max*d Issue 25 by Isuzu UTE Australia

GO YOUR OWN WAY ISSUE 25

BEST NEXT THING Meet the new-generation Isuzu D-MAX.

THE HARDEST ROAD

Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 12 must-do 4WD tracks

APPLE OF OUR ISLE

Off-roading the wild west coast of Tasmania

THRILLS! SPILLS! YOWIES?

The greatest moments in max*d history

CONTENTS

S I H T IN

E U ISS FEATURES

25 max*d moments In this milestone 25th issue, we present the greatest bits in the magazine’s long, storied history.

THE BEST NEXT THING

Must-do tracks Australia is blessed with some of the world’s best off-road tracks and trails. This is our definitive best dozen. Probably.

Unsung Hero Twelve years on, we catch up with max*d’s first ever Unsung Hero: Isaac Elliott, paraplegic Finke racer turned documentarian.

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It’s tougher, stronger and loaded with nextlevel technology. The All-New Isuzu D-MAX is your best way to escape the everyday—in more style and comfort than ever before.

UP FRONT 06 Readers’ Rides First-hand stories of action and adventure from Australia’s D-MAX and MU-X community. .

08 In Focus One-on-one with a reader who’s driven their D-MAX to extremes—literally.

10 News What’s happening behind the scenes at Isuzu UTE Australia.

12 Wishlist Keen to follow the sun? These are the best solar panels for your next escape from civilisation.

14 Tech Head More power, more efficiently. Peek under the hood of the incredible All-New D-MAX.

IMPORTANT NOTICE SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE YOUR NEXT EDITION Choose to receive your next copy of max*d digitally or printed, posted to you for FREE. Visit isuzuute.com.au/subscribe to update your preferences

MIDDLE GROUND 34 I-Venture Club in Tasmania Join I-Venture on a trip to the less travelled half of Tassie—a land of sweeping vistas and the ultraintimidating Climies Track.

48 Hook, Line & Sinker Australian TV’s favourite linedangling duo celebrate 20 years of fearless fish frightening.

50 Refuel It’s lean, environmentally friendly and definitely free range. Don’t skip a meal, it’s time to tuck into kangaroo.

OUTBACK 52 Dealer List Find your local Isuzu UTE dealer—wherever you are.

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REIMAGINED. REDEFINED. RESTYLED. The All-New 3-Litre Turbo Diesel Isuzu D-MAX has been redesigned inside and out, with 4x4 Terrain Command, class leading 800mm maximum wading depth+ and a Rear Diff-Lock on all 4x4 models. Coupled with the latest technology, including Apple CarPlayÂŽ and Android Autoâ&#x201E;˘. Plus reinforced safety with the Isuzu Intelligent Driver Assistance System#. The All-New Isuzu D-MAX is REBORN!

Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC. Not all devices will be compatible & functionality will vary depending on the device. +Up to 800mm of wading depth on all D-MAX models when travelling at a consistent speed of 7km/h. Water ingress may occur if speed is not maintained or if the vehicle is static in water above 350mm. #IDAS features are designed to assist the driver, but should not be relied upon nor used as a substitute for safe driving practices.

WELCOME

to the 25th edition of max*d magazine!

t’s here, it’s finally here. As you would have seen on the cover, the highly anticipated All-New Isuzu D-MAX has been unveiled and featured in this, the 25th edition of max*d magazine. The All-New D-MAX comes when the world is working through the toughest time in our generation’s history—I hope you’re all remaining safe and healthy. As a new era dawns at Isuzu UTE Australia, I trust you’ll enjoy turning the pages of our special quarter-century edition of max*d magazine. For 25 issues, we have endeavoured to provide you, our readers, with a keepsake that speaks to everything we love about our Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X, and the people who help make Australia the great country that it is. Our latest edition is no different. The arrival of the All-New D-MAX is

Isuzu’s seventh generation ute—tougher, smarter, safer and, if I can say so, reborn to continue to meet the expectations and needs of our customers. Since its local introduction, the Isuzu D-MAX has solidified its position as one of Australia’s most trusted, durable and reliable 1-tonne utes. Now in 2020, it is better than ever—with advances in style, comfort, infotainment and safety technology designed specifically for Australia— reaffirming its position as one of the top choices for Australian drivers looking to ‘Go Their Own Way’. Like many of you, the D-MAX is a vehicle that I hold very close to my heart. Having been a part of launching the previousgeneration D-MAX in Thailand in 2011, I was thrilled to watch it soar to success in the Australian market. While I am sad to

see the current D-MAX superseded after eight years, it’s a proud moment for all of us at Isuzu UTE Australia to finally see the All-New D-MAX on Australian roads. Complementing our 10-page feature on the All-New D-MAX from page 24, we have a selection of other interesting features spread throughout this special edition of max*d magazine. Up front, we’ve expanded our Readers’ Rides section to include more stories from more Isuzu owners. For the Tech Heads, we’ll take a look at the new 4JJ3-TCX, 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that is the beating heart of the new D-MAX, before turning back the pages of time with our Top 25 Moments from previous editions of the magazine. Towards the back, we dive into all things adventure—sharing tales of travel across the Wild West Coast of Tasmania with the I-Venture Club, before finishing with our friends at Hook, Line & Sinker, who recap on the last two decades of their fishing show. From all of us here at Isuzu UTE Australia, we hope you’re all keeping safe, happy and healthy. We welcome you to our special 25th edition of max*d magazine, we thank you for your continued support and we invite you to join us on this new adventure-filled chapter in our history.

Hiroyasu Sato Managing Director Isuzu UTE Australia maxd@iua.net.au max*d

READERS’ RIDES

Where have you set out to go your own way? Let us know—and win! HUGO VAN ZYL LIVES: UPPER COOMERA, QLD DRIVES: 2014 D-MAX 4X4 X-RUNNER “I’ve been so happy with my D-MAX since owning it from new—it’s never had any mechanical issues and the after-sales service was exceptional. I use the D-MAX for all types of adventures, from fishing along the east coast beaches, to driving inland trails and river crossings, and it hardly breaks a sweat. Even when towing my mate’s drift car or my three-tonne boat fully loaded it doesn’t miss a beat. It really does make you feel like you have something special, having the confidence in your vehicle doing long trips away from home and back.”

JOSH AND DANI YOUNG LIVES: MOUNT GAMBIER, SA DRIVES: 2014 MU-X 4X4 LS-U

“We actually bought our MU-X unsighted! Neither of us had ever driven an MU-X, but we knew we wanted one because we did lots of research and it had everything we were after. And we’ve absolutely loved it—we wouldn’t replace it with anything else! From dropping the kids off at school, to conquering the sand dunes and beach of Canunda National Park and also flawlessly towing a caravan from Adelaide to Darwin and back over three weeks, our MU-X has, and continues to be, the ever-reliable workhorse our family needed. Our next plan was to hire a caravan and tour Tasmania, but when lockdown happened we decided to save our money and buy one instead of hiring one. So, we’re looking forward to a lot more adventure in the future!”

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JOHN AND PETRINA MCGUIRE LIVES: MAREEBA, QLD / DRIVES: 2019 MU-X 4X4 LS-T & 2019 MU-X 4X4 LS-U “We’d planned on having a few different cars for the wedding day—vintage this and vintage that—and I said to Petrina that I wanted something that was a little more comfortable and a little bit more stylish. And I absolutely love the MU-X. I grew up in the Northern Territory so I’ve done a lot of off-roading over the years. No one was surprised at all when we arrived in an MU-X. They were all expecting to see the Isuzus at the wedding—it was just a foregone conclusion. We actually nicknamed our wedding our ‘Go Our Own Way’ wedding. And the Isuzus came up in the wedding speech as well. Is that bad?”

MATTHEW RAGONESE LIVES: YAGOONA, NSW DRIVES: 2018 D-MAX 4X4 SX “I absolutely love my D-MAX! I’ve put almost 30,000km on her and she’s not even my daily driver. I’m a sparkie, so I have a company car, so unfortunately I’m in that day-to-day, but I do a bit of hunting, a bit of four-wheel driving. I live in Sydney, but my dad’s family is from Stanthorpe in Queensland and last year I think I went up there half a dozen times. And then I did a Moreton Island trip and half-a-dozen hunting trips that are a good five hours from Sydney. The D-MAX is good fun and it gives me heaps of confidence to keep going back to remote places to explore the bush, the beach and more!”

CRAIG KIDD LIVES: DARCH, WA DRIVES: 2017 D-MAX 4X4 LS-M “We lived in Broome for two years and that’s when we bought the D-MAX. I had them as work utes up there and I just really liked it, so I got one. Towingwise, it’s perfect for the boat and the camper-trailer. We’ve conquered half of the Gibb River Road, went up through the Kimberley to Darwin—it’s God’s country up there. Two hours up the peninsula and it’s all 4WDs and red dirt, fishing, great weather … albeit a little sticky in the wet. Fishing trips to Gnaraloo, driving on Cable Beach, long hauls to Perth and back. My wife’s a cop and she was transferred back down to Perth for the kids and the grandparents, but I miss it. At least we’ve still got the D-MAX!”

We are giving away 5 x prize packs valued at over $100 thanks to our good friends at Coleman

WIN! 1 OF 5 COLEMAN PACKS Featured Readers’ Rides will each receive a Coleman soft esky + portable chair combo

Simply send us a high-resolution image and a 100-word blurb, along with your VIN, name, contact details, suburb and model of your D-MAX or MU-X, to maxd@iua.net.au

Disclaimer: Non-genuine aftermarket accessories and modifications are not recommended or endorsed by Isuzu UTE Australia. For detailed info on ‘what is’ and ‘what is not’ covered by the Manufacturer’s Warranty please refer to the Warranty and Service Booklet.

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READERS’ RIDES

Readers’ Rides: In Focus

THE EXTRA MILE Name:

Brendan McAlister

Lives:

Culburra, NSW

Drives:

2009 D-MAX LS 4x4 (& 2018 D-MAX LS-U)

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So: 640,000km is a fair knock. Well, I’ve got five acres in Queensland, just north of Gympie, and I live on the south coast of NSW! I try to head up there every 6–8 weeks. But I work doing maintenance on TV broadcasting towers, and a lot of the call-outs are in remote areas anyway. I take it everywhere—with a trailer. I’m always looking at so-called ‘gnarly’ tracks in 4WD magazines and going, ‘Meh, I tow up hills worse than that twice a week!’

This wasn’t your first Isuzu. No, that was a little KB40 ute handed down from the wife’s father. He bought it new in ’78 or ’79. And then I bought a Rodeo, which was an Isuzu anyway—my blue 2009 D-MAX. And I’ve just bought a new D-MAX recently … but it’s being fixed. What happened? I had a crash! Which means I put 640,000km on my first D-MAX without having to recondition the engine or

READERS’ RIDES

I went over some rail tracks and waded through the water across the other side— which I thought was very shallow. It wasn’t!” anything—nothing! Then I got a new one and crashed it in a week! I was in Wollongong and the guy in front of me hit the guy in front of him, but I had a heavy trailer so I had no chance of stopping in time. But, no worries. I just jumped out of my new D-MAX and back into the blue one. Are people surprised where you manage to get to with the heavy trailer, then? All the time! There’s a place I do maintenance at in North Wollongong

and from the top all you can hear is me roaring up the track—it’s full on, but it’s fun. And then you appear up on the edge of an escarpment, overlooking Wollongong. And I’m always being called out when there’s storms on. The TV stations go off air because their power supply is interrupted. So, she’s been a workhorse? Oh, yeah. Last Christmas we had a torrential downpour and flooding. The

highway was closed, so I decided to detour through a farm I knew near Nowra. I went over some rail tracks and waded through the water across the other side—which I thought was very shallow. It wasn’t! But I knew where I was going and knew I was safe—it wasn’t flowing. We did it easy. What do you love about off-roading? Just: no people! That’s really it. I love going bush and not seeing anyone for days and days. I hate crowds! max*d

NEWS PUBLISHER Isuzu UTE Australia Pty Ltd ISUZU UTE AUSTRALIA MANAGING EDITORS Mark Harman, Madelaine Walsh maxd@iua.net.au EDITOR Ben Smithurst ben.smithurst@edge.agency SUB-EDITOR Paul Rodger ART DIRECTOR Guy Pendlebury ACCOUNT MANAGER Daphne Zhang ADVERTISING SALES Nicole Prioste nicole.prioste@edge.agency MANAGING PARTNERS Fergus Stoddart, Richard Parker

Isuzu UTE Australia launches 2021 Isuzu D-MAX online max*d is published on behalf of Isuzu UTE Australia Pty Ltd by

Level 4, 10–14 Waterloo Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010 Phone: +61 2 8962 2600 edge.agency

Disclaimer: The information included in this magazine is intended for interest only. The opinions and views expressed in this magazine are provided in the writers’ personal capacities and are their sole responsibility. Their publication does not imply that they represent the views or opinions of Isuzu UTE Australia or Edge and must neither be regarded as constituting advice on any matter nor be interpreted as such. The reproduction of advertisements in this publication does not in any way imply endorsement by Isuzu UTE Australia or Edge of products or services referred to therein. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. A selection of the images featured in this publication has been sourced from Getty Images and Thinkstock Images. Business Essentials trading as Edge ABN 22 062 493 869.

max*d magazine is proudly printed in Australia using renewable resources. Hanno Gloss is an FSC Mixed Sources Certified paper, which ensures that all virgin pulp is derived from well-managed forests and controlled sources. It contains elemental chlorine-free bleached pulp and is manufactured by an ISO 14001 certified mill.

SGS-COC-003898

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A sign of the times: this August, Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA) launched the All-New Isuzu D-MAX online to viewers in Australia and across the globe via their corporate website. Due to social distancing regulations, IUA made the call to open its feature presentation to a wider audience. Rather than limiting attendance to dealers and media who might attend a traditional, in-person event, thousands of Australians from the Isuzu UTE family, the motoring press and the general public were able to catch their first glimpse of the groundbreaking new model simultaneously. The much-anticipated All-New D-MAX arrives in the Australian market as one of the safest, most-connected and most fit-for-purpose 1-tonne utes in the country. To view the 2021 Isuzu D-MAX launch online, visit isuzuute.com.au/all-new-d-max.

I-Venture Club celebrates five years With 2020 marking I-Venture Club’s fifth year of operation, IUA has soared to success as the only manufacturer to run a 4WD program across the country. With constant expansion driven by popular demand, the I-Venture Club offers adventure-filled, single-day and multi-day trips to Australia’s most pristine locations. Designed to show participants the sights while imparting skills to handle the toughest terrain, I-Venture Club has so far travelled to 14 different locations, held over 150 events, and had more than 1700 owner vehicles—that’s 3500 drivers—complete the program. In the last 12 months alone, the club has completed multi-day trips through Western Australia’s Coral Coast and the ‘Wild West’ coast of Tasmania, as well as instituting a new on-road program, with a specific Towing Training day at Mount Cotton, Queensland. Looking towards the future, Isuzu UTE is expanding on the proven training program, making the most of Australia’s incredible landscapes and providing as many opportunities as possible to ‘Go Your Own Way’. For more information on upcoming I-Venture Club events, visit iventureclub.com.au.

NEWS

The Great Australian Doorstep opening doors to adventure Marking their eighth year of partnership, Isuzu UTE Australia and The Great Australian Doorstep hosts—former professional AFL footballer Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt and travel expert Sheree Everitt—are finding ways to keep busy. With domestic border closures in place, the husband-and-wife duo are setting their swags aside and putting on the tool belt—making their D-MAX a trusty trade ute more than just a tourer. Spida and Sheree are now taking the time to renovate a 27-year-old home as part of their new TV show, Reno Rookie. Catch up on repeats of The Great Australian Doorstep on 7Plus and be sure to follow their renovating adventures on Reno Rookie, beginning Saturday 26th of September on 7Two. Check out: greataustraliandoorstep.com

Isuzu D-MAX picks up ‘Best Work Ute’ award Reaffirming its reputation for reliability, the Isuzu D-MAX has been awarded one of the industry’s most coveted accolades. In taking home the ‘Best Work Ute’ category in the Delivery Magazine Best LCV Awards for 2020, the D-MAX has been recognised by one of Australia’s foremost authorities on light commercial vehicles (LCV). Delivery Magazine crowned its winner after the D-MAX outscored the competition across a comprehensive selection criteria—a result backed up by mechanics, fleet operators and, of course, our trusted Australian owners. Isuzu UTE Australia is honoured to be recognised for the attributes that have made it so successful and we look forward to seeing what further success the All-New D-MAX achieves in 2020.

Isuzu UTE Dealership Network awarded for ongoing excellence In February 2020, IUA acknowledged 50 dealerships that have returned strong results as part of the 2019 Isuzu UTE Dealer Excellence Program, 34 dealerships that achieved key sales milestones in 2019, and another six that celebrated a decade of operation as an Isuzu UTE Dealer. Isuzu UTE Australia congratulates the highestperforming achiever, Ken Mills Isuzu UTE, for their outstanding efforts and commends the commitment and tenacity of our entire Dealer Network throughout 2019. It is only with the continued support of our Dealer Network that we can achieve success with our highly regarded products.

If you want to keep up with all things Isuzu UTE, make sure you’re following us on our social pages! facebook.com/isuzuute Instagram: @isuzuute_aus max*d

WISHLIST

PAN E LS TO THE PEOPLE In the words of Mr Burns, “Since the dawn of time man has yearned to destroy the sun”. But you can’t. So why not use it to power your campsite?

1 2

4 3

DOMETIC PS180A 180W SOLAR PANEL

If you’re going off the grid for an extended period of time, you’ll want something big enough to catch as many of the sun’s rays as possible to keep your batteries juiced up. The Dometic 180W foldable panel stores easily in the back of the 4WD and cranks out battery charge at a solid, dependable rate thanks to its three-angle setting, ensuring you’re not left stranded when it’s time to break camp. At 17kg, it’s light (er, for its size) and it packs away into a nifty bundle, a bit like a giant attaché case. RRP $699.00, bcf.com.au

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SOLUTION X 50W SOLAR BLANKET

Ideal for a quick weekend away, the Solution X 50W solar blanket offers a great blend of portability and power, thanks to its mono-crystalline solar cells and ease of use. It comes with a 12-volt, 7-amp regulator and a three-metre cable with alligator clips to help keep your battery topped up. It can also be run in a series to power a portable fridge if you’re heading bush for a little while longer. If you’re after more output for just a pinch more outlay, you can pick up a 100W unit for about $10 more. RRP $179.00, bcf.com.au

WANDERER 10W SOLAR BLANKET

If cheap is cheerful, then this is the no-frills option of the bunch. The Wanderer 10W blanket is designed to unroll like a treasure map and suction cup to the inside of your windscreen to soak up life-giving light. It won’t run a camp fridge, but it will keep your radio running, your smartphone juiced for emergency calls and the iPad charged for when the kids decide that listening to your old campfire stories for the 117th time is driving them mad. And it has two USB charging ports to ensure fewer fights. RRP $59.99, bcf.com.au

RTM 100W 12V SEMI FLEXIBLE SOLAR PANEL

Flexible solar panels are perfect for mounting to irregular surfaces, such as an RV roof, boat or oversized local tourist attraction, such as Robertson’s inspirational Big Potato or Kingston’s legendary Big Lobster. With no large, rigid frame, this setup’s wafer-thin 2.5mm design means it’s easier to transport, while its solar cells are implanted in highly resilient polymers for greater durability. It’s so rugged, in fact, that you can even walk on it. Just be sure you don’t fall off the Potato. RRP $279.00, roadtechmarine.com.au

TECH HEAD

SMOOTH TORQUER WORDS MARK HARMAN

Fans rejoice, the tried and tested Isuzu 3-litre turbo diesel lives on and it’s been completely overhauled to be the most advanced engine ever to power a D-MAX.

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ISUZU’S NEW

3-LITRE TURBO DIESEL ENGINE

TECH HEAD

suzu have been at the forefront of manufacturing for decades. Australia had its first taste of the marque’s engineering mastery with the 1st generation D-MAX in 2008. Twelve years later, that legendary 3-litre turbodiesel 4JJ1-TC engine is still revered as the benchmark of frugality and durability. Now, 2020 marks the introduction of the highly anticipated 3rd generation D-MAX—powered by the new Australianexclusive, Euro 5 compliant, 4JJ3-TCX turbo diesel engine. Tasked to refine the beloved 3-litre turbo diesel further, Isuzu engineers have finessed new levels of power and torque from the famed engine, all while retaining Isuzu’s trademark reliability and realworld fuel efficiency. The 4JJ3-TCX is a derivative of the 4JJ1-TC, evolving from that proven platform to now produce 140kW at 3,600rpm and 450Nm at 1,600rpm through to 2,600rpm. That’s a 10kW and 20Nm improvement over the preceding engine respectively. The strength of the engine comes courtesy of the wider and stronger torque band, with the 450Nm peak figure now available across a flat 1,000rpm stretch. That’s more than five times the rev-band of its predecessor. More importantly, midrange torque has also been improved, with a hearty 400Nm on tap from 1,400rpm through to 3,250rpm. The result is a dramatic boost in both drivability and performance, particularly when towing or under load. Impressively, 300Nm is now produced from just 1,000rpm—testament to how efficient the 4JJ3-TCX’s almost nonchalant ability to get the job done. Not only have Isuzu Engineers pumped the engine’s numbers, they’ve made it more thermally efficient. By

Isuzu engineers have finessed new-levels of power and torque, all while retaining Isuzu’s trademark reliability and real-world fuel efficiency. reducing internal friction and exhaust emissions, the 4JJ3-TCX emits just 200-207g/km of CO2, during combined cycle testing—taking a welcomed step in saving the environment. Depending on the D-MAX model, fuel consumption figures return 7.7-8.0-litres/100km, during combined cycle testing. Lifting the bonnet reveals the heavily optimised air intake, featuring a labyrinth of sealed airways fed from the iconic Isuzu front grille, increasing the D-MAX’s water wading depth to up to 800mm. Next to that—literally—is a new electronically controlled Variable Geometry System (VGS) Turbocharger which has been heavily revised to improve efficiency and longevity, all while reducing turbo lag. Hanging from the back of the VGS Turbocharger is the tried and proven Diesel Particulate Diffuser (DPD), which

has been further revised to increase efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions. Fuel delivery is important in a turbo diesel—and in the new D-MAX, it’s precisely controlled by an all-new high-pressure direct-injection system. New fuel pump hardware pressurises the diesel to over 250MPa before it is atomized by the all-new, high-efficiency injectors and sprayed directly into the combustion chamber of each cylinder. Engineered by DENSO for high performance applications, this new direct fuel injection system uses lessmoving internal parts for greater durability and optimised for efficiency, with the fuel pump requiring 20% less energy to pressurise the fuel to 25% more pressure than the preceding system. The outcome is a more precise—and more powerful—fuel burn, delivering greater performance with fewer exhaust emissions.

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TECH HEAD

Next time you lift the bonnet of an All-New D-MAX, take a moment to admire the level of detail that’s gone into producing the 4JJ3-TCX. It’s the finest, most innovative and most efficient engine Isuzu has ever produced. Engine Performance Curve 150 950

140

900 130

850

120

800 750

110

700 650

600 550

500

450 60

FLAT TORQUE

400 350 300

250

200 20 10 500

150 100 1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

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4500

ENGINE SPEED [rpm]

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5000

6000

TORQUE [Nm]

POWER [kW]

100

A new set of aluminum pistons now incorporate a more efficient combustion chamber design and are coated with a layer of anti-friction diamond-like carbon heat insulation across the piston crown, skirts and gudgeon pin—which reduces friction and excessive heat generated against the cylinder bore. Adding an extra layer of durability and longevity to the new engine block, each cylinder bore is strengthened with Isuzu’s induction-hardened melt-in liner—which significantly improves strength and thermal efficiency, without the need of an additional heavy steel bore liner. Proving that just when it seems Isuzu’s engineers have done all they can to minimise friction and reduce wear, they’ll find more—and boost efficiency, durability and thermal heat management at the same time. The net result is the most thermally efficient engine seen in a D-MAX. Keeping the new pistons in time with the

valvetrain is a robust stainless-steel timing chain, which is now directed by a quieter, more efficient, double scissor idle gear. This new design not only improves durability, it dramatically diminishes engine rattle. The 4JJ3-TCX offers considerably more grunt— and does so considerably more quietly— than the former model. It’s an engineering improvement worth shouting about. More power and torque. Reduced friction and increased efficiency. More durable than ever. The new 4JJ3-TCX is a marvel of diesel engineering. Perhaps best of all, it’s cheaper to run and has been designed and manufactured exclusively for the Australian market. So next time you lift the bonnet of an All-New D-MAX, take a moment to admire the level of detail that’s gone into producing the 4JJ3-TCX. It’s the finest, most innovative and most efficient engine Isuzu has ever produced.

AN EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY FOR D-MAX AND MU-X OWNERS TO LEARN THE 4X4 SKILLS TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE I-VENTURE CLUB

OUT OF THE BOX

GREATEST MOMENTS IN MAX*D HISTORY

A quarter of a century of issues has seen it all, from heartfelt heroes to mud, mayhem and the MU-X

reat magazines usually have an obvious quality that makes them stand out from the crowd. And yet, after 25 issues, it’s hard to say what has placed max*d alongside peers such as Time, Vogue, Rolling Stone and National Geographic in the pantheon of iconic global magazines. Whatever it is, the answer may lie on these pages: a tribute—in no particular order—to the finest moments in max*d magazine’s history. Probably. ISUZU UTE

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ISSUE 1

BRIDLE TRACK

BASH high adventure in nsw’s central tablelands

The Finishing Line: 14 days in the furnace of the dakar rally

Unsung Heroes: Paraplegic dirtbike legend isaac elliott

Get Stuffed:

how to make the ultimate steak sanga

ISSUE 15

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Garla Australasia nd flat n Safari

Blood

for pear The incred ls ible hard Broome’s men oldest indus of try

NeThwe kid

PLUS: INSP Meet the IRATIONAL mighty BUSHFIRE MU-X SURVIVOR TURIA PITT BOUNCES BACK

The mighty MU-X debuts ISSUE 12

ISUZU’S SUPER SUV launched with a glamorous trip to Isuzu 4x4 Land in Pattaya, Thailand, in 2014, where a bunch of mightily impressed Australian motoring journos put the MU-X through its paces. But it was the seal of approval from Dakar veteran Bruce Garland—who’s seen it all and run lots of it at 160+km/h— that carried the most weight. “I’ve done that in a D-MAX,” he said, nodding at a giant metal see-saw he’d just driven up—at an angle of 47 degrees. “But I didn’t really think I’d do it so easily in this, in second gear, in idle, with four blokes in the ute.”

Bruce Garland stars in Mad Max: Fury Road (sort of)

FILMED IN NAMIBIA, Isuzu’s incredibly experienced Dakar hero was a natural fit as a stunt driver in George Miller’s fourth Mad Max epic. The best part? Danger money. “I said, ‘I wish you got a bonus every time you narrowly avoided a massive accident in a rally stage’,” laughed Bruce. “I’d be a multi-millionaire!”

out in the

ISSUE 1

THE LATE NOUGHTIES were a different time, but many max*d staples were established early on. Released in 2010, the first issue contains a bunch of rollicking yarns, including 14 sweltering days crossing Argentina and Chile in the Dakar Rally, and a story of eight Asian celebs tackling the Himalayas. It also documented a marathon 1,716km single-tank drive Danish frugality king Hans Thorstrup. He is very fun at parties.

ISSUE 12 ‘Doctors worry too Rally legen much’ d Bruce

ISUZU UTE AUSTRALIA

The first issue

AUSTRALI A

ISUZU UTE

14 IA | Issue AUSTRAL

TO OFF-ROADERY RECOV

ward to From spinal Safari Australasian

CROC MAN!

Meet reptile wrangler Matt Wright

The Great Yowie Hunt

UAD YOWIE SQ

ISSUE 14

MU-X and

D-MAX go

g in the bush

bunyip huntin

IN 2015, two men set off in search of the elusive bunyip after media reports of local sightings on the NSW mid-north coast. “It was described as looking “like a big gorilla with a large head resembling three porcupines tied together,” wrote Craig Jamieson. “If it turned up at our tent, my plan was to fire up the grunty 3.0-litre engine and drive off as it feasted on the other campers.”

ISUZU UTE AUSTRALIA | Issue 17

Novices tackle the Billy Goat Bluff track

KOALA SQUAD Meet the brothers rescuing our most endangered icons

DEEP COVER

Australia’s best family-friendly caves

ISSUE 17

HIGH&

MIGHTY Tackling Australia’s steepest climb: the Billy Goat Bluff Track

AUSTRALIA’S STEEPEST gazetted road was no match for an Isuzu D-MAX. On stock tyres. Piloted by a first-time off-roader, in alarmingly skinny jeans. “It was the adventurous spirit of Edmund Hillary,” wrote the author, “combined with the forethought of a 2am tattoo.”

6 The incredible Turia Pitt

ISSUE 12

THEY DON’T COME more inspirational than bushfire survivor Turia Pitt, Unsung Hero of Issue 12. “Because I’m such a positive person, I was thinking, ‘Well, I’ll be back to work on Monday,” she said. “I didn’t wake up until a month later in Concord Hospital, in Sydney.”

Team D-MAX provides potentially ill-advised ISSUE 20 flight tips for jumping your ute

“NOTHING BEATS THE feeling of flying through the air,” said Team D-MAX Precision Driving Team star Jack Monkhouse. His ambitious, legally worrying advice on jumping, driving on two wheels and reverse handbrake flicks was provided under a more sensible headline: Don’t Try This At Home.

ISSUE 24

Tom Alexander rules the SuperUte series

IT WAS ONE YEAR in for one win in the Aussie SuperUtes for Ross Stone Racing. Young Kiwi Tom Alexander dominated, crowned champion in a series that Isuzu UTE would depart following classification changes. Stone’s biggest eye opener? The passion of the Isuzu fans. “What I’ve found with the D-MAX guys is they’re very loyal to their brand,” said the Supercars legend.

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OUT OF THE BOX

Isaac Elliott, comeback kid ISSUE 1

MAX*D’S DEBUT Unsung Hero, Isaac Elliott, completed the Finke Desert race on a motorbike— as a paraplegic. “I figured if everyone else can do it, so can I!” he said. See more of Isaac on page 44.

The 50th Anniversary of the Isuzu Car Club of Australia

ISSUE 21

12 A Perth battler wins a D-MAX— with a truly outrageous guess

Bruce Garland lends his D-MAX to an unknown Emirati lunatic; lunatic drives it to fourth in the Abu Dhabi desert challenge.

ISSUE 6 WEST OZ SALES rep Rex Momus was home from another 12-hour day when he went online to enter the 2011 Max Run Challenge. The task? To predict how many litres of diesel the new X-Runner would consume driving from Melbourne to Cairns. His guess: 189.67 litres. He was exactly right. “I never win anything!” he said. “It was a total fluke, but I was spot on to two decimal places!”

ISSUE 5 GARLAND AND CO-DRIVER Harry Suzuki had met Yahya Helei in 1997 and been amazed at his tenacity and speed, having entered the five-day, 1570km UAE Desert Challenge in an ordinary car. So when Bruce was injured, they loaned him their Dakar-spec, 192kW/630Nm D-MAX. Up against a field of global superstars, Helei just missed the podium.

An all-new D-MAX arrives

ISSUE 20

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ENTER A LEANER, meaner, 3.0-litre turbo-diesel with bumped up torque and power. “This vehicle is totally changed from the ground up,” declared technical expert Marcus Dowling. “The only thing that carries over from the old model is Spirit of Truck DNA.” 20

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War stories from Aussie professional bull riders

THE

ISUZU

IT WAS A coterie of eccentrics, experts and rusted-on brand loyalists who assembled on a 34°C day in Guildford, western Sydney, for the 50th Anniversary of the Isuzu Car Club of Australia. “I’ve got … er, quite a few cars,” volunteered enthusiast Warren Degnan, reluctantly. “I wouldn’t like to say how many.” “You’ve got about 20!” cackled his wife, Karen.

AUSSIE RODEO STARS Troy Wilkinson and David Kennedy reminisced all about trying to stay on top of angry, bucking sides of beef in Issue 20. “Bull riders say it’s not when you get hurt, it’s how badly,” said Wilkinson, describing how his brother-in-law—another pro— had his ear kicked off by a hoof. “They sewed it back on a bit crooked, haha!”

OUT OF THE BOX

15 Top Gear man co-pilots Bruce Garland to glory in the Finke ISSUE 9

“UH, BRUCE, am I supposed to read notes?” squeaked young writer Dylan Campbell, now editor of Motor magazine. Never having navigated before, he’d just been strapped into Bruce Garland’s new, rally-spec D-MAX. “Nah mate, just sit and enjoy the ride,” said Bruce, grimacing from a just-healed broken back. Garland won his class by six minutes.

17 I-Venture’s first foray to magical Moreton Island

D-MAX dominates the 2013 Australasian Safari ISSUE 12

WITH FIVE D-MAXES in the top 10 and Bruce Garland ruling his class, 2013—the race’s penultimate year—was a banner event for Isuzu. Alarmingly, Bruce had entered against medical advice. “Doctors worry too much,” he said.

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ISSUE 15

A LEGEND BEGINS. I-Venture’s get-amongst-it, learnand-laugh trips now cover most of the country. Hosted by 4WD guru David Wilson, the concept’s magazine debut came five years ago on the world’s third-largest sand island. It’s a fun 75-minute ferry ride from Brisbane. “A good 4WD under your bum is a ticket to adventure,” says David.

19 The Koala Crusaders ISSUE 17 LONG BEFORE LAST season’s unprecedented bushfires, Sunshine Coast mechanics Ray and Murray Chambers were rescuing 500 koalas a year—driving their D-MAX across the east coast to fetch the injured. “They can tell you’re there to help them, not hurt them,” said Ray. “You can feel that and it’s pretty bloody special.”

I-Venture vs the Coral ISSUE 24

THE CORAL COAST, that is. From pink lakes to Kalbarri’s Nature’s Window rock formation, Western Australia’s Coral Coast is unique. And so it was that an intrepid chain of D-MAXs and MU-Xs was shepherded through jagged, blood-red landscapes on one of the I-Venture Club’s greatest ever sojourns. At the end there was “something tangibly different about the drivers,” said Carlisle Rogers. “They had left their fear back on the asphalt somewhere.”

Helping the Morecombes ISSUE 13

NOW IN ITS eighth year, Isuzu UTE’s partnership with the Daniel Morecombe Foundation has helped founders Bruce and Denise Morecombe take their child safety curriculum to all corners of the country. “From Brisbane to Broome and Ayr to Adelaide, we’ve clocked up an impressive 250,000km with no dramas,” said Denise Morecombe, trading in an MU-X in 2017. The tireless pair manage an impressive 60,000km or so per vehicle, per year. True heroes.

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OUT OF THE BOX

22 ISSUE 22

New Mutants break cover: the Team D-MAX CONCEPT X vehicles NUDGING 2.1M HIGH, 2.15m wide and a staggering 5.5m long (and riding on vast 38 x 15.5 R20 Toyo tyres) they’re the outsized twin MU-X and D-MAX concept cars that broke the interweb. “It was just a crazy idea,” said creator Wayne Boatwright, co-director of precision-driving crew Team D-MAX.

The Outback copper

ISSUE 19

“PEOPLE THINK, ‘it’s only 300km to our next stop, that’s easy,” said Birdsville Senior Constable Stephen Pursell, “but out here you’re crossing 1000 dunes in that distance, it’s hot, people don’t take enough water… ” The consequences? If you break down, or something goes wrong, “if you do get it wrong, you die.” Pursell’s one-man beat is 240,000 square kilometres, or about the size of Britain.

TASMANIAN PAIR Nick Duigan and Andrew Hart helm one of TV’s best fishing shows and their max*d debut was a ripper: nominating their top five fishing spots … ever. The list: Broome, Hamilton Island (“There are tasty coral trout right at the end of the runway!”), Sydney Harbour, Darwin and—cheating slightly here, but in a parochial way—“anywhere in Tassie”.

23 Unknown Thai driver nails a top 10 Oz Safari finish. In a near-stock D-MAX 4x4 LS-U. On his first go.

ISSUE 7

THE 2007 AUSTRALASIAN Safari shaped as a disappointing outing for IUA. Driver Bruce Garland had broken his back in the Dakar (he still finished the stage). Then he had a heart attack. No worries—Garland’s navigator, Harry Suzuki, teamed up with Rachan Trairat, a Thai rally driver … who brought a barely modified D-MAX from home. The pair came eighth. “People looked in the car and couldn’t believe it still had the stereo, electric windows and factory steering,” laughed Harry. The language barrier meant the pair could barely converse. “We had some close calls,” deadpanned the map man.

Dave Wilson hosts the I-Venture Club at home ISSUE 23 SEASONED SOUTH Australian 4WD guru David Wilson is accustomed to crossing the continent to helm I-Venture’s educational jaunts. But it was the trip to SA’s breathtaking Coffin Bay— Wilson’s backyard—that took best advantage of his considerable local knowledge. He remains admirably keen to share. “Bring the kids!” he enthuses. “They’ll see stuff they never see back in town. Bring a camera, your surfboard–there’s fantastic beach fishing. Bring your tinnie, too!”

If you would like to read some of these stories in full, you can see all our past issues online at: issuu.com/isuzuuteaustralia

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COVER STORY

THE BEST NEXT THING

STRONGER, SMARTER, SAFER WORDS BEN SMITHURST

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COVER STORY

Introducing the All-New, third-generation Isuzu D-MAXâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;an upscale, all-conquering update, built to tackle Australian conditions head on.

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COVER STORY

n 2016, Samsung released the Galaxy Note 7—lovely phone, except for its tendency to spontaneously burst into flames. In 1982, Coca-Cola spent US$4 million developing their New Coke—then binned it 79 days later, after an estimated 400,000 angry letters from irate fans. Two decades after debuting Star Wars, George Lucas returned to the well, then clambered back out thinking Jar Jar Binks was a good idea. (Hint: he wasn’t.) Experience helps, of course. Isuzu’s history began way back in 1916. By 1922, they’d produced the first passenger vehicle ever built in Japan. By the time the Wasp— Isuzu’s original ute—arrived in 1963, the company was already a seasoned builder of commercial vehicles. More than half a century, 27 million diesel engines, and over 135,000 Australian D-MAX sales later, Isuzu has unveiled its seventh-generation ute— the great-great-great-great-grandchild of the now legendary Isuzu Wasp. Experience helps, but sky-high

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expectations can hinder. Not every franchise can turn out to be Lord of the Rings. And the All-New Isuzu D-MAX might be the most anticipated model in Isuzu history. Now it’s here. And the news is good. Because the third-generation D-MAX impressed even the most seasoned journos in the world’s most competitive ute market—at first sight. Unveiled to the global stage via Thailand in October 2019, it found favour with the likes of Joshua Dowling, National Motoring Editor at CarAdvice, Go Auto’s Haitham Razagui and Practical Motoring’s Alex Rae.

COVER STORY

The third-generation D-MAX impressed even the most seasoned journos in the world’s most competitive ute market—at first sight.

“[It’s] loaded with technology,” wrote Dowling—also a judge for World Car of the Year and International Engine of the Year. “The new model has catapulted the Isuzu D-MAX from a bare bones proposition to one of the most advanced utes in the class. “The All-New Isuzu D-MAX marks a significant departure,” noted Razagui, “with bold exterior styling and a high-tech, almost luxurious interior”. Rae praised its sophistication, “beefier engine, improved off-road ability, new styling and much better technology”. Said Dowling: “A power boost for the 3.0-litre engine, better off-road ability, advanced safety tech, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay are the headline acts.” A new truck from the ground up, the 2021 D-MAX arrives carrying an enormous weight of expectation. Thankfully, it turns out it’s as capable of carrying theoretical burdens as it is of hauling physical ones.

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COVER STORY

With more than four million kilometres under its belt during research and development, the new D-MAX offers much more than just a broader torque band and smoother power delivery.

PULLING POWER

D-TIMELINE

The D-MAX is available in 120-odd countries internationally. In every market, its hallmark is its durability. And that toughness begins in the obvious place: its engine. Australia became the largest international export market for Isuzu’s light commercial and SUV range—the D-MAX and its sibling MU-X—in 2017. Only Thailand, where Isuzu builds all its vehicles, accounts for a larger proportion of the marque’s output (it’s the world’s largest 1-tonne pick-up market).

Stylish, sturdy, and full of tech, The All-New D-MAX arrives as the seventh generation of Isuzu ute—and the heir to a legendary legacy of no-fuss reliability. Celebrate with a little trip down memory lane …

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Integral to that success has been the D-MAX’s proven, four-cylinder 3.0-litre common rail turbo-diesel engine. Brilliantly, that motor lives on in the new model, only with improvements in both power and refinement (see Tech Head, pages 14–16). Advanced and Euro 5 emissions compliant, the 2021 D-MAX now produces 140kW—10kW more than its predecessor. It also has a hefty 450Nm of torque on tap from just 1600rpm, which is a considerable 20Nm more. But with more than four

million kilometres under its belt during the research and development phase, the new D-MAX doesn’t just offer a broader torque band and smoother power delivery. Mated to a choice of automatic or manual transmission—each with six cogs—the new model demonstrates depth of thinking across its powerplant. For example, the manual gear lever has a shorter throw, with reduced shift travel for a sportier, more dynamic feel—and more palpable driving engagement.

1963

1972

1980

THE ISUZU WASP

THE ISUZU FASTER

THE ISUZU ‘PICK-UP’ OR ‘KB’

The Isuzu Wasp is released as the first ute in Isuzu’s history

The Isuzu Faster is released and exported all around the world

Offered in three cab styles: single, space and crew-cab

COVER STORY

Meanwhile, the auto’s ‘Rev-Tronic’ ’box steps it up a notch with quicker and smoother gear shifts, automatically selecting the most appropriate shift- and lock-up points according to the driver’s behaviour, vehicle load and road speed. Towing capacity remains hearty, at 3.5 tonnes, and it’s safer than ever, with Trailer Sway Control (TSC) included across the range. Should your caravan, boat or trailer become unruly—in gusty conditions, for example—it intervenes automatically, defusing potentially dangerous situations before the driver is even aware of them.

ROBUST VS REFINED With a broad, muscular stance, flared wheel arches and imposing grille, the D-MAX looks as confident as it is capable. LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and ultra-bright Bi-LED headlights are standard on the LS and X-TERRAIN range, while the flagship D-MAX X-TERRAIN ups the ante with gunmetal highlights and a tasteful selection of exclusive inclusions. A new, integrated rear bumper offers protection as well as access practicality— its dynamic one-piece design includes a two-step bumper, while combination rear lamps with double LEDs boost visibility and safety—and it looks cool to boot. Offsetting rugged lines with a modern, city-relevant style, the new model provides immediate visual confirmation of the D-MAX’s ‘Spirit of Truck’ heritage. It’s every inch a D-MAX—albeit one that’s highly evolved.

1988

2002

2008

2012

THE WIDE BODY

THE D-MAX DEBUTS

THE D-MAX ARRIVES

THE 2ND GENERATION D-MAX

A monumental feat saw the Isuzu ute become the widest body in its class

The internationally branded Isuzu D-MAX ute is launched worldwide

The first generation D-MAX arrives in Australia

A new model impresses with toughness, style and fuel efficiency.

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COVER STORY

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STORY BY THECOVER NUMBERS

140kW

THE NEW POWER OUTPUT (UP BY 10kW)

WADING DEPTH

800mm

240mm GROUND CLEARANCE

CONFIDENT AND CAPABLE The ability to ‘Go Your Own Way’ when things get rough has been a key factor to the D-MAX’s local success. Put simply, if Australia’s third-gen Isuzu D-MAX wasn’t just as good off-road as it was on, the reaction would’ve made New Coke look like a work of genius. With suspension specifically tuned for Australian conditions, the D-MAX makes light work of even our most corrugated dirt roads. But it’s when it goes off-track entirely that the new model properly comes into its own. The D-MAX’s 4WD selection system, called Terrain Command, can switch between 2WD-high and 4WD-high in less than a second at up to 100km/h. When stopped, it’ll slip into low-range 4WD in the same timeframe. And for the first time, a rear diff-lock is fitted to all four-wheel drive models, with 240mm of ground clearance and a wading depth increase from 600mm to 800mm—equal to best-in-class—despite accommodating an arsenal of steel under-body armour.

IN SAFE HANDS The days of Aussie utes—particularly twin-cab models—being the sole preserve of noble workaday tradies are long past. Even D-MAXs that spend their weekdays

smeared with grout, accumulating pie wrappers or witnessing the relentless mocking of apprentices, turn into family haulers of a weekend. Which means that a focus on safety is more vital than ever. Standard across the range, Isuzu’s IDAS technology—it stands for ‘Intelligent Driver Assistance System’— constantly monitors the area around the car for danger. Using a stereo camera that can both identify objects and tell how far away they are, along with a rear radar, the D-MAX offers an alphabet soup of acronyms to keep you from harm. Examples include Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), which will throw out the anchors independently in a pinch, as well as Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK), which will at first warn you of, and then actively prevent you from colliding with, any vehicle approaching in your blind spot. Then there’s the rest, all with the same focus. Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) detects vehicles approaching from the side when you’re reversing into a stream of cars. Automatic Headlights and High Beams autonomously turn up the brightness when required—and dim independently to prevent dazzling other drivers. Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) reads

450Nm OF TORQUE

3.5 TONNES

TOWING CAPACITY

IDAS INTELLIGENT DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM

8ASAIRBAGS STANDARD

<1sec

SWITCHING FROM 4X2 TO 4X4 max*d

COVER STORY

and displays speed limits, even setting the intelligent speed limiter. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) maintains both vehicle speed and distance to the car in front; rain-sensing wipers turn on and off as required; and a reversing camera allows you to look like a hero when reversing into a tight spot out the front of your local café on Sunday. It’s comprehensive—and comprehensively packaged, with IDAS standard on every D-MAX variant.

THE VAST INTERIOR Next-level technology continues inside. Occupants can stay connected with multiple fast-charging USB ports front and rear, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity through the 9.0-inch infotainment touch screen. Vital vehicle and IDAS information is relayed to the driver via a 4.2-inch multi-information display in the centre of the instrument cluster—a customisable display that can be set as a digital speedo or the command centre to the onboard systems.

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Voice recognition is featured in every model, while supplementary systems such as smart Keyless Entry and Walk-Away Door Locking become intuitive almost immediately. Dual-zone, climate-controlled air with rear air-vents on all crew cab models, reduced cabin noise and minimised chassis vibration make every journey a pleasure. And then there’s the seats. They’re more comfortable throughout and bolstered by firmer lateral foam. The driver’s own throne, meanwhile, is electrically adjustable in eight ways on the X-TERRAIN— including lumbar support. It lets you find the perfect driving position—aided by a smaller, sportier, steering wheel, which is both height- and reach-adjustable. It’s the best seat in the house. Or, at least, it will be if your house is attached to the garage. The sort of place you might stop for a well-earned breather if you’d exceeded expectations on the job. The sort of place, then, that the engineers

COVER STORY

Automatic Headlights and High Beams autonomously turn up the brightness when required—and dim independently to prevent dazzling other drivers.

of this All-New D-MAX might have taken a rest in once it rolled off the production line. This is a sequel to remember: a hero in its own right, but respectful of the legendary lineage of its predecessors. The All-New D-MAX not only meets expectations, it exceeds them. It’s like heading out to catch a movie and somehow finding yourself seated in Gold Class. It already has eight-speaker surround sound. All it needs is a Choc Top. Sequels are hard. They’re meant to be. This one is as hard as nails. It’s ready to work—and whatever comes after that. After 104 years, the new D-MAX is Isuzu’s most durable, most advanced and most refined model—ever. Bigger, bolder and more decisive, it’s like arriving at the pictures hoping for the third Lord of the Rings film, hoping to see something half as good as The Two Towers—then being blown away by The Return of the King. Otherwise known as the greatest sequel ever. Until now.

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TRAVELLER

TIGER TRAILS

I-Venture Club tackles the legendary west coast of Tasmania. Next time, why not join us? WORDS AND IMAGES SCOTT MASON

asmania is not often considered a four-wheel driving destination by those living on the mainland. It can seem intimidating even before you begin; its rugged, largely unpublicised country can be as daunting to some as it is a drawcard to others. Throw in the wintertime chill, the fact that you have to get your rig there for starters and the (admittedly rather remote) possibility of thylacine attack, and Van Diemen’s Land can easily be filed in your mental ‘too-hard’ basket. Don’t be put off. Getting there, at least, is easily sorted.

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For the keen, a simple overnight ferry crossing from Melbourne to Devonport is a little adventure in itself—and the effort is well worthwhile. Tassie is home to some of Australia’s most stunning scenery and 4WD trails, including one that I-Venture Club’s most recent three-day trip across Bass Strait had on its agenda: the famous Climies Track. It’s a trip that sits on many an off-roader’s bucket-list (see page 43). The other points are equally manageable— but we’ll address them as we go. After a quick meet-and-greet, our fleet of D-MAX- and MU-X-driving enthusiasts were on the way to our first stop, the

Natone Hills Fly Fishery. We’d arrived on an overcast March day—a few weeks before state and federal coronavirus shutdowns came into effect—and despite the forecasted rain, spirits were high. The Nantone Hills is famed for its trout and the anglers among the group were looking forward to trying their luck. There were some earnest efforts from all in the fishing department and some scary moments as lures went whizzing past nearby heads. After a solid few hours of fishing—with a break for the most beautiful fresh smoked trout for lunch— we’d bagged quite a few plump beauties.

TRAVELLER

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TRAVELLER

It was great start—and a lovely way to immerse ourselves in Tassie tradition. Our destination for the night was another Tassie icon—the stunning Cradle Mountain. But instead of a quick blacktop sprint we weaved along a dirt path taking us through tall timber country and a scenic lookout. We were steadily climbing at altitude now and, jeez, despite it being late summer, was it ever getting chilly. Cold, rosy faces and warm smiles prevailed and it really was the perfect way to get to our digs—and a very welcome feast. Up early, we kicked the tyres, lit the fires and cranked the heaters as we convoyed down to the Henty sand dunes. By now the rain had stopped and the sun was making its presence felt as we made haste for a few hours of play in the sandhills. There were some challenging dips and rises, and even a vehicle recovery on one particularly steep dune, but overall, we felt like kids in a candy shop. If you have not tried it before, make sure you get out and drive on soft sand. It’s so much fun, it almost feels illegal. (If you’re not on an

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A thousand miles from care … but hopefully a little bit closer to lunch.

I-Venture trip, obviously, make sure you’ve got sufficient expertise—and recovery equipment—along for the ride.) The largest town on the west coast is Strahan and that was to be our base for the next two nights. Another welcome meal and beer under the belt and we were fuelled for our biggest challenge yet. We’d had a good build-up in confidence to this point, but there were nervous faces in the group as we learnt the coming challenges were going to be pretty damn legitimate. Climies Track has earned a fearsome reputation over the years for its big bog holes and rocky, technical terrain.

You never know where you’ll run into an expert.

TRAVELLER

Kiwi young gun Tom Alexander

KVETA AND JIM

2018 MU-X

OUR STORY 4X4 LS-T

“Our first-ever 4WD experience was with the I-Venture Club at Werribee, when we bought our 2018 MU-X. We had travelled plenty, but wanted to try the off-road stuff.

Stunning backdrops are ever-present along the legendary and technical Climies Track.

“After an unsuccessful local 4WD club trip to Toolangi Forest—in the wet!—we decided to try the I-Venture trips. The good thing about them is that David will guide you through the lines to take and we feel more comfortable with someone like him there to help. On that first day at Werribee he got us to do things we didn’t feel we could manage, but we felt safe with him and that’s why we jumped at this trip. It was challenging, but we now have the experience to get ourselves out of any situation we might confront!”

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TRAVELLER The start of the track is marked by a stunning little bridge crossing, a tiny Tasmanian Rubicon signalling that business is underway. We were committed. It was only a few hundred metres into this beast and we were already weaving through narrow tracks with careful line selection paramount. This was no lolly, but for those brave enough to take eyes off the track momentarily, the views of the rock and beach-lined coastline nearby were stunning. And thank God for heaters. About a kilometre into the track we neared a crest and pulled up with precision timing to allow another group of offroaders to overtake our large, long, winding convoy. I say ‘precision timing’ because directly ahead of us lay one very serious, muddy and wet obstacle. The first of the four overtaking vehicles—all with big lifts and tyres fit for a crack at K2—took on the morass and promptly got bogged ... and with water

lapping halfway up the doors. His mate took a side track and found himself stuck also, but happily not in interior-dousing water. After they sorted themselves out, we elected to take the muddy, but less drenched, side route and with no fewer than 28 traction boards eventually got through, with only one notable bogging (a car journo, funnily enough. Weird). Pushing on, we encountered more challenging terrain and, upon a high point, could see the same four vehicles ahead … bogged for the third time. A quick scout of upcoming terrain on foot during our lunch break sadly confirmed the worst: the track ahead was way too damaged, eroded and dangerous due to sustained rain over the previous few weeks. It would be folly to carry on. Sometimes the wise choice is to concede victory to mother nature. So, net result: we had travelled roughly 2.5km into the 21km track and spent over five hours on the

TAK AND PINKY

2016 MU-X

OUR STORY 4X4 LS-U

“We started looking for a 4WD for the first time three years ago. We’d travelled a bit before that—just in a car—but we had relatives coming from overseas and wanted to show them the sights. We needed a seven-seater and, with retirement coming, we also wanted something that would tow a caravan. So we settled on the MU-X—and we’ve never looked back.

There’s plenty of adventure on this section of the Climies Track. Just don’t forget your traction boards!

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“This was our first I-Venture trip. We had done the one-day training at Werribee and some local trips afterwards, including the beaches, but nothing too technical. It’s hard to gain technical experience alone, with nobody to tell you if you are doing something wrong! That’s why we enjoyed this trip. There were some nerves to start with, but we still felt comfortable and learnt a lot. It was great!”

TRAVELLER

TASSIE TIPS When to go

The trip started up north at Devonport, where we were treated to a wicked sunrise before the rain began.

Being so far south, Tassie cops its fair share of chilly, windy weather and rain (particularly on the west coast), so it’s best to stick to the milder months and hope for the best—at least for your first attempts. Strong low-pressure systems can still present themselves across a good part of the year. It can get hot in summer, particularly in the midlands and areas out of the coastal breeze influence, so pack clothing for all seasons.

What to take It is wise to prepare for wet tracks if you plan for serious adventure, so an air compressor, pressure gauge, traction boards, off-road tyres and a good recovery kit will serve you well. Travelling with other vehicles is recommended on the difficult tracks.

Logistics The Spirit of Tasmania ferry is regular and reliable, but books out early in the popular months, so plan well ahead if you can. You are never too far away from civilisation in Tassie but be aware that phone reception is non-existent in remote areas, particularly along the west coast. It’s best to stock up on supplies in the larger cities if possible and top-up at the local towns, being conscious that hours of operation are meagre in many.

Enjoy the sights process. Five wonderful hours. Once again, we negotiated our previously travelled obstacles and took off: muddy, slightly dishevelled, yet pleased we’d had a taste of what is one of the most serious tracks in Australia, in cataclysmic conditions to boot. It still felt like a more than worthy accomplishment, especially considering we had many factory-stock rigs in the mix. Celebratory drinks were complemented by the traditional award ceremony on our final night, an evening filled with laughter, stories, fond memories and new and old friendships forged in a very convivial sort of battle—a battle that only those lucky

enough to own a 4WD will ever understand. Wintertime? Well, traffic during this year’s coldest season was reduced by COVID-19, but regardless, Tasmania’s endless charms are just as delightfully sampled in the summertime. Rugged country? It’s par for the course in Tasmania—but with the right attitude and equipment, the more you experience, the more you’ll chase. And, if in doubt, discretion is always an equally valid option. You’ll still have a complete ball. And thylacine attack? Well, you never know—you might just get lucky. Tassie, you were a ripper.

Make a decent trip of it if you can—Tasmania is simply stunning! Explore the whole lot—each area is unique and picture-worthy and it takes a surprisingly short amount of time to traverse and enjoy. Don’t forget your camera!

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THE LIST

AUSTRALIA’S BEST

4X4 TRACKS

THE (VERY) DIRTY DOZEN Off-road legend Marcus Craft lists his 12 must-do Aussie 4WD tracks. How many have you done? WORDS MARCUS CRAFT

If you like it: Steep, rough and rainforesty

THE CREB TRACK 7 QUEENSLAND

Where: The Daintree When: April–October

1 km

4 hours

A TRIP TO Cape York, essentially a series of awesome tracks of varying degrees of difficulty, is 4WDing Holy Grail. But getting to the start of any of those tracks is an adventure unto itself. On your way to the Tip, give one of the Far North’s most legendary routes, the CREB Track, a nudge. This extremely steep and very rough track starts near Daintree Village, connecting the Daintree to Wujal Wujal, and it becomes outrageously challenging even after a little bit of rain. It’s a lot of fun, but it’s really only for very prepared and experienced 4WDers. You’ve been warned.

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If you like it: Spectaularly dusty

BINNS TRACK NORTHERN TERRITORY

2190 km 1.5 wee

Where: Mt Dare to Timber Creek / When: April-October ANOTHER OF AUSTRALIA’S most remote and most challenging tracks, this one from Mt Dare to Timber Creek, takes in the Simpson Desert’s western edge. So, expect bull dust, sand dunes, and rocky creek beds—plus spectacular scenery. The off-roading along this route is mostly rated medium but there are sections that are more challenging, including the Frew River Loop, a tough 17km 4WD track, which includes low-speed, low-range 4WDing, through the Davenport Ranges. This section alone is considered one of the most difficult off-road routes in the Territory.

If you like it: Out of your comfort zone

CORNER COUNTRY 500 NEW SOUTH WALES

Where: Broken Hill to Cameron Corner When: April–October

THE LIST

140Dkaym

2 Days m

BLUE RAG RANGE

AN ABSOLUTE MUST-DO for any aspiring or experienced off-roader, this drive takes you from Broken Hill, 1000km west of Sydney, to Cameron Corner, where Queensland, NSW and South Australia connect. Even though the route itself may be reasonably easy in terms of 4WDing, travellers must still be very well prepared. The driving surface out here can vary from dry, rough and corrugated to treacherously muddy if there’s been rain. This drive takes you through quintessential Australian bush towns and the real Outback. You’d be mad to miss it.

VICTORIA Where: Blue Rag Range Track When: Closed in winter

If you like it: Deceptive and frightening 15 kumrs + 5 ho

If you like: Awesome scenery

MONKEY GUM TRACK NEW SOUTH WALES Where: Yalwal, in the Shoalhaven / When: Anytime

THE GREAT THING about off-roading is that while you’re having fun tackling some challenging driving, there’s also plenty of awesome scenery to savour along the way. Blue Rag Range Track is part-sightseeing wonder and partadrenalin-jolt with its High Country birds-eye views and its steep, rocky hillclimbs and chopped-up descents. Plenty of off-road experience is required and a modified vehicle is recommended as well. This drive is a real rite of passage for any selfrespecting 4WDer and so deserves its place on your must-do list.

WE’VE SPENT MANY a day out here having a play around. Monkey Gum Fire Trail, near Nowra, is one of NSW’s toughest bloody tracks: deceptively simple in parts and full-on frightening in others. It’s steep, rutted, washed-out and very, very tricky. There are plenty of tracks around this area, including some great power line tracks, but Monkey Gum has the fiercest reputation around for pushing 4WD enthusiasts and their vehicles to the limits—but in a good way. It’s only for very experienced 4WDers and modified vehicles really are better suited to it than most standard 4WDs. There are some alternative routes for trickier sections.

If you like it: Wild and remote 380Dakyms 3

THE BORDER TRACK VICTORIA & SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Where: Hopetoun to Renmark / When: April–October THIS TRACK LEADS visitors through wild mallee country and plenty of sand from Hopetoun to the Sturt Highway and then spits them out in Renmark, South Australia. The route takes you into remote parts of Wyperfeld and Murray-Sunset national parks, so proper preparation is crucial, but it’s worth the effort because nature’s rich rewards are here in abundance. It’s the sort of gobsmacking trip that can have the most stoic types grasping for poetry—or at least some of Cold Chisel’s slower songs. Best for seasoned, well-prepared off-roaders in 4WDs with low-range gearing and ample clearance. It can be done in a standard 4WD, but it’s risky. Beware.

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THE LIST

If you like it: Stunning and raw

If you like it: Fairly laid-back

BIRDSVILLE 520 km TRACK

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

1 or 2 Da ys

Where: Marree to Birdsville / When: April–October ANOTHER OF AUSTRALIA’S greatest 4WD experiences. This unsealed track, from Marree to Birdsville, is not particularly difficult in terms of off-roading—in fact it can be downright civil depending on which part of the touring season you happen to drive it*—but it’s the experience and the atmosphere and the nothingness of tackling this dusty route out here that combine to make it such an appealing Outback adventure. Don’t take it lightly, though, because this is still remote-area travel and you need to be prepared, experienced and your vehicle needs to be up to the task. Do I sound like your dad? Good. (*It can be either very smooth because it’s just been graded or chopped-up to hell because every Thomas, Richard and Harold has been driving it.)

OODNADATTA TRACK SOUTH AUSTRALIA Where: 870km north of Adelaide When: March–September

617 km 1 Day

LIKE THE BIRDSVILLE TRACK, the appeal of this route lies not in its degree of difficulty in terms of 4WDing— because it can be quite easy—but in its stunning raw beauty of crisp, blue skies and wide open plains. Oodnadatta ’s pink roadhouse is a fantastic sight to see and everything from then on is a bonus. The land is flat, the sun is startling and fellow travellers are few and far between. This is an iconic, well-travelled track in touring season, but it’s still not without its risks because this is a remote-area route, after all. Brilliant.

If you like it: Long and hard

THE CANNING STOCK ROUTE WESTERN AUSTRALIA

1800 km 3 week s

Where: Halls Creek to Wiluna / When: April–October STILL ONE OF Australia’s most revered off-road journeys and one of the toughest, most gruelling trips in the country, if not the world. This corrugated track, running from Halls Creek to Wiluna, demands a lot from 4WDers and their vehicles. You must be experienced, supremely well-prepared and entirely self-sufficient (with enough fuel onboard for at least the 1100km to Kunawarritji). Scared you off, yet? No? Good, because this trip is well worth the effort. Rich in history and resplendent in natural wonder—yep, I’m getting fancy with my words again—the CSR is a real eye-opener. Don’t rush, take your time, drive to the conditions, drop tyre pressures to suit, keep a watchful eye on how your vehicle is coping (check it in the morning and afternoon) and … enjoy yourself.

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GO YOUR OWN WAY

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3.0 tonne braked towing capacity on all MU-X models when fitted with an optional genuine Isuzu UTE tow bar kit.

THE LIST

If you like it: Feeding crocodiles 6 60 km 2

GIBB RIVER ROAD

weeks

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

If you like it: Hardcore with an option to bail

THE POWER LINE

Where: The Kimberley When: April–October THE GIBB WAS an off-grid adventure before that kind of thing was even a thing. A rugged drive through the beautiful Kimberley region, the Gibb run, from Kununurra west to Derby, presents a daily variety of challenges to keep 4WDers on their toes for the duration. Time your visit well because monsoonal rains may hammer the route during the Wet, causing water crossings to overflow here and there— particularly the Pentecost River—and also ruining tracks and bridges. If you go for a swim in the incredible Windjana Gorge, keep a respectful distance away from the freshies (freshwater crocodiles).

QUEENSLAND

40 km

3 hours

Where: Glasshouse Mountains / When: Year-round ANY TRACK WITH ‘power line’ in its name is usually a cracking off-road route— we know of a stack in NSW that are plenty extreme—so if someone whispers “Power Line Track, Glasshouse Mountains” to you then you know they’re talking about a seriously fun time. This track is a cool blend of fantastic scenery and white-knuckled 4WDing. The terrain is tough, but the views are unreal and— bonus—most of the very steep and gnarly hardcore sections have an alternative ‘chicken’ track around the side, so if you’re concerned about doing some panel damage, then be sensible and drive along one of those.

If you like it: Technical and coasty 2(o0 km

CLIMIES TRACK

ne wa

5 hoursy)

TASMANIA

Where: Granville Harbour to Trial Harbour / When: Avoid in winter THIS HILLY COASTAL track through Mt Heemskirk Regional Reserve between Granville Harbour and Trial Harbour is a hardcore technical track. The scenery is wonderful—wild ocean, waterfalls and mountain views—but chances are you’ll be too busy enjoying the driving to take any notice of that. Climies Track is peppered with tough hillclimbs, swampy bog holes, rocky river crossings and heavily washed-out sections that will test drivers and vehicles. Anyone tackling this track should be a very experienced 4WDer and vehicles must have high ground clearance and high- and low-range gearing. Vehicle recovery gear is required. Keep in mind that weather can completely alter track conditions, making it much worse.

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UNSUNG HEROES

FROM FINKE TO FILMMAKER

Tradie-turned-filmmaker Isaac Elliott became a paraplegic training for the 2007 Finke Desert Race. He returned to beat the event … and make its definitive doco Finke: There & Back. WORDS BEN SMITHURST

Were you keen on film before your accident? Well, I did filmmaking in high school, but I didn’t really know what it entailed. Then when I had my accident there was a fundraiser and I used that money to buy a camera straightaway. Within 12 months, I was filming events and selling DVDs back to the riders. How old were you then? Ha, 20! It was definitely a hustle. Do you remember your stack? Yeah. It happened the very first time I went down the Finke track for training. I lived in Alice Springs, 20, working as a tradie, winning all the local motocross races, doing well enough in enduros. I was just hoping to get a free bike out of it. If you can get top 10 in the Finke you’re generally going to get a bike. And? Aaaand I made it 30km. The night before I was telling someone how scared I was, because I’d never raced at that speed. And I came over a rise at about 150km/h and the track, it didn’t even turn that hard, but I knew I wasn’t gonna make it. So I picked a line through the trees. But my back wheel kicked out of a rut. I woke up lying in the dirt. We had to wait 45 minutes for the ambo. That’s when it hit me. That’s a rough day. Oh, and ants were attacking my face. We had to build a little moat around my head and fill it with water from the CamelBak. 46

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The universe had it in for you. I was back in Alice six-and-a-half weeks later. And my bike, after the crash? It was perfectly fine. One little rip in the seat. So I ordered a go kart seat on the internet, basically straightaway and then figured out a way to cut the back off and bolt it on to the top of the seat. I was riding in August and I crashed 21 April. Now you ride with your legs strapped to the bike. What do you do when you stop? I fall over. But I can basically stop and keep balance with my head. It’s if in doubt, power out. How’d you get deeper into film? In 2009, I drove across the country to film the national motocross series. It didn’t turn out great but I learned a lot. Through 2010 I started to teach myself trade skills—scripting, lighting—and I decided that I’d study film at uni. So I moved to Melbourne. Did you did you buy a wardrobe of black skivvies or nah? Yeah, no, like I didn’t become a fancy French film filmmaker. And now, onward and upward! Yeah. Once you upskill to a certain level, what it really becomes about is: how do you tell a story? There’s lots of different ways to do it. You’ve got to find your own personal way. When did you start the doco? We made the event DVD in 2015, kind of as a test to see what it would take to film it as a big-budget feature documentary. By 2017 it was now or never. We had three choppers in the air and

We had to build a little moat around my head and fill it with water from the CamelBak.

NAME Isaac Elliott WHO? An award-winning director, producer and filmmaker who lectures in film at Deakin University. Currently developing drama for the ABC. WHAT ELSE?: Appears in Finke: There & Back, the definitive documentary of the iconic 458km off-road race from Alice Springs to Aputula and back. It’s raced by bikes, cars, buggies and quads. CONTACT: isaacelliottfilm.com

15 ground cameras and a whole lot of GoPros. We lost all but one of them—they’re out there. How was it to race again? I’d raced Finke [on a modified bike] in 2008 and 2009 and then I broke down in 2010. So I actually hadn’t ridden in seven years. But it ended up being alright. The film is great. And Eric Bana does the voiceover! Is all this about re-proving yourself? There’s probably a bit of an issue in the disabled world, I guess, of people feeling a sense of needing to prove themselves. It’s not something I grapple with, but I do see it. Life becomes about proving how manly you still are, or proving how adrenalin-seeking you still are, or proving your ability, once the abilities are taken away. Is that bad? I can see both sides of it. There’s a certain amount of people trying to look for a silver lining, or look for hope. Although I don’t like the word hope—it’s kind of … kind of s__t. ‘Hope’ is like taking the action out of your own hands and putting it in the hands of the ether. It’s kind of a useless emotional state of being, I think. But is it? I just think you still have everything in your hands to do anything that you want. You can dedicate yourself so much to rehabilitation that you’re forever trying to rehabilitate. They’re always searching for more. I think you need to get to the point where you’re gonna make the most of what you have.

UNSUNG HEROES

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HOOK, LINE & SINKER

STRAIGHT OUTTA

TASSIE WORDS ANDREW HART

TV’s Hook, Line and Sinker OGs Nick Duigan and Andrew Hart celebrate two decades of TV fish-bothering in this series—which is largely shot at home.

find it hard to believe, but 2020 is the 20th year we have been producing our TV show, Hook, Line and Sinker. The first ever episodes of the program where filmed in the year 2000—when Nick wasn’t as grey and I wasn’t as round! Back then, the program was based entirely in Tasmania. Our home state offers some amazing angling, from huge tuna or swordfish offshore to worldrenowned trout fishing in the highlands. It’s a truly unique fishery and one which is close to our hearts. Since the early years of the show we’ve branched out and fished all over the

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country—and in recent series we’ve taken the show to some international locations as well. The last couple of seasons saw us take a road trip right the way around the continent of Australia, towing a big Bar Crusher 780 and clocking more than 25,000km in our D-MAX. It’s fair to say that over the decades we’ve fished our home state less and less. But, due to COVID-19, this season we were forced to stay put for the majority of our filming—and despite the pandemic being indisputably terrible across the board— for us, being grounded at home has actually been a bonus.

In between sleeping in our own beds we’ve been able to pick and choose the good weather days and enjoy some great fishing though the autumn months. This includes Nick and I suffering a midlife crisis and purchasing a motorbike and a WaveRunner. It turns out both are fantastically fun vehicles, but very challenging to fish from (particularly the bike. It doesn’t even have a tackle box!). We also decided to help save the world by buying a yacht—another lil’ vessel to throw into the mix with some new old project boats, brand new boats and some truly great fishing adventures.

HOOK,LINE&SINKER

Wat Line anch Hook, on 7ma d Sinker local gte. Check for det uides ails.

This river is unique in that it runs to sea through sand dunes and the target species is trout!

The highlight so far has been the maiden voyage of our new Hook, Line and Sinker Bar Crusher for 2020: a 6.7 meter Bow Rider. This versatile hull offers plenty of variety, from cruising with the family to hardcore fishing pursuits. In our first day on the water we caught some great bread-andbutter species such as whiting, flathead and squid. Then on day two we went to sea and landed a very big swordfish! Talk about a great way to christen a new craft! Another of this year’s adventure was completed pre-virus, and involved us tagging along on the I-Venture trip you may have seen beginning on page 34. This trip was the first time the I-Venture team had visited the Apple Isle, and it was wonderful to meet everyone… and to join them in a spot of fishing, obviously. As well as the normal I-Venture activities

including driving up and down sand dunes and tackling one of the toughest 4wd tracks in the country, we were able to sneak off for a fish in the Henty River. This river is unique in that it runs to sea through sand dunes and the target species is trout. Yes, you are literally standing on the on the beach targeting wild Tasmanian trout! We were lucky enough to catch a good number of beautifully marked brown trout on lures. This trout fishing experience was even more memorable by the great sand driving in and out from the river! It’s sure to be a great season of Hook, Line and Sinker and we’ve enjoyed—for the first time—doing the miles in our brand new MU-X. In past seasons we’ve been well serviced by the D-MAX for its towing capability. But, for this season we

are living it up in the comfort of the MU-X and it’s proving to be a very capable SUV as we tow our boats around the place in search of fish. We hope to see you on the road soon. All new Hook, Line and Sinker is available to stream for free on 7Plus.

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REFUEL

BOUNCE

BACK

It’s cheap, healthy and packed with flavour. Don’t skip lunch, it’s time to tuck into kangaroo.

ometime’s there’s nothing better—or more fashionable— than a free-range, sustainably sourced meal. And in Australia, it doesn’t come more free range than one of the animals on our very own coat of arms—the one with the pounch. Typically lean, kangaroo can feel intimidating to cook—but with a few simple tips, it can become a delicious addition to your cooking repetoire. Australia may be the only country that has two animals on its coat of arms … and eats them both. Emu meat was expected to be “the new beef” two decades ago—causing a bubble that burst, with dire and dramatic consequences for farmers—but it’s on its way back. Kangaroo meat, however, is available at almost every supermarket in Australia. It’s also particularly environmentally friendly. “Australia’s kangaroo meat trade

could be the most sustainable in the world,” declared The Guardian in October. “It is one of the healthiest red meats available: exceptionally lean, organic” and “very high in iron”. Indeed, according to Bundjalung man and celebrity chef Mark Olive of SBS TV’s On Country Kitchen, Australia’s national dish is “not meat pie or a can of Fosters, it’s actually kangaroo. “We need to get out there and embrace our own produce,” he says. “The kangaroo and emu may be on our coat of arms, but for Aboriginal people it was a great food source.” Most important, of course, is that it tastes delicious—and, if cooked properly, its reputation for gameyness is misplaced. Want to have a crack? Here’s an easy recipe to start: kangaroo fillet with couscous, courtesy of Field to Fork Publishing’s The Australian Game Cookbook. If nothing else, it’ll put a little bounce back into your step.

Typically lean, roo can feel intimidating to cook

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Kangaroo fillet with couscous Serves 4 The unique flavour of kangaroo meat lends itself to roasting, grilling and stir-frying and even for use in pastas. Best enjoyed rare, it is easy to cook anywhere and tastes brilliant with a simple sauce accompaniment. Ingredients: • 500g kangaroo fillets • 1 cup red wine • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 250ml water • dash olive oil or butter • salt – to taste • 250g couscous • cos lettuce and cherry tomatoes – to serve Method: 1. Marinate the kangaroo in the red wine and soy sauce for at least 30 minutes. 2. To prepare the couscous, bring the water to a rolling boil in a heavy-based saucepan, add the oil or butter and a good pinch of salt, then add the couscous. Stir with a wooden spoon for a couple of minutes until all the water has been absorbed and the couscous is light and fluffy. Remove from the heat and set aside. 3. Grill the kangaroo for 2–3 minutes on a very hot grill or hotplate. Remove from the heat, rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly. 4 Place a mound of couscous on each plate and arrange the kangaroo on top. Serve with cos lettuce and cherry tomatoes.

READER OFFER! A special offer for max*d readers. Get a hardback copy of Gourmand award-winning Field to Fork cookbook at the reduced price of $29.95 delivered—that’s $5 off! Visit fieldtoforkpublishing.com.au and use coupon code: max*d

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Goondiwindi Black Goondiwindi Isuzu UTE (07) 4671 3512 Gympie Gympie Isuzu UTE (07) 5480 5200 Hervey Bay Bay City Isuzu UTE (07) 4124 0000 Indooroopilly Westpoint Isuzu UTE (07) 3878 0440

Pakenham Pakenham Isuzu UTE (03) 5922 4111

Mackay Mackay Isuzu UTE (07) 4961 8590

Bairnsdale Peter Dullard Isuzu UTE (03) 5152 0100

Maroochydore Pacific Isuzu UTE (07) 5430 1555

Ballarat Ballarat Isuzu UTE (03) 5339 9333

Richmond Richmond Isuzu UTE (ASF) (03) 9429 7045

Maryborough Bay City Isuzu UTE (ASO) (07) 4123 0000

Bundoora Northern Isuzu UTE (03) 9466 5855

Seaford Frankston Isuzu UTE (03) 9599 2123

Moorooka Moorooka Isuzu UTE (07) 3373 0777

Cheltenham Southland Isuzu UTE (03) 9581 8200

Shepparton Ken Muston Isuzu UTE (03) 5821 6688

Moranbah Moranbah Discount Tyre & Mechanical (IASF) (07) 4941 7313

Dandenong Patterson Cheney Isuzu UTE (03) 9215 2300

Stawell Horsham City Isuzu UTE (ASF) (03) 5358 2144

Morayfield Keystar Isuzu UTE (ASO) (07) 3448 1030

Echuca Echuca Isuzu UTE (03) 5480 3611

Swan Hill Holts Isuzu UTE (03) 5032 1064

Ravenhall Lakeside Isuzu UTE (03) 9021 3899

Effective as of 13/07/2020. Please visit our website isuzuute.com.au/dealers for the latest dealer contact details.

Traralgon Gippsland Isuzu UTE (03) 5175 8060 Wangaratta Wangaratta Isuzu UTE (03) 5722 2000

Wayville Australian Motors Isuzu UTE (1300) 04 57 18

Osborne Park Osborne Park Isuzu UTE (08) 6559 0900

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Picton South West Isuzu UTE (08) 9724 8444

Warrnambool Albany Warrnambool Isuzu UTE Albany Autos (03) 5561 6000 Isuzu UTE (08) 9842 5522

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Albert Park Portside Isuzu UTE (08) 8345 7450 Berri Big River Isuzu UTE (08) 8582 5200 Bordertown Wise Isuzu UTE (08) 8752 0633 Burton North East Burton Isuzu UTE (08) 8280 9899 Christies Beach Wayne Phillis Isuzu UTE (1300) 97 28 76

Bibra Lake Major Motors Isuzu UTE (08) 9331 9331 Broome Broome Isuzu UTE (08) 9193 6155 Cannington Gardner Isuzu UTE (08) 9356 9000 Esperance Esperance Autos Isuzu UTE (ASO) (08) 9071 1060 Geraldton Geraldton Isuzu UTE (08) 9964 2323

Hampstead Gardens North East Isuzu UTE (08) 8261 6006

Karratha Pilbara Isuzu UTE (ASF) (08) 9185 2100

Kadina Peninsula Isuzu UTE (08) 8821 1022

Kununurra Kununurra Isuzu UTE (ASF) (08) 9169 4900

Maitland Peninsula Isuzu UTE (ASF) (08) 8832 2725

Maddington Maddington Isuzu UTE (08) 9492 0000

Mount Gambier Mt Gambier Isuzu UTE (08) 8725 7999

Mandurah Mandurah Isuzu UTE (08) 9587 9999

Murray Bridge Murray Bridge Isuzu UTE (08) 8531 0044

Merredin Merredin Isuzu UTE (ASO) (08) 9041 4444

Port Augusta North East Port Augusta Isuzu UTE (08) 8643 6233

Midland Midland Isuzu UTE (08) 9273 0030

Port Lincoln Mike Raleigh Isuzu UTE (08) 8683 1211

Narrogin Edwards Isuzu UTE (08) 9881 5555

Tanunda Jarvis Isuzu UTE (1300) 13 77 74

Newman Pilbara Isuzu UTE (ASF) (08) 9154 3600

Victor Harbor Victor Harbor Isuzu UTE (08) 8552 7033

Northam Avon Valley Isuzu UTE (08) 9621 4000

Rockingham Bergmans Isuzu UTE (08) 9527 8883

PEACE OF MIND WITH SERVICE PLUS

South Hedland Pilbara Isuzu UTE (08) 9174 2200 Wangara Wanneroo Isuzu UTE (08) 9403 9403

TASMANIA Burnie Burnie Isuzu UTE (03) 6431 5677 Derwent Park Jackson Hobart Isuzu UTE (03) 6277 6600 Devonport Devonport Isuzu UTE (ASO) (03) 6424 5177 Launceston Jackson Launceston Isuzu UTE (03) 6323 7000

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Belconnen National Capital Isuzu UTE (02) 6256 3321 Phillip John McGrath Isuzu UTE (ASO) (02) 5114 1675

NORTHERN TERRITORY Alice Springs Centralian Motors Isuzu UTE (08) 8959 7700 Katherine Katherine Isuzu UTE (ASF) (08) 8974 0000

Our Commitment To You & Your Isuzu Keep both your wallet and your vehicle happy with Isuzu UTE Service Plus. Service Plus is our comprehensive care package providing you with complete peace of mind and no unexpected surprises when maintaining and servicing your D-MAX or MU-X – providing 6 year/150,000km warranty^, 7 years Roadside Assistance< and 7 years Capped Price Servicing>. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, we’ve got you covered.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ISUZU UTE SERVICE PLUS AT ISUZUUTE.COM.AU/SERVICE-PLUS

Pinelands Darwin Isuzu UTE (08) 8924 8600 ^6 years/150,000km (whichever occurs first), for Isuzu UTE Vehicles with a Warranty Start Date on or after 1/1/19. Excludes trays & accessories. <The Roadside Assistance Program (“RSA Program”) provides Coverage to RSA Eligible Vehicles with a Warranty Start Date on or after 1/9/20 for a maximum of 7 years (unlimited kilometres). Initial 13 months Coverage provided from the Warranty Start Date. The Coverage will be reset for another 13 months from each date that a Participating Isuzu UTE Dealer conducts a Scheduled Service on the vehicle. For full terms & conditions visit isuzuute. com.au/roadside-assistance-disclaimer. >The Capped Price Servicing Program (“CPS Program”) applies to CPS Eligible Vehicles at Participating Isuzu UTE Dealers only. For 19MY & later vehicle models, the Capped Price Servicing covers the first 7 Scheduled Services for up to 7 years/105,000km (whichever occurs first). CPS Program is subject to change. For full terms & conditions, current pricing & model eligibility visit isuzuute.com.au/service-plus-disclaimer.

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