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KARUNJIE TRACK BIRDSVILLE TRACK goldfields CORAL COAST
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WESTERN 4W DRIVER 130th EDITION Winter 2024
Toyota Genuine Stargazer
LANDCRUISER 79 SERIES HUNTING FOR HISTORY: COINS & RELICS 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BIKES ON THE CSR
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CONTENTS A DV E N T U R E S
EDITION 130 WINTER 2024
Karunjie Track
Michael and Jane Pelusey take a trip along the East Kimberley's Mystery Road ................................................................................... 6
Spotlighting Top Spots: From Carnarvon to Exmouth
Tom de Souza travels up the Coral Coast .............................................................................................................................................................................. 34
Rust & Relics — Part 2
Geoff Lewis continues through the Goldfields in his Series 2 Land Rover ............................................................................................. 70
Add Birdsville to the Bucket List
Grant and Linda take us along the iconic Birdsville Track ...................................................................................................................................... 86
86 34 56
6 70
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F E AT U R E S
REGULARS
A Contender to Consider: LandCruiser 79 Series GXL
The Front Matter ................................................................... 4
Matt Payne tests how the new 2.8L turbo-diesel
engine and auto transmission fares offroad .............. 14
Bush Mechanics .............................................................. 106 What's in a Name? ..................................................... 108
Commemorating Half a Century of Bikes on the CSR
The Things You See! ................................................ 112
expedition across the Canning Stock Route .............. 22
Country Stargazing .................................................. 114
Hunting for History: Coins & Relics
Outback Survival .......................................................... 117
John Collins writes about the first complete dirt bike
Uncover gems of the past with Luke Clatworthy .... 40
Amped Up and Watts Wrong? David Wilson looks at the potential
future of motoring ............................................................................. 48
The Raw North West
Photo Essay by Jarrod Saw ......................................................... 56
Gear to Go Camping ............................................... 125 Clewed Up ................................................................................... 128 4WD Club Focus ............................................................... 132 Capture the Moment ............................................ 140
DIY Camping Shower Tent Bracket
Grant and Linda make their own ......................................... 64
Finding the Fit
Product Review ..................................................................................... 78
Smart Photography ................................................. 142 The People We Meet .............................................. 146 Now We're TAWKing! ............................................. 151
Cool Catch
Product Review ..................................................................................... 96
Pump It Up
Product Review ..................................................................................... 98
Seal of Approval? Can do!
Fishy Business .................................................................... 121
Product Review ................................................................................. 104
Crossword Puzzle ......................................................... 156 Subscriptions ....................................................................... 158 Supplier Directory ...................................................... 159 Silly Snaps .................................................................................. 160
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Vanguard Publishing ABN 70 616 133 870 26 John Street, Northbridge WA 6003 PO Box 50, Northbridge WA 6865 Phone: (08) 9422 4330 admin@western4wdriver.com.au www.western4wdriver.com.au EDITION 130: Editor Tori Wilson Graphic Design Karen Morton Content Tori Wilson Michael Collins Advertising Matt Clarke matt@vanguardmediagroup.com.au Natalie Du Preez natalie@vanguardpublishing.com.au Administration Steve Larcombe Sally van Heemst Printing Vanguard Print
Cover image: Gantheaume Point, Broome by Jarrod Saw
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Vanguard Publishing or the editors but those of the authors who accept sole responsibility and liability for them. While every care is taken with images and photographs, and all other material submitted, Vanguard Publishing accepts no liability for loss or damage. Vanguard Publishing reserves the right to amend publication schedules and frequencies.
W
ell, Winter is on our doorstep, and fingers crossed we get some muchneeded rain! It was fabulous to meet many of our readers who came along and chatted with us at the Perth Caravan and Camping Show back in March. We are so blessed to have an incredible and loyal readership. It was also great to catch up with several of our contributors, including Bruce and Margaret from Epic 4WD Tours, and my old mate Duncan Wilson. And it wouldn’t have been a show without Jo Clews cooking up a storm each day. I also had a visit from the one and only Nick Underwood, the magazine’s founder, who called by the stand to chat. What a privilege. A big thanks to the LandCruiser 4WD club, who assisted us all week on the Western 4W Driver stand at the show. I have to say, I really do enjoy the shows and the amazing people we get to meet. In this edition, we trek through some of the East Kimberley as new contributors Michael and Jane Pelusey tackle the Karunjie Track. Matt Payne takes the new LandCruiser 79 Series 2.8L Turbo through its paces and lets us know how it fares. Our clued-in contributor Dave Wilson shares his views on navigating a world without an internal combustion engine and the advance of EVs. Our wonderful editor, Tori, has teamed up with photographer and videographer Jarrod Shaw, or Sailor Jay as he refers to himself on Instagram, for a fabulous photo essay featuring the North West. Jarrod’s photos are spectacular.
Edition 130 Winter 2024
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TH E F RO NT M AT TE R w i t h M I C H A E L (S P I K E ) C O L L I N S
My good mates Grant and Linda Hanan take us step-by-step through their DIY shower tent bracket. I never realised how handy Grant was with a welder — great work, mate! Grant and Linda also take us on a 520km journey along the Birdsville Track from South Australia to Queensland, discovering the history, the flora and fauna, and the amazing characters along the way. Geoff Lewis, our resident bush mechanic, brings us Part 2 of his hunt for relics in the Goldfields, sharing insights into the lives of prospectors of old. We can’t have an edition without the incomparable Phil Bianchi! In this edition, he uncovers Murders On The Rabbit Proof Fence. His incredible historical insights about our state are incredible, perhaps worthy of a regular podcast, hmmmm! Phil also puts his new ARB high-lift hydraulic jack to the test. Bob Cooper spotlights hydration in his latest Outback Survival piece, while Jo Clews debates the age-old question, ‘which comes first, the jam or the cream?’. Our photography guru, Karl Fehlauer, lays down the ground rules for the use of drones. While many people consider the harmonious buzz of a drone circling above to be intrusive, there is no doubt that photography has come such a long way with the introduction of drones. They present the perfect opportunity to capture the vast and distinctive landscapes of our great state. Meet the new TAWKers, Lucas and Tara Hay, and Chelsey Hay, who have been passed the baton by Mandy Farabegoli to take over the fantastic business and regular column, Travelling Australia with Kids — welcome to
the Western 4W Driver family. And all the very best Mandy, it’s been wonderful to have you contribute so much to the Western 4W Driver mag! We have plenty of product reviews and a whole lot more, hopefully this edition encapsulates the essence of the change in season and the cooler weather, although we do need rain, rain and more rain. It’s the perfect time of the year to get out and about, perhaps sit idle by the campfire and watch the stars twinkle. Speaking of stars, it’s a sad note that our wonderful editor Tori has decided to move on from Western 4W Driver magazine. Tori and her partner are moving to Amsterdam, trading the 4WD for a pushbike! Tori, we are sad to see you go and we wish you all the very best. Thank you for being a big part of the mag, you will certainly be missed! The Western 4W Driver team is always grateful for our loyal readers, and we love sharing the absolutely great local content from our amazing band of contributors. Now, as we all look forward to the adventures that winter brings, stay adventurous, stay curious, and above all, stay with us as we continue to bring the spirit of Western 4W driving to life. Keep your eyes on the trail ahead, for there is always more to explore with Western 4W Driver. Cheers, Spike
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KARUNJIE TRACK
TH E EAST KI M B E R LE Y ' S MYSTE RY ROAD BY M I C H A E L A N D JA N E P E LU S E Y
Known for its rugged terrain and otherworldly views, the Karunjie Track in the Kimberley is a remote and scenic route, beckoning adventurous travellers seeking off-road exploration.
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U
nder the blazing Kimberley sun, I crouched on my haunches to capture a couple of photos. Before me was a classic Kimberley scene, a purple waterlily rising out of the mirror-smooth billabong, reflecting the starkly beautiful Cockburn Range. Being a photographer, it doesn’t get much better than this. Barely a couple of metres away, a hardly noticeable ripple became a swish and a swirl, the hallmarks of a stalking saltwater crocodile. I leapt backwards like a startled wallaby and took off out of harm’s way. It is an abrupt reminder that danger lurks for the unwary on the Karunjie Track. A few months before that close encounter we were in the middle of planning our next 4WD Kimberley adventure, including the Gibb River Road. We spoke to a friend who was from Wyndham, and she suggested a track that bypasses part of the eastern end of the Gibb. It sounded so intriguing that we spoke to our co-travellers, and they were immediately in. Just like the Gibb, the Karunjie Track is an old stock route dating back to more than a century ago. Drovers moved mobs of cattle from surrounding stations along these rough tracks to Wyndham Port for export. It would have been incredibly hard-going back then as they didn’t have the benefit of the air-conditioning we have in our Toyotas.
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It was suggested we drop into Wyndham, fuel-up and chat to the guy behind the counter about the current state of the track. The shop guy gave us a mud map (turns out that was very appropriate) of the 80km long track and suggested informing the police of our intentions for safety reasons. Since the police were in the shop, that wasn’t hard to do. After asking some questions about our vehicles and equipment, the police were satisfied with the answers. The Karunjie is no doddle in the park. High clearance 4WD is mandatory and you need to stick to the track. Any straying and you could be up for a very expensive muddy recovery mission. Off we headed down the King River Road, just out of Wyndham past the airport. We stopped briefly at the Boab Prison Tree, about 35km out of Wyndham. Unlike the better-known Boab Prison Tree near Derby, this massive hollowed-out tree was used as a prison for local Indigenous people. It
would have been hell on earth. We pushed on past Diggers Rest Station which offers various levels of accommodation, to a gate with a sign, which read: Karunjie Track (Stock Route) Not a Gazetted Road. Not Maintained USE AT OWN RISK After opening and closing the gate, our Karunjie adventure officially began. Tyre pressures were lowered to around 25 PSI to smooth out the ride. It’s an easy start, unsealed, suitable for most AWDs, but that doesn't last. The track winds through groves of bulbous boab trees standing out against the brilliant blue sky. Its dry and red dust hovers in the warm late winter sunshine. Dips into and out of dry rocky creek beds need careful negotiating to avoid bottoming out. At the same time, there are roaming cattle to look out for. Before long the nature of the track changes and becomes a little more demanding. On our left the imposing and stunningly beautiful Cockburn Range is a formidable barrier. This is a view that travellers doing the Gibb don’t usually see. On the right, mudflats stretch to the horizon, shimmering in the heat. We now crossed what seemed be an endless plain of cracked dry mud. As instructed, we stuck to the sometimes ill-defined track,
B OA B P R I S O N T R E E An excerpt from Hema's WA State Map
W E LC O M E TO T H E K A R U N J I E T R AC K
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daring not to veer into dodgy damp patches. The two Prados, one with a camper trailer, were doing this section well, but there was no room for complacency. This is a surreal landscape, much like I imagine another planet might look. For Mystery Road fans, Season 1 starring Aaron Pederson, Judy Davis and Ernie Dingo was filmed in and around Wyndham and these mudflats are featured in a few scenes.
Out came the sand tracks, but to no avail. Although it is remote, two other cars stopped to help. After failed attempts at digging the Prado out of the mud, there was only one thing to do: we broke out the snatch strap. We stood well clear and as the snatch strap did its elastic thing, the muddy grip gave way and out popped the vehicle and trailer. A couple of high fives and we were off again. That’s why you have the right recovery gear onboard and travel with another vehicle.
Soon the hardened, deeply rutted track got deeper and bumpier. Concentration The track tossed up a few hills and coming and the right line are the key here. As we off one we entered steeply into a dry, but pushed on the character of the landscape heavily eroded creek bed. Locked in low changed. Although the Cockburn Range still dominates, we got further away from the mudflats, and little freshwater billabongs OOPS! appeared. But as we soon discovered, the mud had not tossed in the towel just yet. Being in the lead car, I radioed to the rear vehicle to slow right down as there was a narrow gully intersecting the dry muddy section. With care, we slowly negotiated the tricky section. Although soft and damp, we got through. Now for the rear vehicle and trailer. This time the rear wheels sunk, and the trailer draw bar dug in. The sticky mud held a suction-like grip.
SA F E T Y TI P Much of the Karunjie Track is underwater during the wet season so each winter check with the Wyndham Police before taking on the Karunjie challenge.
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TAC K L I N G T H E E R O D E D CREEK CROSSING
range, we crept carefully trying to avoid washouts with the help of spotters. Along with getting bogged, this section slowed down our progress, but it was a lot of fun. The sun lowered in the western sky, intensifying the purple, pinks and browns of the Cockburn Range. At this time of the year darkness comes quickly and we wanted to be out of here and through the Pentecost River Crossing before sunset. As the sun sunk below the horizon, Jane opened and closed a gate and we came out on the Gibb River Road near the iconic Pentecost River Crossing. In the final rays of
A N I N N O C E N T LO O K I N G WAT E R H O L E CA N B E A H I D I N G P L AC E F O R C R O C O D I L E S
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SA F E T Y TI P Don’t stray away from the track when crossing the mudflats, and think carefully about getting too close to water courses when taking photos. You never know what might be lurking.
L E AV E A L L G AT E S AS YO U F I N D T H E M
sunlight, the range lit up beautifully. Taking vantage of the great light, we did several crossings to capture some striking images. In the dusty purple light after sunset, we mooched into Home Valley Station on Balanggarra country, ready for a two-night stay at the local station. Located on the Gibb River Road, this beautifully scenic station has accommodated tourists since 2006. Although we could have stayed in more luxurious lodgings by Bindoola Creek, the grassy campground did the trick and was right for us. A couple of drinks and
something to eat at the rustic Dusty’s Bar topped off a great day of adventure. Home Valley reopened this year after a few years of being closed. In total, with plenty of stops, we took about five hours to do the Karunjie Track. It could have been a quicker trip, but why hurry? Driving this track was a thrilling experience. The rugged Kimberley scenery is on full display along the track. As outback tracks go, it wasn’t too difficult as our vehicles had good clearance and we took our time when things got a bit trickier.
COCKBURN RANGE
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I N FO R M ATI O N BAY Location The Karunjie Track can be done from either end. We started from the King River Road, Wyndham. The other option is from the north eastern side of the Pentecost Crossing. When to Travel The dry season between May and September or October at the latest is realistically the only time of the year to take on the Karunjie Track. Anytime between October and April, forget it. It’s dangerously hot and wet season storms make the track impassable. Difficulty The track is largely flat, but don’t let that fool you. There are some hilly sections and a heavily eroded slope into a dry creek that requires low range. Don’t attempt this track with anything less than a high clearance 4WD. Travel with another vehicle for safety reasons. The vast mud flats are treacherous in wet weather. It is easy to get bogged, so take along recovery gear and stick to the track. Be completely self-sufficient. Terrain The track has huge expanses of mud flats to severely eroded rocky and hilly sections. Where to Stay • Camping is not allowed on the track itself, but Diggers Rest station at the Wyndham end offer a range of accommodation options: diggersreststation.com.au • Wyndham has a caravan park as well as other accommodation. • There are some free campsites on the eastern side of the Pentacost River. They are on Wikicamps. If camping here, be very croc aware. Fuel Supplies Wyndham is the closest location for fuel so fill the tank as the Karunjie Track is thirsty going for vehicles. Crocodile Warning Don’t underestimate the saltwater crocodile threat. Be very careful around any watercourses encountered when taking on the Karunjie Track. Unlike popular swimming spots, the billabongs are not checked after the wet season. Permits There are no permits as such, but please lodge your intention to do the Karunjie Track with the Wyndham Police for safety reasons. They will tell you if the track is closed.
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A CONTE N DE R TO CON S I DE R : BY M AT T PAY N E
Matt Payne weighs up how the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series’ new 2.8L turbodiesel engine and auto transmission option fares when off-road and whether the results foreshadow the demise of the V8.
T
he 70 Series Toyota LandCruiser is without a doubt an Australian 4WD icon. It was released in Australia in 1984 and has certainly withstood the test of time, undergoing numerous updates over the past 40 years. Throughout this time 4W drivers have had a choice of three cabin layouts; wagon (76 Series), troop carrier (78 Series) and cab-chassis (79 Series), powered by both petrol and diesel engines. Originally designed with the agriculture and mining markets in mind, extreme ruggedness and reliability are built into the 70 Series DNA. However, it was Toyota’s move to upgrade the front suspension to a coil sprung live axle in 1999, followed by the introduction of the 4.5L turbo diesel V8 engine in 2007, which really cemented a place for the 70 Series in the Australian 4WD touring scene. The V8 engine in particular has proven incredibly popular among 4WD enthusiasts, despite it’s fairly lacklustre power and
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LANDCRUISER 79 SERIES GXL
T H E U P DAT E D LC 7 9 S P O R T S A N E W F R O N T END COMPLETE WITH UPGRADED LED HEADLIGHTS AND NEW BONNET ST YLING
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torque figures relative to displacement (which really are an indication of the detuned state the engine is delivered in). This is largely due to the ever-evolving number of aftermarket power upgrades now available for the vehicle, which allow owners to tap into the full potential of the engine. In fact, there is nothing more synonymous with the V8 70 Series than the thong slappin’ sound it produces with the aid of a threeinch aftermarket exhaust!
Gladiator continuing to offer wagon and dual cab utility twin live axle options.
With this in mind, you can imagine the stir that was created in the Australian 4WD scene when Toyota announced a new engine option for the 70 Series LandCruiser, the 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine used in the HiLux Range (but with some mechanical changes to suit the 70 Series, particularly cooling for towing heavy loads), mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the first time an auto box has ever been offered in the 70 Series Range in Australia.
Upon arriving at Toyota WA’s headquarters in Kewdale, my first impressions of the new 79 were very positive. The front end has been revamped, with the bonnet sitting noticeably higher than the previous model and sporting some distinct styling lines that suit the vehicle’s rugged nature well. The previous candle-powered headlights have been replaced by new LED variants that feature daytime running lights and collectively give the 79 a cool, modern look. The bonnet scoop is now gone, with the 2.8L model sporting a water-to-air intercooler, which will no doubt improve cooling capacity, especially at lower speeds. The engine bay, although being quite spacious, does lack space for a second battery; this, however, isn’t really an issue in my opinion as these days most enthusiasts are running
The 4.5L V8 is still available to order as well, however this is still only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Power figures for the two engines are extremely similar, despite the lower displacement of the 2.8L, with it producing an impressive 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque. In addition to the new engine and transmission offering, Toyota have also given the 70 Series a front-end facelift and added a few more modern comforts to the cabin, but the basic platform of the vehicle is unchanged, continuing to run the tried and tested ladder-rack chassis and dual live axle suspension with radius arms.
As someone who has never driven a 70 Series before, but is well-versed in the additional refinement and control offered on- and off-road by modern automatic transmissions, my interest was certainly piqued by Toyota’s new 2.8L offering, and when the opportunity arose to test the new 79 Series GXL for a fortnight I was quick to accept.
T H E 1 G D - F T V 2 . 8 - L I T R E F O U R - CY L I N D E R T U R B O - D I E S E L E N G I N E F I T S I N T H E E N G I N E B AY N I C E LY W I T H P L E N T Y O F R O O M TO S PA R E
Anyone who has done their fair share of proper 4W driving will know the benefits of this suspension setup. By keeping this format in the 70 Series, Toyota really has one of the few remaining truly rugged 4WD options left in the 4WD touring market, with only the Ineos Grenadier, and Jeep Wrangler and
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lithium set-ups, which need to be mounted outside of the engine bay, and the 79 has plenty of space behind the rear seat for one of the new slimline battery options. A nice additional feature is the inclusion of an under bonnet empty fuse block, ready to run wiring for auxiliary lighting, etc., while maintaining a factory appearance. Ride height is fantastic as supplied in standard form and although the vehicle only comes with 31-inch tyres, you could easily fit a 33-inch tyre in the guard space with some minor trimming to the front mudflaps. Being well aware of what is probably the most common complaint of the 70 series among Australian 4WD enthusiasts, that of the differing wheel tracks between front and rear, I was surprised to see the wider front track remained on the new model, despite the 2.8L turbo diesel engine under the bonnet. For those who aren’t aware, Toyota had to widen the front wheel track to fit the V8 engine when it was introduced in 2007 and now runs this setup across all engine variants of the 70 Series throughout the world. It would seem that with the V8 engine still being offered, the costs are simply too high to redesign the front axle to match the rear and offer this with the
2.8L model. There are, however, plenty of aftermarket offerings to sort this issue out, ranging from running different wheel offsets front and rear (which means you really need to carry two spares) to complete axle replacement, which costs in excess of $6K plus installation if you wish to keep the leaf suspension set up in the rear, or upwards of $15K to move to the superior comfort and flex characteristics offered by a coil sprung rear axle. One other obvious addition on the new 79 are the massively over-sized indicators. This is due to the new 3510kg GVM the vehicle boasts, an increase of at least 110kg for some variants, and almost half a tonne for others — earning the vehicle a new classification as a light truck. This is fantastic news for anyone wanting to add a three-quarter to full-sized canopy to their 79, which previously would have required an additional outlay for a GVM upgrade in some cases.
A LT H O U G H T H E R E I S N O S PAC E F O R A S E C O N D B AT T E RY U N D E R T H E B O N N E T, T H E R E I S A M P L E S PAC E F O R A S L I M L I N E L I T H I U M S E T- U P B E H I N D T H E R E A R S E AT
C O O L I N G CA PAC I T Y AT C R AW L S P E E D S I S I M P R OV E D O N T H E LC 7 9 T H A N KS TO T H E I N C LU S I O N O F A WAT E R -TO -A I R I N T E R C O O L E R
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THE INTERIOR OF THE N E W LC 7 9 H AS A L S O U N D E R G O N E A R E VA M P A N D N OW S P O R T S A C L E A N , R E T R O - I N S P I R E D LO O K
analogue gauges, but also has an electronic gauge incorporated on the far right, with a range of more modern features, such as distance to empty, average fuel economy and a full trip computer. You also get a lane departure alert system as standard on the GXL.
Moving towards the cabin, the old-school manual mirrors are still present, despite the GXL 76 and 78 Series models being equipped with power versions. Apparently the reason the 79 missed out on these is due to the extra length the mirrors need to protrude from the body to provide coverage of the tray. The aftermarket sector has this gap covered though, with plenty of power options available.
The steering wheel is the same as the one used in the HiLux and has a nice feel inhand, with audio and trip computer controls incorporated. The cabin feels spacious upfront with a panoramic view over the bonnet thanks to the high seating position. Seats are quite comfortable; however, the centre console is small and too low to use as an armrest. The driver’s door also has nothing to really use as an armrest, but similar to the manual mirrors, there are aftermarket options to take care of these issues. The backseat is typical of a dual cab ute, with a very straight back and not a lot of leg room, especially for an adult if the driver is 6ft like myself.
Inside the cabin the 79 sports a clean, minimalistic, retro-inspired dash with a seven-inch touch screen featuring wired Apple CarPlay. The menus are fairly intuitive and syncing my phone to the car was a relatively easy task. The dash cluster maintains the traditional LC 70 Series style
Leaving the Toyota WA carpark, the engine felt powerful and responsive, working nicely with the automatic transmission to bring me up to 60km/h in no time. Upon taking the first 90-degree turn though, a significant understeer became apparent, something that I got used to over the testing period.
T H E DAS H C LU S T E R R E TA I N S T H E O R I G I N A L 70 S E R I E S S T Y L I N G , B U T N OW I N C LU D E S A M O D E R N E L E C T R O N I C D I S P L AY O N T H E FA R RIGHT
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It still caught me out a few times while parking, resulting in several unexpected three-point turns. The ride quality is best described as agricultural, with an almost ‘hoppy’ feeling at times thanks to the very firm suspension — clearly the vehicle is designed with heavy load carrying in mind. Fuel economy after 58km of city driving came in at 11.2L/100km, so not bad at all for a vehicle this size and markedly better than the V8 alternative. To test the 2.8L’s towing ability, I hitched my 1.7T boat to the back and headed down to Ocean Reef. The extra weight on the back was certainly noticeable, but the engine and auto combination handled it nicely. The car towed much better using the power haul feature, which seemed to modify the shift pattern on the auto, allowing the vehicle to hold gears longer when required, and having more pronounced engine braking while decelerating. Fuelling back up after 55km with the boat on the back saw figures of 18.9L/100km, however, I should note that this is only for city driving and I would expect that figure to come down markedly after a long highway run. To test the car’s long-distance manners, I headed down to Walpole for the weekend via the South Western Highway. The engine and auto combination continued to work really nicely together, cruising comfortably
in sixth gear at 110km/h on the freeway and dropping back gears when needed during the many uphill sections on the South Western. I was able to simply leave the car in cruise control the entire 440km run down, including up both of the larger hills near Greenbushes and Bridgetown, which the car handled with ease. Overtaking was also an effortless task with the engine having plenty of punch to quickly get around slower vehicles. One thing I will note though is that the comfort level offered by the seats, although fine around town, certainly started to fade after a few hours behind the wheel. When it came time to test the 79’s off-road prowess I pointed the car in the direction of D’Entrecasteaux National Park and we were soon off the blacktop and onto the moderate corrugations that lead to the track entrance to Banksia Camp, one of my favourite 4WD locations around Walpole. Surprisingly, the 79 handled the corrugations at speed very comfortably considering I had not aired down at this point; with such firm suspension, this was not something I was expecting. Dropping the tyres to 15 PSI, I selected low range and pushed on into the track towards Banksia Camp, a typical sandy Western Australian track, with some soft sections and plenty of wombat holes that will offer some challenge to a 4WD’s flex capabilities.
T H E LC 7 9 I S N O F L E X M O N K E Y, B U T T H E D UA L L I V E A X L E S U S P E N S I O N H A N D L E D T H E WO M B AT H O L E S W I T H E AS E
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In low range, the car was effortless to drive, with truly supreme control on offer by the auto box. The car handled the wombat hole sections with ease, with no wheel lifts, despite my best efforts to achieve this. Coming around the headland and down the steeper section of track onto the beach at Banksia Camp the car did start to run away from me in D when I didn’t apply enough brake pressure, but I expect either activating the downhill assist control feature or attempting this in manual mode first gear would help to resolve this. After taking in the sheer beauty of the Banksia Camp coastline, engaging the 2nd start feature resulted in a smooth take off in 2nd gear low, allowing plenty of momentum to move through the softer sand initially; this is really nice feature that Toyota have added to the auto model. Climbing back up the steep headland track, I left traction control on to slowly tackle the off-camber jump-up midway up the track, deliberately trying to find wheel slip in the softer sand. With limited traction on offer the traction control system at crawl speeds wasn’t able to get me up and over, but with a quick engagement of the rear diff lock, this was a non-issue. Fuelling back up in Perth, the figures for the Walpole trip came in at 12.6L/100km after over 1000km of combined highway, city and off-road driving; this is pretty good for a vehicle like the 79. So, the $83,500 (before on-roads) question; will the new 79 2.8L find a place in the Australian 4WD market? Well, despite the agricultural ride qualities and lack of many modern comforts, the 70 Series clearly has a cult-like following, with Toyota barely being able to keep up with market demand for the vehicles over the past three years. I think the new 2.8L auto version will certainly find a place in the mining and agriculture sectors, where the improved fuel economy and comfort offered by the 2.8L/auto combo, combined with increased GVM and lower price will have strong appeal. As for
4WD touring, Toyota really has positioned themselves well in the market, offering the cheapest automatic dual live axle turbodiesel option by almost $25K. I think the new 79 will appeal to 4WD enthusiasts chasing a rugged and reliable dual cab 4WD, who are ready to accept a three-quarter or full-length canopy and don’t crave the exhaust note you can extract from the 4.5L V8 engine. Although the vehicle still comes up well short in terms of many modern comforts, you essentially are getting a tried and tested blank canvas that you can then add to as you wish through the aftermarket sector. Will the release of the 2.8L auto eventually result in the demise of the V8 though? Only time will tell.
LC79 G X L S E R I E S
FAST FACTS Engine/transmission 2.8L 1GD-FTV turbo diesel/ 6-speed automatic Power/torque 150kW@3400 RPM/ 500Nm@1600-2800 RPM Suspension Rigid live axle: front coils, rear leaf springs
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Wheels/tyres 16 inch/265 70 R16 (~31 inches) Towing capacity 3500kg braked, 750kg unbraked GVM 3510kg Payload (not including tray) 1325kg
COM M E MORATING
HALF A CENTURY OF BIKES ON THE
CSR BY J O H N C O L L I N S
In 1974, a daring group of adventurers embarked on the first complete dirt bike expedition across the Canning Stock Route, a historic journey that tested the limits of both human and mechanical endurance in Australia's rugged outback. This year, marks the 50th anniversary for this astonishing event.
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O
pened in 1910 and named after Alfred Wernam Canning, the legendary man to survey it in 1906, the Canning Stock Route is an icon of our state, synonymous with true 4WD exploration and adventure. Originally built to bring cattle from Halls Creek in the Kimberley region to the gold mining area around Wiluna, it’s seen a myriad of folk traverse its 1,780km, with the method by which they’ve done so evolving along the way.
Following the last droving trip in 1959, the Canning Stock Route (CSR) entered a new era, with a new beast of activity beginning to take shape. The route, previously traversed by camels, horses, and cattle for livestock droving, started to attract adventurers using motorized vehicles. In addition to vehicles, the CSR also drew individuals interested in walking its entire length, pushing the limits of human endurance. The first known attempt to walk the CSR was made in 1972, starting from the southern end of the route. This was followed by another attempt in 1973 from the northern end — both failed. These unsuccessful struggles sparked extraordinary national news coverage, propelling the CSR into the imagination of a public thirsting for daring outback and authentic bush adventure. If people thought they could walk it, surely it was possible to travel by vehicle? This expedition began when Colin Fitzgerald wandered into Andy Bowman's place of work and announced, "We should ride up the Canning Stock Route". Andy gave it a second or two of thought and responded, "Ah yeah."
Andy pulling Colin in a wa lke from a previous attempt at r’s cart Billiluna
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for bikes and a pilot with remote area flying experience. Philip took on the role of co-pilot, drop master, and navigator. Navigation skills in a remote desert region using paper maps and a compass was an essential prerequisite. GPS wasn’t available for civilian use until the 1980s and even then, positional accuracy was degraded by the United States Government using Selective Availability until May 2000.
d Riders Colin (left) an
Andy
TH E TE A M Colin Fitzgerald (21 years), was a truck driver from South Perth and an experienced daredevil bike rider who performed at shows and took part in motocross races. Riding the Canning Stock Route was just one of his many adventure ideas. Andy Bowman (21 years), also lived and breathed motorbikes. A bike workshop mechanic from Sorrento, Andy would be responsible for keeping the bikes going on the Canning Stock Route, as well as navigation. Andy also held a pilot’s licence. Paul Allardyce (25 years), was an experienced off-road bike rider from Daglish, who managed a Caltex service station. John Fitzgerald (23 years), was a Westonia farmer, off-road bike rider and light aircraft mustering pilot. John would be responsible for flying the resupply airplane, using his low flying skills to successfully make the resupply cargo drops. His aerial mustering talents would be crucial to successfully navigate the desert and land on rough remote dirt runways or even on dry clay pans. Philip Schubert (21 years), was a pastoralist from Hamelin Pool station with a love
Pilots Phil (left) and John
TH E V E H I C LE S In 1974, Australia was still riding the post WWII wool boom, which continued until the market collapse and the introduction of the reserve price scheme in 1991. To meet demand from the Australian agriculture sector, from the mid-1970s the Yamaha Motor Company (Yamaha) began to manufacture specialised farm motor bikes. Together with Ken George Yamaha, this group of young dirt bike enthusiasts planned to become the first to ride motorbikes the entire length and was an opportunity to prove that modern farm motor bikes were up to the task of the drovers of yesteryear. Yamaha was willing to put their farm bikes to the gruelling test as they believed their
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handle the demanding conditions faced by the drovers of the past.
TH E E X P E D ITI O N The much-anticipated commemorative expedition began in Carnarvon on Friday 23rd August 1974, when the aviation crew took possession of the Piper Cherokee. Too late to depart for Newman, they hired a caravan for the night and used the time to study the maps for both ground and aircrew. There was an air of youthful confidence exemplified, despite neither pilot having flown this aircraft type previously. Phil quipped to John, "If we can start the bastard, we can fly it." They were young and fearless.
The three AG175s near Lake Disappointment new model could meet the CSR challenge and supplied three AG175 farm bikes. The bikes came standard with front and back carry racks that were vital to carrying daily supplies of fuel, food and equipment. The standard tyres were swapped for wider tyres, which barely fitted into the frame. Ken George Yamaha offered a Piper Cherokee Six — a light aircraft suitable for the daily air-support of the expedition. It was intended to support the motor bikes by doing daily flights from Wiluna to as far as Lake Disappointment, and then from Mount Newman. But where to land? The aircrew caught wind that Ray Geophysical Exploration (Ray), which was exploring for oil in the area to the Southwest of Billiluna, had made a rough strip for a weekly re-supply charter. The Ray airstrip near Well 47 was to play a major role in the expedition. Supplies were air-dropped in cages made from steel mesh shaped into the size of a 200L drum. Inside, the mesh was lined with thick foam and packed with screw-top cans of water, fuel, and oil, each wrapped in rubber sheeting to prevent damage during the drop. This combination of rugged motorbikes and aerial support was ready to be put to the test to prove modern farm bikes could
SAT U R DAY, 2 4 AU G U ST: D E PA R T U R E Leaving Carnarvon behind, the team touched down in Newman. Here, they coordinated with the local aircraft refueler to ensure their Piper Cherokee was stocked with Avgas, charged back to Caltex. A contribution from Grace Brothers had already brought in the necessary fuel containers and weldmesh for their planned drops. From Newman, they soared over Lake Disappointment and traced the Canning Stock Route from above. This flight allowed them to capture aerial footage, sharpen their outback navigational skills, and locate the wells, which punctuated the landscape below. Their aerial journey ended in Wiluna, where an enthusiastic reunion unfolded with the riders and their bikes.
S U N DAY, 2 5 AU G U ST: N AV I G ATI O N C O M M E N C E S As dawn broke over Wiluna, the rider crew was already bustling with activity, meticulously preparing their bikes for the journey ahead. Each motorcycle was laden with an essential mix of supplies: fuel, water, food, and navigational aids including topographical maps and radios. They
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also packed sleeping gear, hand bearing compasses, and other small but crucial items. The combined weight on each bike tallied up to about 40kg, not including the rider's own weight of roughly 70-80kg. Amidst this flurry of preparation, Andy was focused on the maps, marking out distances and bearings with precision. His work ensured that every rider had the knowledge needed to navigate the challenging terrain that lay ahead, turning these detailed maps into invaluable guides for their adventurous trek along the Canning Stock Route.
M O N DAY, 2 6 AU G U ST: D E PA R TI N G W I LU N A The bikes departed with only the expedition team seeing themselves off. None of town's folk turned out as they were all very pessimistic, positive of failure and tragedy on the long trek to Halls Creek. Everyone commented on previous failures to walk the CSR, but the motorcycle team was confident that with three bikes, the daily fuel, water and food drops from the aircraft and a set of eyes from the air above, they would easily accomplish the task in 10 days.
T U E S DAY, 2 7 AU G U ST: F I R ST D RO P, N E A R W E LL 4 The Piper Cherokee departed Wiluna for the first air drop, intending to continue to Newman. By 8.30am, the plane contacted the bikes via radio near Lake Edith Withnell. The CSR track then ran to the north of Frere Range.
W E D N E S DAY, 2 8 AU G U ST: S E C O N D D RO P, N E A R W E LL 11 From Wiluna, the airplane took off towards Newman, planning a strategic drop near White Lake. As they flew, the crew used radios to maintain contact with the riders below, who were making good time on firm ground along a clear two-wheel track. Confident and exhilarated, the riders believed they could finish their journey within a week. The aircrew aimed for a drop near Well 24, at the northern edge of Lake Disappointment, aligning their efforts with the riders' route. Meanwhile, the bikers, enjoying the ride on easier terrain, were yet unaware of the challenges ahead as the desert sand dunes lay in wait. Amidst this optimism, a mishap struck. Andy suffered a fall, with the bike's exhaust pinning and scalding his calf. Despite it being just their third day out, Andy was now forced to ride injured, a testament to the unpredictability and perils of navigating the rugged outback by motorcycle.
TH U R S DAY 2 9, AU G U ST: TH I R D A N D FO U R TH D RO P S
The journey begins
Radio contact was made earlier than expected and the aircraft diverted towards Durba Hills, prior to the drop being made near Well 18. The ground conditions had slowed the bikers more than expected, and they reported no need for additional fuel, only food. After resupplying in Newman, the plane took off again, aiming for Well 24 to extend its range, and made a quick fuel stop at
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What now? Andy standing next to the bogged Yamaha AG175 at Lake Disappointment.
Andy watc hing Colin drawing water from a well
the Jigalong Community. Meanwhile, the riders, nowhere near Well 24 as expected, had attempted a bold dash across Lake Disappointment to make up time. This gamble backfired spectacularly, with one bike getting severely bogged down in the deceptive silt mud of the flat salt-lake. The recovery was gruelling: while one rider pulled on a rope, the others lifted the bike from either side, sinking deep into the silt mud. After this exhausting effort, they opted to skirt the edge of the lake, avoiding the treacherous centre. As they navigated cross-country, misfortune struck again — Andy fell, the hot exhaust scalding the same spot on his calf. This repeated injury later necessitated six weeks of corrective surgery.
F R I DAY, 3 0 AU G U ST: N O F LY, N O D RO P DAY
tracks, they typically meandered too widely, adding unnecessary distance to their travel. The sand within these tracks was loose and challenging to manoeuvre, prompting the riders to frequently opt for a cross-country route through the tough spinifex or to follow seismic lines when they aligned with their intended direction. Amidst these harsh conditions, the riders were almost entirely dependent on the supplies dropped by the plane, particularly for food and water. The water from the wells was used solely for bathing and cooling, as it wasn’t suitable for drinking. This reliance on aerial support was crucial for their survival and progress through the remote and unforgiving desert landscape.
SAT U R DAY, 31 AU G U ST: BIKERS GONE AMISS
In the vast expanse of the desert, off the beaten path, the trio of bikers depended on hand bearing compasses for navigation. Their journey was guided by bearings and distances, often with visibility limited to just 500 metres due to the looming sand dunes.
The air support team lifted off from Newman, expecting to locate the bikers near Well 29, guided by intermittent and garbled radio communications last picked up near Well 22. Misinterpreting these signals, they presumed the bikers had progressed 60 miles eastward and proceeded to that location.
Andy took the lead as the principal navigator. Although there were existing
Flying low over the landscape, the team meticulously scanned the area, passing western4wdriver.com.au | Western 4W Driver #130 |
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Wells 28 through 24 on their route towards Lake Disappointment. It was between Wells 20 and 21 that they finally spotted three bike tracks, hinting at the riders' recent presence. However, constrained by their remaining flying time, they had to make the difficult decision to return to Newman, stopping to refuel at Jigalong. Troubled by their inability to find the bikers and make direct contact, the airmen chose to keep their concerns to themselves, worried that sharing this information might stir unnecessary panic.
M O N DAY, 1 S E P TE M B E R : TH E A E R I A L S E A RC H Anxious to find the bikers, the aircraft departed Newman early and headed to where bike tracks were last seen between Wells 20 and 21 and followed the tracks north. As they were about to give up the search for the day, a very faint transmission clicking was detected … "Crazy Cat, Crazy Cat come in!" Andy had been lying on a hill persistently and repeatedly pressing the transmit button, occasionally calling, hoping to give the aircrew an indication of their position by the strength of the sound of the transmit clicks. A signal fire sighted 15 miles east of McKay Range, was the supporting tip off.
The bikers' camp site was located, and the drop was completed in approximately five minutes. Elated at having found the riders, the padded cages were carefully prepared in Newman for a second drop that same day. Making radio contact, John directed the bikers to an airstrip map reference. To ensure they could find their way, John and Phil ignited a signal fire which billowed into a towering column of black smoke. Mistaking this for a sign of disaster, the bikers, fearing a plane crash, accelerated dangerously towards the airstrip. Simultaneously, the fire unexpectedly spread, sending a surge of panic through John and Phil, who feared the flames might reach and consume the aircraft. However, they managed to regain control of the situation just in time. As the bikes roared into view, the tension dissipated. "That's a signal fire," Crazy Cat declared, relief washing over him after the brief scare that they might lose the aircraft. The reunion was a jubilant moment, ending two anxious days without contact. That night, they all camped together on the bush airstrip, grateful and relieved to be reunited.
M O N DAY, 2 S E P TE M B E R : F I N A L N E W M A N F U E L- U P Bright and early, the bikers set off from camp, riding eastward along the Talawana Track, targeting Wells 23 and 24 as their immediate waypoints. Upon reaching Well 24, the riders adjusted their course, now navigating directly by compass towards Well 25. Meanwhile, the aircrew, after meticulously loading the aircraft with necessary supplies and extra aviation gasoline, set their expectations to rendezvous with the bikers near Well 29 by the following Tuesday morning.
g Colin outside the tent, settlin
in
With everything in place, the aircraft made its way back to the designated airstrip, arriving just as the desert sun dipped towards the horizon. There, they settled in for another night of camping under the vast,
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of the bikers by spotting signal smoke rising in the area. Despite the absence of radio communication, the crew skillfully completed the supply drop, ensuring the bikers had the necessary resources to continue their expedition. After the successful drop at Well 33, the plane proceeded to Ray to prepare for the next phase of support, also making a trip to Halls Creek to stock up on Avgas.
Well 25 from the air ge) (visible lower centre of ima starlit sky, surrounded by the serene silence of the expansive desert.
T U E S DAY, 3 S E P TE M B E R : F I F TH D RO P, N E A R W E LL 2 9 The aircraft took off early, headed towards Well 29, where they successfully established radio contact with the ground team and identified their location by a signal fire. After confirming the bikers' position, the aircrew executed the supply drop, ensuring the bikers had the necessary provisions to continue their journey. Once the drop was completed, the aircraft returned to the familiar bush airstrip. The crew spent the remainder of the day repacking containers and refuelling the aircraft with Avgas from jerry cans, prepping for the next phase of their mission. The next planned drop point for air support was set for the location known as Ray, maintaining the crucial lifeline to the bikers as they navigated the challenging desert terrain.
W E D N E S DAY, 4 S E P TE M B E R : S I X TH D RO P, N E A R W E LL 3 3 The aircraft left the bush airstrip at the crack of dawn, headed towards Well 33. The pilots quickly identified the location
The welcoming windmill at Well 33
TH U R S DAY, 5 S E P TE M B E R : S E V E NTH D RO P, N E A R W E LL 4 0 The day began early for the aircraft crew, departing Ray at 6am sharp. They quickly located a signal fire on Lake Tobin, a key indicator of the bikers' current position. This allowed the crew to precisely execute a supply drop near Well 40, ensuring the bikers had the essentials needed to press on. After completing the drop, the aircraft made its way back to Ray, winding from Lake Tobin past Wells 41, 43, and 45, then north along a clearly marked cut line back to the airstrip. Once landed, John and Phil, diligently packed food and fuel necessary for the next morning’s drop. The team was working under the expectation that by morning, the bikers would reach the vicinity of Ray or Well 47.
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F R I DAY 6 S E P TE M B E R : A LL A R E STR A N D E D During the night heavy rain fell, softening the airstrip sand into mud. It was impossible for the Piper Cherokee to take off for the scheduled morning's drop. Despite not having the morning supply drop, Phil and John were confident that the riders would have enough fuel and supplies to reach Ray. They walked to the north/south cut line east of Well 47, hoping to capture the bikes arrival on film. The bikes didn’t arrive. Not being able to fly due to the boggy airstrip, they borrowed a Toyota 4WD from the camp and drove south-west along another cut line towards Well 45. They lit a signal fire to make smoke, hoping the riders would see it and ride to investigate. However, it was too wet to get the fire burning sufficiently. Concern mounting, they began to speculate that something must have gone wrong towards Lake Tobin (Well 40) where they had last seen the riders. The riders had, in fact, hit trouble with the wet terrain. Water was as high as the bike cylinders in places and the clay track became very slippery. To find a way through the drowned swales, they often needed to head off the slippery track, negotiating the bikes around the large spinifex mounds where the sand gathered at the bases. This sand was deep enough to throw the riders off their bikes if the front wheel hit it. Sometimes, they had to back track when they found themselves stopped by thick bush, unable to continue forward. It was
a very cold and rainy period with cloud touching the tops of sand dunes. They got as far as Well 44 where fuel ran out. They were stuck!
SAT U R DAY, 7 S E P TE M B E R : STI LL ST U C K I N TH E M U D John and Phil spent the night inside the aircraft, hopeful that the airstrip would dry out by morning, allowing for an early departure to reconnect with the riders. To their disappointment, more rain fell overnight and continued throughout the day, rendering them immobile.
S U N DAY, 8 S E P TE M B E R : TH E R I D E R S E A RC H B E G I N S Rain overnight in Fitzroy Crossing prevented the resupply aircraft from taking off. John borrowed the camp manger's Yamaha DT100, travelling due south to a cut line he knew finished about three miles to the north of the CSR. From there, he set out cross country continuing south until he intersected what he hoped would be the track between Well 46 and Well 45. Finding the track with no difficulty, he came across the abandoned camp with the three bikes and the tent! Inside the abandoned tent a note read, "Left am Sunday 8th September heading 005deg Magnetic towards Ray Camp." After several days without air support due to inclement weather, the three riders, driven by necessity and concern for their support team, decided to walk towards Ray. John, tracing their footsteps along the cut line, soon found them after they had covered nearly 13km in just three hours. The riders,
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spurred by the fear that the plane might have crashed, had decided to keep moving. Despite the ordeal, the riders were in surprisingly good spirits, still equipped with enough water for another day but growing hungry, having not eaten since Saturday morning. John took Colin as a pillion passenger back to Ray to gather essential supplies. After supplying Paul and Andy with a quick meal and refuelling, John and Colin returned to the stranded riders. Together, they retrieved one of the bikes, allowing all four to ride back to Ray, thus ending a tense few days of uncertainty.
M O N DAY, 9 S E P TE M B E R : TH E S E A RC H FO R TH E M I S S I N G G E O P H YS I CA L C R E W The airstrip remained impassable, too wet and soft for take-off, hindering any attempt to launch an aerial search for the stranded mining staff alongside their fuel truck. Despite these challenges, Colin, Andy, Paul, and John managed to secure enough borrowed fuel to make their way back to Ray. At the camp, the manager's concern was mounting for two staff members missing since Thursday night. The designated search aircraft was grounded at Fitzroy Crossing, unable to assist, and the rescue helicopter from Barrow Island was delayed. With the miners missing in the desert for four days, the situation was becoming dire.
leaving the bike riders unable to continue their journey to Billiluna due to the lack of necessary supply airdrops along the route. The entire expedition was stalled thanks to heavy, unexpected rainfall in the desert. Meanwhile, conditions improved slightly at the Fitzroy airstrip, permitting a longawaited take-off. Over the aircraft radio, it was coordinated for a charter aircraft to perform a flyover at Ray, as the strip there was still unsuitable for landing. The charter crew, inexperienced in making airdrops, failed to secure the food supplies adequately. When they released the cargo over Ray, the plastic wrapping and tins containing the food burst upon impact with the ground. Thirty trapped men on the ground watched in amazement as T-bone steaks, vegetables and other perishables scattered for about two hundred meters along the soggy airstrip!
W E D N E S DAY, 11 S E P TE M B E R : O N E B I K E D RO P S O F F With the desert weather finally reverting to its usual bright and sunny disposition, the bikers seized the opportunity and departed Ray early in the morning. Meanwhile, the supporting aircraft took off after lunch, aiming to rendezvous with the riders later in the day.
In a bold solo effort, Colin mounted his AG 175 and ventured approximately 80km into the desert. His determination paid off when he located and returned with two of the stranded men, bringing immense relief to the camp. Shortly after, the helicopter had arrived, bringing in the balance of the stranded crew.
T U E S DAY, 1 0 S E P TE M B E R : A I R D RO P G O N E W RO N G With the airstrip at Ray still wet and boggy, the Cherokee aircraft remained grounded,
Colin cross country riding on the AG175
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They were jubilant with what they had achieved in the face of unforeseen and unexpected torrential rain. The thing that ultimately prevented all three bikes from completing the expedition was the decision to replace the standard rear tyres. Bigger is not always better boys! Yamaha’s belief in their new farm bike was unquestionably asserted!
Welcome to Billiluna The bikes were about 80km south of Billiluna, around Well 51, when Paul's rear tyre had split beyond repair. No replacement tyres were available in Halls Creek. The aircraft was forced to return to Billiluna for the night, disappointed that one of the bikes would not complete the entire journey.
TH U R S DAY 1 2 , S E P TE M B E R : H I C C U P S B E FO R E H A LLS C R E E K With determination and ingenuity, Paul and Andy managed to retrieve the abandoned bike by sharing Colin's spare tyre. This creative solution allowed all three bikes to converge successfully in Billiluna, albeit with two bikes operating on a shared tyre setup. After regrouping, Paul and Andy set off from Billiluna to Halls Creek in the early afternoon. Given the absence of a usable rear tyre, Colin’s bike was transported by air, following the road to Halls Creek. Despite the logistical adjustments, Andy and Paul faced yet another challenge as they neared their destination: about 65km south of Halls Creek, the rear tyre on Andy’s bike refused to stay on its rim. Despite these setbacks, they arrived in Halls Creek at 7pm on a single bike, their spirits high.
F R I DAY, 1 3 S E P TE M B E R : A H I STO R I C J O U R N E Y To showcase one of the victorious Yamaha AG175s that had endured the rigorous journey along the Canning Stock Route (CSR), a special arrangement was made. The bike was transported by air to Fitzroy Crossing, where it was then loaded onto a Grace Brothers truck destined for Perth. This triumphant AG175 was prominently displayed at the Yamaha Stand during the 1974 Royal Show serving as a tangible testament to the durability and reliability of Yamaha's farm bikes under the most challenging conditions.
P R E S E NT DAY: TH E LE G ACY LI V E S O N This adventure has etched a permanent place in the memories of all participants. It was a pioneering expedition that integrated the use of light aircraft for resupply — a logistic feat that has yet to be replicated on the CSR. The journey not only tested the limits of human and mechanical endurance but also marked a significant chapter in the history of adventurous travels, highlighting the evolving interaction between man, machine, and the untamed wilderness of Australia. Ultimately, it helped pave the way for adventurers to continue to challenge themselves by embarking upon selfsufficient "Desert Raids' of this iconic route — the CSR.
The events reported have been researched using detailed logbook entries, photographs, video images recorded by the team, and personal communication. The foresight to archive this information for 50 years is itself a commendable achievement.
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1/35 Great Eastern Highway, Kalgoorlie Phone (08) 9091 4797 www.goldfieldsoffroad.com.au
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SPOTLIGHTING TOP SPOTS:
FROM CARNARVON TO EXMOUTH BY TO M D E S O UZ A
There’s no denying the Great Barrier Reef is worthy of global attention. But if it’s a remarkable marine experience you’re after, save yourself the trip and make your way up the coral coast to truly appreciate the treasure we have in our own backyard — the Ningaloo Reef.
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T
he Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s greatest tourist attractions, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, even. Stretching some 2,300km over nearly 350,000km², it attracts over two million visitors per year, bringing nearly $6 billion to Australia’s economy.
She’s struggling to comprehend that there is no one out here to collect some of the rubbish off the side of the road, or water the hardy and ubiquitous snakewood trees and scrub. Imagine seeing such scenes for the first time, having lived your whole life in major cities outside the country.
But here, in Western Australia, lies a hidden gem that rivals the Great Barrier Reef, both in beauty and marine life. It flies under the radar, as attractions in WA often do — which is what makes it that much more special. For the well-equipped and prepared traveller, Ningaloo Reef is easy enough to access and more than worth the trip for.
From Perth, it takes us a full day to make it to the Billabong Roadhouse, roughly halfway to our first port of call, and one of the most charming roadhouses on this stretch of highway.
While, for most, it takes a charter boat to reach the Great Barrier Reef, which sits about 15–150km offshore, the Ningaloo Reef is so close you can actually swim out to it. For those with a well-equipped 4WD, you can travel its entire length — 400km along the coast, from just north of Carnarvon to Exmouth.
The roadhouse is a beacon of light on a dark highway. Mark Seymour’s Sylvia blares through the roadhouse speaker, inside there is a dining area with cold beer and hot meals: chicken parmies, fish and chips. It has been here since 1962 when this highway was just a dirt road, and sells some of the cheapest fuel this side of Geraldton. Outside, there is free roadside camping for travellers, with access to toilet and showers inside.
I’m travelling in an old 70 Series LandCruiser Troop Carrier, towing a boat with a customtrailer I’ve built to tackle the rough roads Western Australia is renowned for. In the car with me is my girlfriend, Giovanna, and her friend, Martina, who is experiencing Western Australia for the first time after making the long trip from London. Martina can’t quite believe what she is seeing. All these long, open roads. A horizon so vast it expands the limits of your mind.
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We travel onwards to Carnarvon, the gateway to WA’s outback and ‘the fruit bowl’ of the state. It’s early season, however, and Morells’ fruit and vegetables stall, with their famous chocolate coated bananas and selection of exotic fruits, including the chocolate pudding fruit, are yet to open. We load up in town with enough water, fuel, and food to last us the next ten days. As you head out from Carnarvon, the sealed road ends at Quobba Station, and the dirt road and reef begin. This area also marks an important tribal boundary between the Aboriginal Bayungu people, whose country stretches south from here, and the West Thalanyji-Yinigudara people. To them, the Ningaloo, or Nyingulu, means land jutting out to sea. It is a place that has sustained them for thousands of generations, and is an area enshrined with story and ceremony. Today, much of the coast along here is managed by sheep stations: Quobba, Gnaraloo, Warroora, and Ningaloo. Many of them have opened their gates to visitors, however almost all of them require travellers to be entirely self-sufficient. We camp first at Warroora Station, just a little south of Coral Bay and roughly smack bang in the middle of the reef. While wellequipped 4W drivers can travel the coastal track north from Quobba all the way to
Exmouth, dependent on conditions, we’re taking the highway. The final 20km to the station are rough, corrugated, and rattle the trailer, though it holds together. The camp is basic, just an allotted parcel of sand beside some salt bush, but the surrounds are stunning. A small sandstone bluff provides shelter from the prevailing southerly winds, and the water is a shade of blue so bright it hurts your eyes. With the boat in the water, again, Martina is astonished by the simple things, like the fact you just need a fishing rod to eat like royalty out here. Jumbo sized crayfish found in waist-deep water, metre-long mackerel caught trolling just a few hundred metres offshore. Beautiful fillets of white-fleshed coral trout and bluebone, seasoned with some saltbush plucked from beside the camp. To launch your boat from the beach at Warroora, it is only possible at select campsites, namely Elle's and Lagoon. The sand is very soft and sometimes steep. Ours was 4.1m. Anything over 4.3m would be very tricky, the smaller the better really. A dropdown third wheel on the trailer also means that you can unhook the trailer from the car and push it down to the water without risk of getting the car bogged. An electric winch is also very handy for getting the boat and trailer back up.
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Speaking of handy things to have, a flynet is essential for any traveller in the warmer months. The weather is warm, with still, balmy nights. While the lack of wind makes for hot days, it also brings the flies in droves. Once you’ve decided it’s time to wrench yourself away from the serenity of Warroora, follow the track up the coast, past half-adozen other stunning campsites, eventually emerging at the hamlet at Coral Bay. A green, reticulated miracle on a sparse and dusty coast, the caravan park is a perfect getaway location for families. The bay is also sheltered and calm, with brilliant snorkelling off the beach, and glass-bottom charter boats offering tours for those who don’t fancy getting wet. As you follow the coastal track north, it’s worth making a stop at Winderabandi Point, renowned as one of the most spectacular destinations on the Ningaloo Coast. Like Warroora, guests are required to be entirely self-sufficient, bringing their own drinking water, food, and a chemical toilet. A 4WD is a must-have to access this point, it’s a bit of a bumpy ride, which makes it all
the more satisfying when arriving to total solitude and serenity. The campsites are sheltered by dunes and shrubbery, creating a sense of privacy and a true remote experience. At low tide, the aquamarine ocean peels back to expose a sandbar that stretches out into the sea, creating a spectacular walkway. You can stroll all the way out without even getting wet — it's an incredible experience. Looking to cast a line and catch your tea? Despite its protected status, the area adjacent to the Winderabandi Sanctuary Zone allows for certain recreational activities. Launching small boats and kayaks is permitted from designated beach areas (accessible with 4WD vehicles). Shore-based fishing is also allowed in specific parts of the shoreline designated as a special purpose zone (at the time of writing, please check for updates). Anglers can target cod, bluebone, and coral trout around the reefs, while Trevally and Queenfish come in close to smash bait fish.
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Just south of Exmouth, the track runs across Yardie Creek, a beautiful little creek in Cape Range National Park that cuts through a deep canyon before hitting the ocean. There’s a great trail that winds up through the gorge where you can spot rock wallabies hanging out on the cliffs. Plus, if you peek over the edge into the creek, you might catch sight of stingrays and some big fish cruising through the clear water. The Yardie Nature Walk is about 1.2km return and easy enough to manage in about 40 minutes. If you’re up for a challenge, continue on the Yardie Gorge Trail (an added 800m to the return trip) requiring a bit of an ascent up the range. It’s well worth it for the incredible views out over the creek and across to the Ningaloo Reef. The creek entrance can open after large swells, and the fish are trapped inside when it closes back up again. For 4W drivers, it’s important to check if the creek is open or closed, as it can be impassable at higher tides when it is open. From here to Exmouth, it is all national park, with government run campsites that require booking. Sandy Bay is a particularly outstanding camp, with boat launching possible for large boats at the camp, and a secluded, sandy bay tucked just around the corner. It's worth staying here for a couple of days if you can, just to soak up the reef in all its glory.
Many of Exmouth’s greatest attractions are actually a little way out of town, and a little way up the track you’ll come to the rustic Yardie Homestead. It’s a converted sheep station that offers a brilliant compromise between the wilderness of the national park and some of the facilities available in town. It’s also close to some of Exmouth’s greatest attractions, like the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, and the nearby Oyster Stacks and Turquoise Loop, which offer some of the best snorkelling on the reef. From Yardie Homestead onwards, the road becomes bitumen. You reach the end of the road at Exmouth, the Ningaloo’s liveliest town. While in Exmouth, you’ll likely miss the feeling of sheer isolation you would have experienced along the journey up, but it's a great spot to regroup. Order a long overdue cold one at Froth Craft Brewery, tuck into a pizza at Whalebone, and take advantage of the available amenities and services to recalibrate your vehicle and restock supplies. Head back the way you came or continue onwards? That one is your call.
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H U NTI NG FOR H ISTORY: COI N S & RE LICS BY LU K E C L AT WO R T H Y
It’s not all about gold. Coin and relic hunting can prove equally as rewarding in financial value and even more so for the history-buffs as you uncover gems of the past. Learn all about it, including where to look and what the rules are from prospecting pro, Luke Clatworthy.
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n Edition 129 (Autumn 2024) of Western 4W Driver, I focused on how 4W driving enthusiasts could take advantage of our historic and fabulously rich Goldfields located across the breadth and depth of our wonderful state, by combining a 4WD adventure with detecting for gold. Gold detecting makes up a significant percentage of all metal detecting activity in Western Australia and has done so since the first metal detectors from the United States were introduced in the late 1970s. One facet of metal detecting that is enjoying a surge of popularity here is searching for coins and relics. In other parts of the world, there is limited access to locations where
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When you think that coins and metallic objects such as jewellery have been dropped and misplaced ever since first European settlement, it is estimated that it would take a literal army of experienced detectorists decades to find all that has been lost over time. Most coin detectorists focus on searching for pre-decimal coinage; however, some of our recent decimal coins can have a relatively low mintage and can fetch some quite remarkable prices for those lucky enough to find them. Some of Australia’s pre-decimal coins are some of the rarest you can find, simply because of the low mintages when our population across this great land was far smaller and more scattered than we have in today's society. Not only can coins of all denominations and values be found, but for those who love spending time at our favourite beaches, you can be amazed with the types of jewellery that can be found by metal detecting, too. Focusing on detecting for coins and relics can also be far more inexpensive than detecting for gold, as the metal detectors used for coin and relic hunting are certainly cheaper to purchase, easier to master, and are more light weight to swing. Best of all, this is a pastime that the entire family can enjoy.
quantities of alluvial gold in the form of small pieces and larger nuggets can be found. So, detecting for coins and artefacts makes up the majority of metal detector sales.
Children’s metal detectors from the major detector brands work extremely 1 9 2 9 W E S T E R N AU S T R A L I A N C E N T E N A RY M E DA L O BV E R S E well and are very cheap to purchase. In the past, when This form of metal detecting I was a school principal, I introduced my does have some distinct advantages over students to metal detecting. All seemed to searching for the precious metal. For a get much enjoyment from metal detecting start, coins and other interesting metallic and they quickly learned how to expertly use items are far more plentiful in number than a detector. gold. These can be found anywhere people inhabit and, even though it seems we are marching relentlessly towards an eventual cashless society, thousands of coins are still lost across Western Australia each year.
The range of metal detectors for adults and children are enormous and it is relatively easy to purchase some suitable detectors for a fraction of the cost of a top of the
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you pause and think about the person who dropped the target and lost it and what became of them. For instance, when detecting at a location where the first prospectors camped on their way to the Coolgardie goldrush, I found an 1820 English Half Crown silver coin. This coin was at least seventy-five years old when that eager gold seeker dropped it, and this would have been a significant monetary loss to them at the time.
THE LEGEND OUTDOOR D E T E C TO R
range gold detector. Quality brands offer waterproof and submersible options, making it possible to use them in various locations. These detectors don’t take up much room and can help you find lost coins or artifacts of historical interest, adding an exciting element to your journey. Metal detecting for coins and relics is relaxing, provides surprising levels of healthy exercise and there is the added incentive of likely finding something of value, even more so than when searching for gold. As someone who has detected for coins and artefacts for over thirty years, I also like to learn more about our history and when a target has been unearthed, often for the first time in over a century, it makes
This coin would have accompanied the prospector on his journey from the Eastern Colonies or the United Kingdom and did not again see the light of day for over a hundred years since it had been lost. I wonder if the person in question made it to Coolgardie; did they strike it rich? Did they return home to their loved ones or did they settle here in the West. To me anyway, this makes coin and relic hunting even more interesting.
W H E R E TO LO O K A N D W H AT A R E TH E R U LE S ? Now that I have hopefully whetted your appetite regarding the possibility of adding a coin and relic detector to your 4WD arsenal, I will look at two main aspects you will need to consider. Where can I detect for coins and relics and the rules I need to follow when detecting and how do I increase the chances of finding something of value or interest. Let us delve a little deeper! A N I D E A L LO CAT I O N TO D E T E C T FOR COINS AND RELICS
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E N G L I S H A N D C O M M O N W E A LT H P E N N I E S A N D H A L F P E N N I E S AS D E T E C T E D F R O M A N A B A N D O N E D S E T T L E M E N T S I T E
Consideration Number 1: As previously stated, you can find coins and relics almost anywhere in Western Australia. Anywhere there has been or is habitation, you have a chance of finding something of interest or value when detecting. Detectorists that focus on coins and relics can be divided into three categories: beach detecting; detecting in playgrounds, parks and other urban settings; and detecting old homesteads, camps, and deserted settlement sites in rural and remote areas of Western Australia. Other locations that are suitable to detect are old or abandoned sports grounds. Here you can find old and new coins, plus all sorts of old relics and items of jewellery. In old settlement sites, artefacts such as older dog registration tags, military badges, commemorative medallions, antique buttons and buckles and horse cart registration plates can be found along with the usual pre-decimal coins and other types of trinkets.
locals and commence detecting there. This includes detecting around older shady trees on oval and sports ground sites as people would have gathered around them as they watched sport. Try detecting around and close to fence lines and anywhere people would have gathered back in the day. Remember not to detect on actual sports fields still in use, as any damage caused will ultimately see bans being put in place. Old public parks are another excellent location to use your metal detector. Have a look online to find some parks near you. Then research any information about that park and find out when it was established. The older the better. A good indication of how old a park is, is to look for large, old species of introduced trees such as peppercorn trees, pine trees or larger, older oak trees.
There are very keen collectors for older dog registration tags, tokens, cart registration plates and even road board and municipality goat and camel registration tags (yes goats and camels had to be registered in the early part of the twentieth century!) The older, more rare tags and plates can fetch a great deal of money.
Detect around and under benches as well as any old rotundas or shelters. If you have found a good site, you can return multiple times to ensure you cover all the possible finds. Before trying a site such as a park, check with the local council to make sure the area you intend to detect is not off limits. If you find a suitable site, please ensure that you check if it is heritage listed. If so, detecting will be frowned upon.
Beaches provide the highest concentration of people and, thus, the chances of finding lost coins and jewellery here is at its highest. One tip when you have selected a spot to detect is to try and picture where the site would have seen the most usage by
As per gold detecting, always seek permission if you locate a suitable site that is on private property, shire council land or on pastoral leases. Never be tempted to “hop a fence” to have a quick detect of a likely looking spot.
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Consideration Number 2: There are occasions when even the most experienced metal detectorist with the best quality metal detector will not find anything significant. If it was that easy to find items of value, there would be many thousands of eager detectorists scouring the land far and wide. Success equates to 40% finding the right location, 30% is the time you put in detecting, 15% is your choice of detector and 15% is how effectively you operate it. Although you cannot always be guaranteed of finding coins or relics, there are some simple tips you can follow to greatly improve your chances of success.
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Learn how to use your detector and practice!
Before searching for coins and relics in earnest, learn what the various denominations and metals register on your detector. Each will indicate a number on the screen and have a different tone to the audible signal they give.
The best metal detector brands to look for coins and metallic relics are Minelab, Nokta, Garrett and the XP Deus. Do a little research and see which brand and model best suits your needs and budget. Remember, it is better to start with a quality simpler detector that is not as expensive to see if you like metal detecting. If successful, your machine can pay for itself and allow you to upgrade to a detector with more features.
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Research always pays off
Careful research to find the best possible sites to detect whether at the beach, playgrounds or park settings, or searching an abandoned homestead or settlement, is key. For older locations, Trove (Australia’s free online search portal) and, here in WA, the State Records Office (also online) is a treasure trove of information.
Learn all your detector’s different settings and gain familiarity with it. Once you’re feeling confident with your detector, start doing some research and going on some outings locally. It will not take long for you to discover how productive the most unlikely locations can turn out. Be prepared that your first outings will most likely be your least productive. However, you will soon develop your skills and knowledge of your detector and the finds will start to come.
W H AT C O U L D B E H I D I N G J U S T B E LOW T H E S U R FAC E ?
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Hesperian Press based here in Perth also has an extensive range of fascinating books about our early goldrushes and settlements. Once you start looking, you will be surprised at the number of possible detecting sites that can be incorporated into your next 4WD trip.
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Dig all signals
When hunting for coins and relics, it is vital that you dig all signals, especially in older locations. Your coin and relic detector can discriminate between ferrous and nonferrous metals. However, some coins give the same tone and signal as bottle caps, pull rings and other metallic items of junk. You will probably end up with more rubbish dug than finds of value, but you will not miss anything that could help pay for your trip. Best of all, you will be playing your part in protecting our environment.
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Learn how to properly retrieve your targets
Knowing how to retrieve your target when found is extremely important. You must never leave a trace of where you have dug. This is especially important when detecting in parks and playgrounds or in high traffic areas like on the beach. Leaving holes unfilled is the quickest way to see detecting banned.
This is where tools such as a quality small detector shovel, pin pointer (to help you find your target in the hole you have dug) and a smaller digging implement will make your task simpler and quicker. If you plan to purchase a coin and relic detector, speak to the dealer and they will show you a range of accessories to help you retrieve your target. An overview of the best pin pointers on the market will be included in a future edition of Western 4W Driver magazine.
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Take your time detecting
Go low and slow and overlap your swings. Patience is a virtue when detecting. Concentrate on keeping the search coil as close to the ground as possible. Do not swing the coil quickly. When you have dug a target, check in the small hole you have made and in the plug of soil you remove. There can be more than one coin or item buried together. I have found five predecimal coins all in the same hole that could have been easily missed.
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Use your detector’s headphones
Some detectorists like to just use the speaker on their metal detectors. Your headphones are designed to pick up the faintest of signals indicating a deep target. In public settings such as the park or beach, using your headphones will not disturb other users. Do not bring unwanted attention on yourself. Continuous sounds coming from your detector’s speaker will have you bombarded by children and adults all wanting to know what you have found.
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give them anything I detect they would like to keep. After all, you are searching on their property. As you can see whether you are interested in detecting for gold or prefer to search for coins and relics, metal detecting can be a fun, interesting and sometimes profitable pastime on any 4WD adventure you plan. Best of all, even the most rugged and remote spots around Western Australia can have hidden an array of treasures just waiting to be unearthed. Give it a go; you may just surprise yourself on what you can find.
Remember: permission, permission, permission!
If you are detecting on private property, or council-controlled land, always seek permission before you detect. Check if the location is heritage listed as there are specific rules governing this. I have very few knockbacks when I seek a landowner’s permission to detect. I reassure them that I will obey all instructions, restore all holes made and show them what I have found after I have finished detecting. I also offer to ABANDONED HOMESTEAD SITE , A WO N D E R F U L LO CAT I O N TO FIND COINS AND RELICS
AU S T R A L I A N M I L I TA RY F O R C E S B U T TO N S AND RISING SUN BADGE DETECTED ON SITE
AN ADIE AND LOV E K I N LT D BROOCH IN PRISTINE CONDITION
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AM PE D U P AN D WATTS WRONG?
BY DAV I D W I LS O N
The need to reduce carbon emissions to combat climate change is fact. But with pollies applying blanket rules to all markets, David Wilson argues it’s time they simply set the goals and allow the innovators to define the path.
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here are more than a few of us miffed at the mandated demise of the ICE (that’s Internal Combustion Engine), due in parts of Europe at the end of the decade, and with a cascading effect, the rest of the world shortly afterwards. The warm embrace that policymakers have for EVs (that’s Electric Vehicles) is one of those decisions based on a pretty narrow set of parameters — reducing PM (that’s Particulate Matter) and CO2 levels to zero. Renault boss, Luca DeMeo, weighed in recently with a verdict on those in the European Parliament and urged them to back a return to the “principle of technological and scientific neutrality”. In other words, get the hell out of the way of the auto companies. Set goals, but let them work out how to get there, because batteries might not be the only solution. Now, batteries might be fine for the urban dwellers in Europe, where, in the close confines of high-density living, a power source need only propel a vehicle maybe 100km in a day. Over here distances are enormous by comparison and population density isn’t an issue (unless you’re one of the unlucky bastards living in Melbourne
LU CA D E M E O C E O O F R E N AU LT W I T H O N E O F H I S F U T U R E P R O J E C T S , T H E R E N AU LT 4 EV TROPHY
or Sydney), so you likely won’t be blowing out black gunk out of your schnoz with that next sneeze, but there is some need to be concerned. I’m a climate change believer. I’ve been on the planet long enough to see that change and read about it and the junior Wilsons are genuine fully-fledged scientists and they’ve shown me the facts. Wiping out CO2 it must be, but how does the world propose we get there? I thought it prudent to have a look at the forms of electricity in vehicles that we are likely driving now and in the near-future to
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T E S L A C E O E LO N M U S K R E C KO N S B U I L D I N G A V E H I C L E O U T O F S TA I N L E S S S T E E L I S A G O O D T H I N G , A LO N G W I T H L E T T I N G T H E KIDDIES DOING THE DESIGNING! MEH!
meet the greener-cleaner challenge and ponder their suitability to the Australian experience and demystify some autoacronyms.
B E V O R BAT TE RY E LE CTR I C V E H I C LE S A BEV is not a beverage, but a vehicle running purely on electricity, plugged into the mains to top up its battery pack. It might also use regenerative braking, where each application of the skids creates a friction that is turned into power to supplement the held charge of the battery. Using an electric motor(s) the battery pack will deliver a driving range that will be impacted by things like your use (or misuse) of the accelerator, your need for airconditioning, lights, stereo, steering, friction resistance from the road surface and more, taking little bites out of the charge that eventually will need to be replenished. Charging might be done at home, overnight, with a domestic charger using a standard 120/240V (slow) charger, or at a dedicated fast-charging station where you might muster near-full capacity in a half hour or so. In the 4WD circle you will have seen makers like Tesla tip its hat into this ring with the stupidly absurd Cybertruck and more realistically, Rivian, with its R1T ute and R1S wagon, plus the new R2 and R3 wagons.
R I V I A N R 1 S WAG O N I S A S T Y L I S H B E V A N D D E S E R V E S H E A LT H Y SA L E S I N T H E U S
I picked these two because when it comes to charging, Tesla has mapped out the charging stations for the most-travelled routes, while Rivian has done so for the more out-of-the-way places. It helps that they are interchangeable, with plugs and sockets that can be shared … but you’ll only find them in North America! One that is a bit closer to home is the Chinese LDV eT60, a conventional ute with its diesel engine ditched for an equivalent 130kW/310Nm electric jobbie and can be charged using existing infrastructure at home or on a public charger. Sadly two things kill it. It’s a 2WD proposition only and the range is pathetic at 330km (and that’s before you turn the AC on).
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T H E L DV E T6 0 I S 2 W D O N LY A N D W I T H L I M I T E D R A N G E B U T WATC H O U T F O R THE MAXUS
LDV however has plans in 2025 to bring out something better suited to you/we 4W drivers and that is their Maxus GST. This is, in the typical Chinese fashion, another blatant rip-off of the Rivian R1T, which is good from a styling perspective because it doesn’t get so many Asian car-designerinspired ugly-pills. Like the Rivian, it is a proper 4WD, with a motor at each corner. Four times as many motors equals four times the go and it’s
T H I S I S W H AT M A X U S M A D E OV E R , THE RIVIAN R1T UTE
Thank heaven for LDV recognising that one little inconvenience and the Maxus will likely offer a range extender, where a petrol or diesel engine will supplement and extend the range maybe as far as 1,000km? And that’s a nice segway to the next category.
H E V O R H Y B R I D E LE CTR I C V E H I C LE S HEVs are what I’m tipping we’ll see most of in our automotive niche of 4WD green-touring, because it’s the best of both worlds and the only current (pardon the pun) solution for remote areas and they come in a few different forms. I flagged the Chinese are already big in HEV, with the Maxus pending and another one cloning the shape of the
M E E T T H E M A X U S A N D S L AT E D F O R AU S T R A L I A I N 2 0 2 5 . T H E R E ’ L L B E S O M E G S T O N T H AT !
whispered that 745kW will come to the believers. If they are truly trying Rivian on, it should come with a range approaching 650km, which is much more like a base range we’d expect here, but it won’t be enough, because the poles and wires don’t extend where you or I go.
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I S T H AT A D E F E N D E R ? N O. YA N GWA N G U 8
Defender and slated to come to Australia, but wearing a BYD badge (that’s Build Your Dreams) and called, wait for it, Yangwang U8. I’m trying really hard to be serious here, but the Chinese builders have got to drop their home-grown nomenclature when selling into Western markets, because frankly, they don’t survive the translation test. Lost. Hopelessly lost. Despite the burdensome name, the U8 uses a 2.0L petrol engine solely as a generator (a range extender with no power to the wheels,) because the motive power is taken care of with four 220Kw electric motors which, combined at 880kW, will honk along the U8 to a 200km/h ceiling — on the way knocking off the 0-100km/h time in 3.6 seconds.
Stellantis range. Denying us the 4Xe project though is a shame. If you haven’t heard, 4Xe is clever, using in the place of a traditional alternator, a 33kW generator (AKA electric motor), with
W R A N G L E R 4X E I S N OW A P R OV E N H Y B R I D
a 100kW buddy hiding in the bellhousing of the trans. To do the range extending is a 2.0L petrol four that’s keeping the whole lot ticking over when the poles and wires are gone.
P H E V O R P LU G - I N H Y B R I D V E H I C LE S The Jeep is an extension of the HEV and called PHEV (that’s Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The battery pack under the rear seats holds the charge. Get on the go pedal and everything spins, the generator up the front sends energy to the batteries and in turn the batteries send energy to the leccy motor in the transmission, which spins the whole lot faster and faster with the extra torque.
N E W P R A D O 2 5 0 W I L L O F F E R A H Y B R I D P OW E R T R A I N I N A TOYOTA 4W D
We’ve seen hybrid Toyotas in this country for decades and they work. It should be no surprise that the big T intend releasing the new 250 Prado and Hilux in 2025 as hybrids. That’ll be a first for them in 4WD (RAV4 and Lexus are just AWDs and don’t count). That’s a full HEV for the bush. Jeep need to re-read the tea leaves here in Australia. They missed the boat on decent sales in Oz by refusing the popular V6 diesel seen in the USA in Gladiator and Wrangler; instead, only offering that ancient Pentastar petrol V6 that’s been doing time across much of the
The outputs on 4Xe are telling. The 3.0L diesel I mentioned earlier in a Gladdie or Wrangler was worth 193kW/600Nm, whereas the hybrid is good for 280kW/637Nm. That is real-world good. I could live with that but I’d prefer a 2.0L diesel because it’d pack more torque and the fuel is readily available anywhere in Oz.
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H Y V I A O R H Y D RO G E N (H Y ) ROA D ( TH E V I A ) E LE CTR I C V E H I C LE S Old mate Luca I’m sure has had a chat with Twiggy on the next big thing and that’s hydrogen fuel cells. Most of the legacy automakers are hoping like hell that hydrogen and variants saves their collective bacon because it doesn’t mean you drop your existing game entirely. W R A N G L E R 4X E G E T S P L E N T Y O F U R G E F R O M I T S B AT T E RY PAC K
The 4Xe is popular in the USA. In the first half of 2022 Jeep sold more 4Xe than ALL of Toyota’s combined sales of RAV4 and Prius Prime (PHEV) and Lexus offerings, that’s around 20,000 units out the door compared to half that from Toyota. The Wrangler 4Xe was the biggest selling PHEV in the USA. We will see more options in Australia soon. The current Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X were designed with a battery in mind, so too the Ranger and Amarok twins and the all-new Triton and its inevitable Pajero Sport will be similarly configured, confirmation on BEV, HEV or PHEV operation will soon become clear, but bank on them being HEV. Let’s consider what Twiggy is up to.
T W I G GY I S B E T T I N G T H E H O U S E O N H Y D R O G E N B E I N G T H E SAV I O U R O F T H E I C E BRIGADE. HE MIGHT BE RIGHT
The holy grail of hydrogen is that if you can make it entirely using renewable energy, wind and solar, catalyse it via electrolysis and then compress it into a fuel cell, you have a true zero-emission vehicle, but there’s an additional plus. Luca quoted data on his flagship HYVIA project, the Renault Master, a commercial N E W- G E N T R I TO N H AS JUST BEEN REVEALED A N D I S A M OT SA F O R A HYBRID DRIVETRAIN OR M AY B E H Y D R O G E N ?
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R E N AU LT M AS T E R I S A B I G T R A D I E VA N B U T W I T H A T W I S T, H Y D R O G E N P OW E R !
van that’s getting the hydrogen/battery treatment, as having a massive advantage over anything purely battery equipped and that’s weight. Batteries have to be dense to offer the quoted range and that makes them HEAVY. To allow a Master to travel 500km, the conventional BEV battery pack would weigh 1.4T. Read that again, 1.4T, before you put any payload in it! Go down the path of the hydrogen hybrid alternative and the batteries are a much more modest 775kg! How realistic do you think this hydrogen alternative might be? If Luca says so, I reckon it is coming (Renault, remember, is part of the Alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi) and it will challenge the European mandate and get the pollies doing what Luca suggested. Leave the tech to us. Set the goals, but bugger-off on the implementation, we’ll find an energy-dense, long-range power source with zero emissions and put it in our next Triton and Navara.
N O I D LE TH R E AT You likely read in the past months that back here in Oz the local gate-keepers are getting restless and Chris Bowen, the Climate Change Minister, released on behalf of Albo’s Government, New Australian Fuel Efficiency Standards and called Euro 6D. It’s
T H I S G U Y H AS R E W R I T T E N T H E P L AY B O O K F O R S E L L I N G V E H I C L E S I N AU S T R A L I A W I T H H I S E U R O 6 D E M I S S I O N S S TA N DA R D S A N D, I N A F O OT N OT E , H AS H A D TO D O A B AC K F L I P O N 4W D S . T H E Y ’ R E N OW CAT E G O R I S E D AS COMMERCIAL VEHICLES AND EXEMPTED F R O M T H E M AJ O R PA I N O F M E E T I N G T H E N E W E M I S S I O N S TA R G E T S .
due for implementation in 2025, with a very short lead time. In New Zealand they’ve done a very similar thing and it has brought with it some pain for local importers, one of them Mazda NZ. They’ve just announced they won’t be selling their D-MAX twin, the BT-50, in that country anymore, because the volumes were small and the engine isn’t compliant. No business case. The Euro 6D adoption has put the wind up Isuzu Ute Australia too, with a cry for a delay in its implementation, less it impacts their business here in Australia. Not-so coincidentally, and hot on the heels of the Euro6D statement, came the announcement that a BEV D-MAX is coming. I’m sure Isuzu would have liked to have told the Australian
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I S UZU H AV E H A D TO R E S P O N D A N D Q U I C K LY TO T H E G OV E R N M E N T ’ S C H A L L E N G E , D R O P P I N G T H I S N U G G E T ( T H E D - M A X E V C O N C E P T ) O N TO T H E WO R L D S TAG E
market that little nugget in their own good time and not at the point of a pitchfork. Oh and the haters better be prepared, because Isuzu’s RZ4E-TC 1.9L twin-turbo diesel is going to become a lot more prominent in their range and you shouldn’t fear that, because experience has shown that milk cartons like the bi-turbo 2.0L Ranger engine can be fast. Imagine them with a battery combined! On pure scale terms, Isuzu Ute Australia punches way above its weight here, but it does so based on only two models in its
range. Deny it its favoured power-plant and the business might suddenly struggle, putting at risk the whole import/distribution and dealer/servicing/spares network and the livelihoods of all who work there. Waving that flag in Mr Bowen’s face has bought some more time as the implementation dates have been fiddled. Change is a-coming and fast folks, and with it some pretty clever technology that we should embrace. Bring on your best Yangwang I say!
F O R D R A N G E R M A K E S V E RY R A P I D P R O G R E S S W I T H I T S 2 . 0 L B I TT U R B O D I E S E L A N D, W I T H A H Y B R I D A P P L I CAT I O N , WO U L D P R OV E E X T R E M E LY C O M P E T I T I V E A M O N G S T B I G G E R D I S P L AC E M E N T E N G I N E S
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Yawuru marine and conservation parks Gala bagu warrgarnda jimbin Yawurungan buru. Warranyangany warrajala buru jayida.
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Welcome to Yawuru country. Help look after our country.
urquoise waters, sandy beaches, pindan plains, rugged red cliffs, biodiverse mudflats, extensive mangrove systems, wetlands and tidal creeks are what you'll find here. These parks protect the rich cultural heritage and incredible environment around Broome. There are four Yawuru Parks covering approximately 100,000 hectares of land and sea, including many well-known local visitor sites and much of beautiful Roebuck Bay. The marine and conservation parks are managed in an integrated way by the Yawuru Parks team at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions together with joint management partners the Yawuru Traditional Owners and the Shire of Broome. JABARRAGUN, REDDELL BEACH
PHO T OS. TOU RIS M WA
W A L M A N Y J U N , C A B L E BEACH
Help conserve and protect the Yawuru Parks to keep them beautiful for years to come. For more information and to view the visitor guide scan the QR code
MAN-GALAGUN, CRAB CREEK
THE RAW
NORTH WEST
PHOTO ESSAY I M AG ES BY JA R R O D S AW WO R D S BY TO R I W I LS O N
S H A R K B AY
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CA B L E B E AC H
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aving grown up in Dampier, photographer and videographer Jarrod Saw, (otherwise known as Sailor Jay) developed a deep connection with the North West region that never waned. Its rugged beauty and untamed wilderness shaped his love for the outdoors from a young age — now captured through the lens of his camera. From the rich, red dirt of the Pilbara, to the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef, the sheer diversity is captivating, Jarrod tells Western 4W Driver. western4wdriver.com.au | Western 4W Driver #130 |
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JAC KS C R E E K
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“Every corner holds memories of adventures past and promises of new discoveries to come. There's a unique sense when travelling through the Pilbara that, no matter what is happening throughout the world, time seems to stand still here.” For Jarrod, capturing the North West through photography is more than just snapping pictures; it’s a way of preserving moments in time and sharing the magic of the landscape with others who aren’t able to experience it for themselves. “The North West comes alive during the dry season,” says Jarrod. “In the last few years, the region has certainly seen its fair share of visitors but, with the milder temperatures this time of year, it allows you the opportunity to explore further inland and beyond the well-known destinations to find solitude and intimate experiences fully immersed in nature.”
BUNGLE BUNGLES
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E C O B E AC H S U N S E T
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T R E VO R ' S T R A D I T I O N A L TO U R S
“Additionally, winter in the North West offers prime conditions for astrophotography. With its vast expanses of uninhabited land and minimal light pollution, this "big sky country" provides the perfect backdrop for capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky.” According to Jarrod, exploring the North West or Western Australia without a 4WD is like trying to read a book with half the pages missing — you're only getting part of the story. western4wdriver.com.au | Western 4W Driver #130 |
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G A N T H E AU M E P O I N T
“From conquering rugged trails to traversing river mouths, my 4WD isn't just a vehicle — it's a gateway to adventure." “While exploring by land is undoubtedly rewarding, there's also something truly magical about seeing these landscapes from above. If there's an opportunity to take a scenic flight, I highly recommend it." western4wdriver.com.au | Western 4W Driver #130 |
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D I Y CA M P I N G S H OW E R TE NT B R AC K ET BY G R A N T & L I N DA H A N A N
After struggling to find something suitable on the market, Grant and Linda found making your own is the next best thing.
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hether we’re hitting the road for a few days or a few months, we think there’s nothing better than being able to have a hot shower after a day on the tracks. Some might call us soft, but when you’ve been recovering vehicles or hiking through bush chasing explorers’ footsteps under a hot baking sun, we welcome washing all that dust off and getting clean again. And, if we’re travelling in a group where a little privacy is the order of the day, having some sort of shower tent doesn’t go astray. In the past, we’ve used the pop-up style tent which is huge entertainment watching whoever has the job of trying to collapse this piece of origami to get it back in the bag. Sound familiar? You need to peg those things down as well, as they make a very good box kite in a bit of wind (speaking from experience)! It was time to find another solution.
LO O K I N G AT A LTE R N ATI V E S As it’s often just the two of us travelling, we wanted something that was a bit quicker to set up and pack down compared to the pop-up tent. After looking around, we found ourselves seriously considering the roof rack mounted shower tent in a zip bag. You know, the one that drops out next to your vehicle and opens to a four-sided square privacy enclosure. Although we had one of these on our camper already, we decided we’d be better off having one on our vehicle. The issue we faced was where to mount it. If it came off the 79’s roof rack, it would sit very high, and the tent would rub against the vehicle. We’d also have no access to the rear canopy door, and we’d possibly end up with flooding by the rear door and gull wing area.
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OUR IDEA Armed with our shower tent bag in hand, we stood around our vehicle and thought it would be better suited if we could mount the shower bag on the canopy’s rear. We also agreed the concept would work better if it somehow swung out and away from the vehicle’s gull wing area, and from the vehicle altogether. A quick Google search at the time didn’t return many results, except for two companies that were selling brackets for around $500. Ouch! Even then, we’d still need to modify the bracket to suit our vehicle which wasn’t ideal. Time for plan B — we decided it can’t be that hard, so let’s make it ourselves. We brainstormed some criteria and came up with the following list as to what the swing arm bracket needed to deliver:
However, as we delved further into it, we soon realised there was going to be a lot of downward fulcrum force on any hinge once we swung it open. So best to make the hinge bracket as well.
LET’ S G ET C R AC KI N G
1. Quick to open and set up 2. Sit inboard of the vehicle when stowed so it wouldn’t catch passing trees/bushes
6. Lastly, it needed to be cheaper than $500
With the design in mind, it was off to the local hardware store for some pieces of steel, bolts, and fancy over-centre catches. Back at home on the workbench, it was time to break out a few tools like the welder, grinder, and drills, and start joining some steel together. Here’s the 10 step process we followed.
LE T TH E D E S I G N B E G I N
STE P 1
Using a trusty broom handle, we began the design elements of our swing arm bracket. At the time, we thought some sort of tube on a simple hinge would do the trick.
A lower piece of steel was added to the swing bar for additional strength — it would act like a gate hinge, and we used a bolt to act as the hinge pin.
3. Quiet once stowed, i.e. no rattles on the tracks 4. Strong enough to support the shower bag and the shower tent 5. Stay open once set up, i.e. not swing in the breeze
STEP 1
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STE P 2
STE P 4
The mounting plate the swing arm would pivot through was then manufactured. Some angle iron was added to support the arm when it would be fully open. The hinge pin bolt would go through the four pieces of angle iron. The backing plate could be bolted to the existing roof rack and the lower angle plate could sit on top of the canopy roof.
With the brackets all adjusted and ready to go, it’s on with the first coat of undercoat paint.
STEP 4
STE P 5
STEP 2
This is the bracket at the opposite end where the shower swing arm will sit in when in the closed position for travelling. A couple of coats of black spray paint finishes it all off.
STE P 3 A first pass fit up is undertaken to see how it will work before making any final adjustments to the brackets and fitting up the shower tent bag. STEP 5
STE P 6 With all brackets now made, pre-drilled and painted, it’s now a matter of putting them altogether and mounting them to our vehicle.
STEP 3
STEP 6
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STE P 7
STE P 9
After tightening the last of the bolts and setting the tension on the hinge pin bolt, we’re almost done.
Note the 6mm rod bar that attaches to the swing arm and vehicle roof rack. This stops the shower bracket from moving about. A self-standing extension pole for extra support can be added if, and when, it’s needed.
STEP 7
STE P 8
STEP 9
Let’s use the swing arm bracket set up for a shower in the bush.
STE P 1 0 With the swing arm deployed and the tent dropped, all that’s left to do is jump in and have a great shower!
STEP 8
STEP 10
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For time, it did take a couple of days going back and forth making sure everything lined up and was going to work. At the same time, I enjoyed making it and have a sense of satisfaction each time we use it, knowing it’s our design and we made it ourselves. We’ve now bolted it in place on the vehicle, and it sits snuggly within the vehicle’s width and takes less than five minutes to pull out. It needs to be pegged down if it’s windy, but you’d be doing that anyway with any shower tent regardless of our DIY swing arm.
I S IT WO R TH TH E E F FO R T ? As far as this DIY project went, was it worth the time, effort, and cost? We definitely think so! For starters, we used less than $100 worth of steel, a couple of welding rods, a couple of extra hardware bolts around $4, and an over-centre catch costing $5. We already had some paint in our shed, but let’s just say that paint cost around $20. All up, that comes in at around $130 for materials.
Our design means you need to be able to weld a few pieces of metal together, but if welding’s not your forté, a visit to the hardware shop could see you making something similar simply by using some nuts, bolts and rivets. Whether we’re towing or simply just travelling in our vehicle, it doesn’t matter, as we now have a shower tent mounted on the vehicle ready to be used whenever we want. With that done and dusted, it’s time to get onto our next DIY project!
GENUINE OUTBACK HOSPITALITY YOU DESERVE IT
Plan a stay at the grand old Queen of the Murchison Guest House and soak in the history of Cue. Admire the preserved buildings, fossick for gold, photograph amazing sunsets. Owner Joyce Penny has created a fresh and homely environment for travellers and workers.
Address: 53 Austin St, Cue 6640 | T: (08) 9963 1625
E: info@queenofthemurchison.com.au | W: www.queenofthemurchison.com.au
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GUEST HOUSE
AN INSPIRATIONAL SELF-DRIVE ADVENTURE IN WA’S GOLDFIELDS Explore woodlands and the goldrush past on the Golden Quest Discovery Trail. A guidebook is available from Visitor Centres along the trail and select bookstores, with audio available to download via the website. Complementing the guidebook and audio is a free companion app that provides additional interpretive and regional information.
FREE APP!
GOLDENQUESTTRAIL .COM
RUST &
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PA R T 2
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earing the slow drip from the wet canvas of the swag, along with the soft sound of birdsong as the sun’s golden gaze warmed the surrounds, it was clear the storm had passed, cooling the landscape in its wake. Emerging from my swag, I made my way to the campfire, making a small detour to collect my camp chair that had blown into a nearby bush. I repositioned it by the campfire, before bringing the flames back to life to boil the billy for breakfast. Once fuelled up, it was time to take on the day. Walking up the track led me to a nearby rise, where I walked past a long-lost sidetipping truck and a corrugated water tank littered with .303 holes and the odd shotgun shell. Looking from the rise to the low-lying country told an interesting story … In front of me, I could see mounds of sand which littered the hillside. Among these mounds was a heavily galvanized drum labelled "Cyanide", with some red bricks scattered around. A formed trail led from the nearby tree line up to this spot, and upon closer inspection, it became evident that this was the remains of a stamp battery.
Caught in a storm while traversing the Goldfields in his Series 2 Land Rover, we pick up where Geoff Lewis left off in the Autumn Edition of Western 4W Driver on his quest for rust and relics …
These stamp batteries were once ubiquitous across the Goldfields of Australia, diligently crushing gold-bearing ore into fine sand. Water would then flow over rippled boards, carrying the crushed sand along. Due to its weight, being the same as lead, the heavy gold particles would separate from the watery sand solution and become lodged in the ledges of the rippled boards. In the 1920s and 1930s, a new method emerged, employing cyanide to dissolve the gold-containing rock. Remnants of these drums can still be discovered scattered throughout the Goldfields, silent witnesses to an era of innovation and change. Looking around the ruins I found the remains of set of square red brick footings. Within this humble chamber lay dozens of fragmented crucibles, each bearing indented lettering hinting at their origin from a longlost company in the distant United Kingdom. western4wdriver.com.au | Western 4W Driver #130 |
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These small, cone-shaped vessels were subjected to temperatures nearing ten thousand degrees Celsius. At such extreme heat, the rock housing the precious gold was essentially vaporised, leaving behind only the valuable metal. Through a straightforward calculation involving the weight of the original rock placed in the crucible and the resulting gold residue, one could determine the grade of the goldbearing rock with remarkable precision. For instance, if we take 50g as the weight of the rock initially placed in the crucible, and after the process, we're left with one gram of gold, we can perform a straightforward calculation to determine the grade. The calculation: 50g (rock put in crucible) multiplied by 100 (to convert percentage to grams) multiplied by one gram (gold remaining) divided by 100 equals 0.005g. To convert this into tonnes, we multiply by 1,000, resulting in five grams per tonne. This figure represents the minimum cut-off grade required for a stamp mill to operate efficiently. With the day getting on, it was time to start getting camp packed up and some checks conducted on the Series 2 Land Rover before continuing on. Venturing down a different track, I traced the path once taken by the old four-up, the horse-drawn dual-axle cart that served
as the flat tray of its time, transporting prospectors or syndicates and their potential ore fortune to the stamp battery. With the main track coming to an end, I pulled up at the T-junction near a faded sign erected in the middle of a large clearing, reading “Mulline, Gazetted 1897”. Once in this empty clearing stood a town, though to look at it today you wouldn’t have guessed it, with only a few scraps of iron and fragments of bottles to give insight into the town that was. This is the case for so many of the towns out here in the Goldfields, once the gold ran out, so did the town. Getting building materials out to these remote parts of the world isn’t cheap and this was the case back then, so it was cheaper and easier to use the old town to build the next one, you can see this in Kalgoorlie, as many of the buildings are built from CPB (Coolgardie Brick and Paving company) bricks, which came from the ruins of buildings from the 1898 fire which burnt down a vast portion of Coolgardie. This deconstruction and resurrecting of the old and new towns could happen at a lightning pace, with some towns only existing for just a few years. You can then imagine being in some farflung land (England or Melbourne) in 1897 (when Mulline was gazetted as a town) and receiving a letter from a friend or relative
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who is living at Mulline saying that there is gold a-plenty, come out to Australia and make your fortune! Though the letter has taken a year-long journey to reach you on a pack mule, camel, train, and ship to reach you. With it taking you a year to travel to Mulline from England or Melbourne, two years have now passed since the letter you received was written and reached the town of Mulline. You finally arrive and there is nothing there, the town is in ruins and the gold has run out. What to do? You don’t have enough money for a return ticket, can you make your way out here? This must have been such a common plight for the would-be prospector back in the day, and to explore what they would have done in this situation, the Landy and I made our way over to the eastern fringe of the Goldfields. As the gold pan was the primary tool of the era, it limited gold prospecting to the surface or just beneath it. This constraint effectively halted the gold rush and expansion of the goldfields at Laverton and Burtville. These towns marked the eastern frontier of the Goldfields region. Beyond this boundary lay the spinifex grasslands and sand dunes of the Great Victorian Desert, which concealed any surface gold deposits under layers of sand, remnants of tens of millions of years. Consequently, no significant gold deposits
were discovered beyond this eastern border until the latter half of the last century. The advent of advanced aerial and satellite technology, capable of penetrating the sandy veil to reveal the underlying bedrock, ushered in a new era of exploration and discovery. As interesting and as thrilling as it must have been to have a chance of making a quick fortune, so few really did. Turning off the highway near Laverton, my Landy and I ventured north into the back country — a territory I've come to know intimately over the years. I have worked out in these parts for years and have found some pretty remarkable places where few have had the chance to venture before. Following the ridge line north, we headed off the gibber plains and into the breakaway country. Weaving our way in between the ridges of white, yellow and dark brown rock, we crossed the deep, sandy, dried creek beds, littered and lined with white ghost gums. As daylight waned, I chose a spot to set up camp — near a large pool of water in one of the many creek beds. The colours of the breakaways started to glow as the sun set on another day. Though miles from anywhere, it’s amazing how much there is to see and be found out here.
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R E F L E C T I N G O N T H E VA LU E OF GRANITE ROCK HOLES
DIGGING OUT THE D RY R O C K H O L E MINE SHAFT
CREEK LINE
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G R A N I T E O U TC R O P S P L AY E D A N I M P O R TA N T R O L E I N S O U R C I N G WAT E R
Early the next morning, heading over to an area called the granite, it’s easy to gain insight into just how vital a source of water was back in the early days of prospecting. It’s a concern I have myself while out bush. These granites played such an important role in the settlement of this area and could also be seen at another outcrop, where I was able to find water in the middle of summer. I dug down through the dry dust, into the soil, then damp earth, and finally mud, until water gushed forth. It flowed in, filling the rock hole to a quarter of its depth. The water
quality was mediocre, but the discovery was astonishing nonetheless. Standing on the edge of the rock hole, covered in mud, I looked around. About a kilometre away lay the ruins of an old windmill, with a well beside it, half-filled with water. I’ve come to realise that many windmills, though not all, are often found near or in association with granite outcrops. It was these natural reservoirs that allowed sheep and cattle stations to form in the area, providing another form of employment and a distinct way of life.
LO O K I N G F O R S P E A R H E A D S A N D S TO N E TO O L S N E A R T H E C R E E K L I N E
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S TO N E TO O L S OLD SHEARING EQUIPMENT
Meanwhile food was something else to consider. Some distance from a creek line leading to a soak, quartz fashioned into spearheads and cutting blades can be found littering the ground. Likely they were used for hunting the odd group of emu or kangaroo. The outcrop of boulders along
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the creek line would have provided cover for hunters ready to ambush the animals heading to a soak up stream. However, by the mid-1970s, many of the large stations in this region had folded due to declining wool and cattle prices, leaving windmills, shearing sheds, and the stations themselves to surrender to the encroaching wilderness. Now, only a few relics and some rust remain as the only sign of another time.
S H E E P YA R D S WO O L R AC K
For us, the Series 2 and myself, we would spend another day looking at some of the old prospecting methods, finding some of the lost wells and trying to find out a little bit more of what life was like in those early days. It's truly inspiring to envision how the explorers of old got by. Scan to watch the adventure unfold
S U N S E T T I N G O N T H E E N D O F A N A DV E N T U R E
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FI N DI NG TH E FIT PRODUCT R E VI EW: ALU - CAB CANO PY CAM PE R BY JA N E & M I C H A E L P E LU S E Y
Tired of climbing up and down a rooftop tent ladder? Or towing that cumbersome camper trailer? 4WD journalists Jane and Michael Pelusey put the Alu-Cab Canopy Camper to the test across an 18-month period and here’s what they have to say about the results.
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efore Covid 19, our touring rig in WA was a Toyota Prado towing a Jayco Expanda. During Covid, we sold the lot and while others were upgrading to big vans, we downsized to a 4WD with a rooftop tent. A few years earlier we test drove a South African made Alu-Cab rooftop tent on our Prado and explored around WA’s Gascoyne region. We loved the 30-second set-up, the ability to sleep comfortably way above the ground and not towing. On the downside, climbing up and down the outside ladder at night was anything but fun. With exception of hunkering down in the rooftop tent or sheltering in the car, there was no effective escape from the elements.
So, with that in mind, we wanted to find a rig that fulfilled three areas. 1. No towing. 2. No outside ladder into the rooftop tent. 3. Inside space to get out of the elements. Our research came up with a reasonably new solution and it was the Alu-Cab Canopy Camper. A couple years ago we checked out an Alu-Cab Canopy Camper at Ironman 4x4 (Canning Vale) and bit the bullet. We settled on the 2022 Navara NP300 as the base vehicle from Bunbury Nissan. Supply chain issues common at the time meant delays. Eventually our rig, with a custom fit kit to suit the Nissan tub, arrived from South Africa. Ironman 4x4, the official Australian distributor of Alu-Cab products, took three days to set it up. With great excitement, we took off for Dwellingup Caravan Park to learn the ropes.
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Since our first outing 18 months ago, we have travelled throughout WA, mostly off the grid. In that time, we have sorted out how things work for us. It soon became apparent that getting in and out of bed is much easier when not using an outside five-rung ladder, especially at night when half asleep. Once inside the cabin, we lower the hydraulic bed which is about chest height. A sturdy plastic crate in the right spot enabled us to get up and down from the rooftop tent, under cover, with just one step. The crate also doubles as a seat with a cushion. The Alu-Cab canopy for us is the perfect set-up for keeping out of the elements. One time in Dwellingup, we spent a wet night listening to the pouring rain. Under a doona, snug and dry, we drifted off to the sound of raindrops pattering.
So, what else do we like about our Alu-Cab Canopy Camper? Firstly, the build quality is of an exceptionally high standard. The solid gun metal grey aluminium canopy attaches snuggly on top of the tub.
RO O F TO P TE NT It has a solid roof, a huge advantage over cheaper versions out there. An awning fits firmly allowing ventilation when raining, while light weight tension bars keep the awning firm to minimise flapping in strong winds. The bed always stays madeup, an excellent time saver when setting up camp. The flip up bed in the tent allows for plenty of standing room.
Something that we didn’t expect when camping at Cliff Head on Indian Ocean Drive, was millions of very thirsty bees. It is moments like that we are grateful for the insect proof screens when the cabin hatches are open for airflow.
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While in bed, easily reachable canvas pockets riveted to the roof provide perfect storage for books and phones etc. Either side of the bed are two USB charging ports that run off the car battery. Reading lights fold away, and ample adjustable LED lighting complete the package.
LI V I N G S PAC E Inside, there is ample living space for two of us despite the tight confines when compared with a caravan or camper trailer. A plastic, narrow profile 50-litre water tank is mounted inside and out of the way. It has a very handy tap outside next to the door. Riveted canvas pockets are well placed throughout the interior. Personally, we’ve opted for an Ironman fridge/freezer, which we store just below the water tank, centrally located over the rear axle. The fridge also acts as a handy bench with a cushion. The door opens and shuts under the tension of a gas strut and is kept shut when inside by two latches. We really like two big flip-up aluminium
window hatches on either side of the canopy living area. The hatches are key lockable. When open, the hatches provide great outside viewing, natural light and airflow. We purchased two Alu-Cab custom-fitted Mozzie/Midge Nets to keep all those bugs out. A free-standing batwing awning provides shade and outside rain protection. The awing is so easy to set up and pack away.
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DRIVING When driving, we hardly notice the AluCab Canopy Camper (250kg fully kitted weight) on the back of our Nissan Navara. The low-profile rooftop tent provided little wind resistance. As a result, we achieve a respectable fuel economy of around eight to 11 litres per 100km.
CONS It goes without saying that there’s no such thing as the perfect rig. Having said that, all our little gripes are well, little and easily remedied. The Alu-Cab set-up is a little on the pricey
side when compared with some of the cheaper brands out there. But for us, the high quality of the product and how it suits our lifestyle is money well spent. On our first sleep-out, we found the mattress a little firm. That was easily fixed by placing a foam ripple mattress on top. If you have extra thick bedding up top, just be aware that closing the rooftop tent with force could bend the latches. One thing we found out was the rear door gas strut is not designed for hanging onto when climbing out. It broke, leaving the door to flap around. An ockie strap now holds it open.
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The camper with the vehicle is one cool looking rig and turns a few heads. For our purposes of getting off the beaten track without dragging a caravan, the Alu-Cab Canopy Camper on the back of a Nissan Navara is a big winner in our books. For further information and where local distributers are located, check out the website: alu-cab.com.au
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BEYOND THE BORDER The Birdsville Track is one of the most iconic outback tracks in Australia. Regular adventurers, Grant and Linda, share what you need to know before you go. BY G R A N T & L I N DA H A N A N
ADD
B I R DSV I LLE TO TH E BUC KET LI ST
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sk an outback traveller to name some iconic Australian tracks, and you’ll probably find the Birdsville Track towards the top of that list. Many might say its claim to fame is because the track’s start, finish and mid points are coincidentally where you’ll find three of the most iconic outback pubs in the country. In reality, there’s so much more to the track than pubs when it’s full of history and passes through three of the five fabulous Australian deserts.
TR AC K I N FO The Birdsville Track, extending roughly 520km, connects Maree in the northern part of South Australia to Birdsville, across
the border into Queensland. This track is not just a route but a journey through one of Australia’s remarkable natural settings, intersecting both the ancient Great Artesian Basin and the Lake Eyre Basin. For the history-buffs, you’ll find plenty to keep you satiated, with ample stories held within the landscape along the way. With its origins dating back to surveys conducted in the 1850s, nearly 170 years ago, the track has a rich history, originally charting a course along Aboriginal trading paths. Prospectors soon arrived hoping to find their fortune, with settlers following a decade later with cattle and sheep. As they pushed further inland, it was no easy feat trying to manoeuvre horses and bullock
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teams through the sand dune and stony desert region. By the mid 1860s, more than 100 camels, ridden by Muslim drivers, arrived in the district. In those early days, the track was known as the Queensland Road, and essentially was a supply route for getting cattle, sheep and wool to southern markets. Things didn’t always go to plan, with infrequent rain causing issues for stock that relied on the waterholes along the track. After pastoralists rallied the South Australian Government for assistance, bores were sunk during the early 1900s. Around this time, the track was re-aligned to take a more direct route from Marree to Birdsville. Camels and bullock teams were used up until the 1930s before trucks took over putting an end to that era. At that time, areas of the track needed to be diverted to avoid areas of flood for the trucks. Other major obstacles like the Naterannie and Ooroowillanie sand dunes were soon flattened and made driving conditions much more tolerable. Today, there’s still more than half a dozen stations between Marree and Birdsville,
plus the Mungerannie Hotel in the middle. Marree was originally known as Hergott Springs and laid out in 1883. Interestingly enough, the artesian springs aren’t located in Marree itself and can be found a kilometre out of town. As far as the Birdsville Track goes, Marree was designated as the base for the track in 1884. This is about the time when the railway began to operate. That railway continued in operation for almost 100 years before the last train ran north to Alice Springs in 1981. The town then took a big hit and quickly fell into decline. You’ll find Birdsville at the other end of the track situated in Queensland’s channel country. Although taking a quick look on a map, and it will show the town sits on the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert as well. The area formed part of an Aboriginal trade route, with Charles Sturt the first European to lead an expedition to the area during the 1840s. More than a decade later, the infamous Burke & Wills expedition camped in the region in 1860 on their return from the gulf. Prior to 1885, Birdsville was known as Diamantina Crossing. The town was
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initially set up as a supply depot, but also as a customs point for stock and supplies that entered the South Australian colony. Australia’s Federation in 1901 saw the town fall into decline after tolls to move stock and supplies at colony borders were abolished. The track is much more comfortable for travellers today and less challenging than all those years ago. However, the area is still very remote to say the least. More details about track conditions are covered in the Information Bay section.
AT TR ACTI O N S There’s certainly no shortage of attractions if you can take your time when travelling Birdsville Track. At the southern end, the small town of Marree has a European, Aboriginal and Muslim cameleer heritage. So, it’s a bit of a melting pot of nationalities and cultures. The town’s major attraction is probably the substantial two-storied Marree Hotel that’s been welcoming travellers for more than 140 years. Once called the Great Northern Hotel, today it serves some top pub meals to have with a coldie.
Around town, there’s a range of interesting historical relics on display. Pick up a walking tour brochure from the pub and allow some time for a wander. You’ve probably heard the name Tom Kruse, but we’re not talking about the film star here. Though, this particular Tom was a real local legend in the region. If you’re unfamiliar with this Tom Kruse, he was also known as the Birdsville Mailman. Tom took on the contract to carry the mail in his Leyland Badger truck on the Birdsville Track between 1947 and 1963. That was no easy feat when each trip generally took Tom around two weeks back then. But the elements had a lot to contribute as to whether that timing was met or not. Between truck breakdowns and getting bogged in sand dunes, flooding creeks and rivers, Tom definitely had his work cut out. To make matters worse, Tom didn’t know how to swim and had a couple of close calls. There’s a fabulous museum in one of the Marree Hotel’s dining rooms to commemorate Tom’s work, and his restored truck is on display at the National Motor Museum at Birdwood in SA.
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Leaving Marree and heading north along the track, Lake Harry is just over 30km from Marree. When you take a look around at the surrounding landscape, it’s hard to believe the area was once planted with 2,500 date palms. Although it didn’t take long for things to go pear-shaped when someone realised the palms needed bees to pollinate the date blossoms. That might sound easy, but bees can’t survive in desert conditions. Just imagine being the person whose job it was to hand pollinate every blossom! Needless to say, the project flopped. The homestead ruins are pretty much all that remains today plus a few bits and pieces of machinery scattered around the place. We found no sign of any of the palms surviving. The dog fence is 15km further on and this section is a small part of the 5,300km of fence which runs through SA, Queensland and NSW. Other points of interest include Clayton Station, which was once part of the Kidman empire. Sir Sidney also owned properties further north along the track and used Clayton Station to rest his cattle on their way south. The station has access to artesian bores located in the Tirari Desert plus flood country (Clayton River). Clayton Station’s offerings are also unique, as they have an artesian style hot tub for visitors to use along the track. Take it from us, it’s a oneoff experience along the track that’s a real highlight.
Dulkaninna Station is further along the track and you can’t miss their postcard-perfect wetlands. The artesian bore that flows creates an incredible artificial wetland that provides permanent habitats for many bird species. It’s one of the things we didn’t expect to see along the track and came as quite a surprise. Etadunna (prounced Etha dinna) Station is a working station, but also a place where you can venture off the main track to the ruins of the Lutheran Bethesda
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Mission that sat alongside Lake Killalpaninna more than 150 years ago. It wasn’t a small affair by any stretch of the imagination. Pastor Hermann Vogelsang was a missionary who spent nearly 50 years in the area alongside the local Dieri Aboriginal people. At its peak in the early 1880s, the mission had more than 20 mud brick style buildings. Besides having a range of staff housing, school, a missionary house, kitchen, dormitories, smithy and tack shed, it was the church building that was the mission’s highlight. With an impressive 13 metre tower, the Pastor replicated a bit of his European past in a very arid region. The mission later ran sheep and cattle to help it survive, but drought and wild dogs eventually took their toll and the mission closed by 1920. The mud brick buildings haven’t survived although you can still make out a few building foundations. The mission site does include a small cemetery where Vogelsang and a few others are buried.
Etadunna, the iconic Cooper Creek crosses the track. A punt that used to ferry supplies and mail across the creek when it flooded in 1949 can be found here plus a memorial to those challenging times.
When you travel the Birdsville Track, it’s not short of stone cairns that were put in by South Australian surveyors back in the 1850s. Most of these are found along the southern end of the track as far as Etadunna Station. They have various names given to them and a good topo map will show where they’re located. Travelling north of
Other track landmarks include the ruins of Mulka Station where graves of two young children can be found. Back in the day, there was a store located here that flourished on the patronage of the numerous drovers who frequented the track. The station also become a sort of a bush hostel for a while catering for prominent names like the Rev.
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John Flynn, Cecil Madigan and Alf Traeger. Rainfall in the region is unreliable at the best of times, but it was the drought of 1934 that was touted as being the worst drought for over half a century. Up the road, you could easily be thinking the Mungerannie Hotel is perfectly located when it’s about halfway along the track. So it’s an ideal spot to take a break, have a drink and a pub meal. There’s a range of old relics to check out at the front of the pub, plus a cemetery out the back.
The Walkers Crossing track also runs off the Birdsville Track that heads into the Strzelecki Desert and Innamincka Regional Reserve. This track passes through Gidgealpa Station where there’s plenty of oil and gas activity around the place. It pays to have a good map handy as tracks go in all directions here that sometimes makes it near impossible to navigate. Back on the Birdsville Track and after crossing the border into Queensland,
Before crossing the SA/QLD border, there’s a couple of prominent tracks that turn off the main Birdsville Track. One of these is the Warburton Track junction that turns off to the west. This track takes you to the Simpson Desert along what’s referred to as a PAR (public access route). There’s a number of these types of routes found in South Australia that pass through private property and can be used for transit only.
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it’s less than 20km to reach the town of Birdsville. While many people make a beeline for the iconic Birdsville pub to finish their Birdsville Track adventure, it’s fair to say there’s plenty to see around the region as well. Whether you head out to the Big Red sand dune or Poeppel’s Corner, drop a line in the Diamantina River, or grab a Camel pie from the bakery, you could easily fill up a few days just here.
F LO R A & FAU N A When the landscape is so diverse along the Birdsville Track’s 500-plus kilometres, naturally a varied assortment of flora and fauna comes with it. The stony gibber country is home to birds like crimson and orange chats that can be found in flocks around bluebush and saltbush. We found birds of prey like wedge-tailed eagles were a standout for our visit, and saw the brown falcon and Australian kestrel at a distance. Dotterels and bronzewing pigeons were also common varieties, plus the usual bush dwellers like galahs and corellas that we
spotted by water. Lucky track visitors may also get to see the carnivorous Ampurta. It’s a marsupial about the size of a guinea pig which comes out at night to feed. Although unless you’re driving at night, you won’t find these during the day as they typically hide in burrows. Desert rainfall varies from year to year, but we found spectacular wildflowers in bloom roadside and around sand dune areas. Pockets of the hardy Dead Finish or prickly wattle bush could also be found along the track as well. These scraggly shrubs are known to provide refuge for small nesting birds like Zebra finches.
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CA M P I N G There’s lots of choice for places to overnight-it while you’re travelling along the Birdsville Track. Marree has a couple of camping options including at the pub itself. For a few bucks you can set up camp with shower and toilets located close by. Along the track, there’s a few designated style camping options including one at Clayton Station. The station offers camping and has shower and toilet amenities, plus that hot bush style bath previously mentioned. You’ll be thanking your lucky stars if you arrive and have that bath all to yourself. It’s a ripper! You can also bush camp at the Etadunna mission site. Camping is included as part of the mission fee with toilet facilities provided. Other places include Dulkaninna Station that has shower/toilets plus a camp kitchen. Mungerannie pub is another top spot for camping and has showers/toilets available as well. Other than these, there’s plenty of places to simply pull off the track for a night. A designated campground is available at Cooper Creek that has a toilet and water. Although finding firewood isn’t always easy, so it would pay to carry some with you.
A D D ITI O N A L I N FO As iconic as the Birdsville Track is, it’s still isolated. While travelling the track during our most recent visit, we came across a solo traveller who had some tyre problems. But instead of waiting with his vehicle which is normal outback code, we found him walking
along the track to get help which was 50km up the road! His is one story that had the potential to end completely differently. For starters, he carried little water while walking and wore no hat. Far from ideal. It wasn’t summer, but the April morning temperature had already gone above 30-degrees when we came across him. We got him a new tyre at Mungerannie which he fitted, but we managed to persuade him to turn back to Marree. He simply wasn’t prepared for the track, nor was his vehicle. So, you can’t be complacent. There was much more to this guy’s story, but we hope you get the picture. He was definitely lucky on this occasion. While it might sound a bit dramatic, he could easily have been another outback track statistic.
PA R TI N G WO R D S Travelling the Birdsville Track is a memorable historical reminder of nearly 100 years of sheep and cattle droving between Birdsville and Marree. As far as outback adventures go, it’s up there with the best. We reckon the Birdsville Track is the complete package … it’s the journey, the destination, and the experience all rolled into one. With everything it delivers, tracks surely don’t get much better.
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I N FO R M ATI O N BAY LO CATI O N The Birdsville Track runs between Marree in South Australia and Birdsville in Queensland. It’s approximately 520km in length.
D I FFI C U LT Y Medium – The track is still one of the more remote tracks in Australia and conditions vary. You’ll experience patches of stony gibber sections plus soft sand and the occasional rut that you need to be aware of. As conditions can change quickly, watch your speed. As with any remote touring, be self-sufficient and carry extra food, water, fuel and comms. Mobile service along the track is almost non-existent.
FU E L & S U P P LI ES Both fuel and some supplies are available at either end of the track at Marree and Birdsville. Fuel is also available at the Mungerannie Hotel (205km from Marree and 315km from Birdsville).
W H E N TO TR AV E L Outback roads can easily be affected by weather conditions; the Birdsville Track included. Road closures after rain events aren’t uncommon, so check www.dpti. sa.gov.au for updates. The best time to travel the track is during the cooler months. Outside of these times is when daytime temperatures can be scorchers.
M O R E I N FO : Marree Hotel: marreehotel.com.au Mungerannie Hotel: mungeranniehotel.com.au Birdsville Hotel: birdsvillehotel.com.au Clayton Station: outbacklakessa.com.au/clayton-station Bethesda Mission Site: environment.sa.gov.au Dulkaninna Station: dulkaninnastation.com.au/tourism western4wdriver.com.au | Western 4W Driver #130 |
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P RO D U CT R E V I E W w i t h M I C H A E L (S P I K E ) C O L L I N S
COOL CATC H AR MACOOL IC E FI S H I NG S H I RT
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Sick of sweating while out in the elements? Spike puts his new fishing shirt by a Perth-based brand to the test, reeling in a winner.
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aving recently embarked on a cruise through the Kimberley, I thought it a good chance to test out a new piece of protective clothing — the ‘ArmaCool Ice’ Fishing Shirt. My curiosity began at this year’s Perth Caravan and Camping Show when I met the great guys from ArmaCool, newcomers to the show! They were incredibly excited about exhibiting for the first time. I particularly enjoyed their passion about the innovation behind the materials development. I took the time after the show and visited their headquarters in Bibra Lake to learn about the innovative material crafted by a couple of Fremantle lads — Lammy and Steve. After 10 years of research at Curtin University, they landed on the optimum material for weathering the elements. ArmaCool fabrics are the world’s coolest, most advanced fabrics as validated by independent testing from the Hohenstein Institute in Germany. This ensures their sports apparel offers superior cooling, wicking, and drying performance without any chemical additives. Originally designed for school uniforms, this fabric proved its mettle in much more rugged conditions. So, I decided to take a shirt with me on my travels through the Kimberley. A rudimentary comparison test — first day in the tender pulling in a feed of Mangrove Jack, I decided to wear a branded fishing shirt I already had in the drawer at home. Well, it did its job and protected me from the relentless Kimberley sun. The branded shirt was comfortable enough for a day filled with fishing, although I ended up quite sweaty … as you can imagine.
The comparative test came the following day when I switched to the ArmaCool shirt under identical conditions. Remarkably, despite the same blistering heat and activity, the shirt actually kept me so much cooler and dramatically reduced how much I sweated compared to the previous day. I continued to wear the ArmaCool shirt over several more days, it consistently offered superior comfort and cooling effects compared to the branded fishing shirt I already owned. Both shirts were subjected to simple washes in my cabin's ensuite and held up well, but the ArmaCool's performance in keeping me cool was unmatched. This shirt has proven itself to be more than just another piece of fishing clothing; it's a game-changer for anyone who spends time outdoors. After one trip to the Kimberley, I am hooked, pardon the pun, the ArmaCool fishing shirt is a winner!
S PEC IAL O FFE R ArmaCool is offering a whopping
20% O F F
their fishing apparel range to Western 4W Driver subscribers from 1 June to 15 July 2024. Use the code ArmaCool20 at checkout to activate the promotion. Visit bestfishingshirts.com.au
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PRODUCT R E VI EW: M O R R FL ATE ’ S TE N S IX PS I PRO CO M PR E SSO R AN D QUAD 4 -T YR E HOS E KIT
PU M P IT U P BY M AT T PAY N E
THE TEN SIX PSI PRO AND M O R R F L AT E 4 -WAY K I T I N AC T I O N
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Is it all hype? Matt Payne puts MORRFlate’s new TenSix PSI Pro compressor and Quad 4-tyre Hose Kit to the test, comparing against industry favourites to find whether they live up to the buzz.
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yre pressures are arguably the most important part of 4W driving, yet I think it’s safe to say that airing up and down certainly isn’t the highlight of any 4W driver’s trip. Especially while touring where the constant back and forth between sand, dirt and blacktop can demand very different tyre pressures for optimal performance. As a result, many 4WD enthusiasts will choose speed as a major factor when looking to purchase tyre deflation and inflation equipment. For years now I have looked into and tried most types of tyre deflators on the market, with my favourite by far being the ARB E-Z Deflator style, which completely removes the tyre valve core, allowing for both rapid tyre deflation, as well as the flexibility to quickly adjust tyres to the specific pressures you need for the terrain at hand. Compressorwise, I’m a big fan of the portable ARB Twin Compressor unit, which allows me to quickly air up the 33s on my GU after a day on the tracks. Recently, I have noticed a lot of buzz on social media surrounding two new products to the Australian market, the MORRFlate Quad – 4 Tyre Hose Kit (inflator/deflator) and the MORRFlate TenSix PSI Pro 12V portable air compressor. Now, 2- and 4-way inflation/deflation tools are by no means new to the market, but I had stayed away from them in recent years as I simply couldn’t see the extra benefits offered when you factor in the additional set-up and packdown times. What really perked my interest this time around though, was the ridiculously quick inflation times claimed by MORRFlate using the TenSix PSI Pro compressor coupled with the 4-way inflation system. So, I decided
to bite the bullet and placed an order for the MORRFlate combo so I could give it a thorough test against my tried and tested ARB favourites. Upon unboxing, the TenSix PSI Pro looks very similar in shape to the Adventure Kings Thumper Max Dual Air Compressor MKII, but that’s about where the similarities end. The unit looks very well made, featuring braided, stainless steel hose running from the compressor output to an anodised aluminium quick disconnect, plus upgraded aluminium heat sinks on the compressor heads for effective heat dissipation. As compressors do tend to get hot while working hard, the unit also comes with a nice pair of gloves for handling during pack down into the padded storage bag; the bag however, could do with a chunkier zip; time will tell, but I have a feeling the one supplied will not like sand granules. The biggest feature on the TenSix though, is that unlike any other compressor currently in the Australian market, the unit has a programmable display in the centre, where you simply input the desired tyre pressure that you want and then press go; the compressor then does everything else for you, same as the commercial inflators in use at most modern service stations. The TenSix has an 80% duty cycle, not the 100% of an ARB Twin, but still more than enough to air up at least two vehicles worth of 35s without breaking a sweat. One absence I did notice was the lack of an in-line fuse on the positive wire, so if you wanted to hard mount the unit, you would need to run it through suitably sized breaker (100A should do based on the 90A peak draw claimed).
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The compressor flows a massive 6.5 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM) at 30 PSI, 28% more than the ARB Twin’s output at 4.68 CFM. There is one catch though, the TenSix really needs to be coupled with the MORRFlate Quad – 4 Tyre Hose Kit to achieve maximum performance, in fact, MORRFlate actually advise that trying to air up one tyre at a time may cause damage to the TenSix due to the back pressure created by doing this. T H E M O R R F L AT E 4 -WAY I N F L ATO R / D E F L ATO R I S A H I G H Q UA L I T Y U N I T T H AT I S B E S T A N C H O R E D TO T H E F R O N T O U R YO U R V E H I C L E P R I O R TO U N R O L L I N G T H E H O S E S
In a nutshell, the theory behind the benefits of four-way system coupled with a high output compressor is that most modern tyres use a valve called a Schrader. This is the valve that you push down on to release air from your tyre and it creates a bottleneck between your compressor and the tyre when it comes to flowing air into it. Schrader valves will generally allow around 2 CFM of air through without the use of additional air tanks, so regardless of whether your compressor can output 2 CFM or 4 CFM, in theory only 2 CFM is going in if you are airing up one tyre at a time, the additional air flow being pushed out becomes back pressure in the line. Enter MORRFlate Quad – 4 Tyre Hose Kit inflation/ deflation system. By latching on to all four tyres, the available CFM into the tyres becomes 8 CFM, so you utilise the entire potential of the compressor, with no back pressure. You can still easily run different front and rear pressures too, you simply bring all four tyres up to the lowest desired pressure, then THE TEN SIX PSI PRO COMPRESSOR IS W E L L- M A D E , H AS A R E L AT I V E LY C O M PAC T F O OT P R I N T, A N D A L LOW S YO U TO S E T YO U R D E S I R E D I N F L AT I O N P R E S S U R E S B E F O R E WA L K I N G AWAY TO L E T T H E COMPRESSOR DO THE REST
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disconnect the two front tyres, input the pressure you want for the rear and press go. So, in theory, this system sounds amazing right? But, how did it go in practice? Here is how I tested the gear. For tyre deflation I compared total deflation time using the MORRFlate Quad – 4 Tyre Hose Kit to the ARB E-Z Deflator and for tyre inflation I compared the TenSix PSI Pro to the portable ARB Twin Compressor (with built-in air tank), both using the same four-way kit. The figures below represent the average time of two, back-to-back runs, on 33x12.5xR17 tyres. Starting pressure as 40 PSI for deflation and 15 PSI for inflation. I also measured cylinder head temperature at the end of each run (average of the two heads) using a digital infrared thermometer and noise in decibels at ~0.5m from the compressor using the Decibel X iPhone app. I did two runs with the portable ARB Twin unit airing up one tyre at a time, for a real-world comparison of how most people would use the ARB Twin unit, although these runs were not back-to-back.
D E FL ATI O N TE ST The MORRFlate Quad – 4 Tyre Hose Kit comes in a really nice, generously sized carry bag, and I was surprised how easy the system was to set up. I had been worried that the amount of hoses involved would easily get tangled, but once I worked out to anchor the gauge to the front of my 4WD by looping each side hose to the aerial tabs on my bull bar, it was easy. The quick disconnect valves on the hoses are very high quality and simple to use, you simply push them onto the tyre valve until you hear no air releasing, then slide the chuck up to lock it on. I really liked these compared to the typical clamp on style valves which usually leak air to some extent unless you stay at the tyre holding it in place. Once all four hoses were on, airing down was simply a matter of turning the digital display on and sliding the chuck on the
T H E Q U I C K D I S C O N N E C T VA LV E S O N T H E M O R R F L AT E SYS T E M A R E S I M P L E TO U S E A N D WO R K R E A L LY W E L L W I T H N O A I R L E A KS O N C E P R O P E R LY L ATC H E D
deflator up to initiate airing down. I was surprised at how fast the system dropped air from the tyres, especially initially, but this did slow as the tyre pressures lowered — it was also nice to angle the deflator towards my face to cool down during the WA heat while doing this! Similar to the E-Z Deflator, you periodically close the air flow off with the sliding chuck to check the pressure. Actual deflation time from 40 PSI to 15 PSI here was two min 15 sec, but factoring in set-up and pack-up, it took me seven minutes six seconds, with the MORRFlate Quad – 4 Tyre Hose Kit. This was just over one minute slower than my ARB E-Z Deflator, but, I’m not going to lie, the MORRFlate system was much nicer to use, meaning that I didn’t have to kneel down next to each tyre for the whole process.
I N FL ATI O N TE ST As you would expect, both compressors were simple to set up with large alligator clips clamping onto the battery. Then it was a case of simply hooking them up to the four-way inflation system, opening up the sliding chuck and turning the compressors on.
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The TenSix PSI Pro got my 33s from 15-40 PSI 36% faster than the ARB Twin and the pressure accuracy was within one to two PSI of the values registering on my tyre pressure management system. I was also very surprised that the head temps were comparable between the two units after both runs, as I had expected the ARB to come up the winner in this department. The MORRFlate was also the quieter of the two units, by ~8 dB. Total inflation times, including set-up and pack-up of the four-way hose kit were 10 minutes 32 seconds, for the TenSix and 13 minutes 24 seconds for the ARB Twin. So, the TenSix is the clear winner right? Short answer, when comparing apples to apples with the four-way hose kit, yes. However, I then timed two runs (not backto-back) airing up with the ARB Twin one tyre at a time, as most people would do using this unit. I was incredibly surprised to see that the actual inflation time was only marginally slower than when using the fourway hose kit, and total inflation time was 10 minutes 37 seconds. This means that the
TenSix combined with the four-way hose kit is comparable to the ARB Twin one tyre at a time. However, speed isn’t everything. The TenSix is a much nicer unit to use in general. The ability to input the tyre pressure you want and then walk away is a game changer for me. It meant not having to kneel down next to each tyre in the dirt and on those sweltering hot summer days you can just sit in the air con while the compressor does everything for you. The TenSix also has a smaller physical footprint, which I really like, freeing up more space in the back of the 4WD. It also comes in substantially cheaper than the ARB Twin, at $824 with the four-way hose kit. I guess the only test that remains now for the TenSix is one of reliability with continual use, but to date it’s worked without issues, and based on the number of units in use across the US, I’m not really expecting to have any. For further information on the MORRFlate Quad – 4 Tyre Hose Kit inflation/deflation kit and Ten Six PSI Pro compressor head to essential4x4.com.au
DEFLATION
(values are the average of two replicates; starting tyre pressure = 40 PSI, 33 x 12.5 x R17 tyres) Set up
Deflation time
Pack up
Total deflation time
MORRflate
1 min, 40 sec
3 min, 11 sec
2 min, 15 sec
7 min, 6 sec
ARB
N/A
N/A
N/A
5 min, 47 sec
4-TYRE INFLATION (values are the average of two replicates; starting tyre pressure = 15 PSI, 33 x 12.5 x R17 tyres) Set up (of Inflation compressor) time
Total inflation Pack up (of time (incl. 4-way compressor) set-up/pack-up)
Head temp run 1
Head temp run 2
82.3°C 86.3dB
MORRflate
39 sec
5 min
58 sec
10 min, 32 sec
72°C
ARB
34 sec
7 min, 50 sec
1 min, 5 sec
13 min, 24 sec
69.35°C 86°C
Noise
93.4dB
SINGLE TYRE INFLATION
(values are the average of two replicates; starting tyre pressure = 15 PSI, 33 x 12.5 x R17 tyres) ARB
Set up
Inflation time
Pack up
Total inflation time
1 min, 3 sec
8 min, 10 sec
1 min, 24 sec
10 min, 37 sec
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P RO D U CT R E V I E W w i t h M I C H A E L (S P I K E ) C O L L I N S
S E AL O F APPROVAL?
CAN DO! OFF TR AC K WI N E S
The wine choice for the road, Off Track Wines have produced a practical and convenient solution for taking wine on your next trip.
D
uring my recent trip through the stunning Kimberley region, I had the pleasure of sampling a selection of Off Track Wines, and I must say, they were impressive. This review is firmly aimed at anyone over the age of 18! Coming from a hotel background, I was a bit dubious at first — wine in a can? Yeah, nah! However, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. I will admit it took a while to come to terms with the product coming out of a can.
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These wines are not just about taste but also about convenience and versatility, making them perfect for various occasions, whether you're camping, caravanning, boating, picnicking, or on a cruise. Off Track Wines, a South Australian company I met at the recent Perth Caravan and Camping Show, offers a range of varietals that cater to diverse palates. Whether you're a fan of robust reds, crisp whites, or refreshing rosés, there's something in their line-up for everyone. I particularly enjoyed their Sparkling White Wine, "The River is Calling," which I sipped (in a polycarbonate flute) while watching the sunset over the King George River! The quality of the wine is evident with each sip, showcasing wellbalanced flavours and an impressive depth that rivals more traditional bottled wines.
What sets Off Track Wines apart is their practical packaging. Designed for easy storage in an Engel or whatever you use to keep your drinks cold, these wines are incredibly travel-friendly. On my recent trip, this feature was particularly appreciated. The compact and lightweight design meant we could enjoy excellent wine without worrying about fragile bottles taking up precious space or breaking. I can easily see these being a permanent staple on the boat and when camping. Overall, Off Track Wines is a bloody ripper of a product. Their commitment to quality, convenience, and versatility makes them an excellent choice for any wine lover looking to enjoy a great drink (responsibly) while in the great outdoors. Off Track Wines are definitely worthy of a try.
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BUSH MECHANICS with G EOFF LEWI S
FL AT BATTE RY OR POOR CON N ECTION? The subject of the humble flat battery is a topic that I have covered in the past, though, it is such a critical and unfortunate situation to find yourself in, it deserves a second round of simple tricks to ease the pain.
W
e now live in a world with jump packs small enough to store in your glove box. Even with this convenience and a smartphone that can function without signal — as covered by my good friend John Collins in a previous edition of this magazine — you can still be caught out. Though, if it’s a perceived failed battery that’s got you down, you may not even need to get the jump pack out — the solution might be even simpler than you think.
silence of the surrounding bush interrupted by the click, click, click from the solenoid (breaker switch) of the starter motor.
Having sat in your 4WD and turned the key, you might have watched either the bright lights of the dash disappear and then flick back on slowly, or experienced the dreaded
Nine times out of ten with electrics, I tend to find faulty connections are usually the cause. This is no different with your battery, but how do I know?
At this point, we often have a tendency to start ripping things apart. However, the best thing I find is to go off and boil the billy or take a short walk down the track. This lets your mind clear from the situation you are in and start to focus on the problem and potential solutions.
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Well, it's simple. Hop back in your 4WD, turn the key, and hold it one turn away from engaging the starter motor (this is the point where the greatest amount of current is being drawn from your battery). Hold it there for the magic 10 seconds (count to 10). After 10 seconds, (hopefully no smoke has come out from under the bonnet!) move around to the front of your 4WD and pop the bonnet. Carefully hold your hand over each battery cable, one at a time, and see which one is warm or hot. If the positive (+) or negative (–) cable is warm, this indicates a poor connection. Poor connection = no need to waste time with a jump start. The solution might be as simple as tightening the battery clamp or the terminal, or it might be corroded. If that's the case, dive into your tucker box, pull out some bicarb soda, pour some over the terminal, and then pour some hot boiling water from your billy. This will react with the corroded lead terminal, cleaning the oxidation from the surface of the terminal and bringing it back to nearly new. Hopefully, from this point, you can turn the ignition key with confidence, hear the purr or rattle of the motor starting up, and move off to make those miles.
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W H AT ' S I N A N A M E? with PH I L B IANCH I
M U RD E RS O N TH E R AB B IT PROO F FE NC E You’d be surprised at the level of forensic investigation that took place surrounding murders back in the ’30s. Well before the country was inundated with crime shows, it seems the discussion of a suggested book plot was enough to inspire one murderer.
O
ut in the Murchison, 18km south of where the State Vermin Fence crosses Paynes Find / Sandstone Road, are the ruins of Dromedary Hills Station, also known as Camel Station. Unsuspecting visitors would not be aware that this serene place and surroundings were once the site of at least three grisly murders in 1930. Before going into that, why did the government of the day build a vermin fence or a Rabbit Proof Fence as it was known back then? Rabbits arrived in Western Australia from the Eastern States in 1901. The government, being aware of the destruction they caused, held a Royal Commission to investigate what to do (you gotta love governments and their committees). The finding, which was mooted before the Royal Commission started its work, was a barrier fence should be constructed, in the hope of keeping the rabbits on the eastern side of it. Alfred W Canning (of later Canning Stock Route fame) was engaged to survey
the line for the construction of the fence. He completed the survey in 1904, with the construction of the fence being completed in 1907. Because the fence was 1,800km long, three depots were established along its length, for the efficient management of maintenance. These were located at Burracoppin, Camel Station, and Jigalong, with the headquarters of what was, and I kid you not, the Rabbit Department of WA being at Burracoppin. Boundary riders regularly patrolled the fence ensuring that it was maintained in good order. Using camels, horses, bicycles, and carts, each rider had some 110km of fence to patrol. They carried all the equipment and supplies for repairs with them. By the way, by the time the fence was completed, rabbits had already gone further west of the fence alignment. However, not to be deterred, the government built a second fence, the Number 2 RPF, which was to the west of the first fence. Many folks jokingly said the two fences were as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike, adding that the fences prevented the rabbits from going home to visit relatives!
CA M E L S TAT I O N
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Novelist and crime fiction writer Arthur Upfield’s first novel was produced in 1924. For some time, in the late 1920s, he worked out of Camel Station as a boundary rider. While doing so,
he happened to be working on a concept for another novel. One of the topics of conversation at the camp, during breaks from work, was, “What was the perfect murder?” Upfield’s eventual solution, was that after murdering the person, the body had to be burned and the remaining ashes sieved for fragments of teeth, bone, metal, and any other such material, crush all of the remains in a dolly pot to produce a powder, which ultimately would be destroyed by tipping it into acid. Thus, ensuring that nothing remained of the body or personal effects. You’d have to agree that this plan was indeed the perfect murder. John Thomas Smith alias Snowy Rowles was a local station worker. When in Perth, he was a petty thief, however, at nearby Hill View Station, he was a stockman. Rowles frequented Camel Station because he lived alone on Hill View. Unbeknown to Upfield and everyone else at Camel Station, Rowles covertly used Upfield’s perfect murder plot and murdered at least three people in the district. In the meantime, Upfield had left WA and headed to the east coast, where he wrote the book, The Sands of Windee using his perfect murder plot. Upfield gained much notoriety when Rowles used his murder plot.
S N OW Y R OW L E S
Louis Carron and John Lemmon travelled together to look for work in the Mt Magnet area. In February 1930, they separated when they couldn’t find work at the same location. By May 1930, Carron had worked for three months for which he was paid £25.0s.7d ($50). In the meantime, Lemmon found it strange that he had not heard from Carron since they had gone their separate ways and reported his concern to the police. Police investigated Lemmon's report. This led them to a site where, when sieving the ashes of a fire at the 183 Mile Peg RPF, they found human bones. Police then visited Rowles at Hill View Station, where after a search, they found Carron’s prismatic compass, two watches, his false teeth hidden in a flour tin, and his blue coat. In another disappearance a chap, James Ryan, also vanished at that time. Ryan and George Lloyd travelled with Rowles to the district on 8 December 1929 looking for work. Rowles is in trouble, his story varies. He told one person Ryan loaned him his truck, saying he was out in the bush, and told another he paid £75 for it and yet another £80. He also cashed Carron's cheque. His biggest mistake was not sieving the ashes for the remains, crushing them in a dolly pot, and destroying them using acid. Ryan and Lloyd were never seen again. A man named Bell also disappeared at that
R OW L E S W I T H RYA N ' S V E H I C L E
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96 MILE PEG HUT WHERE THE FIRES WERE FOUND
S I E V I N G T H E AS H E S
time. So, Rowles could have been responsible for the murders of at least four people. Famed Detective Sergeant Henry ‘Harry’ Manning, who previously had solved the murders of the Gold Stealing Police Branch detectives Pitman and Walsh in 1926, led investigations into the disappearances of these people in the Mt Magnet area. While investigating the disappearance of Carron, police found that Rowles lit eight large fires. In six of these E V I D E N C E E X H I B I T S P R E S E N T E D BY T H E C R OW N fires, they found, bone fragments, buttons, buckles, shoe and tent eyelets, a DETECTIVE H A R RY M A N N I N G razor, a burned accordion, coins, and broken and well burned bones. The Crown opened a Coronial Inquest in Perth, then adjourned it to Cue, and then held the trial in Perth. The coroner found Smith/Rowles had wilfully murdered Carron. At the trial in Perth, the Crown alleged Rowles murdered Carron, then destroyed the evidence by burning his body and some possessions, and that Rowles was found to have several of Carron’s possessions at his camp on Hill View Station. In particular, it was noted that a wedding ring and teeth were found in the ashes. These proved to be his undoing as he failed to follow Upfield’s plan in its entirety.
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Separately Carron’s watches were identified by their serial number, which had been recorded by the bookkeeper at Wydgee Station. The bookkeeper identified Carron’s watches, a doctor identified the bones found as human, and Upfield confirmed Rowles familiarity with the book plot. A New Zealand dentist identified the filling in Carron’s molar, and a New Zealand jeweller identified Carron’s wedding ring with a nine carat gold solder joint. Carron’s wife Minnie Brown confirms her husband, Louis Brown, alias Carron, had fled to Australia and changed his name. In addition, the Manager of Wydgee Station identified Carron’s kit, which at that time was in Rowles' possession. He also added that Rowles claimed to have purchased Ryan’s truck for £75 and then later for £80. He stated that Rowles repainted Ryan’s truck and gave him Carron’s Borsellino hat. Other witnesses from the district told of where and when they saw Ryan, Carron and Rowles, of wages due and money owed, and of Rowles cashing Carron’s cheque and purchasing goods. The jury announced a guilty verdict and the judge sentenced Rowles to death by hanging. The Court of Criminal Appeal found there wasn’t a mistrial and the High Court refused leave to appeal. On 4 June 1932, Rowles confessed to all of the crimes. He was executed by hanging at Fremantle Gaol, on 13 June 1932. Many things come out of these tragic events. Rowles must have been a simpleton because he didn’t try and cover his tracks and didn’t stick to the same story. He also gave some
I N FO R M ATI O N BAY Narndee Station, offers station stays and a caravan park, so why not stay while you enjoy the area? Phone 08 9963 5414 Email narndee@outlook.com
FU R TH E R R E A D I N G Murder on the Rabbit Proof Fence. The Strange Case of Arthur Upfield and Snowy Rowles. by Terry Walker. There is a telemovie, 3 Acts of Murder.
of Carron’s possessions away and cashed Carron’s cheque in the district. While investigating this case, I was astounded at the level of forensic investigation carried out, which included sending information and bringing witnesses to WA from as far away as New Zealand. Remember this was way back in 1930 and 31, way before NCIS or Forensic Files. Camel Station and the relevant section of what is now the Vermin Fence are on Narndee Station. Don’t go charging around on the station investigating the various sites relevant to the murders. Ring the station seeking permission first, it's all on private property and you could interfere with mustering or other station activities. Also travelling on the maintenance road is strictly prohibited and approval is rarely given. Don’t do it, the fines are significant, up to $10,000.
CA M E L S TAT I O N R U I N S I N 2 0 1 8
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TH E TH I N G S YO U S E E ! with (TRUTH FU L) PH I L B IANCH I
YOU CALL THAT A JAC K? TH I S I S A JAC K! Jacks are a crucial part of the off-road toolkit and, let's be honest, they're not all the same. Let's cut to the chase and find a jack that no longer has you on the floor amid the spinifex.
I
love my 100 series, don’t get me wrong, but Mr. Toyota your wind-up bottle jack is a piece of crap. I would love to see Mr. Toyota giving the screw jack handle a whirl, especially if your vehicle is set up for remote expedition travel, as mine is. You would need the muscles of Hercules and Arnie, combined, to crank that handle. Using the jack provided by Toyota, and should you have the misfortune to have a flat and need to take the wheel off, you first need to use the extended jack winder to lower the wheel, which is located under the rear of any LandCruiser. With some good luck, and you manage to get the rounded end of the winder into the notch, you can start to lower your spare wheel. Thankfully, I’ve put my spare wheels on a dual-wheel carrier so no more hit-and-miss for me. I initially replaced the Toyota jack with two hydraulic bottle jacks, one to get the vehicle off the ground and the second to get it up to a height where I could then get the wheel off. However, and as bad luck would have it, I’ve often found that a puncture requiring the removal of the whole wheel usually occurs in the most inconvenient of places. It's usually on a bend, in the blazing sun, or even worse, because I do a fair bit of crosscountry driving, in a belt of endless spinifex. Having spinifex scratch your face, arms, backside, etc is no fun. Even if you're lucky
to have a phone signal, you can forget about calling the RAC, you’ll find they don’t venture that far out from main towns, or it may be days before they can get to you. But you still have a flat and need to jack up your vehicle and remove the wheel. So, it’s out with the long-handled shovel to dig out the cursed spinifex, to prevent further attacks. By the way, you do carry a long-handled shovel, don’t you? If not, I hope you don’t ever get bogged! I’m not alone in detesting spinifex, explorer Ernest Giles, in his book, Australia Twice Traversed, wrote ‘… the hideous spinifex, which both we and the horses dread like a pestilence …’. Pestilence is a good word Mr. Giles, it sure is a perfect description. I’ve now moved away from both hydraulic jacks but do keep one as a backup. I then got myself a high lift jack also known as a kangaroo jack. With this jack, and provided you have safe lifting points on the corners of your vehicle, as mine does, there is no need to lay on the ground and so on. However, I found I still needed Hercules and Arnie to operate it. I needed to find another way because I’m not getting any younger and I’m not always fortunate to have a willing helper to dive under the vehicle with the bottle hydraulic jacks or operate the high lift jack. I spotted online, my good mate Ron Moon’s positive
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review of ARB’s high-lift-looking hydraulic jack. I was sold. I went and purchased one, anything to make my life easy should I ever need to change a wheel. I’ve used mine many times, mainly to show people its ease of use. It’s a ripper and has made me independent of needing help with any flat tyre. Being hydraulic, Hercules and Arnie are out of a job. The jack is easy to use and fits in any place on the vehicle a traditional hydraulic jack would. ARB has appropriately named it JACK. Recently I had Lee, a friend of mine, test the jack. She found it rather easy to use and was surprised at its simplicity of operation. The price, however, may scare off many at around $1,100. I got mine when ARB had a deal that included a jack stand and carry bag. My JACK has a permanent home in the back of my cruiser and it’s an indispensable part of my recovery gear. Note — I have not received any endorsement from ARB for the use of any of their products.
Specifications Minimum Lifting Height: 160mm Maximum Lifting Height: 710mm–1,230mm Travel: 540mm–550mm Lifting Range: 160mm–1,230mm Maximum Capacity: 2,000kg Compressed Height: 890mm Extended Height: 1,432mm Weight: 10.5kg Lifting capacity: 2,000 kg
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C O U NTRY STA RG A Z I N G w i t h CA R O L R E D FO R D a n d D O N N A VA N Z E T T I A s t r oto u r i s m WA a n d S t a r Tr a c ks A s t r o Eve nt s
HAVE YOU S E E N TH E ‘ E M U I N TH E S K Y ’ ? While out on your 4WD adventures, remember to not only enjoy the daytime landscapes but the evening nightscapes too, as the next few months are full of cosmic treats.
O
ne of the most incredible objects to see in the night sky is the Aboriginal constellation, ‘Emu In The Sky’. It lies within the band of the Milky Way and its shape is outlined by dark areas of the night sky, not the stars. The Emu is best seen throughout winter and is spectacular, spreading right across the evening sky. Just below and to the right of the Southern Cross, try to find a dark oval shape, called the Coalsack Nebula. This is the head of the Emu with the beak pointing downward. The long neck stretches to the left through the middle of “the Pointers”. The body and legs of the Emu stretch halfway across the horizon towards the east.
W H E N A N D W H E R E TO LO O K Well after sunset on moonless nights, around 8.30pm from June to September. Look south-east to south-west. The night sky played an important part in Aboriginal life and works hand in hand with their seasonal way of life. Their knowledge of the stars represents a yearly calendar depicting special times of the year. The night sky also plays a significant part in their culture and dreamtime stories.
THE EMU IN THE SKY A s t r o to u r i s m WA
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V E N U S C H AS E S M E R C U RY Throughout the last half of July, keep an eye to the western horizon just after sunset for a performance by the planets. Starting on 19th July, Venus will appear low on the western horizon. Mercury is the next brighter star-like object a little higher above. Over subsequent evenings, you’ll be able to see the distance between Venus and Mercury get less and less. Both planets appear to be getting higher in the night sky with Venus slowly catching up to Mercury!
W H E N A N D W H E R E TO LO O K From 6pm, 19th to 31st July. Look towards the low western horizon. To see a Sky View map of this special line-up, visit astrotourismwa.com.au/july-planets
S O U T H E R N D E LTAAQ UA R I I D S M E T E O R S H OW E R This meteor shower extends from 12th July to 23rd August with the peak of the shower expected on 31st July. It may produce up to 25 meteors per hour and with the moon in its third quarter, the skies are almost at their darkest, so a great opportunity to enjoy the spectacle.
W H E N A N D W H E R E TO LO O K The Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower peaks on 31st July, with the best viewing around 2am AWST.
E V E N I N G S TA R G A Z I N G DELIGHT On 6th August, a close approach of the Moon, Mercury, Venus and Regulus, will be a treat for stargazers. Regulus is the brightest star in the constellation Leo, also known as the leading star of Leo. This lovely cosmic cluster will occur just after sunset, a perfect time to relax and enjoy the view.
W H E N A N D W H E R E TO LO O K After the sun sets at 5.28pm, once it’s dark you’ll be able to see the four objects low on the western horizon around dusk. To see a Sky View map of this special grouping, visit astrotourismwa.com.au/ august-moon
SUPER MOON ON 2 0T H AU G U S T The Moon’s orbit around Earth is slightly oval shaped or elliptical. So, every month there’s a time when the Moon is at its closest distance to Earth (at perigee) and another time when it is at its furthest distance from Earth (at apogee). When perigee coincides with the full Moon, its popularly called a “Supermoon”. Do you think the Moon looks slightly bigger on this day? Western Australia is a super place to get out and explore, and we are fast becoming the world’s ‘astro hotspot’, with our dark, pristine night skies. While on your fun treks, make the most of this spectacular asset.
I N FO R M ATI O N BAY Find more stargazing tips and country events at: astrotourismwa.com.au If you’re a budding “astro-enthusiast”, check out Stargazers Club WA’s telescope classes and astronomy events for beginners at: stargazersclubwa.com.au
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With over 40 years experience teaching Outback Survival, Bob Cooper has produced what he calls the ‘Trilogy for Survival’. Along with enough water, Bob believes every time you go bush, no matter what form of transport, these three items should accompany you in case something doesn’t go to plan and you’re in an emergency situation – anywhere. A quality Three stretch elastic bandages. Quality survival blanket. emergency/survival kit. Multiple uses and first aid. This one spells HELP.
$89.95
$29.95
$19.99
Check out these items and more at
www.bobcoopersurvival.com Also available
Playing cards with a survival hint on each card.
$10.00
Bob’s best selling book
$24.95
O UTBAC K S U RV I VA L with BOB COOPE R
TH E I M PO RTANC E O F WATE R In light of the summer of 2023, which has seemed to last all through autumn too (let’s hope winter lets up) I thought I would write a piece on water. Only oxygen is rated higher than water for our human existence.
I
believe water is a form of “medicine” for us. Every chemical and biological achievement our body does requires water to ensure it happens properly. Sadly, we don’t manufacture water ourselves but we do lose it easily, and sometimes rather rapidly, mainly through perspiration, respiration and urination. So, it’s absolutely vital we take staying hydrated seriously, especially on any outback expeditions.
The average-sized male adult body contains approximately 65% water, while females contain slightly less at approximately 60% water. This equates to more than 40–50 litres of water in each one of us.
WH Y DO WE N E E D A LL TH AT WATE R ? •
Water makes up 75% of the human brain
•
Water lubricates our whole body
•
All processes require water in production
•
Every joint requires water
•
Water cleanses the body of impurities
•
Our digestion of food requires water each meal
•
Your blood has a large percentage of water
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WH AT A R E TH E E S S E NTIA L E LE M E NTS O F LI F E? The rule of threes •
You can survive for three minutes without air
•
You can survive for three hours without shelter in harsh exposure to heat or cold
•
You can survive for three days without water (sheltered)
•
You can survive for three weeks without food (if you have water as a substitute for food and are sheltered)
H OW M U C H WATE R DO WE LOS E? Your body is constantly sweating. This slight loss is termed “insensible”, though adds up to more than a litre of water per day. If we perform little physical movement, the total per day of inactivity is 2–3 litres per day. I
suggest, when exercising, we need to drink an additional one litre of water for every 25kg of body weight, per day. The loss of 2–3% of your body’s water can affect your body’s performance both physically and mentally, you are now dehydrating. Increase it to 6–7% and you will experience the physical effects of dehydration: fatigue, headache, nausea and increased thirst. The loss of 15–20% of our body’s water supply can result in you having a lifethreatening dehydrated condition, plus your mental ability to think rationally and clearly is also down. This can deteriorate the brain to a condition known as “dehydration dementia”. I cannot think of a worse combination in a life-threatening situation, than fear and dehydration dementia mixed. I know this has happened in people who become lost or stranded and panic, which explains some of their irrational behaviour. Start the day hydrated, stay hydrated, and finish the day hydrated.
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FISHY BUSINESS with JOH N BORMOLI N I
O NWARDS & U PWARDS : B LU E NOS E SALM ON I N TH E NO RTH The cooler winter months, or the dry season, is that time of year 4W drivers and travellers alike flock to state’s northwest for its impressive touring and camping opportunities. This, of course, goes hand-in-hand with the opportunity to make the most of some enviable shore-based fishing.
F
or those who of you who are used to the south and are dipping your toe into angling in the Pilbara or Kimberley for the first or second time, you’ll find the variety of species and the best ways to target them differ up here. The obvious and most highly prized catch would be our iconic barramundi (that we’ll cover next issue) but there is another option worthy of your time — the bluenose threadfin salmon, blue salmon, bluenose salmon, or blue ‘threadies’. Sometimes spoken of as the tailor of the north because they’re found along the beaches and in estuarine areas, blue threadies are a very distinctive fish. Together with their close relative, the giant or golden threadfin, they are in fact very different to southern tailor and are easily
identified by their catfish-like filaments found hanging under their chin (hence the threadfin label). They are a great sportfish that will take lures in shallow water and on light gear, pull hard and jump. The added attraction is they make very good eating and in many quarters are rated highly on the plate. The bluenose salmon name comes from their pointy, plastic looking nose and, whilst similar in many respects, the giant threadfin can be distinguished by its yellowish colour, once out of the water. An average sized bluenose would be around 40cm but bigger ones run to 70cm long (giant threadfin regularly top well over a metre in length and can be a much tougher proposition to land).
N I C KO L R I V E R
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B LU E N O S E SA L M O N
Bluenose salmon will readily take a bait such as a small mullet, pilchard, hardy head or prawn but they are also willing lure chasers once they mature beyond juvenile size. The nature of these speedsters is they love to hunt in relatively shallow water, often in groups. Broad, tidal mudflats and flood plains, expansive northern tidal beaches and estuary river mouths are the perfect haunt for blue threadies. As the water levels M E D I U M P O P P E R S S U C H AS T H E S E CA N B E I R R E S I S T I B L E rise at the start of the incoming tide, threadies will cruise in My personal favourite is to twitch a popper looking for small mullet and other baitfish. slowly, in a short jerking motion that throws Tail swirls or streaks of fleeing baitfish being up some surface spray and imitates and chased in the shallows are a great indicator erratic or wounded baitfish. Threadfin have that hunting threadies are about. great eyesight but even greater sensory This is the perfect chance to opt for a surface lure such as medium sized surface popper or shallow running minnow lure. Around the tidal flats or creek mouths, especially if there are small sections of rock bar where bait can be ambushed, lures can prove to be almost irresistible.
abilities through their filaments and can hunt down prey very well. I have also caught them in less than 30cm of water on saltwater fly, at dawn, off some small Burrup peninsular beaches. One of the exhilarating fishing experiences enjoyed in that part of the world that’s been hard to top.
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FAST F I S H I N G FACTS Bluenose salmon grow to more than one metre and 15kg globally, but a maximum of about 80cm in WA waters. Most caught will be much smaller than that and 1-3 metre fish are most common. They are a good fighter with speed and propensity to jump, again like tailor. Blue salmon are mostly found in small creeks and shallow water, which is their favourite hunting ground. S E C LU D E D B U R R U P B E AC H
Some of the more prominent places where blue threadies can be found consistently are along the Onslow coast and creek systems, around the river mouths of Karratha (Airport Creek, Nickol River, Cleaverville Creek, Balla Balla, to name a few), areas either side of Port Headland, Eighty Mile Beach, Roebuck Bay, Dampier Creek, Cable Beach, Barred Creek and areas along the Dampier Peninsular north of Broome.
They aren’t usually fussy and will hit most baits or lures, including bibbed minnows, stickbaits, soft plastics, vibes and poppers.
For those 4WD tourers tackling a larger trek to the far north and a small tinny is part of the equipment and plan, the opportunities to tangle with some bluenose increase markedly. A dinghy opens up the possibilities to target smaller feeder creeks that are almost impossible to reach on foot through the mangroves as well as the wide river mouth flats.
Working lures fast is not a problem for blues as they are ferocious predators and aren’t deterred by hunting in dirty water.
It also means rather than having to wait for the fish to come to your fixed location, tracking the feeding fish as tide comes in or recedes allows for longer and more productive fishing sessions. Either way, catching bluenose threadfin salmon can be great fun and worthy of the effort and time put in. If you’ve ventured as far as the Kimberley on long winter camping holidays but never tried, ask around for the right advice and put them on the list.
Blues can be a lot of fun on fly gear and are often caught while casting for barramundi, as they often hold in the same locations.
They are usually a clean fighter so heavy tackle is not needed, and a 7-9kg spinning or baitcaster outfit, appropriate for the type of fishing being done, should be ample for catching blues. Some slightly heavier abrasion resistant leader is a good idea, especially given the possibility of hooking a barra or threadfin. Blue salmon are regarded as excellent eating, especially fresh, with tender white flesh and good-sized fillets with few bones.
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TI EG E AR SO FT TE R R A PEG The Soft Terra Peg ($14.95 each) can be inserted by hand, or by using a hex driver. We used the good old-fashioned method of twisting it into the beach sand by hand. Too often screw-in pegs aren’t made with a large enough auger, which is what keeps them stable in soft sand, but not the Terra Peg! We were able to secure our awning on a windy WA afternoon with no concern about it lifting. If you are heading to the fabled hard ground areas of WA, they also have classic screw in pegs, where we would probably use a cordless drill to make life easy.
TI EG E AR G U Y RO PE LITE And what did we use to attach the awning to the peg?? Well, the other part of the TIEGEAR business is their Guy Ropes, specifically, easy to adjust ones. They have been making their Guy Ropes for a couple of years, but have just released their Guy Rope Lite. At $12.95 each, we found this perfectly okay for our simple awning, but if you have something like a 270 wrap around, or perhaps a caravan awning, you might want to use their original Guy Rope. Both use a mechanism to tighten the guy rope and an attached storage pouch to wrap up the excess cord. The full range of Tie Gear is available now at Go Camping & Overlanding in Balcatta. western4wdriver.com.au | Western 4W Driver #130 |
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G E A R TO G O CA M P I N G
BAR E BON E S E DI SON LIG HT STIC K Probably the nicest camping light ever made. In a world where the bugs love to chase cool white lights, or the campsite feels like it’s lit up like airport parking, it’s a beautiful thing when someone brings elegance to the area with a tasteful warm light … and there is probably nothing more elegant that this latest release from Barebones. This vintage-inspired collectable is made with copper, brass, and leather components. It is a light stick lantern and flashlight in one. It’s weather resistant, USB rechargeable, has a battery level indicator and runs seven different modes. It’s in hot demand right now. Grab one for $114.99 from Go Camping & Overlanding.
OFFG R I D PROVI S ION S When a multi-award-winning Aussie chef meets the world of portable adventure food — you get Offgrid Provisions. Chef James Vile wanted to produce restaurant quality food that was stable in the drawers of his 4WD rather than having to freeze or refrigerate during his outdoor adventures. In the world of the 4W driver, this means smaller fridges and less power consumption without compromising taste. The result is a simple heat and eat pouch that is as good as being served in a fine dining restaurant! All this is achieved with a method of bagging food, called retort technology. With flavours like Butter Chicken, Wagyu Bolognaise and Goat Curry, the food at the end of the day need not be bland. Off Grid Main Meals are $22.99 each.
Western 4W Driver readers who visit Go Camping & Overlanding in Balcatta during the months of June and July get $3 off each meal when they use the password “Retort”. 126 | Western 4W Driver #130 | western4wdriver.com.au
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C LE W E D U P with JO CLEWS
I
n all the years I have been making scones, either demonstrating at shows or serving for morning tea at Melangata Station, an age-old question often comes up. It has divided even the best of friends and I hope I don't reopen old wounds, but when dressing a scone, what do you put on first: the jam or the cream? This debate reportedly started in Devon and Cornwall, with some saying it dates back as far as the 11th century, when the order in which the components are added differs slightly. Devonians prefer to split the scone into two, placing the cream on first followed by the jam on top. In contrast, the Cornish method involves applying the jam first, then the cream. However, the end result is delicious either way, and this tradition of having a little snack in the morning or afternoon became known as a "Cream Tea". The biggest difference in the Australian version is that both the Devon and Cornwall Cream Teas use clotted cream, which is almost more like butter, not like the soft, puffy stuff we know as whipped cream. Whipped cream, being mostly air, lends itself to being added on top of the jam; otherwise, the weight of the jam would squish the cream off the sides. I might be wrong, but I feel whipped cream is a more frugal alternative that may have been popularised simply because we had less cream to start with, and it was a reasonably easy way to enjoy cream without having lots of it. In all my journeys to the dairy section of any supermarket, I don’t think I have ever seen clotted cream for sale, although it is something that can be made at home. One day, I must try so I can taste the difference.
In Australia, we tend to simply call our mostly morning tea tradition exactly what it is: Scones, Jam, and Cream, and in my mind, that is the order in which the components should be applied — first the scone, then the jam, and then the cream. Now that we've covered the cream part of the morning tea, what about the jam? Traditionally, it was strawberry jam, but most berry jams are acceptable. Plum jam would be fine, and maybe apricot, but that is where I think I would draw the line. It was suggested to me not long ago that perhaps marmalade would be a nice alternative and give the consumer a different experience, to which my body and brain viscerally reacted with, "oh no, now you've gone too far". To partake in this delicious tradition, you first of all need the scones, and there are many ways they can be made, but they all contain very basic ingredients found in most well-stocked pantries. Turn the page for the recipe I have been using for probably 25 years.
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SCO N E S WITH JA M & C R E A M You will need: 4 cups of self-raising flour 300ml of lemonade 300ml of whipping cream 1. Preheat your oven, camp oven, or caravan oven to 200°C. 2. Place the flour in a large mixing bowl and make a well in the middle. Add the cream and pour in most of the lemonade (you may not need all of it depending on the day). Combine the ingredients together with a butter knife until you have a stiff dough. 3. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a flat disc about 2.5cm thick. Cut out the scones using either a sharp knife or a sharp scone cutter, in either square or round shapes. 4. Place them onto a baking paper-lined baking tray that will fit inside your oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Of course, scones are best consumed straight from the oven, and now it’s up to you if it’s going to be jam first or cream first. Enjoy!
You can accurately tell the temperature of your camp oven by investing in a BBQ temperature gauge. Place the gauge inside the camp oven while you are preparing the dough and preheating the oven; this will tell you if your oven is in the "just right" Goldilocks zone. You can add sultanas or other cut dried fruits to your scones. Don’t play with the scone dough very much as the scones will turn out tough. If you want tall, puffy scones, they need to start off quite tall before cooking. Always use something sharp to cut the dough as using a glass or a cup will compress the edges of the dough, and they won’t rise evenly. Scones freeze very well and can be successfully microwaved from frozen.
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L A N D ROV E R OWN E R S C LU B O F WE STE R N AU STR A LI A
DOCTOR H IC KS R ANG E TR I P BY M I C H E L L E PA R TO N A N D FE L LOW T R AV E L L E R S A convoy of six vehicles from LROCWA set out under the leadership of Michelle in her Discovery 4, to follow in some of Frank Hann's footsteps. The team included Bob & May in a Defender, Peter & Carla in an Amarok, Julian, Jim & Mim, and John in a Troopy.
T
he plan was to check out some of the surrounds of Lake Minigwal, and then follow part of an old 2010 trip report found online (thanks, Duncan) to follow in some of Frank Hann's footsteps around the Doctor Hicks Range and down towards Bartlett Bluff. We thought the track would not be too well used, but we were wrong — about 50% of it we could not find due to lack of use and/or it was washed out, so we had to basically follow the blue line of the track file we received from the 2010 traveller on the Hema GPS as best we could.
been great if water had been flowing (we believe this is where drovers would have penned up cattle). We headed onwards to Kurnalpi Ruins, where the cactus was all that was left. Past Dave's Camp, we glimpsed patches of water on the road amongst the dust, and continued to Yowie Waterhole — no water. Back on the Kurnalpi-Pinjin Road, where a restorer’s delight was seen, we sighted the
The slow-going of this meant we didn’t get to finish all our stated trip (personally, just how I like it!). We pretty much forged our own track getting to our Doctor Hicks destination. So, each day was very-lowkilometres-travel. We even had a couple of nine-hour days and barely covered 20km each day. But boy, it made for a great trip. My usual motto for my trips is “sorry not sorry about the scratches”. All fuelled up and stocked up in Kalgoorlie and off we headed towards Kanowna, checking out a few points of interest along the way, one being Bullock Hole timber reserve. It was a lovely spot and would have
B U L LO C K H O L E
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then became rocky and sandy before getting to Thelma’s Tank. There was a shed of sorts, an old BBQ and the remainder of a very old Metters stove. It wasn’t far to the next rock hole, then Lake Minigwal, which we camped beside with a stunning moon rising above us, as the sunset simultaneously cast the most magical colours.
remains of old truck with ‘$500 ONO’ written on it but no phone number. Bugger! Next, we moved on to Old Pinjin Homestead ruins, where we found many relics and a grave. At the outstation was a well and a lovely Kurrajong tree plus bits of old blue pottery. Past Lake Rebecca we saw a sign to a mine site where the road narrowed. Bridge works over Ponton Creek meant we had to find our track into Mulga Rockhole, which
The next morning darkish clouds appeared overhead before we arrived at Dromedary Junction. We turned onto a slightly muddy track towards Surprise Granite Rock, passing a flowering Cork Tree and Xmas Tree Mulga. Onto Granite Hill we found the Initials of FH (Frank Hann), while checking out rock holes, before finding a great little camp to explore. Next, a rocky drive up to Jasper Hill for lunch. Afterwards we located the disused airstrip from the 2010 trip report. We left yet another marvellous camp, at 7.25am, heading to Yarri Gnamma Hole and Mt Dennis where we walked to the top, finding some nice gnammas atop this. Upon reaching Laverton we topped up with fuel and water, plus another great cuppa from the tourist centre. East of Laverton we stopped at the cemetery and Burtville on the Coglia Merolia Rd.
L A K E M I N I GWA L S U N S E T
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Getting onto Rason Lake Road, it was announced, the official ‘start of trip’. At Mallee Hen Rocks we explored rocks finding the rock pool and FH initials. We camped a little way from Mallee Hen Rocks and enjoyed another excellent sunset and campfire. We woke to another glorious sunny, warm morning. It was interesting to see groups of grass trees (or balga) on our travels this morning. We stopped at gnamma holes, which we named ‘tadhole’ and looked for a bore marked on the map, but no luck. Onto Mt Luck, which we climbed, offering good views to Pt Bott where we later stopped for morning tea before following the track to Lilian Addicott Rock and Soak. Eventually we discovered a track and pushed through northwards for about 2.5km whilst being guided by the drone (spot the Defender in the photo) towards Mt Hickox, however it was decided it would be too damaging for the newer cars.
CHICK ROCK HOLE
Once back on the ‘main’ track we continued to Chick Rock Hole stopping to explore a large cave along the way. Although dry, Chick Rock Hole and waterfall were spectacular with art on the rocks. It was beautiful scenery throughout the day.
LO O K I N G O U T F R O M L I L L I A N A D D I C OAT R O C K T H E M O O N AT L I L L I A N A D D I C OAT R O C K
The following morning, we explored the Lilian Addicott Rock and the petroglyphs, driving to Tigertrap Gully on our way back to Rason Lake Rd. These breakaways are just stunning, stunning is an understatement really. Further on we located the track to the north and continued to Signal Point, it was here that Frank Hann camped and observed signal fires from Aboriginals. We continued past Mt Carlon and Crow Cave Hill and lunched at Mt Douglas. The track then led us to the north-east passing beautiful rocks. It was very slow-going on burnt country to Blaze Point, so named with
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a tree blazed with the names of F Hann, Talbot & Giles. Once there, we searched and searched for this tree spreading out over a large area but to no avail. We climbed to the top of Blaze Point and confirmed the cairn atop it. We camped in the area and for dinner we enjoyed scrumptious lamb and pork roasts with plenty of vegetables. Before leaving camp, we explored again for the Blaze Tree. It was very disappointing that we could not locate the tree, but our notes were sketchy. UPDATE – We returned a few months later after re-reading all the information we had. Rereading Hann’s diary notes on the area, I put my thinking cap on and did my best to think like Frank Hann. After wandering around alone with radio, I called back with much glee, 'I found it!' Marked it on the GPS and went back to camp to get everyone to come and see it. We continued along the track through burnt country. Briefly the track opened up allowing us views of Rason Lake in the distance, whilst travelling around thick gullies. Today was the start of a lack of track to follow, meaning walking in front of the lead vehicle looking for signs of track or following the GPS in hand, trying to keep to the “blue line”. It was a tiring day with slow travel on burnt and overgrown tracks, with very few clear areas. We camped near Knapp
Hill breakaway. As always, a good supply of wood was available to enjoy a lovely evening round the campfire. Before leaving camp we scrambled up and around the breakaway finding a cave with a hole in the roof and many rock windows, which were all very spectacular. It was slow going on and off the track. We crossed ‘Cruiseo Creek’ and tracked alongside these beautiful breakaways. We stopped and explored a large cave, finding another great camp spot in a small clearing at the east end of Table Hill in Dr Hicks Range. Starting east of Table Hill, we followed the base of the escarpment easterly and, an hour in, stopped for our first leg stretch, climbing the escarpment for panoramic views and sighting a soaring eagle. Further travel had us in a valley of mulga, blue bush, and scree-type rocky ground with very defined camel paths. A B E AU T I F U L CAV E I N T H E D O C TO R H I C KS R A N G E
PA R T O F D O C TO R H I C KS R A N G E
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ATO P PA R T O F D O C TO R H I C KS R A N G E
ATO P D O C TO R H I C KS R A N G E HIDDEN ROCKHOLE
In the 10km traversed since overnight camp, we passed a couple of distant kangaroos and then came to the Blaze Tree and Hidden Rock Hole waypoint. At first, the Blaze Tree wasn’t obvious but, once identified, the carvings were quite apparent although illegible. The tree was dead, and the ravages of time were evident. The Hidden Rock Hole was well “hidden” but easy to find following
the gully and the greenery. Exploring around this breakaway, we found a few good rock holes that would have been lifesaving back in the day for our pioneering explorers. As our northerly heading track terminated at an eastwest track, we all putted over side-by-side for a photo opportunity and it was announced that this was the end of the Doctor Hicks mystery tour. We started the long trek west toward Laverton.
About 21km on and the straight-ahead track disappeared with the only option being to turn left; this side track had been “graded” and led to two white quartz sentinel rocks at the start of an obviously tended footpath. This has been described elsewhere as an Aboriginal ceremonial area. The path curved around leading to a lowish cliff edge with a
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on the White Cliffs Road. There was plenty of signage here about the Yamarna gas pipeline to Gruyere Gold Project. In Laverton, we said our farewells as one vehicle had to head back home for work the next day. The rest refuelled and replenished, grabbed a coffee, and headed out for Menzies via Kookynie. From Menzies, we took the Evanston Road and made camp about 10km from town.
CLEARING OUT A ROCK HOLE
cave under. A search revealed no obvious signs of human intervention in the cave, but we believe in recent times a message stick had been found in a cave in the area. The continuing track was still “graded” and a little challenging and led back to the westerly cut line. The next 20km at times gave us a false sense of security, where mining operations had made it a nice-to-travel track, which then would disappear and we’d be back to narrow track, challenging as ever. In camp that night, was the communal curry night. Various curries, rice, and side dishes were produced from each vehicle, a veritable feast was had by all. Then, to top it all off, dessert was produced from a camp oven — lemon iced carrot cake. Plenty of lip licking that night!! The next day, we broke camp at about 7.30am, again, heading due west passing between some sand dunes and in one section a glorious avenue of white gum trees that was extraordinary in its beauty. Morning tea was had at Dwyer Well and then on to Point Kidman where we left the cut line and turned southerly to Laverton
Anzac Day — The sound of the bugles came through loud and clear in the still of the morning through the Defender's radio. Along the Evanston Road, we saw one of those cool Caterpillar trails, a dingo, a cow and calf — all before morning tea at Johnson Rocks, where there were many finches. Two vehicles came from Manning Reserve direction looking very muddy. The road was good and wide as it was being graded. There were beautiful clear skies on past Credo Reserve and Mt Elvie Reserve. There’d been mining near Riverina, with changes in the roads since we’d last been there. We journeyed onto the lookout at Reception Hill, located at the south end of the Die Hardy Ranges. Mica was glistening in the rocks and an old mine shaft was perched near the start of track uphill. Just after crossing a haul road, a track led us to an old car near the old mining slag heaps. We indulged in some lunch at the Chimneys on Mt Jackson Station before crossing the lakes area (lots of burls) to Kurrajong Waterhole — bone dry but a big Pittosporum and Kurrajong still surviving. Finally, it was on to Balaji Reserve for our last camp.
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ABOUT L AN D ROVE R OWN E RS C LU B O F WA Our Motto: We welcome ANY brand of 4WD and we stand for: Friendships, Adventure & Discovery! Founded: 1968 Club meetings: We meet on the second Monday of each month (except January) at: Stirling Community Centre Cnr Cape Street and Stoneham Street, Tuart Hill Club activities: Trips: Each month we strive to organise at least one day trip, ensuring members have regular opportunities to explore the great outdoors and learn more about their vehicles. Additionally, we plan weekend getaways and extended trips. Our day trips offer options for every level of explorer, from leisurely strolls through Perth's bushland to exhilarating gymkhanas and night runs. Members also have the opportunity to enhance their skills through driver training and vehicle recovery sessions
on these trips. On weekends or long weekends, we venture to various locations across Western Australia, exploring its stunning landscapes. For those seeking an even greater challenge, our extended trips venture into the remote outback of WA and even beyond, crossing state borders for unforgettable interstate journeys. Socials In addition to our 4WD adventures, we host monthly social gatherings for members. From quiz nights to delightful breakfasts, lively BBQs, and bowling extravaganzas, there's something for everyone. Our social calendar also includes enriching tours, cosy movie nights, festive Christmas gatherings, and the ever-popular annual damper cookoff. In 2023 alone, we hosted a total of 27 memorable club events, encompassing a diverse range of 4WD excursions and engaging social gatherings. Membership Fee: $120pa metro or $90pa non-metro. For more information, go to: www.lrocwa.org.au
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“H
ow come your vehicle is wet, Rick?” “There was a puddle…”
To be perfectly clear about this, there was A PUDDLE, as the image that Rick Culbertson sent in to the magazine would suggest. The sort of puddle that usually attracts army bridge layers or seaplanes … Lane Pool Reserve, apparently. But that didn’t stop him, nor does it often stop the readers of this magazine. Western 4W drivers are brave from the very start, and get more so every time they venture out. Whether it is breaking an axle 5,000 miles away from any living being or simply disappearing up to the roof gutters in piranha-infested swamps, they are game for the challenge. But let us do a bit of sleuthing here. We have a picture of a vehicle charging headlong into a body of water just after leaving a red dirt road. It is either somewhere in the bush or under the Claremont railway underpass in the middle of winter — the trees and absence of submerged MTT buses suggest bush. Yet we see the car from the front. This means the camera is in a prepared position — this is no candid shot. Someone had to
be operating the camera - and it may well have been a rather damp Rick Culbertson. You don’t stand that close to that much angry water and not get wet. Let us pause to honour his dedication — this was not the first time the car went through and probably not the first soaking he got. Logic tells us the camera was waterresistant, if not waterproof. Some of the smaller digitals made by Olympus, Pentax, and Fujifilm are perfect for this sort of ducking — they are proof down to 30 metres. You can also do it with an action cam. All the intrepid photographer needs is a steady hand, an eye that can blink when the tidal wave hits, and a change of clothing. After the first take you might as well stay wet for the next 16 repeats … All joking aside, this is a great shot, and fully deserves the first-aid kit (and dry towel and tot of brandy) that Rick has won. Let’s hope he doesn’t have to do it again in August.
FO LLOW U S O N FAC E B O O K TO E NT E R TO N E X T CA P T U R E T H E M O M E NT C O M P
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S M A R T P H OTO G R A P H Y w i t h K A R L F E H L AU E R
DRON E PHOTOG R APHY: L AYI NG DOWN TH E G ROU N D RU LE S Drones are increasingly becoming a key tool in the photography toolbox for those who like to venture out yonder. Our vast state offers dramatic landscapes and myriad colours to capture, from rich pindan red to icy aqua blue. If you can apply a few key rules to sharpen up your drone photography skills, you’ll likely not just instantly impress your family and friends, but you’ll capture memories of your trips for years to come, from a new vantage point.
A
s I mentioned in my last article, I intend to expand this column to include other small sensor cameras that are found on drones and action cameras as they are very similar in operation to smartphone photography, that is:
a. They have small sensors; b. Most have fixed aperture lenses; and c. Those apertures are usually fixed between F2.8 and F1.4. To start off the next series of articles, I will be concentrating on drones and drone photography, and the reason for this is because the popularity of drones has exploded, not only here in Australia but also worldwide. Drones differ from smartphones and action cameras primarily in that they are vehicles or aircraft that must be piloted by a person. This means they operate in an environment beyond our typical surroundings, requiring
navigation and control in three-dimensional space. A drone is an aircraft and as such it is governed by a set of rules monitored and controlled by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). If you break those rules, the penalties can be quite severe. I will be concentrating mainly on drones in the sub 2kg category, as this is the main category that recreational use of drones fall and will most probably affect the majority of drone operators who read this magazine. Whilst I won’t be focusing on the commercial side of drones, I will be discussing the commercial use of drones by recreational drone operators which is extremely important to understand. I understand that most people find rules and regulations boring and won’t read them; however, the incorrect use of drones could lead to a serious accident or injury and
BILLIBURNING ROCK
T H E K A D J I K A D J I B R E A K AWAYS
failure to follow them will only result in the rules becoming hasher and more restrictive. Here in Australia, we are very lucky because our rules are not as restrictive as in some countries, in particular the USA and the European Union. Though don’t let that allow you to get carried away. It will only take a couple of serious incidents for CASA to change them, so please take the time to read this article and understand the rules, so we can all get to enjoy operating drones and taking our photography / videography to the next level.
TH E KE Y RU LE S As stated above, these are the rules for the sub 2kg category drones. If you intend to fly a drone heavier than 2kg, there are other rules that you need to understand and follow. The sub 2kg category includes drones such as the DJI Phantom Series, DJI Mavic Series, DJI Air Series, and DJI Mini Series. Firstly, if you are flying for either sport or recreation you do not need to have a Remote Pilot’s Licence (RePL) if your drone weighs less than 2kg.
includes if you have a YouTube channel that is monetised (i.e. you are earning an income from YouTube) and you feature drone images or video in your uploads. Accreditation is: • Free; • Completed online; • Valid for three years; • Required to operate or supervise others; and, • Granted only to operators over 16 years of age. To find out more about accreditation and other important information head to the CASA website – casa.gov.au – click on the ‘Drone’ tab and go from there.
2 . TH E D RO N E SA F E T Y R U LE S You must: • Only fly one drone at a time; and • Always fly your drone in visual line of sight. This means: ◦ Always fly your drone during daylight hours; ◦ Avoid flying in cloud, smog or smoke;
1 . AC C R E D ITATI O N As a recreational drone operator, if you intend to sell any images or videos or receive any payment from the use of your drone, then you need to be accredited and your drone must be registered. This
◦ You can always see your drone with your own eyes — not using binoculars, googles or other devices; and ◦ Not flying behind obstacles that prevent you from seeing your drone such as trees buildings etc.
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You must not fly: • Higher than 120m (400 feet); • Closer than 30m to people (other than someone helping you navigate your drone); • Over or above people at any time or height such as at the beach, sporting events, busy roads, concerts etc.; • In a way that creates a hazard to people, property or aircraft; • Near an emergency operation; • Near or over prohibited or restricted airspace;
• Closer than 5.5km to a controlled airport (one that has a control tower) if your drone is heavier that 250g. You can operate your drone near an uncontrolled airport (no control tower) or helicopter landing site if: • There are no crewed aircraft in the area; • You see a crewed aircraft, land immediately; and, • You stay outside of the airfield boundary. Additionally, drone regulations vary by state, so it's important to familiarise yourself with local rules before flying your drone. For
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instance, in Western Australia, drones are permitted in national parks, but specific rules and requirements must be followed. For more detailed information, you can visit the Western Australia Parks and Wildlife Service website at exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov. au/drones-parks. Some councils and shires in Western Australia have restrictions about the use of drones in their local government areas, so you will need to check with them before flying your drone.
regulations. Non-compliance could lead to tighter restrictions, impacting our ability to enjoy recreational drone flying. In my upcoming article, I will explore helpful apps and provide tips to improve your flying experience. Following that, I'll discuss strategies and techniques for capturing high-quality still photos and videos with your drone. So, keep the shiny side up and fly safely.
Therefore, regardless of our opinions about them, it's essential to adhere to drone BERINGBOODING ROCK
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TH E P E O P LE W E M E E T w i t h TO R I W I L S O N
AN E DUCATION ON COU NTRY Delve into another way of life and gain a new perspective with one of Pat Torres’ cultural immersion tours.
P
at Torres is quite the force to be reckoned with. An artist, writer, cook, community worker, educator, a cultural tour facilitator and producer of bushfoods products, Pat recognises that as an Aboriginal businessperson, it’s important to diversify to thrive. Belonging to seven traditional language groups — including the Jabirr Jabirr group from the north of Broome, the Nyul Nyul group from Beagle Bay area and the Djugun and Yawuru people from Broome — Pat is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to cultural customs and traditional ways of life.
PAT TO R R E S
and a Bachelor in Indigenous Languages and Linguistics, Pat says she’s driven by a desire to change the narrative of Aboriginal people within non-Aboriginal societies and showcase the depth of what Aboriginal tradition can offer. When asked about the passion behind her native bushfoods business Mayi Harvests, Pat says “the intention was to share our
Combined with her formal education, a Bachelor of Arts, a Diploma of Education
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knowledge of our stories. As I’m an educator I wanted to share the information about our culture, our languages and our foods to create a better understanding between ourselves as First Nations people and all other Australians. “One of the gaps I understand and experience is there is a lack of positive information about us. My role as an educator is to bring in change relating to understanding and appreciation for us as First Nations people through our culture. Unless you learn about Aboriginal culture, you’re only getting a surface understanding of Australia.” Mayi — a word from the Djugun / Yawuru language group of West Kimberley — means plant foods derived from parts of plants including seeds, fruits, nuts, breads and cakes. With the Kakadu plum (aka gabiny – a Djugun word) at its core, Mayi Harvests follows the traditional methods of wild harvesting through the Kimberley’s six seasons to ensure a sustainable future for native fruit, which it supplies across Australia. Not only does Mayi Harvests perpetuate the use of traditional land care knowledge, it supports work among local Aboriginal people by offering them the opportunity to harvest their land seasonally and maintain cultural traditions.
More recently, Pat through the Northern Australian Aboriginal Kakadu Plum Alliance has produced a Kakadu plum powder as an option alongside the fresh fruit. Given the seasonality of the product, “sustainable harvesting means utilising Traditional Ecological Knowledge systems and best practice to work with the environment. As it’s not consistently available year-round the fruit is gathered and frozen to be available throughout the year,” says Pat. “We’re working with the effects of climate change and what sustainability means to us as Traditional Owners, so we don’t want to damage the forest. Even though I’ve been encouraged to do much more volume by my customers”. “I’m driven by working with the sustainability of the forests and the health of our earth and lands,” says Pat. Because of this disconnect between responsible and traditional foraging methods and the functionality and high demands of modern-day markets, it can be almost impossible to create a sustainable business based on just a few products alone. “We’ve had to diversify our income streams and products to survive,” says Pat, who’s now offering three regular cultural tours in addition to her Mayi Harvests food products.
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C U LTU R AL I M M E RS I O N E XPE R I E N C E S Of those tours, one that stands out in her Jarndu Ngaank Tours (Jarndu ngaank meaning woman’s word), is the ‘Women Only’ tour. “I’m coming in with a woman’s perspective, because most of the tour operators operating out of Broome are all men, so that’s my point of difference. I’m giving the woman’s side of the story,” says Pat. “The women’s tour basically takes women for a two-hour trip to the women’s site in Broome. I tell them about all the stories that connect them to that site, which includes ancient stories, information about our family’s cultural connection to that area, a dance I was taught and a song of protection,
the blessing smoke and introduction to Djugun and Yawuru language words for that site”. “It’s helpful for women who may need a break and may be suffering from stress as well. It gives them strategies on how to meditate the Aboriginal way to get rid of negative energies,” says Pat. “And because I’ve been a foodie, I also brought in tastings of food and drinks which I’ve made from our local botanicals.” Speaking of foodies, Pat says she can also offer one-on-one cultural immersion tours and recently took a chef from Canberra out on country for an intensive three-week experience to inform her proposed book about different Australian women involved in a diversity of occupations.
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A life changing opportunity, Pat sought permission to bring her guest to an Aboriginal women’s camp that took place across five days, before taking her onto Pat’s country to practice traditional living for another two weeks. “There were lots of different fruits in season, so we collected the fruits and made bush cordials from honey, flowers and fruits. Then we went onto the reef and collected seafood and came back and cooked it up with herbs and spices in paperbark wrappings.” Going out on country and practising traditional Aboriginal living is something all Australians should experience, and Pat
welcomes anyone to do just that through another of her tours taking place North of Broome. For four hours, groups get to shake off the pressures of western culture and adopt a new kinship name and be immersed in a role that experiences what it means living within a tradition-informed Aboriginal society. “We have a four-kinship system, so I teach them their name and their roles and they go out and collect wood, catch fish, make a fire, so it’s all experiential about what your role is as an individual within a society based on our kinship groups,” says Pat.
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Unlike Pat’s other tours, she doesn’t offer pre-made bushfoods, but encourages participants to source their own food under her direction. Going beyond survival, she also teaches the members of the society a dance, specific to their gender and assigned ‘skin group’ for the day’s activities. “It’s a great team building exercise but also gives them hands on activities so they can immerse themselves in a northern culture,” says Pat. As a shorter, more accessible tour, Pat runs cultural sessions twice a week at Broome’s foreshore beach, welcoming people to the area with a smoking ceremony and welcome to country, sharing stories of Broome and its origins, as well as cultural insights. Pat’s tours are special experiences. Unlike the modern education system, they’re a
chance to delve into an alternative way of learning as Aboriginal societies traditionally operate, outdoors and through action rather than within a classroom. “(It’s about) learning about a place and experiencing the deep cultural knowledge that can be found in Australia so you can experience our depth of knowledge and culture,” she says. “Through participating in our cultural immersive tours, participants are helping to grow our businesses, helping us to go forward with our dreams of a better world for all and provides a more humanistic view of the world through sharing the depth of our knowledge.” Visit mayiharvests.com.au and experience.welcometocountry.com/collections/ jarndu-ngaank-tours
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N OW W E ' R E TAW K I N G ! T R AV E L L I N G AU S T R A L I A W I T H K I D S
w i t h LU CAS H AY
CAR AVAN C H RON IC LE S : FROM TE NT TO TAWK Get to know the new owners of TAWK and how they came to travel the country with kids.
F
or years, our dream was to travel Australia in a caravan with our children. Like many, we started with humble beginnings, camping in a tent with our kids. Then, we gradually upgraded to a roof top tent, swags, a soft floor camper trailer, an old $3,000 Franklin caravan, and finally, what seemed fancy to us, a 12-year-old 25-foot van with a toilet and shower! Any of these set-ups would have sufficed, but since we planned to travel indefinitely, we wanted a bit more comfort.
However, our new van wasn't off-road or off-grid ready. So, with the money we saved, we decided to spend it on caravan parks and activities. You don’t need a brand-new caravan; we've seen all types of set-ups over the last 18 months, and we all ended up at the same beaches and sunsets. It's whatever works for you and your family. We sold our business, sold everything that didn’t fit (though we kept the two kids), and hit the road without a shakedown trip because, as usual, we were out of time. It was three days until a family Christmas, and we had promised we'd be there, over 2,000km in two days; it was definitely challenging. What were we thinking? Since buying the caravan was quite a financial hit, we decided to keep our old Hilux, a 2008 model with over 500,000km on it. I put a lot of faith in the old girl and
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assured Tara (my beautiful wife who will be reading this) that everything would be fine, and it was more than up to the job. It wasn’t as slow as some trucks I've driven, and it definitely pulled up quicker, so I was a happy camper. Finally, we were off on our adventure.
QUEENSLAND The sunshine state, but of course, we were there in the rainy season, being on the wrong end of the country in January. It felt more like the wet state, but we were on holidays, and we didn’t care. We were loving spending so much time as a family and knew we had made the right decision. After the first couple of months of getting into the groove of caravanning and attending too many caravan park happy hours, I decided it was time to go and drive trucks again. So off to Northern Queensland to cart sugarcane for the crushing season. Now, I’m not saying it was a mistake; the job was good, but I was working 11-hour days, six days a week. After a few months, we realised that we might as well be at home if I’m going to work this much. It was a turning point for me, why change our whole life just to get stuck back doing the same thing in a different place? I quickly missed our carefree lifestyle and not setting an alarm. What were we to do?
We had to fund our trip somehow, and after many deliberations and a fair few tipsy conversations, it was time to go back into business for ourselves. We wanted to do something that would fit into our new lifestyle, so Tara came up with a hundred different ideas. But one, in particular, I loved, and it solved two of the biggest problems we found that we and others had: it was hard to find other full-time travelling families, and caravan sites charged extra for kids, making it very expensive. It was an existing business and wasn’t even for sale, but we were determined. After the very first phone call, the wheels were in motion, and after seven long months, on the 1st of March, we became the new owners of TAWK, Travelling Australia With Kids. A community of travelling families with a program that lets kids stay the first two nights free at over 170 caravan parks Australia-wide. So, our new adventure has become a business and a lifestyle. But enough about us, let’s talk about caravanning around this wonderful land.
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Embarking on a caravan adventure across Australia with kids is more than just a holiday; it's an epic journey filled with discovery, bonding, and unforgettable experiences. From the rugged outback to the pristine coastline, Australia offers a vast playground for families seeking adventure and exploration. Travelling in a caravan provides the perfect blend of comfort, flexibility, and freedom, allowing families to create their own itinerary and discover the beauty of this diverse country at their own pace. In this article, we'll delve into the joys and challenges of travelling Australia with kids in a caravan, share practical tips for planning a successful trip, and provide insight into creating lasting memories on the road. Planning a caravan adventure across Australia with kids requires careful consideration and preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for the whole family. Start by mapping out your route, taking into account the distance between destinations, driving times, and kid-friendly
attractions along the way. Research caravan parks and campsites that cater to families, offering amenities such as playgrounds, swimming pools, and jumping pillows to keep the kids entertained. Consider the season and weather conditions when planning your trip, as Australia's climate can vary greatly depending on the region and time of year. When packing for your trip, it's essential to pack light but efficiently, bringing along essentials such as first aid kits, outdoor gear, and plenty of snacks to keep the little ones fuelled during the journey. Make a checklist of items to pack, including bedding, kitchen supplies, toiletries, and clothing for all weather conditions. And don't forget to pack entertainment options such as books, games, and toys to keep the kids occupied during long drives or rainy days. One of the joys of travelling in a caravan is the ability to bring the comforts of home with you wherever you go. Set up your caravan to maximise space and functionality, creating designated areas for sleeping, dining, and relaxing. Involve the kids in decorating their own bunk beds or personalising their space with toys and decorations to make it feel like their own. Stock up on board games, books, and other entertainment options to keep everyone entertained during long drives or downtime at the campsite.
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When it comes to meals, cooking in the caravan can be a fun and cost-effective option for families. Pack a portable BBQ or stove, along with kitchen essentials such as pots, pans, utensils, and ingredients for easy and delicious meals on the go. Encourage the kids to get involved in meal preparation, whether it's helping to chop vegetables, set the table, or cook over an open fire. And don't forget to pack plenty of snacks and drinks for those inevitable moments of hunger and thirst on the road. Australia is a vast and diverse country, offering endless opportunities for adventure and exploration for families travelling in a caravan. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there's something for every member of the family to enjoy. Start your journey by immersing yourselves in the natural beauty of Australia's national parks, where you can hike through lush rainforests, spot native wildlife, and marvel at breathtaking landscapes. Explore the stunning coastline, where pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class surf await.
S U RV I V I N G TH E J O U R N E Y Travelling Australia with kids in a caravan is not without its challenges, but with careful planning and preparation, it can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience for the whole family. Be flexible and adaptable to changes in your itinerary, weather conditions, and unexpected situations that may arise along the way. Take regular breaks during long drives to stretch your legs, explore nearby attractions,
maintain a positive attitude and embrace the adventure, even when things don't go according to plan. Remember that the journey itself is part of the experience, and every moment spent on the road is an opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Travelling Australia with kids in a caravan is a journey like no other, offering families the chance to bond, explore, and create memories that will last a lifetime. From planning your route to exploring iconic landmarks and hidden gems, every moment spent on the road is an adventure waiting to be discovered. So, pack up your caravan, hit the open road, and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime with your loved ones by your side. Whether you're hiking through national parks, swimming in pristine waters, or learning about Australia's rich culture and history, the journey itself is the ultimate destination. Soak in the beauty of the Australian landscape, embrace the freedom of life on the road, and savour every moment of this incredible adventure with your family. Always remember, the hardest thing you will encounter is leaving, after that it’s all an adventure. Until next issue, safe travels! “Don’t call it a dream, call it a plan.” Discover more at: travellingaustraliawithkids.com.au EQ @travelaustraliawithkids
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MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE! Subscribe online at: western4wdriver.com.au or fill in the form over the page and post it to: Western 4W Driver, C/- Vanguard Publishing PO Box 50, NORTHBRIDGE WA 6865 To order back issues go to western4wdriver.com.au western4wdriver.com.au | Western 4W Driver #130 |
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QUARTERLY CROSSWORD Read the mag cover to cover and you'll have no problems solving this puzzle. DOWN
ACROSS
1.
5. The Roman goddess of love and beauty.
Blue ‘threadie’.
2. Provides shelter and shade.
7. The lightest and most abundant chemical element.
3. Motorcycle manufacturer. 4. Vital for survival. 6. Served with jam and cream.
10. A deadly epidemic disease.
8. A photography tool, growing in popularity.
11. PSI.
9. A challenging 4WD route in the Kimberley
15. A rugged, iconic 4WD vehicle, known for its reliability and off-road capability.
13. A WA marine biodiversity hotspot.
12. Self-made project.
16. A beer, slang.
14. Historical artifacts or objects from the past.
18. Gold rush town.
16. The gradual degradation of materials, usually metals.
Answers will be published in the Spring edition of Western 4W Driver
17. Photography from above.
Issue 129 Crossword solution from Autumn Edition #129 R
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2
S H M A C K E R E L B
B A N K S
4
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3
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14
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Down: 1. A pest-exclusion barrier constructed in 1901
Across: 2. A popular game fish
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156 | Western 4W Driver #130 | western4wdriver.com.au 3. A Dutch explorer 3. Mound of sand 6. 8.
Land owned by the government in the Commonwealth realms
Element used in rechargeable batteries Vast Australian desert
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Genus of Australian native plants that’s fire resistant Reptile that lays eggs on a beach Barbecue
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Your quick-find reference to products and services in Western 4W Driver
DI R ECTO RY
ACCOMMODATION Queen of the Murchison............................... 68
MAGAZINES Western Angler............................................ 120
BATTERIES/BATTERY SYSTEMS Redarc............................................................IFC
MAPS & NAVIGATION Hema Maps................................................... 139
CAMPERS/CARAVANS & TRAILERS Off Road Equipment...................................... 85 CAMPING SUPPLIES Bob Cooper Outback Survival.................... 116 Go Camping and Overlanding................... 124
MECHANICAL SERVICE, REPAIRS & REPLACEMENT Fremantle Fuel Injection............................. 119 Goldfields Offroad......................................... 33 Medicar Automotive Solutions..................... 47 United Fuel Injection..................................... 21
CLUBS Toyota LandCruiser Club of WA................. 141
MOTOR VEHICLES Toyota...........................................................OBC
DESTINATIONS Golden Quest Discovery Trail....................... 69 Shire of Upper Gascoyne............................ 131 Yawuru Marine & Conservation Parks........ 55
PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS Fremantle Fuel Injection............................. 119 Turbotech...................................................... 127 United Fuel Injection..................................... 21
4WD PARTS & ACCESSORIES Goldfields Offroad......................................... 33 Make Tracks WA............................................. 13 Maxtrax......................................................... IBC Medicar Automotive Solutions..................... 47 Off Road Equipment ..................................... 85 Supafit Seat Covers...................................... 103
TRAINING & TOURS Bob Cooper Outback Survival.................... 116 Epic 4WD Tours................................................ 1 Golden Quest Discovery Trail....................... 69 OTHER Be Crocwise.................................................... 12 Perth 4WD & Adventure Show..................... 39 Quality Tourism Accredited Businesses.... 150
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