax. Water comes out of the 2 main pipes that feed the system at around 42 degrees Celcius. You’re able to sit in the water of the natural bore drain area, in a large tub in the centre of the natural area, or in one of the many steel bathtubs situated all along the bore drain. Sitting in one of the baths after the sun has gone down and watching the billions of stars above is a particularly special experience. To get there, you can travel from Cunnamulla 45km East along the Balonne Highway, or out of St George and head 135km West through Bollon, which…
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Why Electric Vehicle (EV) 4X4s are and are not our future
The electric vehicle revolution is well and truly upon us…or is it? The statistics don’t lie. The electric vehicle share of the market in 2020 was around 0.78%, and in 2021, 1.57%. There are another 30 or so EVs being launched into our market, including specialist Polestar. Overseas, Norway is above 75% EV new-car sales, and Rivian has delivered the world’s first EV 4X4 to customers in the USA. So EVs are inevitable, right? Yes, and no. Today, EVs can easily replace the vast majority of road cars and SUVs, which are mostly used in our capital cities for short trips, or excursions into the country of maybe 150km or so. Yes, I know that’s not you, but you’re not the average Australian motorist. With a range of 400-500km, the average Aussie driving 14,000km a year – which is 38km per day – can easily have their car needs met by an EV, especially as both range and charging options are improving. My experience of running an EV is that you can drive around town all day, charge off a 10A plug overnight at 10km of range per hour, and be good to go at 100% the next day which is why EV owners rarely use public chargers in their home city. I towed a Tvan with a Tesla! Worked…
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