Midnight Oil heads to Mundi Mundi
Outback music punters are set for a treat like no other thanks to the latest Mundi Mundi Bash announcement. Iconic Aussie rock group Midnight Oil are set to return to…
Share
Travel
320 posts
Species Spotlight: Tasmanian Devil
Devil by Name, Not by Nature. Shelly Lord takes a look at one of Australiaās most misunderstood and endangered marsupials. The Tasmanian Devil is possibly one of our more misunderstood native animals. Early European settlers named them āThe Devilā after hearing screeches and growlās coming from the bush at night. Then later being portrayed as a ferocious, spinning cartoon character called āTazā 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.Ā 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,…
To view this post you must log in log in
Share
K’Gari: Your 4X4 Paradise Awaits
Kāgari or Fraser Island is a paradise indeed, but you may benefit from some āMr 4X4ā tips to ensure your journey goes to plan. You might think Iād be getting sick of it after venturing to KāGari Fraser Island for the past 20 years. But being the largest sand island in the world has its advantages. Thereās 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. Itās genuinely looking better than ever.Ā 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? Itās a slender two-lane sliver of sand out to the barge. And letās 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 youāll also be saving yourself an embarrassing recovery in a high traffic area. Our…
To view this post you must log in log in
Share
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 rangeā¦.! But donāty 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 wasnāt for the major upheaval, we wouldnāt 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.Ā Ā 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 Iād 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!Ā Ā 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…
To view this post you must log in log in
Share
Bold Ben Hall ā Bushranger
From humble farmer to the most brutal takedown in Australiaās history. The story of Ben Hall ā 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.Ā 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!Ā 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 ā skills would serve him well later in life. Ben Snr eventually returned to Murrurundi, but young Ben stayed behind,…
To view this post you must log in log in
Share
Tasmania: North-East Explore
By Kevin SmithĀ 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 thatās 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.Ā Ā A local told me about the Swanston Track and where it followed the northern side of the Buckland Military training area. Itās an easy track to find at the…
To view this post you must log in log in
Share
Litchfield: Waterholes, Big Buffs & New Camps
Pat hooks into the tracks and surrounds of Litchfield National Park ā and comes up trumpsĀ Ā ADELAIDE RIVER ā COOMALIE AIR STRIP ā SNAKE CREEK ā TIN MINE ā THE LOST CITY ā LITCHFIELD ā REYNOLDS RIVER TRACK ā CENTRAL VALLEY ā PINE CREEK ā BUFFALO CATCHINGĀ Story by Pat CallinanĀ Images by Tommy SalmonĀ Cities on the remote extremities of our nation are oft outward-looking. Iām 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 godās church ā the Australian bush.Ā Ā 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 itās 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 letās get started, shall we?!Ā ADELAIDE RIVER & SURROUNDSĀ Moment captured ā the final plane prepares to land at Coomalie airstrip after the war is declared as wonĀ An almighty big buffalo called āCharlieā presides over…
To view this post you must log in log in
Share
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 thatās 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.Ā Ā A local told me about the Swanston Track and where…
To view this post you must log in log in
Share
Secrets of the Kimberley
Pat heads up to WAās iconic Kimberley region and discovers thereās 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 oāclock 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. Iām sure it had little to do with the eleventeen poolside ales he had consumed the day beforeā¦Ā You wouldnāt 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.Ā Ā 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.Ā OLD KURUNJIE TRACKĀ The most photographed part of the Kimberley, is undoubtedly the Pentecost River crossing,…
To view this post you must log in log in
Share
West Australian Tourism Suffers Under Border Closures
Two years since restrictions and lockdowns swept across this country and businesses are still feeling the pinch from Covid-19. Right now the Kimberley region would typically be ramping up with…
Share
The Outback Way To Be Sealed
The Outback Way is Australiaās answer to Route 66. Kicking off in Winton in the heart of Queensland, the Outback Way snakes through nearly 3000km of central Australia. Along the…
Share
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.Ā It prides itself on natural wonders, clean coastal air, and itās 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 thereās 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…
Subscribe to MR4X4
and enjoy unlimited videos, articles and curated lists, based on Australia's most popular travel destinations.
Existing subscribers, pleaseĀ log in with your email address to link your account access.
**INSERT LOG IN LINK**
Share
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!Ā 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 isnāt 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 youāre 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 Australiaās 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 70ās, had a mining lease on the area and eventually secured freehold over the land in the 90ās and had a basic residence built over the gun emplacement…
Subscribe to MR4X4
and enjoy unlimited videos, articles and curated lists, based on Australia's most popular travel destinations.
Existing subscribers, pleaseĀ log in with your email address to link your account access.
**INSERT LOG IN LINK**
Share
Unimog Recovers Stranded Desert Camper
A little over a month after making national news, the Mitsubishi Canter bogged to its axles in the Simpson Desert is finally back on solid ground. Unseasonal torrential rain causing…
Share
Kimberley council looks to offload ‘nightmare’ tourist roads
As tourist numbers climb and expenses rise cash-strapped Wyndham-East Kimberley Shire council is looking to hand over ownership of the popular Kalumburu and Port Warrender roads. The 355 kilometre stretches…
Share
The First and Last Pub in the NT sells
An outback Oasis half a days drive from nowhere has recently changed hands for a cool $14,000,000. The Barkly Homestead has earnt itself a reputation as a slice of paradise…
Share
Cape York to be locked behind paywall
Traditional owners of Pajinka (the tip of Cape York) have unveiled plans to charge 4WDers travelling to the area. In 2019 more than 200 hectares north of the Jardine River…
Share
Lithgow 4×4 area turns into eco park
In a landmark move thatās divided opinion, the NSW State Government has announced the incorporation of 30,000 hectares of Crown land and state forest into conservation lands. The area on…
Share
Iconic Lion’s Den Hotel up for sale
If you’ve ever dreamt of outback sunsets across the verandah you’re plum out of luck, we don’t know any for sale. But if the stunning Daintree rainforest at the foot…
Share
Travel: The Creb – Bloomfield Track Loop
80 Series luminary Kev Smith explores the CREB – Bloomfield Track loop and reckons the way back is better…! Words and Images by Kev Smith Around the country, there are some…
Share
Travel – Sandy Blight Junction Road
We have something very special for you – a guide to traversing Len Beadell’s favourite track – the Sandy Blight Junction Road. Itās not until weād travelled overseas thatĀ we soon…
Share
Photo Essay: From Dusk ’till Dawn
Our fantastic team of journos and photographers have put together this photo essay for you; a collection of images by Wes Whitworth, Dean Mellor, ScottyĀ MasonĀ and Tommy SalmonĀ Without one iota…
Share
Travel: Nature’s Darling
After years of drought, the Darling River has surged to life, so now is the time to explore. The definition of āiconicā can be explained as being very famous or…
Share
NSW Freedom Day
With NSW passing the long anticipated 70% double dose vaccination rates intra-state travel is back on the menu for Australiaās most populated state. The controversial lockdowns have been in place…
Share
The Limestone Coast
The southeast corner of South Australia is home to some of Australiaās most spectacular scenery, landscapes, and natural wonders. Find out why the Limestone Coast should be on your bucket…
Share
10 tips for outback travel
Lockdowns are starting to ease. Borders are looking to open again in future. The Aussie population has never been keener to get out past the black stump and explore Australia.…
Share
Out the Back of Broken Hill
Broken Hill, some say it’s in the middle nowhere, others say it’s where the real outback starts. Now while I sort of agree with these, I reckon that Broken Hill is in the…
Share
Crawling the Spanish Steps
Itās a baptism of fire as we tackle one of NSWās toughest tracks in the new Fords. The Spanish Steps. TRAVEL: NEWNES STATE FOREST Itās a track that Iāve known…
Share
Gibb River Road gets sealed
In news that upsets 4WDers all across the country and surprises no one, the iconic Gibb River Road in Western Australia is going to look very different soon. Famous as…
Share
Mundi Mundi Bash rescheduled due to Sydneyās Covid outbreak.
The Outback Music Festival Group, organisers of theĀ Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash, have today announced that the event date will be pushed back by five weeks, with the inaugural music…
Share
Total Tools announced as a major sponsor for the Pambula Motorfest and Swap Meet
The organisers of the Pambula Motorfest and Swap Meet welcome Total Tools as their major sponsor for the rescheduled event. The Total Tools Pambula Motorfest and Swap Meet is the…
Share
Mad Max to Mundi Mundi
Camped up on the Mundi Mundi plains with the stunning Barrier Ranges as a backdrop the Mundi Mundi Bash is set to be an event to remember. Taking place from…
Share
Charlotte Springs Hot Bore Baths
After a few days of driving in the dust of the NSW outback, thereās nothing like a hot bore bath to wash away the red stuff. Check out Charlotte Plains stationā¦!Ā WORDS AND IMAGES BY BEN CARCELLERĀ TRAVEL: QUEENSLANDĀ Around 40km East of Cunnamulla, on the Balonne Highway, youāll find a sign that tells you to āTurnĀ BaaackĀ for a hot bathā.Ā 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 ā 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 degreesĀ Celcius. Youāre 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.Ā 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…
To view this post you must log in log in
Share
Blue Waterholes the backway
Keep your cool and go underground Who doesnāt like a quick dip on a hot summerās day? And it will be quick, as the underground streams that feed Cave Creek…
Share
Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash tickets on sale now!
Tickets to the inaugural Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash ā the biggest event ever staged in Outback NSW – have now officially gone on sale, and nearly sold out! Staged…
Share
Cape York tip reopened in last-minute deal
The decision to close off the tip of Cape York has been reversed in spectacular fashion with it being reopened after major backlash from both the locals and prospective tourists…
Share
Pajinka (The Tip) of Cape York closed by traditional owners
The very tip of Cape York (Pajinka) has been closed off to tourists and visitors by Gudang/Yahaykenu Aboriginal Corporation. UPDATE – At time of writing, we can confirm that there…
Share
Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash launches this year!
The Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash is set rock the outback in August this year thanks to some of Australia’s rock legends. A new outback music festival called the Broken…
Share
2021 National 4X4 Outdoors Show kicks off March 19
The National 4X4 Outdoors Show is set to take place from 19-21 March 2021 at the Brisbane Showgrounds. Billed as Queensland’s largest and most popular outdoor lifestyle, recreational and adventure…
Share
Work to repair Bridle Track finally begins
Work has begun on restoring the historic Bridle Track between Bathurst and Hill End in NSW. Paul Toole, NSW Minister and the local member for Bathurst, recently announced that work…
Share
Top 5 weekenders out of Melbourne!
With Victoria once again coming out of lockdown we thought it a great time to take a look at the top 5 4X4 trips less than 100km from Melbourne. Words…
Share
Tibooburra Hotel destroyed by fire
The Tibooburra Hotel has been destroyed in an overnight fire which has left three in hospital in a serious condition. According to the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, three…
Share
McBrides Beach permanently closed to 4X4s by NPWS
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has permanently closed vehicular access to McBrides Beach in Booti Booti NP on the NSW North Coast. The closure of vehicular access to…
Share
2021 ARB Eldee Easter Festival gets the green light!
After last yearās Covid-19 cancellation, the 10th ARB Eldee Easter Festival is set to take place from 2-6 April 2021. The 10th annual ARB Eldee Easter Festival is scheduled to…
Share
2021 Birdsville Races a go!
2021 Birdsville Races expected to go ahead with tickets to go on sale in May this year. After cancellation of the 2020 event due to Covid-19, organisers are hopeful that…
Share
$1334 fine for burning down half of Fraser Island
Fraser Island fire-lighter cops tiny $1334 fine and no conviction despite devastating more than half of the World Heritage-listed island. Two men have been handed a tiny fine for the…
Share
Free car travel on Spirit of Tasmania
In a move set to increase Tasmanian tourism, the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme is being expanded to allow for passengers to travel with their vehicle, free of charge…
Share
Station Hopping Along the Gibb
The Gibb River Road is an iconic destination, but getting off it and visiting its stations will uncover the best in the west Words & Images by Grant Hanan and…
Share
Teewah Beach gets permanent cameras
Cameras that check whether you have a valid beach permit have been set up at the entrances to Teewah Beach, within the Cooloola Recreation Area in Queensland. The new cameras…
Share
Isuzu D-Max / Mazda BT-50 see production halt for up to three months!
Isuzu and Mazda are looking at a three-month halt in vehicle production for the D-MAX and BT-50 due to Covid-19. From what we’ve been able to ascertain, the production halt…
Share