DESTINATIONS
Places to go, things to see and do. We’re very lucky to live in a country where it’s possible to use a 4WD’s potential to explore nearby and remote Outback areas. We give you the low-down on trip preparation and planning and suggest places you might like to visit. There are also useful hints on what you need to take with you and how to keep safe in the bush.
If you don’t own a 4WD, camping equipment, camper trailer, campervan, motorhome or caravan, hiring is a great option. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Aussie Road Trip now.
There’s also some fun stuff: tall bush tales and some interesting characters we’ve met along the way.
LATEST ARTICLES
BUSH CHARACTERS, YARNS & POETRY
Character: Denis Bartell
Denis Bartell is one of Australia’s modern pioneers and was justifiably awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the general division, in 1989. Dick Smith, founder of Australian Geographic Magazine, presented him with its Adventurer of the Year Award Gold Medallion 1994.
Character: Norm Needham
We’re indebted to the late Ian Glover, long-serving editor of Overlander Magazine and many other publications, for his introduction to this story about one of the 4WD movement’s pioneers.
EVERYTHING LITTLE TOWN HAS SOMETHING
Karratha – February 2019
The City of Karratha has been transformed in recent years, becoming one of Australia’s most liveable regional cities, set in a beautiful natural landscape.
Adelong
Adelong’s verandah-lined main street is classified by the National Trust (NSW) and some buildings date back to the goldrush era of the 1800s. The nearby Heritage Listed Industrial Site, Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins, boasts a remarkable collection of stone ruins and the remains of the Reefer quartz crushing mill.
HIRE – 4WD, CAMPERS & CAMPING GEAR
Camper trailer hire for holiday or pre-purchase
Many people are unsure of their exact camper trailer needs, or they simply want to enhance their camping flexibility by hiring a trailer when required. Some others are unsure if the camping life is for them and hiring a camper trailer is a much cheaper exercise than buying one and having to sell it if the experience isn’t a good one!
Motorhome and camper relocations
Hiring a motorhome can be an expensive business, especially when you factor in relocation fees and the onerous charges the major hire companies like to impose, but there is a cheaper alternative for those who are flexible with dates and timing for a motorhome trip.
OUTDOORS HEALTH & SAFETY
Leatherman Raptor safety tool
The Leatherman Raptor is a professional tool intended for use by first responders to auto accidents. Being a Leatherman device, it folds easily to fit inside a supplied plastic sheath, that can be fixed in a vehicle, or worn on a belt or harness. It also has a lanyard eyelet on one of the shear handles and a pocket clip.
Blood pressure monitoring in the bush
In the event of illness in a remote area it may be important to relay information to the Flying Doctor. A blood pressure reading is a significant piece of medical information and it’s not difficult to monitor it.
PLANNING & PACKING
Hema’s campsite guides
Hema Maps has launched a Where to Camp Guide book and an app for Android and Apple devices.
Billy Goat bush and town mapping
We’re testing a 2019-release mapping app that promises more free features than any other mapping software.
TAG-ALONG TOURS & TOUR OPERATORS
Alice Springs Expeditions
This company is operated by John Stafford, who has lived and worked in the Alice Springs area for the past 20 years, with Tourism NT. He is well qualified to be an expert guide for your Alice Springs Expedition through outback Central Australia.
Finke River Adventures by ATV
This company offers a novel way to experience the rugged beauty of Central Australia. Finke River Adventures use lightweight all-terrain vehicles that you can drive or passenger inside.
TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
Yanga National Park
For years we’ve driven past NSW’s Yanga National Park en route to more distant places, but our OTA Team members Sheree and Simon Martin spent five days there in 2020. It’s a Park that’s well worth a visit.
Border Ranges National Park
This World Heritage listed area offers spectacular views of the Mount Warning volcanic site, along with drives and walks through dense rainforest.