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THE C A M P F I R E
CAMPER CREW
EDITORIAL
Editor Aaron Flanagan
Field Editor Michael Borg
Senior Designer Nicholas Ramsamy
Designer Janina Roque
Content Operations Danielle Beadman
Columnists David Cook, Ron and Viv Moon,
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the Great Australian Bight

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indifference but also a place where most are drawn, regardless of danger.
a good spot to observe, but it’s not as expansive
as the Bight. No, it’s perhaps only the strip of coast
between Invercargill and Dunedin on New Zealand’s
South Island that compares to Australia’s Bight when
it comes to observing the full extent of the Southern
Hemisphere’s climactic rage.
With this in mind, Ron and Viv Moon take us into
the teeth of a true Bight country camping adventure.
As well, Camper’s resident Spielberg, videographer
Anna Pastukhova, brings us along on a trip she took
Editor
recently to Kangaroo Island and John Willis lays bare
Aaron Flanagan (pardon the pun) Port Lincoln.
On a different tack, our friends at HEMA have
here’s a reason why the Southern Ocean is as produced a fascinating perspective on what they
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T
ferocious as it is — there’s no land to impede
its cyclonic path as it circles the southern
latitudes of the planet. It’s an Ouroboros of the sea,
an unbroken watery loop, a snake’s head of wind
and misery caught up with itself and endless.
The coast of Australia’s Great Southern Bight
is perhaps the best place to properly observe
these awesome mood swings. The southern tip of
Patagonia in South America, AKA, Cape Horn, is a
dastardly place to get to overland. Cape Aguilas,
the southernmost tip off the African continent, is
CAMPER is published by Adventures Group Holdings.
ACN: 155 672 192 ABN: 29 155 672 192
regard as the ultimate expedition camper. Based on
All material in CAMPER is protected by the
their findings from the recent CRUISEMASTER Camper Commonwealth Copyright Act, 1968. No material may be
Trailer of the Year, they’ve put thoughts to paper and reproduced without written consent.
Distributed by Gordon & Gotch. Printed by Bluestar Web,
devised an amalgam of sorts; an idealised camper 83 Derby Street, Silverwater, NSW 2128. ISSN 2205-0515
that they’d like to take with them on their never
ending quest to map Australia in ever more exacting
and informative detail.
As well, we review the latest camper creations on
POWERED BY
the market and offer a blast of tips and tricks that
should keep your appetite for the outdoors primed
and hungry for more. CTA Total printed copies: 9,500

6
 CONT E NT S 135

REGUL ARS 135 CAMP COOKING

lentil curry
6 EDITORIAL
TRUE SOUTH
140 EVENTS
Latest happenings
10 COVER SHOT
Bunda cliffs

12 NUTS AND BOLTS

caring for canvas 12
100 TOW TEST
NISSAn navara st-x DC

130 NO FIXED ADDRESS

southerly busters

132 BENEATH THE SURFACE

the Great australian bight

136 SHE'LL BE RIGHT

keePing it real

34

8
 22

60

REVIEWS
34 TRACKABO
20th anniversary seri

50 CUB BRUMB
5oth anniversary spec

68 ALTITUDE
ALPINE 1400

84 WILD BOAR
tuff grunt series le

22 ACROSS THE BIGHT

TRAVEL AN EPIC SOUTHERN ADVENTURE

42 KANGAROO ISLAND 60 TRIP FUNDEMENTALS

more seals than kangaroos MINIMALISM ALL THE WAY!

92 PORT LINCOLN 76 SAFETY

shark diving and more AN INVESTIGATION INTO RV ROAD SAFETY

112 HOBART 110 ULTIMATE EXPED. CAMPER

the perfect tasmanian starting-off point THE BEST OFFROAD CAMPER, IMAGINED
9
CA M P E R S H O T

EDGE OF THE WORLD

THE EPIC BUNDA CLIFFS
Almost as if a set of giant teeth have
cleaved a sickle-shaped bite into the
undercarriage of the country...
Photographer: DAVID BRISTOW

10
11
 A well loved tent, obviously

CRACKING
CANVAS
Extend the life of your camper trailer's
tent with this ultimate guide to long-
term canvas care
Images by MATT FEHLBERG

N
ature can throw its fair share of challenges
at the avid camper. I mean when you think
about it, you could be subjected to anything
from heavy rain to hail and freezing-
cold snow to excessive heat, along with the more
Words by MICHAEL BORG
common oppresive humidity and strong wind. Now
most camper trailers offer nothing more than a single layer of canvas
between you and the elements outside – so you’d want to make sure it’s
a bloody good layer, eh? Sure, good quality canvas will generally last a
life time if it’s cared for correctly, but like everything else, canvas does
wear down over time. It loses strength and durability, and may develop
water leaks here and there. But that doesn’t mean you can’t keep it in
tip-top shape as the years keep rolling by. In fact, by developing a few
good habits, there’s no reason you couldn’t pass your old trusty canvas
tent down to the grandchildren!

12
Nut s and
BOLTS

13
 D I R T, M O I S T URE
ES ON
M O U L D T HR I V IR F L OW
D E C R E A S E D A
AN D
THE DO’S AND DONT’S
Ok, so let’s start with the obvious stuff, shall
we? Mould and mildew are by far the biggest
killers of most types of fabric, especially canvas.
In fact, it’s the main reason you should never
fold or pack anything canvas away while it’s still
damp. If you’ve got no choice in the matter, the
best practice is to open it all back up and let it
air out as soon as you get home. Mould thrives
on dirt, moisture and decreased air flow, so
simply storing a camper trailer in a damp place
will leave it susceptible to the onset of mildew.
Oh, and here’s a tip for ya — never wrap a tarp
directly over your camper to protect it from the
elements. It restricts the air flow, which increases
the humidity and only really makes matters
worse!
Another good habit to get into is brushing the
canvas down before you pack it away. It might
take an extra minute or two to get rid of the
extra dust, but it’ll go a long way in keeping the
canvas clean for the long haul!

to ensure
Brush any dust off before you pack up
over time
it doesn’t embed itself in the canvas

14
4
 Nut s and
BOLTS
SEASONING YOUR CANVAS
Ok, so we’ve all seen the little tag on a brand
spanking new canvas product that says
“seasoning is required”, right? Does that mean
you need to break out the salt and pepper?
Nope. You see, as the tent is being manufactured
there is quite a lot of needle work involved. The
idea around seasoning your canvas is to seal up
any little holes in the canvas that water could
potentially penetrate. These openings could be
around the seams or in the canvas weave itself.
In a nutshell, seasoning is a method used to
close the gaps. It’s best done by applying water Little holes found throughout the canvas can
indicate it
hasn’t been seasoned before
to the entire tent, which soaks the individual
strands of cotton causing them to swell, then
contract as it dries out, ultimately minimising the
size of the holes until it's watertight.
To get the job done, set tent up somewhere done. Or you could take the lazy man's approach
it can stay for a few days. Give it a good hose and wait for it to pour down raining for a few
down with water, paying particular attention to days!
the seams, and let it completely dry for a day While this practice is usually done on brand
or so. Repeat this process around three to four new canvas, it’s not a bad idea to repeat this
times, and check for any leaks when you’re process every year or two.

Lubricating the zippers can eliminate tight spots, which can

cause damage if you need to apply too much force

ZIP EASY
Dodgy zips have a real tendency to get caught up
and ripped to shreds as they age. In most cases
it’s dirt and muck the gets caught up in there,
binding everything up. The funny thing is most of
the time all you’ve got to do is lubricate the zips
every now and then! Sure you could use the beaten
up old can of WD-40 from the back of the 4WD.
But it’ll actually attract more dust and in most
cases stain and deteriorate the canvas fibres too.
Instead, use a product that’s formulated for the job.
Talcum powder is a good alternative if you’ve got
some handy, although it can be tricky to apply to a
vertical zipper.
Love your canvas, and it'll love ya backj

15
 It’s usually the stitching around the seams that requires water
proofing, and a wax stick is the perfect tool for the job

LETS TALK WATER PROOFING

If your canvas does start to develop leaks after
it’s been seasoned correctly, you can apply a
water proofing solution to the material as part
of your ongoing maintenance regime. There is a
whole array of products specifically formulated
to form a waterproof barrier. Before you get
stuck right into it, test out the product on a little
patch of canvas in an inconspicuous location to
ensure it doesn’t discolour the canvas. Then, use
a paint brush or roller to apply a nice and even
layer to the fabric, and let it completely dry.
To finish the job off, use a seam sealant like a
wax candle or spray-on formula to seal up the
stitching on the seams and zippers. How often
should you do this? Let’s say once a year. It costs
bugger-all and sure beats a leaking tent in the
middle of a down-pour!

If your tent is starting to leak, it may be time to re-season the canvas

and apply a water proofing solution

Before applying any chemical to your canvas, test it

in an inconspicuous location to check for reactions or
staining

THE ANNUAL WASH

Never let organic matter like soil, seeds of
bird droppings settle into the canvas
Once every year or so, it’s a good idea to hose
the canvas down to remove any dirt or dust
before it lodges into the fabric permanently.
Think of it as the spring cleaning session!
While you’re at it, keep a close eye out for any
aggressive stains, which will eventually begin to
break down the canvas fibres and cause long
term damage if left untreated. Acidic substances
like bird droppings and organic matter like
eucalyptus leaves/nuts will stick to canvas like
chewing gum in chest hair, so it’s absolutely
essential to remove these contaminants before
they make themselves at home. A soft brush
with a bit of water will get the job done for the
looser stuff, and for the hardier stains you can
use a tooth brush with a bit of warm water to
gently scrub away at it. To avoid damaging the
fabric or the waterproofing agent applied from
factory, don’t be tempted to use soap, detergent
or solvents, or you’ll have to re-apply water-
proofer to the whole lot!

16

TOP FIVE CANVAS CARE TIPS
1. Don’t store your tent away while still damp
Never pack up while the tent is still wet or damp. Even if your tent has been fully treated for
mould resistance, it will soon be rendered ineffective if you pack it away for days or weeks with
moisture trapped inside. Sometimes you have little choice but to travel home with a damp tent,
but make a point of hanging it out to dry as soon as possible.
2. Take the time to set your tent perfectly
Erecting your tent properly will help to ensure its longevity. If not done correctly, time and time
again, the canvas will become strained, eventually becoming damaged.
3. Let the canvas breathe
Any build up in condensation will help the rapid cultivation of mould if air isn’t allowed to
circulate.Open up the doors and windows regularly to let your tent breathe, even if you are not
using it on a daily basis.
Nut s and
BOLTS
4. Keep everything clean
Wipe down the interior roof and walls with a natural anti-bacterial solution on a regular basis,
and avoid the use of chemical sprays inside which can be detrimental to the natural fibres of a
canvas tent. If dust accumulates on the outside, wipe it off with a soft brush, and the occasional
warm soapy bath or hose down, followed by a long dry in the sunshine, will prevent the build up
of bacteria or mould. Also remember to re-apply waterproof silicone spray once a year to keep
your tent dry on the inside.
5. If you can, deal with any mould naturally
Mould is the most common problem associated with canvas tents, which can not only rot your
canvas, but can also trigger nasty allergies.
Harsh detergents, bleach and commercial mould removers can damage the colouring,
waterproofing and UV inhibitors should be used sparingly or in a diluted solution. We
recommend that you hang your tent up to dry in the sun and open the doors and windows to
increase ventilation. When the tent is completely dry, brush off the majority of the mould spores
with a stiff brush and some elbow grease then send the vacuum over the canvas to remove
those that remain.
17
DIY CANVAS REPAIR METHODS
CANVAS REPAIR TAPE
Canvas Repair Tape or Cloth Tape is an adhesive canvas or
linen fabric strip found in most outdoorsy stores that stock
tents. It’s usually used to temporarily patch up minor tears
or punctures, and generally speaking it does a more than
satisfactory job.
The idea is to apply a strip of the canvas repair tape
directly over the tear on both sides of the canvas ensuring
it completely covers the hole. It might not be the fanciest
looking repair, but it’s waterproof, durable and usually costs
less than ten bucks! It’ll get you out of trouble, but is obviously
not a replacement for a professional repair.
CONTACT ADHESIVE
Another option is to use a contact adhesive to secure a canvas
patch over a puncture hole or tear. The idea is to clean the
area up removing any stray threads. Ensure the patch fits over
the rear with around 25-30mm extra clearance and apply a
good layer of adhesive to the patch before sticking it on and
applying pressure until it dries up. It’ll provide a temporary
repair but chances are it won’t put up with all that much
strain.
CANVAS REPAIR KIT
For emergency repairs, a competent canvas repair kit is hard
to go past. They usually include an array of canvas patches so
you can choose the best one to suit the job, be it nylon mesh or
for fly-screen repairs. A needle and thread, along with a tube
of fabric cement, are also usually included.
The typical repair is carried out by sewing the rip or tear
back together with the needle and thread, before cutting out
a patch to suit. Make sure the patch's corners are curved so
Canvas repair kits are cheap insurance if
your canvas gets torn out on the tracks
For large rips, a temporary fix can help prevent
further damage before a professional repair
it’s less likely to get snagged and dislodged from the canvas.
Then apply the cement or adhesive agent to the patch before
completing the repair.
Off the shelf mould removal products are a safer option than
unproven home remedies for your canvas
THE MIRACLE OF MOULD REMOVAL
Ok, so you’ve spotted a bit of mould forming on your tent—
what do you do? Well, letting the canvas air out in the sun
for a few days is a good start. It’ll help kill the mould, and if
you’re lucky enough to catch it in the early stages you may
even be able to simply brush it off with a stiff bristle brush,
before giving the vacuum cleaner a workout to remove the
spores. If it’s more advanced, it’s time to get your game face
on and enlist the help of a proven mould removal formula.
I say the word “proven” because there is a heck of a lot of
unsubstantiated advice on the internet these days, and a
good chunk of them would do more harm than good — Like
scrubbing it with dishwashing liquids or clothes detergents!
Apart from potentially damaging the canvas, these products
will usually have scented perfumes in them, which is a great
way to attract even more biting bugs to your camp.
Yep, when it comes to mould removal aids, you’re far
better off using a quality product that’s available off the
shelf, preferably one with plenty of runs on the board.
Just remember most of these will also remove the fabrics
waterproof coating, so it’ll need to be re-applied after
treatment.
 Nut s and
LTS
A thorough pre-trip check-out will
soon reveal if your canvas has
been cared-for. It's at this stage
where you become thankful
for the extra effort you made
packing away last time!

A F E W B A S I C YET
E E X T R A L O V E, A ND E ’ S NO
WIT H A L I T T L E S , T H E R
E N A N C E R O U T IN
EFFECTIVE M A I N T
G O T H E D I S T A N CE.
C A N V A S S H O UL D N’ T
R E A S O N YO UR
19
Nut s and H E R G O O D HABI T T O G E T I N T
BEFORE
O IS

BOLTS
A N O T D O W N
CA N V A S
BRUSHING THE YOU PACK I T AWAY.

OP IPS
Brush off any rust smears

LEsso ns for
the long
haul
1
Before you park your camper up for the
long haul, look for signs of moisture in the
area. Things like moss on the back fence, or
condensation inside the garage should ring the alarm
bells.

2
A cracking idea is to bung in a couple of
moisture absorbent sachets to help soak
up any dampness, especially if you’re in a
humid climate.

3
Always cover your camper up with a water
tight yet breathable cover. If you only have
a tarp, string it up like an awning to allow
air flow underneath instead of wrapping it directly
over the camper.
THAT’S ALL FOLKS Moisture is not your friend
With a little extra love, and a few basic yet
effective maintenance routines there’s no reason
your canvas shouldn’t go the distance. Sure it
might fade a bit over time, it might even spring a

4
To really prolong the life of your tent,
erecting a large awning right over the top
of your entire set-up will prevent direct sun
from fading the canvas and keep those bloody bird
droppings at bay in the process. It’s a little extra work,
but can literally add years of life to your tent!
leak here and there too, but hey, a few hours on
a Sunday arvo should have it chomping at the bit
for the next crazy adventure. With that in mind,
it’s time to hitch up and go see Australia — see
you out there! CTA

20
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 S
ADVENTURE

GREATIAN

Across
AUSTRAL
B ig h t

the
The cliffs, beaches and
mighty dunes of the rugged
southern coast of Australia,
between Esperance in W.A
and Ceduna in S.A, provide
One of the best coastal 4WD
trips on earth.
Ron and Viv Moon take you
along for a ride.
Words Ron and
Bight
estead, a
Car wrecks at Koonalda Hom route
testam ent to how tough the
used to be

Camp at the dunes - Just before the storm hit!

22
23
 T
he strip of soft sand I was travelling
on was more of a narrow ledge than
anything else, set slightly above the
jagged twisted spires and clumps of
sea-eroded limestone rock that threatened on
my immediate right, while the wave-tossed
sea just a little further out was downright
intimidating. To my left was a steep scrub-
covered ridge of sand that effectively barred any
deviation that way. Suddenly the sandy ledge
gave out completely and the Discovery lurched
sideways into a fettuccine-like porridge of sand
and weed.
I thumbed the gearshift paddle back to
second, the low range box growling in time with
the increased rumble from the V6 turbo engine.
The only real response though, as forward
24
motion came to a quick end, was a plume of
sand thrown through my open door window;
'Bugger', I thought as I hit the window 'up'
button.
I clambered out the partly opened door and
surveyed the situation; it wasn't a great place
for a recovery, but you can't really pick and
choose the spot where the situation goes belly
up; you just do the best you can. With a flurry of
activity, a couple of Maxtrax and a bit of digging,
I scrambled backwards onto more level territory
out of the way of jagged rocks, wind and waves
— and then breathed a big sigh of relief.
Leaving Esperance
We had left Esperance nearly a week previously
where you hit the sandy stuff right on the
outskirts of town and within a few minutes be
climbing Wylie Head. This dome of granite rears
upwards in an unbroken curve of unblemished
rock and for first-time devotees it can be a
daunting experience as you nudge your vehicle
up to the rock-face and then, in low range, drive
up the steep slope with only sky to be seen
through the windscreen.
From the lofty crest of granite we dropped
down onto the sand of Wylie Beach and travelled
the sweep of coastline all the way to Cape
Le Grande and delightful Lucky Bay before
wandering on to Rossiter Bay.
You can't travel this long section of coast
between here and Streaky Bay in South
Australia and not be aware of Edward J Eyre,
the first European to explore this coast in 1840.
 S
ADVENTURE

GREATIAN
AUSTRAL
"Suddenly the sandy ledge gave out completely B ig h t
and the Discovery lurched sideways into a
fetuccine-like porridgeof sandandweed".
Camp at Twilight Cove

Surveying the ruins of the

Old Telegraph Track
station

25
 Ruins of the Old Telegraph
Track station at
Israelite Bay

The heathland behind the

beaches can be
flooded in winter and early
spring

His faithful native guide, Wylie, has his name
perpetuated in the beach and headland we
had just left, and Rossiter Bay takes its name
from the captain of the ship, Mississippi, who by
sheer luck was anchored in the bay when Eyre
and Wylie staggered along this long stretch of
sand. It was one of the most fortunate meetings
in Australian exploration history and the two
tattered and worn explorers stayed on board for
12 days repairing body and soul and equipment
before continuing the gruelling trek to Albany,
another 500km west.
We had it a lot easier but even so a few soft
sections along the beaches saw us using a snatch
strap and the Maxtrax to keep us all mobile
and reaching our camp site for the evening at
Membinup Beach - a shire maintained camping
spot outside of the nearby national parks.
Next day we passed through Cape Arid
National Park, which has a plethora of places
to visit, sandy beach drives and some pleasant
camping areas. Sadly, the old Overland
Telegraph Track through the park to Port
Malcolm is generally closed so the other option
S
ADVENTURE
REAT N
B ig h t
Spectacular Lucky Bay
is via Fisheries Track, which leads
through the adjoining Nuytsland NR to o
Israelite Bay.
Eyre had passed this spot on his e c
trek from east to west but didn't nam mee
the bay. That was left to the Dempste err
brothers, white pioneers of the
district, who in their travels in 1863,
noticed that the area around the ba
seemed to be the boundary betwee enn
Aboriginal tribes who did and did not
practice circumcision. Think the bib blee,
the Israelites and you get the connection!!
The overland telegrap was being produced from the sheep properties
The bay then became the important site of its in and around the bay. Two small cemeteries
historic telegraph station that operated there not far away also date from those pioneer times
from 1877 to 1927 and helped link Perth, via the and can be easily visited. These days Israelite
Overland Telegraph Line (OTL), with the eastern Bay and the surrounding coast is best known for
states. The current building dates from 1896, its great fishing while it also attracts keen four
while nearby is ‘Glencoe’, a small stone cottage wheelers and campers wanting to get away from
built in 1883. Built around the same time as the it all.
grand new telegraph station was a timber jetty Next morning we bypassed the first section
to help load the increasing volume of wool that of beach directly north of Israelite Bay because
27
 "We folowed the
old track that
paralels the
beach, occasionaly
ducking between
samphire covered
flats and across
dry shalow,
biliard-table flat
lake beds, before
winding our way
onto the beach for
the run north".
of the deep seaweed that covers the shore; in
four trips along this coast I've never been able
to burst through this southern section of beach -
even though we've given it a good go!
Instead, we followed the old OTL Track
that parallels the beach, occasionally ducking
between samphire covered flats and across
dry shallow, billiard-table flat lake beds, before
winding our way onto the beach for the run
north.
The history of the OTL is often obvious when
you drive this route across the Great Australian
Bight. In fact, in places the lone wire that once
carried the telegraphic signals of a nation across
it lies along the track, acting something like a
breadcrumb trail in your GPS and letting you
know you are on the correct route, east or west.
At other times solitary poles from those bygone
days (this OTL line closed in 1926 to be rerouted
along what is now the Trans Australian Railway
line further inland) can be seen, as well as the
ruins of old telegraph stations. Climbing the escarpment east of Eucla

28
 S
ADVENTURE

GREATIAN
AUSTRAL
A nice mullowayy taken off the beach in the
ig h t
Yalata lands (p courtresy of Shane Murt

Bunda cliffs just south of main

highway are spectacular

cla is a
The old jetty at Eu
lar resting spot for birds
popu

Epic dunes
Close to where the Wylie Scarp meets the sea,
just west of Point Culver, the Bilbunya Dunes
crowd up to the near sheer escarpment. The
prevailing southerly winds have built these white
masses of sand into some of the tallest dunes in
Australia, their peaks sitting atop long, sinuous,
almost sensuous, ridges of steep-sided sand.
They were mightily impressive and we pulled up
at their base a few hundred metres inland from
the sea and called it a camp.
The long sheer and impressive cliffs of the
Great Australian Bight start just east of here at
Point Culver and a track climbs from near our
camp up the Wylie Escarpment to begin its
Pleasant camp amongst dunes near Dog Fence Beach

Be prepared to get bogged!

TRAVEL PLANNER
THE SOUTHERN coast of Australia is pretty poorly
covered as far as decent mapping is concerned. Use a
Hema Navigator and the included 1:150,000 map.
Ron & Viv Moon's guidebook, Across the Bight &
Nullarbor, is the best guide to the region. Available at:
www.guidebooks.com.au.
Be prepared to get bogged and be well versed and
equipped at getting out of such situations. Watch the
tides!
Diving with the seals at Baird Bay has to be one of the
great wildlife experiences available in the world today!
For more details contact Alan and Trish Payne, ph: (08)
8626 5017, or www.bairdbay.com.
For more info, check out: www.visitesperance.com,
or: www.nullarbornet.com.au.

30

Heading into the Bilbunya Dunes
S
ADVENTURE
GREATIAN
AUSTRAL
t
A memorial
companio
ow and tortuous way east either across harsh
mestone outcrops or through mallee scrub
un o
scratches it can deliver to a passing vehicle.
Along the cliffs, this stretch known as the
Baxter Cliffs, you pass miniscule Toolinna Cove
and further east, just inland from the cliff-lined
g the monument
sea edge, me to Eyre's friend and
2IC, William Baxter, w was killed near here by
n
ter two near full ys of, 'the horror of the
l mestone', as I call it, we dropped down the
e carpment and wou our way through low
d nes to Twilight Cove, certainly the remotest
ach camp you can f d along the south coast
Australia bet B sbane and Perth.
On our latest trip we sstayed here for a couple
o days it was so enjo le and then headed for
t e Eyre Bird Observat y – once an OTL station
a the only one in an where near its former
g ory ... and that's whe my narrow strip of sand
a most brought us and e Disco undone.
ree days later after taking the OTL track
east and a short drive a ng the fantastic beach
at Eucla we crossed the S SA/WA border just back
frrom the cliffs of Wilson Bluff. Then taking the
O d Eyre Highway we st pped at the ruins of
the Koonalda Homeste , once an important
ping point on the di t road crossing of the
arbor and now in Nullarbor NP. After
mping near the Bun Cliffs, south of the
Nu arbor Roadhouse, w passed through the
Ya ta Aboriginal Lands, where with a permit
you can access the bea and some remote
campsites. This is one of he top mulloway beach
f ing spots in the cou y and some giants
have been landed h
31
 S
ADVENTURE
REAT N
B ig h t
at
Swimming with a wild pod of dolphins
Baird Bay
The middle of nowh
everywhere
From theh Aboriginal lands we passed into the
Wahgunyah Conservation Reserve where the
Dog Proof Fence that stretches for thousands
of kilometres across outback Australia makes
its final run to the sea and the cliffs of the Great
Australian Bight. That evening we camped
amongst some dunes east of Dog Fence Beach
where a rocky headland jutted out into the wind
swept sea. East from our vantage point amongst
the high set dunes, a long sweep of beach
stretched away eastwards into the sea mist.
An inquisitive seal at Baird Bay Over the next couple of days as we pushed
east we went from the Ocock Sandhills to the
32
Along Wahgunyah Coast Road
vast exp se of the Wahgunyah Sandhills and
en into he Chalgonippi Sandhills, the names
separa identity on the map, but in reality a
ntinuo mass of white peaks paralleling the
ast with the dune fields varying in width from
0 to over a kilometre.
e tr k through here is often hard to follow
e to the constantly shifting sands but finally
we came ut on more defined tracks and set up
mp just st of the spectacular coastline of
pe Adi . Next day after more beach driving
d cliff cr wling while passing Cheetima Beach,
ndilla B and Mexican Hat we found our way
to Scott Beach for the long drive around the
eep of s nd. Our exit from the beach was hard
find and wound amongst some steep sided
nes as e drove onto yet another beach that
to the small hamlet of Fowlers Bay.
Our re te adventure was nearly over as
a more popular stretch of coast
but there was still plenty of beaches, four
wheel driving and great camping to enjoy as
we pushed onto Ceduna, Streaky Bay and Baird
Bay, where we had an appointment with the
delightful Australian sea lions that congregate
here. There is no better place in Australia to
interact with a group of friendly, playful seals
than this place and their friendly attitude and
captivating antics win over even the hardest
sceptic and you are soon trying to keep up with
these aquatic mammals as they dive and cavort
around you. It was a fitting end to our latest trip
along this wild, little visited coast! CTA
 Austrack Campers
‘Built Tough, Built to last’
HARD FLOOR CAMPERS
SEMI/OFF ROAD CAMPER TRAILERS
Camper Trailer Tents | Roof Top Tents | Vehicle Awnings

AUSTRACK CAMPERS are manufacturers, wholesalers, & retailers

with a customer base ranging from camping shops, trailer companies,
tour companies, and camper hire companies.

We have complete packages of both tent and camper trailers for sale,
or alternatively you can purchase an affordable tent to fit your own
trailer. To date we have sold over 6000 Roof Top tents. Our current
range of canvas products also includes vehicle awnings and roof top
tents.

Come in to the Factory showroom and speak to Linden and the team
about your camper trailer needs.

73 Lear Jet Drive, Caboolture QLD 4510

ne: (07) 5498 3888 sales@austrackcampers.com.au
Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am -1pm
www.austrackcampers.com.au
 Words John Willis pic Alison Kuiter
Trackabout have their roots firmly planted in building tough, well-
engineered campers built to last a lifetime. Happy 20th Anniversary
to our great mates from Trackabout on their 20th year of making
premium, dinky di Aussie camper trailers.
DOUBLE
DECADE
D ELIG H T
A
prediction to start things off — other than
unforeseen accidents, based on what
I’ve seen, I’d say every Trackabout that’s
rolled out of their manufacturing facility
is still providing their lucky owners with camping joy.
Answers on a postcard, please.
Trackabout Campers are Aussie legends. If the
Jolly Swagman cooked his jumbuck in a camper
trailer, odds are it would have been a Trackabout.
They refuse to defer to imported options, instead
preferring to offer premium manufactured quality
to experienced campers who have seen the
comings and goings of many of their competitors.
With the current industry trend moving away
from traditional soft floor campers, of which
the brand was famous, I was a little nervous
for brother’s Lane and Dave and the rest of
the Trackabout clan. Yet I shouldn’t have been
concerned — these guys are on top of their game.
They are leaders, not followers!
Proving their dedication and ingenuity yet again,
Trackabout HQ came up with a new design and
launched it at a recent field day. They recognised
34
OUT SA
AnniITION
LIMITED E
D
that the major problem with many designs is
assembly time and so put their minds to designing
a better process. The result is the Trackabout
Touring Series. There’s the ‘Extenda’ — a walk-up
style camper, plus the ‘Safari’ — a shorter version.
They also offer a choice of two tent styles: the
‘Basecamp’ — conventional soft floor, plus the
‘Touring’ series, as tested. From the outside it
looks like a traditional soft floor but in reality it’s a
wolf in sheep’s clothing.
LET’S GO CAMPING
We found a lovely waterfront campsite on a private
property not far from Queensland’s Mt Cotton and,
to my surprise, Lane told me not to worry about
winding down the stabilisers as the trailer really
didn’t need it for an overnighter — a first “ease of
use” box ticked then and there. I commented on
the obvious strength of the overhead boat rack as
it pivoted easily to 45 degrees on well-weighted
gas struts. The boat rack has a loading weight
of over 100kg which is suitable for traditional
12” tinnies with heavier 1.6mm aluminium
35
 construction. Note: most car toppers are a
relatively lightweight 1.2mm.
We zipped off the strong PVC top cover and I
set about organising some cameras. Lane said,
“don’t turn your back for long!” and presto,
within a couple of minutes he had us set up
ready for an overnighter — awning included.
Wow, what a pleasant surprise!
The setup also revealed a unique
configuration. The main structure folds almost
effortlessly to the passenger side but instead
of being big, heavy and cumbersome, like
most soft floors, there isn’t actually any walls
or floor — just the roof section with separate
detachable sides. As the kitchen area opens
Excellent offroad capability from the rear of the trailer, a further ‘Quick
Set-Up’ awning/roof easily unfolds revealing all
of the support structure and poles that remain
attached for easy assembly. Simply adjust the
arms and poles and stake it all down with a
few guy ropes, and Bob’s your uncle, quick as
a flash the tent is assembled! The awning stays
attached for packing under the road cover, plus
there’s plenty of room to spare for bedding,
tables chairs — even the kids’ boogie boards.
The tub features an easy fold-out stairwell
with steps that are strong, secure and easy to
navigate, even in the dark, thanks to a courtesy
light. It leads to a walk-through section before
arriving at the queen size innerspring bed. The
walk-through is a terrific storage area for your
camp chairs, and perhaps a folding table when
on the move, but it also has two large drawers
leading under the bed and another on the side

The main structure folds almost

effortlessly to the passenger side

Instead of being big, heavy and

cumbersome, like most soft floors,
there isn’t actually any walls or floor
— just the roof section with separate
detachable sides

36
 The excellent kitchen can be set up in
a straight line

E ’S A H E A T E R V ENT FOR
H E R S U R P R IS E — THER O U W ARM
H E R E ’S A N O T T O K E E P Y
“
E L H O T W A T E R SYSTEM E E Z E ”.
E B A S T O D IE S IN G A B IG F R
THE W DUR

wall. Here’s another surprise — there’s a heater

vent for the Webasto diesel hot water system to
keep you warm during a big freeze. The sides
of the bedding area feature ‘cafe style’ side
walls with roll-up flyscreens similar to a forward
fold. Trackabout have registered design patents
on this truly innovative and forward thinking
design.
All of the canvas is premium Wax Converters
Dyna Proofed with 15 oz on the roof and 12 oz
on the sides, plus there is a permanent tropical
roof on top for improved insulation. The
manufactured quality is superb, in line with the
rest of this tough nugget of a camper, complete
with fine midge mesh screens, high quality
zips and stainless steel hardware throughout
for longevity. Even the tent poles and pegs are
made locally by Supa-Peg on the Gold Coast!
The unit comes complete with easily
detachable walls and PVC floor with draft skirt,
should you wish to enclose the whole awning
in the same style as a soft floor — a necessity
for families. However, for myself and a partner,
I wouldn’t bother, unless the weather took a
severe turn for the worst. By the way, there’s
enough room under the PVC road cover for The large tool/storage box where
everything to remain attached, if so desired. the
Webasto diesel hot water system
is
There are two sliding trays, one for a huge housed out of harm’s way.
sliding pantry/storage bin that’s easily large
enough to feed the whole tribe for a month;
and the other has the wonderful aluminium
kitchen complete with a large Evakool fridge/
freezer which can be upgraded to include hard- HITS
wearing stainless latches and the ever-reliable
Advanced and
Danfoss compressor. I giggled when I was told
easy set up
that they use Italian drawer runners, as there is
no suitable Aussie made option — at least they Excellent off-road
tried! capability
The premium kitchen has a pivoting and
hinged bench extension that extends the Great layout and
preparation area immensely. It can be set up in functionality
a straight line, extending out past the awning
Kitchen
should you be concerned about heat from a
portable Weber Q, or similar. In fact, I reckon Terrific
I’d be taking a pair of folding bar stools, it looks accessories
that inviting!
The appliances include a Smev (Dometic) Storage
3-burner gas stove plus a sink with hot/cold
mixer serviced by a Webasto Diesel hot water
system that also feeds a portable shower tent. MISSES
You will just love the utensils and crockery
Italian drawer
drawers that come complete with cutlery runners (no Aussie
divider and a full set of plates, glasses and made options)
mugs — all set in a CNC laser cut foam retainer.

37
 T A N T LY, H A S B E EN
P E R H A P S M O S T IMPOR
E R Y S T R O N G , A ND E L A S T 2 0 Y E A R S”
V H
“THE CHASSIS IS RY FEW CHANGES REQUIRED IN T
E P R O V E N W IT H VE
TIM

Ample storage lockers

There’s further pot storage and a pair of Fusion
waterproof external speakers for the Bluetooth
sound system.
There are steps around the sides of the tub
with a pair of jerry can mounts and a lockable
CTA RATINGS box on either side aptly nicknamed ‘the safe’,
TRACKABOUTSAFARIAE20 plus the driver’s side has a cold water outlet
and twin 4.5kg gas bottle mounts. Out in front
20TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION JOHN WILLIS of the tub you’ll find a lockable pole/fishing rod
1. FIT FOR INTENDED PURPOSE carrier and then a large tool/storage box where
the Webasto diesel hot water system is housed
2. INNOVATION
out of harm’s way. You even have the option
3. BUSHABILITY of external draw, should you be camped by a
4. QUALITY OF FINISH fresh creek or external water supply.
5. BUILD QUALITY Every compartment and doorway is very well
sealed with adjustable compression locks and
6. OFFROAD-ABILITY
there’s even a mount for a set of MaxTrax on
7. COMFORTS top of the tool box. All steel surfaces feature full
8. EASE OF USE powder-coated protection for longevity — the
9. VALUE FOR MONEY one I tested, in battleship grey with black trim.
Out in front, the A-frame drawbar supports a
10. X-FACTOR replaceable mesh stone screen plus a quality

38
 Wax Coverters canvas throughout

ARK jockey wheel, Anderson plug and Vehicle

Components DO35 off-road coupling with
integrated handbrake.

GETTING DOWN LOW!

From the bottom up, the Trackabout Safari
is built on very solid foundations. You simply
don’t find better undercarriage than the
Vehicle Components Cruisemaster XT fully
independent trailing arm suspension with coil
springs and twin gas shockers, either side. It
includes camber and toe adjustment as well
as 12” electric brakes with Federal 285/70/
R17 mid-terrain tyres on attractive black
coated alloy mags, plus a spare mounted
Clever storage design touches
on the tail gate.
The chassis is very strong, and
perhaps most importantly, has been time
proven with very few changes required
in the last 20 years. It features full hot
dipped galvanised RHS construction with
a 100 X 75 A-frame drawbar and 100 X 50
chassis, and all of the manufacturing and
welding is first class. There are mud flaps,
four wind down stabilisers, engineered
recovery points, and further mounting
options for bicycle racks and outboard
carrier.

THE COMFORTS
Yes, the 20th Anniversary Safari Limited
Edition comes with plenty of creature
comforts. There’s an adjustable backrest
with individual NARVA touch reading lights
Ingenious hinged kitchen benchtop accompanying the queen size inner spring
system
mattress; a pair of 12 volt fans, overhead LED
lights, the wonderful Webasto hot water and
heating system, two shrouded 85 litre poly
water tanks in a separate shower tent so you
can enjoy a long hot shower, and even a TV
accompanying the Fusion sound system for
entertainment. (Personally, give me a camp fire
and a Coolabah tree under the stars, but hey, I
guess there’s those wet days and the football!)

anniversary special
TO CELEBRATE their milestone birthday, Trackabout
are offering a very special ‘Anniversary Series’ offer
that is available on either model, complete with
upgrades; including Redarc Manager 30, Boat rack,
Cruisemaster XT Suspension, DO35v3 hitch, 285/70R17
Federal Mud terrains, 17-inch black alloy rims, Custom
Paint & Trim, CNC drawer insert with crockery for 4 &
2 wine glasses, Smev 3-burner Upgrade, Black Fusion
stereo system, Kitchen return bench and a pair of
Graphite Maxtrax mounted to toolbox.

39
 Spacious and comfortable sleeping area

CTA SPECS
TRACKABOUT SAFARI
AE20 20TH ANNIVERSARY
LIMITED EDITION
TRAILER
Tare 1300kg
ATM 2000kg
Suspension Vehicle Components Cruisemaster XT
Independent trailing arm with coil springs and
dual shock absorbers each side
Brakes 12in electric
Coupling Vehicle Components DO35 Off-road
Coupling
Chassis Full box section galvanised 100x50x3mm
Drawbar 100x75x3mm galvanised A-frame
Body Powder-coated 1.2mm zinc anneal panels
Wheel/tyre 285/70/R17in Mud terrain-terrain
Style Alloy mag
DIMENSIONS
Box width (guard-to-guard) 1850mm overall
Body Height 1800mm including boat rack
Length (hitch-to-tail lights) 5300mm overall
Tent size 2000mmx2800mm PLUS
2400mmx3800mm annexe
ACCESSORIES
Water 2x85 litre poly tanks with steel shrouds
Cooktop Smev 3-burner
Kitchen Stainless Steel Kitchenette, sink, hot/
cold mixer, 3 x drawers with inserts, and LED
light, Fusion speakers, full hinged extension
Battery 2x120 AMP AGM
PRICE AS SHOWN
$48,670 with full Anniversary Edition options
ENQUIRIES
Trackabout Off Road Campers
27 Moss Street, Slacks Creek, QLD 4127, Australia
Ph: (07) 3208 1133, 0432 740 553 (Sales)
Web: trackabout.com.au
campertraileraustralia.com.au
More pictures Specs to compare
FEEL THE POWER
Of course if you are running all of the
accessories then you need the power
and Trackabout take no short cuts in that
department. It starts with two 120AMP AGM
batteries fed by either the Anderson Plug or
120 watt portable folding solar panel with
internal regulator, a 240v 30AMP multi-stage
smart charger and all regulated and monitored
by the premium Redarc Manager 30 BMS, solar
regulator and 30 AMP DC/DC charger with a
visual monitor conveniently mounted in the
kitchen.
HITTING THE TRACKS
The 20th Anniversary Series Trackabout offers
a very comprehensive package that will be
your best mate when the going gets tough.
It’s a very strong unit with a great under
carriage featuring terrific ground clearance
and recovery angle. It’s tare weight of 1300 kg
with all of the fruit is quite low in comparison
to many who offer far less. But this one has the
Drawer Bed Awning
Queen bed
w/ storage
Step Main Floor
Space
stamina for the rough stuff!
The standard ball weight is 155kg without
the Webasto HWS option, or 180 kg with so it is
still a very reasonable option for tough, muddy
inclines and the premium 12” electric brakes
will assist any steep descent. You can carry
plenty of gear with an ATM of 2000 kg allowing
700kg of water, accessories, recovery gear,
food, clothes and toys.
Lane said, “We always remember that we are
building the customer’s dream camper so we
supply plenty of options to suit each individual.”
He continued, “Most importantly we wanted
to celebrate our 20 years in business with our
customers; after all they’re the ones that have
kept us here. That’s why we developed this
Limited Edition feature packed celebration
model.”
I’m sure you will all join us in wishing
Trackabout a hearty congratulations. I certainly
hope they will be still offering great Aussie
made products in another 20 years! CTA
Fridge / Stove / Sink
Bench
Awning

40
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42
 S
ADVENTURE

All Roads Kangaroo

Island,
SA

Lead South
Kangaroo Island gives you a
feeling of freedom as soon as
you step on its shore, as Anna
Pastukhova discovered.
Words Anna Pastukhova
Pics Anna Pastukhova and Dmitri Lazariuc

43
A perfect spot for a stormy walk

Stunning lichen and seaweed

G
etting to Kangaroo Island is fairly
easy; hop onto the ferry in Cape
Jervis and 45 minutes later you
step down on the other end in
Penneshaw, KI’s main port. The 16km long
journey across the gulf is quite luxurious
aboard the large SeaLink ferry, while relaxing
in a comfortable lounge or taking in the views
from outside and feeling that refreshing sea
breeze on your face. About half way through
the journey you begin to see the contours of
the island and can’t help but wonder what it
has in store for you.
With a population of around 4500 people,
Kangaroo Island welcomes close to 200,000
visitors a year, but don’t be expecting crowds of
tourists similar to those in the gulf of Thailand.
Kangaroo Island absorbs the travellers into its
4400sq km allowing everyone to enjoy a quiet
private moment in its unspoilt surroundings.

44
 Home to an abundance of
marine fauna
S
ADVENTURE

THE HISTORICAL TRIVIA

a aroo
and,
Looking at a map of Kangaroo Island, you
cannot help but wonder about the coexistent
mix of French and English names given to
locations on the island. Turns out, there’s
history to be told there. In early 1800s, both
Matthew Flinders and Nicolas Baudin met in
Encounter Bay, just off Victor Harbor, while
mapping and charting the areas around
Kangaroo Island. After this meeting they
decided to split the workload, with Nicolas
Baudin mapping most of the South Coast of the
island, and Flinders – the North. That gave the
island it’s unique naming combination, clearly
present to this day.

ZOO WITHOUT FENCES

This is how locals refer to the island, and
rightfully so. The island really is a saturated
microcosm of what you see around the
Kelly Hill limestone caves
mainland of Australia. From countless
kangaroos and copious birdlife to shy echidnas A dolphin cavorts in the
and curious dolphins, the island is swarmed ferry's wake
with wildlife.

ALL ABOARD
For the lovers of marine life, a boat tour
is a must. Spotting bottlenose dolphins
is no challenge around KI, as many pods
permanently live in the area. Their curious
nature brings them straight to the boat where
lucky tourists get to view these mammals’
playful nature up close and personal. Dolphins
also enjoy a bit of a play in the swell coming off
the boat, so it’s not rare that pods will follow
you around the ocean for a few kilometres
before waiving their tails to say goodbye.
Other sea mammals to keep an eye out for
are Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur
seals. They are best spotted closer to shore,

THE PERFECT SOUVENIR

FORGET FRIDGE magnets! One of the best things to

“ It is also a perfect place

bring from KI is actually eatable and doesn’t spoil.
That’s right – it’s honey. The fact is, Kangaroo Island is
home to the most pure strain of Ligurian bees in the
world, that are known for producing premium quality
honey with increased health benefits. The Ligurian
bees are not native to KI though, they came from Italy
in the late eighteen hundreds. However, disease and
cross breeding has since wiped the original bees colony
to enjoy a sunset. ”
in Italy, leaving Kangaroo Island to be the only home to
Anna, a yoga master, executes a pose while
these unique species. gazing out over the southern horizon

45
 lying on the rocks, soaking up the sunshine practising their fighting skills. It is a truly bushland and rocky climbs and descends, the
between fishing swims. unbelievable experience to be able to observe island is a quad biking paradise.
While on the boat you also enjoy the views of them in their natural environment, going on After a couple of hours of fun using the power
the highest coastal cliffs in Australia, which rise about their day to day business. of quads we decide to test our own quad muscles
to 200m in some places. These cliffs define the climbing sand dunes. Little Sahara is the place to
island, making it a natural fortress. The layers INTO THE DIRT do it, with natural sand dunes rising up to 70m
of the sedimentary rock in the cliffs go back Once you’ve explored the island from the tall, it’s a sand-boarding heaven. The way down is
millions of years, and display history of when outside, it’s time to get inland. For an island fun, fast and exciting. Expect to fall over a couple
the island, the mainland and Antarctica were that size it’s not surprising that it has plenty of times too, but getting dug into the sand is
joint in one land called Gondwana. to offer. Whether you’re a keen 4WDer or like all part of the fun. The way up is much tougher
If you haven’t spotted sea lions out at sea, to hike, there’s something for you. Our pick though, knee-deep in the sand, it’s a workout
don’t be disheartened. Seal Bay is home to was a quad bike adventure, and gee did we not for the faint-hearted. After an hour we feel
Australia’s third largest colony of sea lions have fun! With sand and gravel tracks, open like we’ve done our exercising for the day, so we
and is a must visit while on Kangaroo Island. grassland, winding tacks through the native head further.
An 800m boardwalk offers fantastic views of
the colony, as well as breathtaking scenery
in the distance. Being endemic to South
Australia and the south coast of WA, the
sea lions of Seal Bay are the rarest species
of seals in the world and unfortunately theirr
breeding pattern is not in their favour for
quick population growth. The females have
the longest gestation period out of all sea lions
species, lasting 18 months, while only being
able to have one pup at a time. This means th hat
the breeding season changes time from year
to year, but if you’re lucky enough to be visitinng
at the right moment, you’ll be able to watch
these playful pups rolling around on the beach,

“Being endemic to South Australia and the south coast of

WA, the sea lions of Seal Bay are the rarest species of seals
in the world ”

Millions of years of history

46
 S
ADVENTURE

a aroo
and,

Our pick was a quad bike adventure, and gee did we have fun!

K A N G A ROO
About 25 minutes down the road is Kelly Hill
Conservation Park, home to Kelly Hill limestone

ISL AND IN
caves, which are perfect to explore any time of
the year. In fact, the caves are known for their

NUM B ERS
own little microclimate with a temperature of
16°C and humidity levels of 70-80 per cent no
matter what the weather is outside. For people
with the thrill for real adventure there are AREA: 4405km²
caving tours, which will have you crawling your DISTANCE FROM
way through an underground maze of smaller MAINLAND: 13.5km
caverns. COASTLINE LENGTH:
509km
THE ICONIC LOOK POPULATION: 4417
(Australian Bureau of
If you ever Google Kangaroo Island, you can’t
Statistics, 2011)
go past the images of the Remarkable Rocks, a NUMBER OF VISITORS
unique formation on the south-western corner PER YEAR: 200,000
of the island. The massive granite boulders
are believed to have originated from
a volcanic activity over 500 million
years ago and the unusual shapes of
the rocks have been naturally sculpted
by unobstructed ocean winds and
rain. The rocks sit atop a massive
granite outcrop, about 75m above
sea level, which makes for a perfect
viewing platform to sit down and take
a moment to stare into the depth of
the Southern Ocean. Looking into the
distance, thinking that the next bit of
land on the horizon is Antarctica really
does make you feel like you’re on the
edge of the world!
Just a 10 minute drive from the

47
 A beautiful day draws to
S
ADVENTURE a close

a aroo
d,

FAST FACTS
Kangaroo
Island lies off
the mainland
of South
Australia,
southwest of
Adelaide.
Access to Kangaroo Island
is via a 45-minute ferry,
departing Cape Jervis,
107km south of Adelaide, for
Penneshaw.
Travellers towing a caravan
can pricing options online
while those travelling in a
motorhome are urged to
contact SeaLink for pricing
options, www.sealink.com.au/
kangaroo-island-ferry

Anna masquerading as a Remarkables is Admirals Arch, a stunning rock

drone, something she does opening onto the ocean created by years of
regularly corrosion. It is a great spot to admire a colony
of New Zealand fur seals, who have made the
landmark their home. A lot less crowded, it is
also a perfect place to enjoy a sunset, looking
out towards the ocean, mesmerised by the
burst of light coming in through the rocks and
reflecting on the water. Just a short boardwalk
up, and you’ll get to the Cape du Couedic
Lightstation, which has been guarding the
island’s southwest coast since 1909.
Unfortunately, every trip comes to an end,
and when you’re on KI there’s a return ferry to
catch. Looking back onto the island, as the ferry
glides away, every visitor plans to come back
one day.
With its prehistoric natural attractions and
friendly locals it really is a destination that will
leave a soft spot in anyone’s heart. Enjoying
a glass of red on the ferry, time goes by
quickly and you’re now disembarking back
Evel Knievel onto the mainland – back to reality of the
21st century. CTA

48
 RUM
nnivers
s ecial
p

B I R THDA Y
Cub Campers celebrate 50 years in
the business with a new version of
their tried and tested Brumby model

Br u by
WORDS David Cook
PICS Mat

50
 n what is currently an extremely
I volatile industry, with long standing
and respected brands under siege,
closures coming at an alarming rate
and rumours circulating over others, it’s
reassuring to be able to report on the 50th
anniversary of one of the nation’s most
respected brands — Cub Campers — as
it kicks up its heels to mark a significant
achievement in Australian manufacturing.
Cub grew out of a small box trailer
business, purchased in 1968 by retired
pharmacist J.K. Fagan. With son Roger and
grandson Shane at the helm, the company
has steered its way through the 70s and
80s when it was one of just a handful of
businesses offering that novelty product
called the camper trailer, and onwards
through the meteoric explosion in popularity
of the early 2000s
until today. It still holds
a fiercely Australian-
centric profile in
a market that is
increasingly dominated
A half century of all-Australian mad
e
by imported product.
manufact uring
Cub today offers
seven different models
— at the centre of which on functionality
y and basics,,
sits the Brumby, at the top of their 2.2 metre determined to offer the best value possible
(body length) range and designed for (but not at a reasonable price. It leaves the high dollar
limited to) couples and singles. It’s been Cub’s end of the market to others, though by doing
most popular seller for a number of years and so, brings itself into direct competition with
since being introduced in 2007, over a thousand the imports, which today seem to almost own
have been sold. the $30,000 and under end of the market.
Cub has never been overwhelmed by highly So how does the Brumby stack up against
complex campers with all sorts of bells and that opposition? We’d have to say pretty well.
whistles. It has first and foremost kept its focus So let’s take a tour.
51
 The Brumby, like all Cub campers today,
sits on a Duragal chassis with 2 x 2400kg
rated recovery points, and the drawbar down
in size from 150mm to 100mm x 50 x 3mm,
to reduce ball weight and overall weight in
general. Both the chassis and drawbar are
painted in a grey hammertone. In line with
its past, the suspension is Cub’s independent
design, with Rox Shocks and King coil springs
supporting 10in AL-KO electric drum brakes.
Cub now fits the Brumby with 17in six-stud
black alloys either side (though the spare is
steel) and Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tyres.
Cub can supply hubs to match offsets and
bolt patterns for most popular brands if you
want to supply rims to match your particular
tow vehicle.
The chassis carries a heavy duty poly
80L water tank as standard, but our test
unit came with the Adventure Pack, which HITS
gives you a second 80L tank. These fill
from the same filler point but are plumbed all-Australian
build
separately, with selection via a ball valve
under the driver’s side of the camper. Water Lightweight
is delivered through a filter by a 12V pump.
The fitting of the second tank forces the Easy set-up and
spare wheel from its under-chassis location pack-up
onto a swing-away rear arm. This can be
optionally fitted even without the second Winch works well
tank, for use in carrying extra jerry cans, a
Good electrical
bike carrier or other extra freight. set-up
The Adventure Pack also brings with it
a second 100Ah battery, which mounts in
an aluminium tray under the bed. They are
easily accessed but it makes me a little itchy MISSES
that they sit uncovered and are not at least
Exposed batteries
installed in battery boxes. These would
be light and relatively cheap, though Cub No external access
reports that this location policy has never, to to internal storage
their knowledge created any issue.
The batteries are charged off the mains Lack of kitchen Check out the Brumby's ease of access..
via a 25 amp Projecta IC2500 seven-stage bench space .and space
charger with a remote head display, or off
a Projecta 25 amp IDC25 DC-DC charger,
which also has a solar regulating function to
Packs up nice and neat
go with the Anderson solar inlet. These are
mounted behind an aluminium panel on the
driver’s side, along with the 12V fuse box,
240V circuit breaker and water tanks gauge.
The camper is equipped with a 240V 15A
inlet and a 240V 10A outlet.
And it was so good to see the use of 6
B&S cable on the Anderson plug at the draw
bar, rather than the so often seen 6mm
cable, which is going to choke the delivery of
current from the vehicle’s alternator.
That draw bar is also the location of the
AL-KO offroad hitch which functions happily
on a 50mm ball, though other hitches, such
as the DO-35 or Treg, are also optional. The
handbrake has a lower shield to protect
it from the elements. The jockey wheel is
removable, so transport room for this has to
be found.
The stone guard is a new design, now

52
 The jockey wheel is removable, so transport room
found.
A S I N G M E T A L LIC
S F I N I S H E D I N A PLE D IS A
R C A M P E R W A T I N T R O D U C E
“OU
P A I N T, T H O U GH JUS L O U R S"
ME TE O R G R E Y OPT I O N A L C O
RANGE OF FIVE
50 years of towing and hitching
being a mesh on a frame which relocates the
side wings of the guard inwards for improved
turning circle and easy access behind the
mesh via elasticised end hooks which secure
the net to the body.
Behind the stone guard is a new frame for
two jerry can mounts and two 4kg gas bottles,
plus an external hand water pump to clean
up after packing up, and the winch for Cub’s
distinctive winch. This is relatively noiseless
these days, to save on waking the neighbours
for those early morning starts, and its
mounting pole now features a sheltered guard
for the gas regulator. There is plenty of spare
room in around all this, which could provide
storage for firewood or other dirty items.
The front mud flaps have gone back from
hanging below the stone guard to below
the front lip of the front box for improved
for this has to be
shielding of the underbody from stones.
The front box is manufactured from 2mm
checkerplate aluminium, in typical Cub style,
as is the fold-over top to the main camper
body. The front box and other locker doors
are aluminium and the main body is made
from laser cut zincanneal steel. Our camper
was finished in a pleasing metallic Meteor Grey
paint, though just introduced is a range of five
other optional colours to suit your tastes. The
wheel arches are now made from moulded
aluminium and replace the older plastic flares.
Tie-down points are provided to permit
loads to be carried on top of the folded over
body.
Opening and setting up is dead simple, as is
typical with all Cub rear fold designs. Simply
undo the four over-centre latches on the lid
and feed out the strap on the Ezy-Wind winch
53
 R T W O JER R Y
E W FRA M E F O
U A R D I S A N
E H I N D T H E S TONE G B O T T L E S”
“B 4 K G G A S
M O U N T S P L US T WO
CAN

Sets up and packs away without fuss

Plenty of storage beneath a medium-density foam mattress

54
 ary

while the gas struts do their work. When fully

over, simply lower the legs to match the rear
floor to the ground, snap in the two rear press
studs on the canvas skirt, hook up the handful
of bungee loops around the sides and step
inside.
Undo the two rear bow hook clamps and
CTA RATINGS push the bow up and out while inserting the
CUB BRUMBY two rear upright poles in place. Raise the
50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL DAVID COOK front mounting point for the rear hoop on
the entry side and when the canvas is taut,
1. FIT FOR INTENDED PURPOSE lock everything in place. It couldn’t be easier.
2. INNOVATION Packing up is simply the reverse process.
3. SELF-SUFFICIENCY All the poles travel in a poly carrier across
the rear of the camper where they help lower
4. QUALITY OF FINISH
ball weight.
5. BUILD QUALITY The awning can travel attached to the
6. OFFROAD-ABILITY camper, and is pulled over the top beneath the
7. COMFORTS winch strap when partly packed up. Pull it out
to set up and start inserting the five aluminium
8. EASE OF USE poles and four spreader bars — a job which
9. VALUE FOR MONEY can be done singlehandedly with surprising
10. X-FACTOR ease. This can be a free-standing awning
without ropes, if there’s no breeze, but for an
overnighter, it pays to have ropes in place.
The awning gives you a roomy 2000 x
5020mm footprint for shelter, from in front
of the fridge box to behind the rear of the
camper tent. Walls are optional, but the
front wall which would shelter the kitchen
and wraps around to provide an infill in
front of and behind the fridge box, would be
highly recommended. The canvas (10oz roof,
8oz walls) is all-Australian Wax Converters
Dynaproof, all cut on Cub’s laser bench and
sewn in-house. All five windows feature
midgy-proof screens, those at the bedside
being internal for easy access at night, and
for an extra $280 you can have a roll-up side
which gives you that great panoramic access
Ample storage
to the outside environment. The rear driver’s

Happy Birthday Mr Cub

THIS YEAR Cub Campers
turns a robust 50 years old,
and in line with most of the
baby boomers, it figures it’s
just beginning to hit its straps.
Cub was the first in Australia
to manufacture camper
trailers, based loosely on the
designs of the Combi Camper
from Europe. These were a
basic rear fold design that was
easily adapted to Australian
usage and rapidly became
popular.
In 2012, Cub moved into its
current three acre factory
complex at North Rocks, in
Sydney’s suburban northwest,
where it has invested heavily
in laser cutting equipment
for metal component and
canvas, and is in the process of
installing a new paint station
which will give a choice of
colours on all their campers.
Cubs have pretty much
always been rear fold designs,
and these were seen as the
epitome of camper layouts
in the days when the choices
were either sidefold, rearfold
or pop-top designs with beds
which could pull out each
end. Several years ago, Cub
began manufacturing Johnnos
Campers, all pretty much
sidefold designs, but when
Johnnos went into liquidation
in November 2015, Cub briefly
marketed those designs under
the name Coolibah Campers,
but it soon became apparent
that there was no market
there to be had.
In 2016, Cub made a move
into the forwardfold market
with the release of its Frontier
model, designed to meet the
market demand for this type
of camper and resolve so
many of the shortcomings in
the design of these campers.
Cub is planning an ongoing
sweep of celebratory
activities, which will include
a major get-together near
Sydney for Cub owners in
October — watch for more
news on this later.

55
 CTA SPECS
CUB BRUMBY The awning gives you a roomy 2000 x 5020mm
TRAILER footprint for shelter, from in front of the fridge box to
behind the rear of the camper tent
Tare 885kg
ATM 1400kg
Suspension Trailing arm independent side window can be optionally converted to a
Brakes 10in electric door for use with a shower tent, if desired.
Coupling AL-KO offroad ball Internally there’s a double 2130 x 1350mm
Chassis 100x50x3mm Duragal x 100mm thick medium-density foam
Drawbar 100x50x3mm Duragal mattress on a lift-up gas strut assisted base,
Body Zinc anneal, front box aluminium which provides ready access to the roomy
checkerplate storage area underneath — though this is
Wheels 6-stud 17in alloy (steel spare) not accessible from outside when closed up. and chairs or beds for children or
Tyres 265/65/R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac There is plenty of room down either side of emergency guests. The floor is well off the
the mattress which would reduce the effort of ground for security from creepy-crawlies but
Style Rearfold
making the bed and provide plenty of space the step up is 430mm, which some might find
for carrying smaller personal items, such as requires an intermediate level to ease the load
DIMENSIONS books, torches, tissues and other items. on the knees. The lengthy threaded end of
Body size 1700x2200mm The 2018 edition of the Brumby now the winch strap’s eye bolt, which projects into
Length 4350mm features LED reading lights either side of the the rear space, represents a threat to air beds,
Awning size 2000mmx5020mm bed head and adjacent double USB charging children’s heads or adult toes and would be
points to keep your phones and other devices best removed and/or capped with an acorn
ACCESSORIES topped up. In the roof of the tent is a velcro nut or rubber cap.
Gas cylinders 2x4kg strip to attach the supplied LED strip light. The pullout stainless steel kitchen is fully
Next to the batteries is a dual 240V outlet as occupied with the two-burner Smev cooktop
Water 80L
well as Merit and cigarette plugs. and the stainless sink. There is no standard
Cooktop Two-burner Smev
The rear floor is a roomy 1640 x 2160mm, bench space available for food preparation,
Kitchen Marine grade stainless steel with which provides enough room for table other than using the fold-down glass cover
zincanneal drawers over the cooktop — which isn’t available
Battery 100Amp hour
Options fitted Second 100Amp hour battery,
second 80L water tank, utility rack upgrade and
spare wheel bracket

PRICE
$27,990 (plus on-roads) Longtitudinal
Lift-up Bed
ENQUIRIES
Cub Campers
23 Loyalty Road, North Rocks, NSW 2151
Phone: 1300 226 746
Email: sales@cubcampers.com.au
Online: www.cubcampers.com.au Slide out
Two-burner Stove
campertraileraustralia.com.au & Pantry
More pictures Specs to compare

56
 U P I E D W I T H THE
I S F U LLY OC C
T E E L K I T C H E N S T E E L SINK”
T S TA I N L E S S S H E S TA I N L E S S
“ T H E P U L L O U O K T O P A N D T
- B U R N E R S M EV CO
T WO
57
 when cooking — though the body does come
standard with side mounting brackets for an
optional stainless steel side bench. This is a
camper that would benefit from a flip-over
'breakfast bar' type bench.
However, you do get a neat slot-in wind
guard for the cooktop, which keeps the heat
where you want it in breezy conditions, and
a plug-in stalk light. Underneath is storage in
front of the sink bowl and a roomy drawer
suitable for cutlery and some crockery.
Connections for gas, water and light power
pull out of a rear storage space and connect
to the kitchen side power socket and gas and
water outlets in a dedicated compartment
under the fridge box.
Welcomingly, there is a sliding bolt latch that
locks the kitchen out to give it rigidity when
fully extended, and assists the fold-down legs
in making this a very stable setup.
A 200 x 1100 x 160mm deep pantry
drawer slides out immediately behind the
kitchen. This would provide for most of the
kitchen requirements and food, though large
packaging or tall bottles might present some
S T R A L I A N E T HOS
R T E R O F T H E ALL-AU
KE E N S U P P O HIS
“IF YO U A R E A O F A T I G H T B U D G E T T HEN T D B E L O O K IN G”
A ND ON SOMET
HIN G SHOUL
minor problems.
The fridge box is certainly big enough to
cater for most popular fridges. The door folds
upwards on gas struts, so it doesn’t hang
down and interfere with the ground. There
is an internal merit plug (soon to be changed
for the more positive connection of Anderson
plugs) for the fridge and the handles for the
two rear stabilisers and the supplied scissor
jack. This latter is a neat inclusion, as jacking
up independent suspension campers can be a
nuisance at times and is usually best solved by
a scissor jack which you usually have to source
yourself.
Opposite the fridge box is a roomy storage
box which comes with carpet on the floor but
can be optionally fitted up with a slide which
would suit a compressor or porta-potti, or
stainless steel drawers.
All up, the Brumby comes in at a reasonable
885kg Tare with a 39kg ball weight. The
1400kg ATM provides a reasonable load
weight of 515kg. The 1700mm width keeps it
inside most 4WD body lines and the 1650mm
height gives good vision above it from a tow
vehicle’s main rear vision mirror.
Popular options include a boat loader,
awning walls, draught skirt, pocket spring
mattress, stainless side shelf, tropical roof and
utility bike rack.
CONCLUSION
The Cub Brumby is a solid, functional camper.
There are no frills, and maybe a few too many
options rather than standard fittings, but if you
are a keen supporter of the all-Australian ethos
and on something of a budget then this is
where you should be looking. These campers
have been well sorted, and you will know
that what you get works. Set up and pack up
are simple and easy and they will follow you
pretty much anywhere. At the 2016 Camper
Trailer of the Year at Dargo, in the Victorian
high country — every camper we saw on our
travels that wasn’t part of our review, was a Cub.
Other manufacturers were complaining that it
was some kind of a setup. But it was simply a
reflection that these are a popular and highly
sought-after camper. CTA
E Y OU
I S W H E R
60
 G
TRIP PLANNIN

The
fundamentals:
If you could only take 10 items camping,
what would they be?
Words Scott Heiman - Survival, Bushcraft and Environmental consultant

T
he southern extremities are an awesome
yet largely miusunderstood and remote
part of Australia. You could even say that
Bight country, lashed as it is by regular
thrashings of banshee-like Southern Ocean
storms, is largely forsaken. It's for this reason, if
travelling there, you should probably pack light.
Here are ten fundamental items you should have
in your inventory when hitting the southern
coast.

61
 An additional
72 Hrs of food and
water
The key here is to plan for the worst. Your life — and that of your
family — is what could be at risk. Fundamentals are not the things
that make you look pretty. For my money, water in three different
vessels (in case one or more leak) is a ‘no brainer’. Food is a
personal choice – but be practical. An emergency is not the
time for champagne and caviar. I carry 1kg of rice, 1kg of
flour and an emergency ration from the army disposal
store. Not to mention a little salt
add to a damper or to act as an
electrolyte.

2 not an App
Batteries are for toys. Even
the Army teaches that a GPS
is a navigational aid — not the
primary source. Looking at
your phone or in-built dash
device won’t tell you where
the nearest water is, what the
gradient is like, let alone soil
conditions — sand, wetland,
forest etc. Only a true
topographical map does this ,
combined with the knowledge
on how to read it. Armed with
a real map, when the chips
are down you can be the wolf
— not a sheep.

62
 G
TRIP PLANNIN

Personal Survival Kit

The most important bit of kit in the bush would have to be a decent personal survival kit that’s properly thought-out. I make sure mine is adapted
to the terrain I’m intending to cover — whether that’s marine or desert, etc — because ‘one size’ will never fit all circumstances. And I try to ensure
that whatever I carry has multiple uses. Just think of cordage for example: why use simple nylon cord when parachute cord can be used for heavy
tying and can also be stripped down and its inner cords used as tying fibre, fishing line or sewing thread? A good snake bite kit is a part of this.

Sense of
adventure
If the survival kit didn’t give it away, we’re not what you
might call ‘sheep-le’. We love and abide by the tenets of ‘leave
no trace’, and we’re committed to really exploring what the
outdoors has to offer – both with our eyes and our mind.
There’s no point in hitting the roads and heading into the
great outdoors if our attitude is jaded and we’ve decided
that we know it all before we’ve even left. So it’s
important to reach for our inner-child and recover
our sense of wonder. Give it a go – you may
be surprised at what you

63
 Even James Bond gets into trouble — sometimes. A Bug-Out-Bag (BOB) is an extension of your Personal Survival Kit and could be
called a ‘vehicle survival kit’ or a ‘Get out of Dodge bag’. Regardless of what you call it, it’s the portable bag that contains all the
gear you would need to survive for up to 72 hours. Imagine if your tow tug caught fire somewhere beyond the Black Stump — what
would you grab first? If you’re prepared, the choice is easy. It’s the Bug-Out Bag.

PLB / EPIRB
(Personal Locating
Beacon)
We never leave home without one and it’s the only thing on our list that
uses an external energy source. After all the money we spend on the
tow tug and camper, a PLB is a relatively minor cost to achieve peace
of mind. Statistics indicate that you’ll be rescued within 72 hours of
authorities becoming aware that you’re missing. Rescue time will be
reduced to 24 hours, and usually less than 12 hours, if you activate
your PLB which is GPS-equipped and registered. So position
yourself in the best situation to be rescued, activate your
PLB and wait in-situ (in the shade).
6
64
 G
TRIP PLANNIN

7 Self
sufficiency
Wild food harvesting, foraging, fishing or hunting — or
whatever takes your fancy. The ability to source one’s own
food offers a real sense of satisfaction. With a family, it’s
a great way to educate kids on where food comes from
and it breeds a sense of nurture and protection for
the environment upon which we all depend. Based
on our judgment about the opportunities for
self-sufficiency on our planned trip, we take
fishing gear, firearms, crab traps, etc.

Dressing
for the

8
conditions
You remember heading back
into the office after a break and
greeting the work mate who looks
like a cooked lobster? Long sleeves
and long pants are the rule-of-
thumb for the bush. And similar
rules apply to the beach. It also
makes sense to pack a good set of
boots rather than loafers — and a
good broad-brimmed hat rather
than a baseball cap. And, always
tucked in the back of the rig is a
set of gaiters. After all, living on a
landmass that hosts more deadly
snakes than anywhere else on
the planet, a decent set of Snake
Guardz makes a lot of sense

65
 ING
TRIP PLANN

Canopy chair
This is a decedent luxury — but with reason. There are all sorts of camp chairs out there. And when we started camping as a kid, it was enough to simply set our bum on the ground. Many
of us have chairs with beverage holders, cooler bags, iPad holders and ultra-cushioning. For our money, a chair with a canopy shelters us from the sun, wind and rain. It also reflects the
heat of a campfire keeping us toasty when the evening chill sets in. We like the Renetto Canopy Chair with a set of back straps so the whole thing can be thrown over the shoulders leaving
hands free for Eskies, fishing gear and little ones — pure genius.

Company
In all of this, the cardinal rule is to be
completely sensible, take adequate precautions,
avoid unnecessary risky situations, err on the side of
caution, and tell people where you’re going. And never
fish, 4WDrive, bushwalk, bird watch or hunt alone.
After all, it’s always better to share the experience
with family and friends. Besides, they can help dig
you out of a bog, check the yabby trap and share
the view. Enjoy your adventure with your
family and you’ll create an ongoing
legacy of outdoor enthusiasts.

66
DESIGNED BY
— CAMPERS —
FOR CAMPERS

SC-WT

NUGGET RT

NORTHERN
TERRITORY

QUEENSLAND

WESTERN
SC-FF6 AUSTRALIA

Brisbane
SOUTH
AUSTRALIA

NEW SOUTH
WALES
Perth
Newcastle

TION ACT

ITED EDI Melbourne VICTORIA

LIM
SC-FF Designed & Engineered

FOR THE HARSH TASMANIA

AUSSIE ENVIRONMENT

Looking for a quality camper trailer or caravan to CONTACT DETAILS

start your next adventure? Look no further than
the ever popular Stoney Creek Campers. Premium
products from established manufacturers,
backed by one of Queensland’s largest dealers.
P: 07 3282 0411
F/book: Stoney Creek Campers
E: hello@stoneycreekcampers.com.au
W: www.stoneycreekcampers.com.au
 ALPIN
YBRID

CLIMBING

peaks
Words John Willis
Pics Alison Kuiter

THE

68
Setting the pace for offroad capability, everything
about this hybrid camper is built for simplicity and
high country style.
W
hen it comes time to really
start living, to leave the
mundane behind and start
exploring this huge land
with all it has to offer, then you need a very
accommodating and trusted friend behind
you. An ideal companion would be the all
new Altitude Alpine 1400 Hybrid camper, a
pinnacle of state-of-the-art tourers.
Altitude Campers have always moved with
the times, and the times are demanding
hybrids. This is a camper for the serious
couple who want to get to “off the beaten
track” destinations where caravans simply
can’t go. A hybrid is a crossover — it’s
not strictly a camper trailer, but it’s not
a caravan either, and
it allows you so much
flexibility. Hybrids are
generally very comfortable e
and easy to set up. Who
wants to spend an hour
setting up a camper on
arrival at a unique water hole, beach or dream
campsite? And who wants to struggle with the kids as well but it’s not this unit’s primary
fold overs, tent pegs and mammoth awnings? purpose. Its design criteria was based on
Not me — give me the comfort and instant mature campers who enjoy some creature
accessibility of a hybrid any day! comforts, demand premium accessories,
Queensland’s Altitude campers are moving recognise the necessity for plenty of storage,
quickly into the realms of the popular hybrids, and perhaps most importantly for many
and the all new Alpine 1400 is an almost ideal travellers — the Altitude Alpine provides the
companion for a couple. There are options for privacy of a complete internal bathroom.
69
 offroad challenges
The galvanised chassis is built for

T T O N O N T H E R EMOTE
IT STARTS DOWN LOW
T O D O IS H IT THE BU
You’re going to need a solid, dependable
“A L L Y O U N E E D
O P S O P E N A L L O WING
A T ICALLY P
chassis and running gear to tackle the

R O O F A U T O M
AND THE
challenges of our great country. Whilst our
camper was a pre-production model, the

N"
GREAT VENTIL ATIO
full kit now has a solid 150 x 50 x 3mm
galvanised drawbar/chassis continuing
all the way through (A-frame drawbar
and full box section galvanised chassis)
to provide the rigor needed on those
offroad and corrugated challenges. Add to
this the unquestionable quality of Vehicle
Components Cruisemaster XTX independent
HITS
trailing arm suspension with twin gas Easy setup
shockers, camber and toe-in adjustment,
12in offroad electric brakes, Yokahama all- Off-road capable
terrain tyres with nice black alloy mags;
Great layout and
plus terrific ground clearance and recovery functionality
angle. It all adds up to the fact that you’re
good to go just about anywhere your 4x4 Comfortable
will take you.
There’s four wind-down stabilisers, Sensible
engineered recovery points, an accessory packaging
mounting cleat, and out in front there’s
an ARK fully adjustable and tilting jockey
wheel, Vehicle Components DO35 off- MISSES
road coupling and an Anderson plug for
powering off the vehicle. Up there in the
price range but full
The Alpine 1400 features big capacity,
of features.
plenty of payload and storage options,
drawers, cabinets, wardrobes, external
and internal compartments and a place for
everything in need of storage space. The
spare wheel is mounted on the rear and
there is also a 140 litre water tank with the
option for a second giving you a whopping
280 litre water carrying capacity.

External and internal compartments for everything you need and more
70

WE’VE ARRIVED
After challenging that extreme mountain
climb, long corrugated road or even just
the highway bitumen it’s nice to know that
you will be set right up and comfortable
in a matter of minutes. Simply secure your
position for a stopover, or perhaps just
leave it connected to the car for a lunch
break or quick overnighter. All you need
to do is hit the button on the remote and
the roof automatically pops open allowing
great ventilation from the soft sides and
fly-screened windows as well as terrific
insulation from the fibreglass composite roof.
Note: the remote is optional.
I was pleased to see that Altitude has stuck
with the simplicity of a portable side step as
the inbuilt models usually hang that low they
are wiped out on the first bit of disagreeable
terrain. It only takes a minute to wind out the
overhead awning. Access to the kitchen and
fridge is simple. The stainless steel kitchen
slides out then pivots parallel to the van
sides and the fridge slide pulls straight out
revealing the optional 85 litre EvaKool dual
zone fridge/freezer. It’s all done in a jiffy. All
that’s left is to fold out a chair and grab a
bevvy, and you’re camping!
All of that took less than three minutes!
LET’S COOK
The kitchen’s a wee ripper! It pulls out on
premium quality slides and then easily
pivots 90 degrees in line with the van itself.
It features a 3-burner Smev stove complete
with wok burner, a stainless steel sink with
hot/cold running water, a pair of utensil
drawers and a fold out stainless bench either
side. Our demonstration unit was a prototype
model and with that one of the benches
actually precluded the door, but that will
change for full production.
In the same compartment as the kitchen,
we also find a pullout pantry drawer. It’s
quite large but not in the huge proportions
we are now seeing on some campers. All of
the external hatches are premium quality
with strong dust and water proof automotive
seals and lockable compression locks. You
will need to carry a fold out table and chairs
as there’s not much bench space to prepare
a meal.
Out in front of the trailer is a large “tool
box”. It houses the diesel hot water system
Offroad coupling
if selected over the Truma gas unit fitted
as standard, plus there’s twin jerry can
and 4.5kg gas bottle mounts plus the fire
extinguisher. It’s an aluminium box with
a black “rhinocoat” style finish that is
protecting it, and the van, from stone chips
and road scars.
There’s a nice big “Euro-style” tinted
window either side of the Alpine 1400 that
opens outwardly and includes sliding internal
flyscreen and block out awning options.
It adds to the ventilation aspect as well as
providing a view out over your picturesque
campsite from your bedside.
On the driver’s side of the van we find a
matching pair of hatches that open to a large
71
 P E R ! IT P U L L S OUT ON
E K IT C H E N 'S A WEE RIP ILY P IV O T S 90
“TH E S A ND THEN E A S
A L IT Y S L ID
PREMIUM QU
DEGREES”
box adds extra protection
A "rhinocoat" finish on the aluminium
There's no excuses not to eat well while using this handy pivoted kitchen setup

CTA RATINGS
ALTITUDE ALPINE 1400 JOHN WILLIS
1. FIT FOR INTENDED PURPOSE
2. INNOVATION
3. SELF-SUFFICIENCY
4. QUALITY OF FINISH
5. BUILD QUALITY
6. OFFROAD-ABILITY
7. COMFORTS
8. EASE OF USE
9. VALUE FOR MONEY
10. X-FACTOR

72
 The queen size bed is fit for royalty

storage compartment in the front, and the

electronics cabinet beside it complete with
two 120 watt AGM batteries, the 240 volt
switchgear with twin outlets and water tank
indicator. The 12 volt circuits are controlled by
a Redarc 1230S2 Manager that is conveniently
mounted in the internal wardrobe complete
with the Fusion Bluetooth headset and a gang
of toggle switches for lighting and power
options. Power is also sourced from two
150w Solar panels mounted on the roof.

SET TO IMPRESS
Stepping inside the Alpine 1400 Hybrid you
will feel immediately at home. The layout
isn’t uncommon but highly functional,
welcoming and comfortable. The trim is
light, open and clean mostly in gloss white
with some grey laminate feature panels,
timber-look laminate floor and fawn faux
leather settee.
As we step up through the rather large
doorway and security screen we find a
generous sized storage/multi-function The bathroom is suprisingly roomy and well vented
area with a vanity style bench complete
with sink and hot and cold mixer. There’s
ample bench space for an indoor stove or multitude of travelling items that need to
perhaps even that optional coffee maker be close at hand, like torches, iPads etc.
that nowadays seems so popular. It features Leave out a few shelves and it could well
seven large drawers topped off with more be a narrow wardrobe. It does somewhat
enclosed cabinets overhead. There’s also restrict movement in and out of one side of
good lighting and a pair of speakers for the the two person dinette, however, its purpose
sound system. outweighs any minor access difficulties
The bathroom fits well into the back particularly as the table is on a flexible
corner and is surprisingly roomy even for mount. You will just love the comfort of the
big blokes like me in the seated position. thickly upholstered cushions at the end of a
It has a very friendly shower rose with hard day on rough tracks; or perhaps to enjoy
detachable head for flexibility, and cassette the morning news over a cuppa and brekkie
style toilet all neatly finished and very before facing the world.
functional. I might add that it is also You will feel like royalty on the queen
very well vented due to the soft sides size inner spring mattress that has plenty
a windows from the pop top. In front
and of room either side to store your phones,
o the bathroom is an upright narrow
of reading glasses and water containers before
c
cabinet that I would find very convenient turning off the individual reading light for a
f “pidgeon hole” type storage of a
for good night sleep. If it’s warm, there’s a 12 volt

73
 Stylish, Euro-style interiors give this living area a unique look

CTA SPECS
ALTITUDE
ALPINE 1400
TRAILER
Tare 1750kg
ATM 2600kg
Suspension Vehicle Components
Cruisemaster XTX Independent trailing arm fan for added comfort assisting the terrific comfort in a realistic towing weight. It has a
with coil springs and dual shock absorbers airflow around the interior of the camper. Tare weight of 1750kg and an ATM of 2600kg
each side Oh, did I mention that there’s even more allowing you plenty of payload for the water,
Brakes 12in electric
Coupling Vehicle Components DO35 offroad
storage drawers under the seats, and a huge food, fuel and accessories for extended
coupling cavity under the bed. journeys. It is suitable for towing with mid-to-
Chassis Full box section galvanised large 4WDs and the pop-up roof combined
Drawbar 150x50x3mm galvanised A frame THE TURTLE'S SHELL with the aerodynamic cutaway front should
Body Double-side structural foam/fibreglass The shell of the Alpine is made from a make for reasonable towing economy.
composite structural fibreglass composite with gloss When I sit down and weigh it all up,
Wheel/tyre 265/75x16in all-terrain
inner and outer surfaces and an insulation the Altitude Alpine 1400 is an adventurer
Style Alloy mag
sandwich. It is very strong, great looking, that I wouldn’t mind travelling with. It is a
easy to clean, lightweight and keeps the unit comfortable companion that will serve any
DIMENSIONS
Box width 2050mm overall and its occupants cool in summer and warm long distance tourer very well and will make
Body Height 2400mm (travelling height roof in winter. extended journeys a breeze. Altitude are
closed) currently releasing their brand new range of
Length (hitch to tail lights) 6500mm overall WEIGHTS AND MEASURES hybrids starting with the Accent 12, the Alpine
Tent size 4800mmx2400mm wind-out This is a compact yet very accommodating 14 as tested, plus the Summit 16 and Pinnacle
awning camper that has real appeal to those who 18. They really are reaching new heights at
want ease of use combined with overall Altitude! CTA
ACCESSORIES
Gas cylinders 2x4.5kg brackets only
Water 1x140L poly tank
Cooktop Smev 3-burner
Kitchen Stainless steel kitchenette, sink, 2 x Gas Toilet
pressurised hot/cold water, 2 x drawer, and Chair
LED light, folding benches Bottles
Storage

Battery 2x120 AMP AGM

Queen Bed
PRICE AS SHOWN Table
Bench

$86,500

CONTACT
ALTITUDE CAMPERS
Maryborough, Queensland Slide Step
PH 1300 367181 out
EMAIL: info@altitudecampers.com.au Kitchen
Fridge
WEB: www.altitudecampers.com.au

campertraileraustralia.com.au Awning
More pictures Specs to compare

74
 marketdirect.com.au 1300 494 494
TBOX VOYAGER EXPLORER EXPLORER JACKSON
SOFT FLOOR REAR FOLD REAR FOLD FORWARD FOLD FORWARD FOLD

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$92/week

CRUIZER HIGHSIDE CRUIZER SLIDE VENTURER ROBSON XTT XT12-HR

FORWARD FOLD FORWARD FOLD FORWARD FOLD CAPE YORK EDITION DO

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inance
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XT12 XT12-DB XT15-HR XT17-T XT17-HRT

HYBRID CARAVAN HYBRID CARAVAN OFF O F

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Brisbane | Sydney | Newcastle | Perth | Adelaide | Cairns | Townsville | North Geelong | Kilsyth

Escape with confidence

*Price shown above does not include on road costs or dealer delivery charges. ^Finance is indicative only and
based of 7.95% over a 7 year period. Interest rates are based on individuals personal circonstances. Photos
are for illustration purposes only.
The Road
Kirstie Bedford investigates the issue of RV road safety
and finds the finger points squarely at the user
Words Kirstie Bedford

to Safety
76

M
ost of us have seen it. The
dash cam footage of a caravan
swaying out of control down a
major highway before it topples
sideways and is dragged along the road in
gripping video reminiscent of an action movie.
The driver clambers out dazed, and the social
argument begins about who is at fault.
Despite what some describe as a bit of
'sensationalised footage', the issue of how safe
RVs are on our roads isn't one which is going
to go away any time soon, and it's something
everyone agrees needs to be addressed,
including the Federal Government.
Late last year, the Turnbull Government
announced it would review the existing nearly
30-year-old Motor Vehicle Standards Act to,
"modernise and strengthen the laws governing
road vehicles to maintain and improve vehicle
Minister for Roads and Road Safety,
Luke Donnellan
SAFETY
safety, while expanding consumer choice and
reducing red tape".
It says the new legislation, to come into effect
from 2019, "will better protect the community,
provide more choice for specialist and enthusiast
vehicles, be responsive to emerging technologies
... and provide increased consumer choice
through expanding and improving the pathways
for importing specialist and enthusiast vehicles".
The change will also give the responsible
minister strong powers to mandate the recall
of vehicles if serious safety issues arise. The
powers will apply to all road vehicles supplied in
Australia, whether for private or commercial use.
Luke Donnellan, the Minister for Roads and
Road Safety in Victoria, where 90% of caravans
are built, says the changes will, "give consumers
greater choice while maintaining a high standard
of vehicle safety".
77
 New Age weigh bridge
VER Y THING W ITH THEM, Y
H INK T HEY H AVE TO TAKE E
PEOPLE T HA VE HALF A FO R EST IN TH
SOME
GENERATORS, AND NING QUEENSLAND
ON CHA PM AN, CA RAVAN
R
"Amendments to the law propose
strengthening power to recall and remedy non-
compliant or unsafe vehicles. In addition to this,
further approvals will need to be obtained by
caravan manufacturers who supply more than
four of each make and model covered under the
new proposed amendments."
He says the Victorian government is investing
more than any other state government in history
to keep people safe on our roads.
Caravan Industry Association of Australia
(CIAA) CEO Stuart Lamont isn't, however,
convinced the new law change will improve
safety.
"Will it make consumers safer on the road?
Probably not, but what it'll mean is that there are
enforcement powers if product is unsatisfactory
on the road, so they can get it off. This will create
a new piece of document which will change
things so power will be moved back to federal
department to issue recalls and give them
the ability to withdraw and approve supply to
market, and allow them to issue fines.
"We identify there's a safety issue and some
product coming to our shores and getting on
the road isn't as good as the industry expects,
and that'll clean that up. Already there are a
large number imports, but the frustration is that
they are getting in hands of consumers with no
inspection."
He says the change will also mean for those
who import more than four RVs a year, you still
78
OU F IND CH AIN SAWS AND
ERE FOR TH E CA M PFIRE."
Adrian Di Vincenzo
have self declaration, but you need pre-approval,
and need to prove it's worthy to bring it in,
"and you will have to under audit convince the
government that the product is compliant".
Caravan Industry Association Victoria CEO
Rob Lucas says this change is something he,
along with Lamont, and Ron Chapman from
Caravanning Queensland, lobbied Government
about six years ago.
"There’s no doubt that imports and the way
vehicles were registered needed revamping.
The original act was written for cars, trucks
and bikes, and we found massive holes in the
registration, and around imports.
"When we were told if you’re importing a
caravan you fill out a form and tick, yes your
product is compliant, and if you tick no, the next
question is 'can it meet requirements', and if you
tick yes, it can be imported. That’s the test. I sat
there gobsmacked."
"There will now be more requirements to
verify and prove compliance. It's not a lot more
complicated, but it puts more onus on the
person importing or making the caravan."
Adrian Di Vincenzo the design manager of
Australian-built New Age caravans says the
change is important to the entire industry.
"We have rigid regulation to adhere to
and it seems a lot of imports are coming in
non-compliant, and as an Australian certified
manufacturer we have hoops to go through.
We don’t have a level playing field ... if want to
release a product why should any other product
be different?"
Celso Prado from Mars, also welcomes the
change.
"We are very happy for it, because it raises the
bar for everyone, and there’s nothing there we
don’t already comply or exceed and that’s why
we are in business for 12 years .. which is longer
than 80% of manufacturers in Australia."
WEIGHING IN ON THE ISSUE
While the new law will tighten up laws around
imports, it begs the question, who is addressing
the issue specifically around road safety, the

weight of the caravans we are towing, and
importantly the combined weight or gross
combined vehicle mass (GCVM).
"The weight is determined by government,"
says Lamont.
"So they are generally recorded on
identification plates and available for consumers
to understand. The angst that is coming in, is
that consumers go and put it on a weigh bridge
and get a different weight, and that's because
manufacturers can't control it after it leaves
them.
"That's annex poles, jerry can holders, tool
boxes, and it all changes distribution of weight.
A lot of that is being thrown to manufacturers,
when they are quite innocently providing
product."
TESTING THE WATERS
Caravanning Queensland CEO Ron Chapman
says its independent testing with the
Department of Transport and Main Roads, and
Queensland Gas and Petroleum Inspectorate,
has shown most people want to comply with
weight, they just don't often understand what's
required.
The programme pioneered by Caravanning
Queensland has tested more than 1,300 RVs.
Chapman says for the vast majority one of the
worst things is the aluminium boxes on the front
of the caravan and on bumper bars for extra
storage.
"They are the biggest offenders, people think
they have to take everything with them, and
you find chainsaws and generators, tools and
shovels, and at back some have half a forest
in there for the campfire. One thousand one
Caravanning QLD CEO, Ron Chapman
SAFETY
hundred kilograms is the most we've had over,
and we've had several in the 800s."
He says swaying can be a problem, but the
biggest problem is physical capacity of brakes
and tow bar.
Rob Lucas says CIA VIC has followed
Carvanning Queensland's lead and did 60
tests of its own last year as a pilot, and is now
planning four or five more in regional locations
around Victoria, with Victorian police and
VicRoads.
He says initial testing showed, "there’s a large
trend of consumers overloading the product".
"They put on more tool boxes, generators,
batteries, and solar systems, but the other thing
we found which surprised us is that the cars are
overweight, so the gross vehicle mass was over
... and the car was loaded up with everything
that opens and shuts. It’s not just about caravans
being overweight, what about the car and the
gross vehicle mass."
He says CIA VIC has a strong view around
consumer information and ensuring those
driving RVs are safe, "and there’s an argument
who should do that, and we can have that
argument for ten years and no-one will do it".
"We’ve taken a view to explain it in plain,
79
 straight up English, and we’re producing some
good flyers which are getting routinely used and
we have a lot of requests from caravan clubs for
this information."
Lamont says CIAA also undertakes a range of
inspections of the industry and says, "we've seen
a marked improvement, and there's a genuine
commitment by majority of manufacturers
wanting to do the right thing and produce
products that are safe."
"At the end of day industry is maturing quickly
and despite consumer criticism they want to do
the right thing. There's a lot of unfair attention
going to manufacturers when this is a far more
complex issue and just because of a bit of dash Con Tsobanopoulos, CEO Ken Tame
cam footage ... the whole industry is put under Insurance
review."

80

TION GOING TO MANUFAC
UN FAIR AT TEN
"THERE'S A LOT OF UE AND JUST BECAUSE OF A BIT OF D LAMONT, CIAA
ISS
AF R MORE COMPLEX DUSTRY IS PUT UNDER REVIEW." ST
THE WHOLE IN
BACK TO THE STATS
Con Tsobanopoulos, CEO of one of Australia's
leading RV insurers, Ken Tame, says of all its
caravan claims in the last calendar year, 50%
were vehicle damage relating to an accident
where the driver was at fault.
Another 23% were windscreen damage or
glass claims and 12% awnings. The remainder
were vehicle damage where the driver was not
at fault or theft claims.
"From my personal perspective and based
on statistics, a fundamental issue which
needs to be addressed, is driver education.
Unfortunately, regardless of the number of years
driving experience you may have with a motor
vehicle, when towing a substantially heavier
vehicle behind you everything changes" says
SAFETY
TUR ER S W HEN TH IS IS A
TA G E ...
AS H CAM FOO
UART
Tsobanopoulos.
"From the control of your vehicle, through
to breaking distances and your reaction time
to remedy a situation, the dynamics change
dramatically, then there’s things like ensuring
you have the right tyre pressure when towing, as
well as distributing the weight evenly amongst
the caravan – these are absolutely vital for
safety.
"An under inflated tyre or an unevenly
distributed payload are a disaster waiting to
happen. These are simple messages which are
often forgotten with all of the excitement that
builds in preparation for our long awaited road-
trip."
Tourism Holdings Limited (THL) CEO Grant
Webster agrees, saying the majority of accidents
81
SAFETY
E N TIALLY HAVE A LICENCE
RE RS SH OULD PO T
"MAN UFACTU E OPEN TO S OM E S
E NE R AL WOU L D B
AND INDUSTRY IN G
it sees, from a rental industry perspective, is
where the driver is at fault and surprisingly, it’s
not predominantly the international tourists
either.
"Driver fault is the vast majority and that's the
primary place to focus. Statistically international
drivers can be safer than domestic, they have
less accidents, but they tend to have high media
attention."
He says road authorities, police, and the
government should be doing random checks
and managing weigh bridges.
"That would be welcomed by us and people
should know there are consequences …
manufacturers should potentially have a licence
too that's checked in quality standards, and
industry in general would be open to some self-
assessment and some endorsement that it can
deliver accordingly."
Di Vincenzo at New Age agrees manufacturers
should have weigh bridges.
"Every van should be weighed ... it provides a
level of comfort to the manufacturer and we can
82
UA LIT Y STANDARDS,
T O O T HAT'S CHE CKED IN Q
THL'S GRA NT W EBSTER
EL F -AS SE SSMENT ."
track our own product and ensure it falls in line
with what customer requires."
"I’m a firm believer education needs to
happen at the point of sale to end of delivery,
there are instances where information is
misconstrued from point of purchase to using
it, and it needs to be a consistent message
about what is safe towing, how should you load
a van, what are GTMs and so people know the
limitations … "
CMCA’s Richard Barwick says the bottom line
is, consumers need better education.
“We are fortunate enough to share the road,
not own it. The majority of RV consumers travel
in a safe and respectful manner, however in
society, we have that minor element that shows
no respect. It’s more about getting to their
destination in the quickest fashion, not the
safest.
“Education is one of the major steps we
need to take. It is a difficult task to ensure road
behaviour is the first and foremost at the top
of the list, but this can be done through driver
training, media and promotions targeting certain
key groups and sectors of the market.”
Australian Caravan Club chairman Craig
Humphrey agrees, and says an education
programme should be the responsibility of the
government.
"People don’t know what they don’t know
and GVM and AGM and TARE and axel loadings
are issues in themselves because you need to
understand that around your vehicle and what
you tow.
"So there’s a place for a broad based
education programme and that responsibility
lies clearly with the public understanding the
weights are an issue, and the impact that has
with stopping distance, and the government
needs to ensure there is a campaign
understanding that."
He says the issue is one of cultural change.
"Much like the slip slop slap campaign, I would
call on all parts of industry, that’s the approach
they need to take.” CTA
 PURE
O FF-ROAD CA MP E RS
& HYBRID CARAVANS

Explore iconic off-road

destinations in absolute luxury

FOR MORE INFORMATION

MOUNTAINTRAILCAMPERS.COM.AU
02 6040 4488
100% OWNED, DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN AUSTRALIA
NSW Motor Dealer Lic No: MD061542
 GET TI N G
YO U R

T R O T TE R S o n!
84
 Bear takes Wild Boar's latest creation for a spin in the South East Queensland hinterland.
T
he competition to be Boss Hog in the
offroad camper 'feeding trough' gets
tougher every day. Just like in the
animal kingdom, only the strong will
survive. One little piggy that has risen to king of
the sty is Brisbane’s Wild Boar. They don’t come
much tougher than their Tuff Grunt Series, and
with the addition of the new Limited Edition
Forward Fold, you’ll really be makin' bacon over
this impressive razorback!
I first got my grimy little trotters into a
Wild Boar at the Camper Trailer of the Year
Competition a couple of years ago and was very
impressed by the presentation, the packaging,
WORDS John Willis PICS Alison Kuiter
the quality and the price of these very complete
and great looking offerings. Wild Boar’s owner
Paul Burton comes from an engineering and
painting background and takes particular pride
in their quality of finish and attention to detail.
His care and attention is reflected admirably
with Wild Boar campers, standing proudly as
a leader of the pack, taking the blue ribbon as
the best dressed pig in its class.
Yet I must admit, I wasn’t really prepared
for the sight that was revealed to me with the
camouflage wrap on the latest camper — it
looks terrific! If this is anything to go by, camo
is the new black for 2018. The external appeal
really whet my jowls in anticipation of the
underlying secrets that awaited in assembly.
And I wasn’t disappointed.
From its trotters upwards, this is a really
satisfying package that has already met with
terrific market acceptance. I have seen Paul’s
current order book — believe me they are
popular.
You’ll be happy to slop through the mud
and slush with this rugged undercarriage, as
well as being quite at home in a rocky desert
or challenging sandy terrain, as it will be,
if covering untold kilometres on black top
or juttering corrugations. We have already
85
 Packs up tight for travel mode

proven their undercarriage DNA many times;

previously testing the stability of their own
independent trailing arm suspension complete
with greaseable joints, fully welded stub axles
and premium 2.6 tonne coil springs with locally
sourced Dobinson’s shock absorbers.
Its backbone is the 100 x 50 x 4mm fully-
galvanised box section chassis that melds to
a 120 x 50mm x 4mm RHS A-Frame drawbar.
Wild Boar is so confident on their strength and
durability that they provide a 3 year warranty
on the suspension and 5 years on the chassis.
Razorbacks are highly adaptable to rugged
terrain with 16in 10 ply all-terrain tyres on
HITS
alloy mags (6 stud Nissan pattern) and 12in Overall quality
electric brakes steadfastly traversing craggy
escarpments. It has high ground clearance with Price – value for
neatly enclosed plumbing and electrical circuits money
that won’t get ripped out by the first dead
List of inclusions
branch that unexpectedly jumps up to bite.
and accessories
The rear mounted 100 litre stainless steel
water tank sits high in the chassis allowing a Separate
good recovery angle. It is well-shrouded with shower/toilet
alloy checkerplate and fastened securely to the tent
frame. I was pleased to see that there were no
protruding lightweight plastic water lines or Stainless steel
trims
fittings that have been a pet hate of mine on
many competitors. The water capacity is further Camouflage wrap
enhanced for the LE Series with an additional
50 litre tank with the same structure and
shrouding as up front. The Tuff Grunt comes
with a 12 volt electric water pump with pressure
MISSES
shut off, rear tap and lockable filler as standard. Separate water
Out in front, the ARK removable jockey wheel tanks and fillers
has really become a thankful industry standard,
and rightfully so. ARK obviously looked at the
problems associated with detachable and swing High ground clearance makes it adaptable to rugged terrain
down jockey wheels and eliminated them.

86
 A home among the gumtrees
CAM O U F
The power control console
Plenty of fridge storage This little piggy’s snout also features the ARK
50mm offroad ball coupling, a hand brake,
twin 4kg gas bottles and a pair of 20 litre jerry
cans in lockable retainers; Anderson Plug, a
stone shield with replaceable mesh and mud
flaps sporting the comical Wild Boar branding,
supporting the underbelly.
The Tuff Grunt has plenty of capacity for a
touring family, but that also means it’s quite
large. The length overall is 5.4 metres with a
Tare weight of 1640kg and a standard ATM of
2000kg that can be upgraded to 2300kg for
greater load capacity, if required. I reckon I’d be
upgrading; particularly if carrying the two spare
wheels, full gas, water and jerry cans plus some
gear on the roof loader, sports and camping
equipment; plus the essential pantry full of food
and a fridge full of essentials. Our demo unit
was opted with the two spare wheels mounted
to the rear in a gas strut assisted swing down
cradle, however, you can opt for an additional
tool box and single spare at the same price. The
fold over boat rack is included in the Limited
Edition pricing and there are four stabiliser legs
and engineered recovery points, just in case.
The tub has the strength of an armadillo
and the tenacity of a warthog! It’s a big, deep
B L A C K FOR 20 18
L AGE IS T H E N E W
galvanised tub that has been reworked for
the new model allowing better use of overall
space with a slightly longer bed and storage
components. Wild Boar make no apology
for the fact that the base of the Wild Boar
range are imported from China, however, the
manufacturing quality seems terrific. Paul takes
considerable care in ensuring that the imported
shell is premium quality, and then goes to
work fitting and assembling in Australia before
stringent testing and pre-delivery inspections.
A look at the forums will have you searching
in vain for any ill words on their quality and
performance.
The large front box has a fridge slide on the
kerb (living) side with an internal dimension
that will fit up to 110 litre Evacool fridges, plus
cavernous storage with twin sliding trays on
the opposite side. I must mention that every
door, every compartment and every slide is
supported by solid construction with quality
compression locks, thick dust and waterproof
automotive seals, and premium hinges and
slides. All componentry tracks move easily with
very little effort, and there is little opportunity
for finger entrapment or similar. There are
simply no sharp edges and the stainless trim
87
 features add to the overall appeal.
We took far longer selecting our perfect
camp site than we did to open her up for an
overnighter. The forward fold is assisted by well
selected gas struts so you can pivot it manually
quite easily, or alternatively connect to the
winch for total ease. Rear slides have become
extremely popular and this one extends really
easily after you swing down the rear spare
carrier. The long 5.6 metre tent seemed to
simply pop to attention and the whole assembly
required very little adjustment and only a few
spreader bars. Overhead, a tropical roof pops
up automatically so there’ll be no roast pork
with the added insulation.
The canvas is a generous 14oz cotton canvas
with SSP no 10 zips, midge mesh screens
and both internal and external awnings all-
round. It feels very cosy and secure, yet when
you open all of the awnings and the "café
style" side screen, you have open and airy
accommodation. Its floor height is nice and high
off the ground, away from unwanted visitors.
The canvas is reinforced on wear points and
features plastic internal support/seals for all of
the double French stitching.
We took the time to put up the 2.7 metre-
wide, full length annexe, and as usual it took
longer to do this than assembly of the rest of
the unit. It has a full set of enclosures and a PVC
floor for a longer stay, in an ideal destination.
There’s also a 2 metre awning as part of the
package for a quick overnight set up. Wild Boar
supply strong steel poles and bars for the main
tent but alloy “Fast Lock” poles on the outside
annexe. Whilst I’ve heard criticism of the lighter
poles, I find them convenient, easy to use
and lightweight and have never personally
experienced any issues. I say carry a spare or
two if you’re really concerned!
It’s easy living with the Wild Boar. The added Loads of storage, heaps of kitchen
functionality and ergonomic
space in the front of the unit has allowed a full-
ingenuity
width pole and fishing rod compartment plus
a very large pantry with unique sliding storage
dividers immediately forward of the removable Stretch out in the roomy saloon

TUFF GRUNITT ION

doorway. To the rear is a stainless steel kitchen
on roller bearing slides complete with an AGA
Rated Smev 3 burner stove, sink with hot/cold
mixer, gas regulator, Quick Connect fittings,
LIMITED ED
adjustable LED light, utility drawers, stabiliser INCLUSIONS
leg and folding wind deflectors. There’s a full-
Solar Panel
length stainless benchtop that folds to the
Rear Opening
rear plus a further extension table out in front Rear Deck
making a versatile kitchen fit for a galloping Tent
gourmet. Quick Setup Awning
We were lucky to have Andrew, the proud DC-DC and Charger Options
new owner of this unit along for the day and Lithium Batteries
he had fitted his Weber Q barbeque to another Lift Up Deck
large slide-out drawer on the driver’s side. In External Water Source
addition, there’s the other entry for the pole Magnetic Curtains
carrier, lockable water tank inlets and the
Fusion Stereo
Interior Lighting
electrical control board in its own hatch at the
Bedside USB
rear, plus Andrew had opted for 240 volt power Internal Storage
to the unit as well, with the inlet also on the Awning Lights
driver’s side. Styling

88
 D

H E T S M Y J O W L S
W
THE EXTERNA L APPEAL REALLY

Anyone for a game of canasta?

Perfect spot for a lie-in

CTA RATINGS
WILDBOARTUFFGRUNTSERIES
LIMITEDEDITIONFORWARD
FOLD WITH REAR SLIDE JOHN WILLIS
1. FIT FOR INTENDED PURPOSE
2. INNOVATION
3. BUSHABILITY
4. QUALITY OF FINISH
5. BUILD QUALITY
6. OFFROAD-ABILITY
7. COMFORTS
8. EASE OF USE
9. VALUE FOR MONEY
10. X-FACTOR

89
 IDE
CTA SPECS
WILD BOAR TUFF GRUNTT
SERIES LIMITED EDITION
TRAILER
Tare 1640kg
ATM 2000kg (standard) 2300kg upgrade optional
Suspension independent trailing arm suspension
complete with greaseable joints, fully welded stub
axles
Brakes 6 stud 12in electric
Coupling ARK offroad 50mm ball
Chassis 100x50x4mm fully welded and
galvanised RHS
Drawbar 120x50mmx4mm RHS A Frame
Body Galvanised and two pack enamel zinc anneal
Wheel/tyre 16in 10 ply all-terrain tyres
Style alloy mags (6 stud Nissan pattern)
DIMENSIONS
Box size 1750mmx690mmx1340mm
Length 5400mm (hitch to tail lights)
Tent size 5500mmx2100mm PLUS 5600mmx2700mm
awning
ACCESSORIES
Gas cylinders 2x4kg
Water 1x100L rear, 1x50L front, 2x20L jerry cans
Cooktop 3-burner gas stove
Kitchen L-shaped stainless steel external kitchen
generous pantry areas + Evakool 75L fridge freezer
Battery 2x100Amp AGM batteries
PRICE
$25,900
SUPPLIED BY
MANUFACTURED AND DISTRIBUTED BY:
Wild Boar Camper Trailers Australia
40 South Pine Road
Brendale, Qld, 4500
Phone 07 32053335 Mobile 0406 616430
Email paul@wildboarcampers.com
Web www.wildboarcampers.com
campertraileraustralia.com.au
More pictures Compare campers
90
You won’t be short on power with inclusions
such as 2 x 100 AMP AGM Batteries, Narva
Battery Switch (Off-On), 12 volt Twin CIG Outlet,
Volt Gauge, USB Outlets, 2amp to 21amp 6
Stage Projector Battery Charger and 50amp
Anderson Plug, 160 watt Solar Panel and
50amp Circuit Breaker. There are digital water
and power monitoring gauges and a new set
of touch screen panels inside, allowing full
control of all accessories. For entertainment,
the Tuff Grunt LE has an FM/CD Player with
2 x Speakers (USB Inlet) with Remote Control
plus the inevitable TV/DVD that would end up
in the water trough if it were my camper. Still, I
guess it’s good to watch the footy, or for those
spoilt little piglets that can’t do without bloody
TV. There are plenty of LED lighting and 12 volt
power outlets plus USB charging throughout
the Limited Edition Boar.
It’s an easy couple of steps up into the
belly of the boar, but there are no gizzards
here. Instead, its beautifully appointed
accommodation is complete with a Queen
size 110mm thick “Memory Foam” mattress
up front, with its own privacy screen and fly
mesh enclosure that’s almost bug proof. It
features the traditional dinette with drop-
down table that can form yet another double
bed, additional to the one in the slide-out
extension. That makes comfortable sleeping
accommodation for up to six adults, yet you’d
Drawer Bed Awning
Queen bed
w storage
Step Main Floor
Space
A handy pop-up nylon shower ensu
ite/toilet is separate from the anne
xe
need your ear plugs if there were any snorers
in the group. All of the textures and finishes are
practical and easy to clean but well-presented
and trimmed with smooth surfaces, marine
carpets, hard wearing flooring and marine vinyl
cushions.
Many competitors offer zip-in ensuites from
the main body or annexe, yet Wild Boar simply
supply a separate 30 second pop-up nylon
large shower ensuite/toilet room with a choice
of a Smarttek or a Coleman portable gas hot
water system, including shower rose plus a 20
litre porta pottie. I personally find this a much
more suitable alternative, allowing you to move
your ablutions and waste water well away from
the living space.
Sensible swine’s and sows will all agree
that the Wild Boar Tuff Grunt Limited Edition
Forward Fold with rear slide is one of the most
inclusive, feature-packed, high quality off-road
campers on the market. Our CTOTY judges all
agree giving Wild Boar very high scores with
all of their presentations in the last couple of
years of competition, has proven that they have
the stamina for the long haul and the sure-
footedness for the rough stuff. Above all, the
package price and attention to detail puts this
blue ribbon contender high in the competition
for your hard earned dollar. But you’d best get
your trotters on if you want to pig out on this
Limited Edition fodder. CTA
Fridge / Stove / Sink
Bench
Awning
 Mention

PEAK
this advert for
ON-ROAD
COSTS*
to b e on us!

POWER SIGNATURE ELITE $21,990

Forward Fold Camper $84.17pw**

SIGNATURE DELUXE $14,850 SIGNATURE DELUXE $15,490 SIGNATURE PREMIUM $16,990

Trailer Only $65.24pw* Rooftop Camper $67.81pw* Rear Fold Soft Floor Camper $66.25pw**

VISIT, CALL OR DROP IN FOR A CHAT

Website www.signaturecampertrailers.com.au
Phone 1300 935 400
Showroom U26, 5 Gladstone Road, Castle Hill, NSW, 2154
THE FINE PRINT
Prices exclude on-road costs. Prices exclude props in photos not listed as inclusions on our website. Ofer valid until 31st May 2018 (on-road costs includes
pre-delivery, stamp duty and registration valued at approximately $1000) *Finance based on 60 months 10% deposit. **Finance based on 60 months 20% deposit
92
 NT

S h ren
adventur

P
whether you're staring into the eyes of a great white shark or camping out with a local tipple
and fresh seafood caught straight from the boat — there's something for everyone in this
ln
coastal town
Words JOHN WILLIS
Pics JOHN WILLIS, BARRY ASHENHURST, SUPPLIED

I
f I ever disappear off the face of the earth
don’t look for me at Port Lincoln — you
just may find me. This seems to be a
common theme among the so-called
locals.
“I came for a three month work contract,
that was fifteen years ago,” says Andrew
Wright skipper and part owner of Calypso Star
Charters shark cage diving; a tourism boat
tender business that helps eager visitors get up
close and personal with one of the region's hot
attractions: the magnificently intimidating Great
White shark.
The development of a localised oceanic
fishing industry in the 1950s and 60s changed
the southern Eyre Peninsula from coastal
village into a thriving port of more than
14,000 residents and a large transient tourism
industry. The historic MFV Tacoma began
catching southern bluefin tuna in the early
1950s and transformed the town, triggering
the beginnings of a nautical boom that put
Port Lincoln on the map. The 85ft purse seine
trawler was capable of pulling in 200 tonne of
fish — be it bluefin, pilchard, salmon, sardine or
other pelagic fisheries — from the wild waters,
up to 1000 miles into the Antarctic and the
remote waters of the Great Australian Bight.
News of the tuna stocks attracted investors
and seafarers from near and far including
brothers Joe and Mick Puglisi and their boat
the San Michael, in 1960. Others joined the
fray — mainly European migrants in search of
opportunity in a brave new world. Tony Santic,
owner of triple Melbourne Cup winner Makybe
Diva, and Dinko Lukin, whose son Dean was

93
 Southern bluefin tuna is caught through sustainable means

Axel Stenross Maritime Museum

"port lincoln is a tease for any camper who happens

to have a tinge of salt water in their veins"
an Olympic weightlifting champion; German-
born Hagen Stehr, Sam Sarin and Mario Valcic.
These 'Godfathers' of the Port Lincoln fishery
still gather at a local café some sixty years later
to enjoy their friendship and heritage. They are
affectionately known as 'The Cappuccino Club'
and are said, collectively, to be worth more
than a billion dollars.
Times have changed dramatically since the
hectic heyday of tuna poling and seine netting.
An almost catastrophic fall in the population
of the enigmatic southern bluefin tuna in the
1980s saw the fishing method completely
revised in a self-motivated quest to protect
stocks by the tuna barons. No longer do they
primarily fish for wild fish stocks. Instead, they
run nets around juvenile schools and drag them
back sometimes hundreds of nautical miles,
to specially developed floating pens in Port
Lincoln’s beautiful Boston Bay. It's an enormous
industry utilising a far more sustainable method
and employs a large portion of Port Lincoln’s
population.

94

Eyre Peninsula sunsets pair well with a freshly caught seafood dinner
THE BRINY
But there is much more to this thriving hub
than just tuna. The productive waters also
produce large volumes of other fare, including:
whiting, snapper, crayfish, calamari, abalone,
oysters, mussels, crabs and deep sea trawl
species. What isn’t netted, hooked or gathered,
is farmed in large scale aquaculture set-ups,
using progressive techniques to cultivate
species such as yellowtail kingfish, as well as
the bluefin.
All things considered, Port Lincoln has a
genuine claim to being the seafood capital of
Australia. It's a huge working port servicing a
wide region of the Eyre Peninsula.
CAMPING OPTIONS
Port Lincoln is a tease for any keen camper
who happens to have a tinge of salt water in
their veins. There are miles and miles of pristine
white sandy beaches, rugged coastline, crystal
clear fertile waters, inshore reefs, islands and
COFFIN BAY
Only a brief 44km west from Port Lincoln is the beautiful
Coffin Bay. If you like oysters you'll be in paradise — but
there’s much more to this small coastal community than
just the seafood. Coffin Bay is surrounded by sea and
national parks with magnificent rugged coastline and
a large protected estuary that’s not only popular with
campers but offers terrific fishing, sailing, swimming,
kayaking, waterskiing and SCUBA diving in pristine calm,
clear waters. The bird watching and other terrestrial
fauna opportunities are endless with walking trails
offering plenty of native wildlife, while on the coastal
fringes you will often be treated to sightings of dolphins,
sea lions, fur seals and a plethora of marine species.
Coffin Bay offers a mix of caravan park and camping
alternatives, both in the township proper and in the large
Coffin Bay National Park.
For visitor information, visit  coffinbay.net  or  view
the Coffin Bay Visitor Guide
PORT AUGUSTA TO PORT LINCOLN
If you are coming from the eastern states, don’t
underestimate the drive from Port Augusta to Port
Lincoln. To race straight through will take about four
hours, whereas, to explore it properly would take me four
months! It’s a beautiful drive through arid, yet strikingly
beautiful countryside bordered by the magnificent
coastline of the Spencer Gulf. There’s the large industrial
city of Whyalla and the small coastal town of Arno Bay
that are both famous for their snapper fishing. The coast
is smattered with parks and coastal reserves and almost
every track heading east off the Lincoln Highway will
reveal a hidden coastal gem.
The small township of Cowell is around half way
down the peninsula. It has a huge expanse of enclosed
waterways with only a small entrance into the gulf. It’s
another of those small coastal communities steeped in
both mining and maritime history where you could visit
for a day, a night, or stay forever.
The beautiful Tumby Bay is the last major town
along the Lincoln Highway before Port Lincoln. If you
can imagine your ideal coastal holiday destination, it
may look something like Tumby Bay. It really has the
works, including a terrific climate similar to Sydney but
drawing less humidity due to its arid surroundings. It's a
town that provides a full range of facilities for travellers
with its crystal clear offshore waters, wonderful
architecture, beautiful tree-lined foreshore, excellent
swimming, fishing, sailing and boating as well as excellent
bushwalking, bird watching, trails, lookouts, museums
and galleries. Tumby Bay's jetty is also home to a healthy
sea dragon colony and is one of South Australia’s most
famous dive spots.
S
ADVENTURE
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COFFIN BAY AND LINCOLN
NATIONAL PARKS
Experience some of the
country’s finest coastal scenery
in the huge Coffin Bay and Lincoln National Parks. There
are tracks and 4x4 adventures suitable for beginners right
through to extreme sand, rock and beach trails. The locals
warn clearly to travel in tandem with another vehicle and
that, “the tides can be huge here and getting stuck on a beach
is not an option”. Fair warning.
Lincoln National Park is just 13km southwest of Port
Lincoln, but you'll need to pick up a permit and gate key from
the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre. First stop is often
Memory Cove, then beach 4x4 driving to the Sleaford Wanna
Dunes and back across to the Whalers Way access road.
Whalers Way takes you talong huge sand dunes to the
southernmost tip of the Eyre Peninsula. Hema quotes, “The
most exciting drive in the area is to Point Sir Isaac along Seven
Mile Beach in Coffin Bay National Park, but it's one that must
be undertaken with all due diligence. It's a six-hour return trip
from the park entrance and you'll need to coincide the drives
with low tide, as high tides often come right up the beach and
the only escape routes are the entry and exit points. The sand
is also extremely soft and usually pretty chopped up but it's
well worth it, with some spectacularly rugged coastal views at
the tip of the point”.
Camping fees for one night at Whalers Way is $25, with
further camping available at $5 per night. Camping in the
Lincoln National Park includes Yangie Bay, Black Springs,
Morgans Landing, Big Yangie and The Pool.
95
 TA C T S A N D L I N KS
CON
PORT LINCOLN YHA
Location 26 London Street Port Lincoln
Email portlincoln@yha.com.au
Phone 08 8682 3605
Mobile 0417 605 090
http://bookings.visitportlincoln.net/accommodation/
port-lincoln/port-lincoln-yha
SHARK CAGE DIVING WITH CALYPSO STAR CHARTERS
AND SWIMMING WITH THE SEA LIONS
Location 10 S Quay Blvd, Port Lincoln SA 5606,
Australia
Phone 08 8682 3939
Email info@sharkcagediving.com.au
http://www.sharkcagediving.com.au/
http://www.sharkcagediving.com.au/sea-lion-tours/
sheltered coves to explore — right on the
precipice of the magnificent Southern Ocean.
There are plenty of 'roughing it' options
for campers, however, I strongly recommend
setting up camp in one of the large holiday
parks in the township itself for at least a few
days while you explore the area. We stayed
in the hospitable and well equipped Port
Lincoln Holiday Park and enjoyed it immensely,
meeting all sorts of travelers from all over the
world attracted by this unique destination –
and, of course, the Great White Shark dive.
LOCAL FLAVOURS
Treat yourself to the hospitality of the Boston Bay
Winery and be entertained by its entrepreneurial
owner, Tony Ford. Tony served us up a great
selection of three varieties of local oysters,
kingfish straight from the farm, prawns and other
seafood delights, before spoiling us with local
grass-fed meats from the region; including rib
eye, which melted the senses with an explosion
of flavour.
The Boston Bay Winery selection is multi-
award-winning for both its reds and whites,

BOSTON BAY WINERY

Phone 08 8684 3600
Email bbw@bostonbaywines.com.au
http://www.bostonbaywines.com.au/

PORT LINCOLN TOURISM

http://www.visitportlincoln.net/

AXEL STENROSS MARITIME MUSEUM

Location 97 Lincoln Highway, Port Lincoln, SA 5606
their head
until someone loses
http://www.axelstenross.com.au/ It's all fun and games Seafood paella hospitality at the Port Lincoln YHA

"treat yourself to the hospitality of the

boston bay winery and be entertained by its
entrepreneurial owner, tony ford"

96

A breaching Great White propels itself out of the water
Boston Bay Winery sits snug beside the coastline
but it is his famous Great White sauvignon
blanc that kept a big smile on my face. It has
discernible salt-air sharpness, with a hint of
oyster. Fordy claims the Boston Bay vineyard
to be the closest to the ocean of any Australian
winery. “It’s that close we have to prune the
grape vines at low tide,” laughed the colourful
character as he poured another glass.
SHARK TERRITORY
Let me tell you, that swimming with the great
whites is the thrill of a lifetime. Coming face-to-
face with these massive, ancient monsters in
their own uncontrolled environment will leave
you awestruck, and feeling rather insignificant.
They glide through their underwater
domain with an air of primal supremacy.
In a split second, these beasts can
unleash unfettered savagery; a terrifying
Human-to-shark ratio
S
ADVENTURE
h ren
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display of monstrous strength and power that
will leave you gobsmacked as you watch them
devour a tuna frame, cast out on a rope from
behind the boat.
The remote Neptune Islands are some
70-odd kilometres from Port Lincoln. Shark
Bay on the Northern Neptune’s, is the only
registered place in Australia with permits to
run shark diving. It isn’t unusual for three-to-
five great whites to join the fray, which can
include other species like bronze whalers,
threshers, yellowtail kingfish and a huge
variety of 'bread and butter' fish such as
salmon and trevally, that are also attracted
to the shark berley. (That, is fish offal — not
human!)
The Neptune’s are home to massive
numbers of New Zealand fur seals and
Australian sea lions which naturally attract the
monster predators. It doesn’t generally take
long to chum a shark or two to the boat after
the cage has been lowered into position. You
don’t need any certification or experience
to dive, but I do think some familiarity with
snorkeling or SCUBA diving helps, as it is quite
a change of environment as you slip into the
cage with five others. You climb in through
an entry point in the top of the cage which
extends around 300mm out of the water and
your pulse races as you breathe deeply from
the hookah manifold. It is quite easy for most
age groups, but it can be a bit overwhelming
for some, hence you are free to climb out at
any time to regain your momentum. There
Dinner time for these monstrous creatures
97
 S
ADVENTURE
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Up close and personal with the sea lions
is enough room at the top, inside the cage
to come up for some natural air or to clear
your mask, maybe just to take a deep breath
from the impact of the incredibly confronting
experience.
SWIM WITH SEA LIONS
Just when we thought Port Lincoln couldn’t
get any better, we jumped on yet another
beautifully fitted tour vessel and headed off to
a lonely stretch of beach to free dive with the
wild sea lions.
Hopkins Island seal colony is some 20-odd
kilometres down through the Thorney Passage
in the lower Spencer Gulf. The area is steeped
in history, dating back to the explorer Matthew
Flinders, and there’s plenty of life and sights
along the way.
"thesealstakerefuge in this nursery area with a lovely
whitesandybeach and rocky outcrops either side"
98
Having fun both on and offboard during the sea lion tour
The seals take refuge in this nursery area
with a lovely white sandy beach and rocky
outcrops either side. The tour boat typically
moors just off the beach and a small inflatable
will take you into the shallows and drop you
off with provided wetsuit, mask and snorkel.
I must admit, I really missed wearing flippers
and hence thrashed around a bit awkwardly.
No wonder the sea lions all had smiles on their
faces when they saw my overweight blob,
bobbing around amid the agile antics of the
playful sea pups.
I must admit I shouldn’t have dived with
sharks the day before the sea lions, as the
undercurrent in my mind kept sweeping back
to the overwhelming monoliths swimming free
in the same ocean. Hint: do the sea lions before
you swim with sharks, not after.
Caught on camera
ALL IN ALL
I can’t recommend a visit to Port Lincoln highly
enough, but don’t think a few days will suffice.
A week is barely minimal! The hospitality of the
locals is unsurpassable and the venues and tour
operations are first-rate.
Port Lincoln should be high on the bucket
list of Australian destinations. If there’s a single
skerrick of salt water in your veins you’ll simply
love it. It's a city on the edge of the desert with
a range of cultural, economic, environmental,
flora and fauna diversity that are uniquely
spectacular. CTA
 TWINKLETOeD
GRUNT
Big bumps are no match for the Nissan
Navara ST-X Dual Cab ute, with more
stability in the new model.
WORDS PHIL LORD PICS Matt Fehlberg

100
 RA ST-X DUAL CAB
A
NISSAN NAV

101
 N A V A R A S T-X D UAL
S P R U N G N P 3 0 0 NISSAN P IN G–
A T E S T C O IL- P E N S IO N D A M
"...THE L D W IT H IM P R O V ED SUS
P D AT E
CAB HAS BEEN U HE PREVIOUS MODEL."
K E Y C R IT IC IS M OF T
A

W
ith most 4WD utes now
offering a 3500kg towing
capacity, they have become
a popular wagon-alternative
for thoswe wishing to tow a camper or van.
While some top-shelf utes have become
pricey, they’re still much better value and
more nimble compared with 4WD wagons
with the same heavy duty 3500kg towing
capacity.
Here we have the latest coil-sprung NP300
Nissan Navara ST-X Dual Cab, which has
been updated with improved suspension
damping – a key criticism of the previous
model. Nissan has also deleted the sunroof
from the standard equipment list and made it
a $1000 option. Gone from MY17 vehicles are
the floor-mounted rear cup holder and the
NP300 tailgate badge. Utes are a popular wagon alternative

HITS
Great all-rounder

Roomy

Improved ride

Towing
performance

MISSES
Bit stiff on low
speed corrugations

Slightly thirsty

The ST-X is the premium model of Nissan’s four-

model range

102
 RA ST-X DUAL CAB
A
NISSAN NAV

A rather spacious cabin is a bonus for backseat

drivers

PREMIUM MODEL
The ST-X is the premium model in the four
model Navara dual cab 4WD range. Standard
equipment highlights include leather seats
(heated at the front), power driver’s seat,
seven inch touch screen, sat-nav, LED
headlights, rear diff lock, side steps, tub liner
and Nissan’s excellent Utili-Track adjustable
tie-down system.
What’s missing from the Navara’s
equipment list is trailer sway control, or any
of the latest driver-assist systems such as lane
departure warning, active cruise control or
autonomous emergency braking.

SPACIOUS CLAIM
The Navara’s cabin is well laid out and fairly
spacious. You’ve got a pretty large 17.7cm
infotainment screen, although it can be
slow to respond to commands and some
of the menu paths are also a bit clunky.
The instrument cluster is an easy read and
navigating its clear LED trip computer is
simple.
The tray has the excellent Utili-Track tie-
down system, which provides adjustable-
position tie-down points along the interior
walls of the tray. There’s also a 12V auxiliary
port in the tray.

POWER TO PLEASE
Small-displacement engines have become
more common as manufacturers chase

103
 improved fuel consumption and
emission figures, so the Navara’s 2.3L
engine displacement is not unusual.
By comparison, Mitsubishi’s Triton
uses a 2.4L turbo-diesel four while the
Volkswagen Amarok’s entry-level engine
is a 2.0L turbo-diesel four.
The Navara’s YS23DDTT 2.3L diesel
is intercooled and has twin sequential
turbos, the latter perhaps explaining its
almost complete absence of turbo lag.
The engine’s response off the mark is
excellent, with only a momentary delay
before revs build up and the Navara
takes off. While redline is at 4500rpm,
in unladen full-throttle situations the
smooth seven-speed auto will upshift
at 4200rpm. The Navara performs very
well, allowing, for example safe, quick
overtaking manouevres.
Unladen, the Navara has a firm ride
but it absorbs bigger bumps better than
many of the leaf-spring utes. Where the
Navara doesn’t cope so well is over the
type of road that might have been billiard
table-smooth when first tarred, but over
years of pothole repairs has become
patchy with low-amplitude bumps –
and there are plenty of such roads in
Australia. Over such surfaces – when

In unladen full-throttle situations the seven-speed

auto upshifts to 4200rpm

The 2.3L four-cylinder turbo-diesel reached a fuel

consumption high of 16.2L/100km

unladen, at least – the Navara fidgets, feeling

as though it’s too firm.
The Navara’s steering is well weighted and
it’s a pretty good point A to point B tourer.

TOWING TIME
The Navara can tow up to 3500kg, but Nissan
only allows a maximum of 300kg towball
download, instead of the typical 350kg
allowance
Unlike most other manufacturers, Nissan is
quite specific about reducing TBM when you
have loaded up the Navara. For example, you
are allowed zero towball mass if making full
use of the Navara’s 930kg payload capacity.
If you are carrying 800kg in the Navara, you
can have up to 100kg TBM; reduce payload
to 650kg and you can have up to 200kg TBM.
To make full use of the Navara’s 300kg TBM
maximum, payload must not exceed 520kg.
While some manufacturers offer a 12-pin
plug as part of their standard towing

104
 RA ST-X DUAL CAB
A
NISSAN NAV

W E L L W E IG H T ED AND
N A V A R A ’S S T E E RING IS O U R E R"
"THE O INT A TO P O IN T B T
R E T T Y G O O D P
IT’S A P

CTA RATINGS
NISSAN NAVARA ST-X DUAL CAB PHIL LORD
1. HITCHING UP
2. TOWING ABILITY
3. INNOVATION
4.FUEL ECONOMY
5. OFFROAD-ABILITY
6.ON-ROAD PERFORMANCE
7. COMFORTS
8. ENGINE POWER
9. VALUE FOR MONEY
10. X-FACTOR

105
 RA ST-X DUAL CAB
A
NISSAN NAV
package, the Navara’s comes with a seven-pin
plug. Nissan is not alone here, but it would be
good to see more manufacturers following
the likes of Ford and Land Rover with a 12-pin
set-up, given just about all caravanners will
want to power a fridge when towing.
With a caravan weighing 2450kg (of which
we measured 255kg on the towball) the rear
of the Navara dropped a significant 75mm.
However, the front rose just 25mm, which is
borderline for fitting a Weight Distribution
Hitch.
Despite the TBM approaching the
maximum permitted for the Navara, the rig
was very stable when towing. There was no
The Nissan ST-X offered a very stable ride when side-to-side movement and also no pitching.
loaded up

CTA SPECS
A R K IS E X C E L L ENT,
F THE M
NISSAN NAVARA ST-X DUAL CAB
’S R E S P O N S E O F UILD UP
"THE ENGINE A R Y D E L AY B E F O R E R E V S B WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

Y A M O M E N T Length 5255mm

WITH ONL
Width 1850mm

H E N A V A R A T A K ES OFF" Height 1840mm

AND T
Wheelbase 3150mm
Ground clearance 228mm
Kerb mass 1980kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 2910kg
Gross Combined Mass 5910kg
Towing capacity unbraked/braked 750kg/3500kg
Towball (max) 300kg

DRIVETRAIN
Engine 2.3L four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Transmission Seven-speed automatic
Power 140kW at 3750rpm
Torque 450Nm at 1500-2500rpm
Gear ratios 1st 4.886, 2nd 3.169, 3rd 2.027, 4th 1.411,
5th 1.000, 6th 0.864, 7th 0.774, Reverse 4.041
Final drive 3.357 High/low 1.000/2.717

OPTIONS FITTED
Towbar ($980 fitted), brake controller

GENERAL
Fuel capacity 80L
Suspension Independent, double wishbones, coil
springs (fr); live axle, coil springs (rr)
Brakes Ventilated discs (fr); drums (rr)
Wheels 18in alloy
Warranty Three years/100,000km
Roof load 80kg
More information nissan.com.au

PRICE AS TESTED $54,490 (plus on-road costs)

campertraileraustralia.com.au
More pictures Compare campers

106
 CTOY 2018

ventures
real people on real ad

CTOY 2018 | ON SALE MAY

T HE
10 2018 | $12.95
mper
trailer of the year
SOUVENIR EDITION

Australia’s best 24 campers

MA GNIFICE NT put to the ultimate test

T W O D OZ E N
Camper

On sale
MAY 10, 2018
02 596&*

ava i l a b l e F R O M N E W SAG E N T S A N D S U P E R M A R K E T S
 RA ST-X DUAL CAB
A
NISSAN NAV

E N G IN E P E R F O R MANCE
N A V A R A O F F E R S G R E AT O R NOT"
"THE WH E N T O W IN G

system
The tray offers an excellent Utili-Track tie-down

When hitting big bumps – such as a series of

undulations, for example – the Navara settled
quickly, avoiding the float many vehicles get
with a relatively high TBM. Yet just like it was
when unladen, the Navara’s ride over low-
amplitude bumps was brittle. It got better
as speeds rose near 100km/h, but at lower
speeds it was at times uncomfortable.
Towing performance was very good,
with the Navara holding speed well up
hills although engine braking downhill was
fair. Fuel consumption reached a high of
16.2L/100km when towing, and a low of
7.5L/100km when driving on the highway
unladen. The exterior mirror shells are curved
on the Navara, but securing the towing
mirrors onto them wasn’t a problem.
The Navara offers great engine
performance when towing or not, and is now
much more stable when towing with the new
dampers fitted for Model Year 2017. However
ride quality over patchy road surfaces is not
great, towing or not.
Thanks to Parravans Caravan World, 38-40
Mileham St, Windsor NSW, (02) 4577 5577, for
Who doesn’t love a tray? the loan of the caravan for this test. CTA

108
 Hema’s
ultimate
expedition
c amper

During the recent CRUISEMASTER Camper Trailer of the

Year, HEMA, Australia's own offroad mapping, route-guide
planners and digital navigation equipment manufacturers
and suppliers cast their learned eyes over the 24 finalists.
Who better, we here at Camper surmised, than the folk
at HEMA and CRUISEMASTER to visualize what the ultimate
offroad, off-trail, off-the-chain camper would look like.

110
 PING EXPEDITION
AM
ULTIMATE C

111
 , A G IL IT Y A N D P OWER-
A S IM P L E C A S E O F SIZ E N ’T W ANT
"IT ’S J U S T L IK E Y O U D O
H T R A T IO . A N D O N A L D’S
T O -WEIG P IR A L SL IDE A T A M A C D
C K IN T H E S H E A D -FIRST
TO BE STU ’T W A NT TO B E C A U G H T
G R O U N D Y O U D O N U C K H A L F - W AY
P L A Y N D TRACK O R S T
T E D D E A D - E
DOWN A FORES C T IO N B Y T H E S ECOND."
H IL L C L IM B L O S ING TRA
UP A
or more than twenty years, HEMA

F has been mapping Australia using

a solo vehicle without a trailer,
sleeping in a simple dome tent or
swag and cooking on a simple gas burner
screwed onto a 2.5kg gas bottle.
A trailer was always seen as overkill; a
restrictive ‘ball and chain’ on our freedom to
explore. Just another axle and set of tyres to
protect, a cumbersome weight in technical
terrain which would inevitably, one day, lead
to us being hemmed-in down a dead-end
track with no way to possibly turn around!
But now a trailer has become essential
part of all our long-haul mapping adventures,
basically for reasons of workplace health and
safety, specifically managing GVMs. With all
the mapping gear, equipment, tools, food,
water, fuel and camping gear we require,
there’s hardly a solo vehicle left on the
market that has the payload needed for even
the most basic of our mapping expeditions.
Go anywhere capability is de-rigeur
Plus, there’s the big advantage, with a
camper, of being able to set it up as a base
station from which to conduct trips out to
local tracks and sights, then return at night
to cook, work and sleep in relative comfort,
getting ready for another day of mapping.
So, what does the ultimate expedition
trailer look like to us — and does it actually
exist?
Here’s the top five things we look for, and
won’t compromise on, in our reckoning of
the ultimate expedition trailer:

1. QUICK SETUP
2. SIMPLICITY
3. OFFROAD DURABILITY
4. COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT
5. BASIC CREATURE COMFORTS

QUICK SETUP
As the old cliché goes ‘time is money’ and
in our case, that’s real dollars spent on
professional teams and data collection. An
extra hour a day to setup and pack down is

112

simply lost time that could be spent collecting
or processing data, exploring someplace
special or simply getting more sleep. A good
touring trailer should take no more than five
minutes to set up and ten to pack up. It’s easy
to be fooled when looking over new trailers at
a show — don’t believe what the salesperson
tells you unless they can demonstrate it right
there in front of your eyes.
It’s why I’m still such a big fan of simple
hardfloor campers. Even when travelling with
four young kids, they typically set-up and have
everyone in bed at a roadside rest area in
under five minutes. The slowest part is getting
the sleeping kids out of the car and into the
trailer!
You must be able to leave your bedding
(including linen) in place during pack-up and
know that it will remain dry and dust free as
you travel to your next destination. And if the
awning or extra room is not already attached
to the camper – forget it!
Examples that do this well: Aussie Swag,
Terra Trek, Patriot X2 and any offroad hybrid.
PING EXPEDITION
AM
ULTIMATE C
So, what does the ultimate expedition camper look like?
SIMPLICITY
Why is it that when we escape to the simplicity
of the outdoors we find it hard to let go of
all the ‘stuff’ and complexities of city living?
Equally, when designing or choosing a
trailer it’s all too easy to ‘feature-up’ without
considering the consequences that when
things start to play up they create a cascading
plethora of niggly issues that can easily
detract from an otherwise-peaceful outdoor
experience.
Simplicity should be an intentional and
core design element, so much so that it's a
consistently visible aspect across the product
and brand. Take a walk around the trailer and
look for simple, clean lines and features that
are integrated rather than bolted on.
It’s the same reason we use a 70 series Land
Cruiser for our mapping vehicles as they are
such icons of back-to-basics simplicity and
reliability. It’s about taking everything you
need and nothing you don’t and choosing a
trailer that’s been built with that exact same
mindset.
113
 OFFROAD DURABILITY
Stop and think about what really goes on in
the undercarriage of your trailer while you’re
belting along a heavily-corrugated road at
80km/hr. It’s simply obscene and why in
my view the strength and durability of a
trailer starts and ends with its suspension.
Independent swing-arm suspension is a must,
for both technical terrain and the enduring
slog of outback travel.
We only choose trailers with Australian-
designed and built suspension that’s been
engineered, tested and proven in our
conditions, such as the new Cruisemaster
suspension setup on the new Patriot X1.
Get this wrong and you’re trailer may soon
become the next bullet-ridden ‘signpost’ on
the Gunbarrel highway.
Whether it’s a vehicle or a trailer, I always
ask the manufacturer and service team what
the most common issues are on their product
and make sure that I either have spares or
that parts are going to be easily accessed if
needed. It’s another great reason to go with
Australian-made suspension components.
Every product has its breaking point, so even
with careful driving and smart tyre pressure
management, make sure yours is ready to go
well beyond how far you intend to push it.
spare tyre that can cop a hammering from
flying rocks spat up by the tow vehicle or
being briefly dragged across bare ground. But
you still want the longest drawbar possible
as it makes such a difference to stability and
high-speed towing as well as ensuring more
predictable reversing.
ESSENTIAL CREATURE
COMFORTS
A good night's sleep makes a big difference
to your endurance and enjoyment of the
trip, so if you’re taking a trailer you may
as well enjoy a few creature comforts. A
comfortable mattress, good quality canvas,
insect screening and a quick-erect awning or
room for shade or rain protection are essential
features we look for.
A simple but effective kitchen helps with
quick and easy food prep. Make sure the fridge
and food storage are easily accessible and
there’s a reasonably-sized bench that folds
down or slides out. Good sized gas burners Obscene strength and durability
Compact, well-designed and lightweight

COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT

Think about why kids love playgrounds and
adults don’t. It’s a simple case of size, agility
and power-to-weight ratio. And just like you
don’t want to be stuck in the spiral slide at a
MacDonald’s playground you don’t want to be
caught head-first down a forested dead-end
track or stuck half-way up a hill climb losing
traction by the second.
If the trailer is longer than the car you’re
going to have a problem negotiating any
kind of technical or wooded terrain. Ideally
it should be no longer than three-quarters
of the length of the tow vehicle, with at least
400mm of ground clearance. But not too high
that you can’t see over it or be fully aware of
its extremities.
Whether you would actually drive it there or
not, picture yourself towing the trailer along
the Old Telegraph Track at Cape York or up
Billy Goat Bluff track in the High Country. Aside
from the engineering stress, steep technical
terrain is where weight matters most, as an
extra tonne behind you makes climbing and
descending a nightmarish experience for even
the most experienced adventurers.
Nothing (including the jockey wheel mount)
should sit below the trailer chassis except
for something very flat like a water tank or

114
 PING EXPEDITION
AM
ULTIMATE C

L L , A L M O S T. T H ERE ARE
A T R A IL E R E X IS T? WE C L O SE".
"SO , D O E S S U C H T H A T C O M E
A FEW

(installed or portable) are the key to ‘fast food’

on the road, or a roadside coffee break that’s
done-and-dusted in less than 15 minutes.
At home, we take reliable, on-tap water
and power for granted. On the road, they are
precious and essential resources that must be
monitored and managed well. You’ll want a
large (100+ litres) water tank that’s centrally
positioned (so it doesn’t adversely affect
your centre of gravity) with simple electric or
gravity flow access. Ensure lines or taps are
well-protected from stone or stick damage and
carry an extra water container in reserve (in
your vehicle) for back-up in case you're ever
stranded away from your trailer.
Power management is crucial for recharging
phones, tablets, cameras and laptops. Thick
charging cable between the vehicle and a
large-capacity AGM battery ensures there
is plenty of power on tap at the end of each
day. But, if you’re planning to use the trailer
as a base station for exploring further, you’ll
need a solar charging solution as well. And
with a good quality inverter, BCDC power
management unit and gauge installed you can
forget about paying the electricity bill ever
again!
So, does such a trailer exist? Well, almost.
There are a few that come close such as
the new Patriot X1, the TERRA TREK, the
Ultimate XTERRAN and the Trak Trailer TVAN.
Mmm… maybe that could be the next Camper
Australia ‘shoot-out’? CTA

115
 S
ADVENTURE

H o a r t,
tas mania

of
While not quite on t
within a similar cli
e
ine lls
feted by Southern Ocean
gales and with large swathes seldom visited due to its isolated
nature and relative lack of popular coverage. Here, Ali Millar
Mount Wellingto
n Pin
views up the River nacle
Derwent

Farm Gate Farmers Market fresh

seasonal produce

provides a local’s guide to Tassie’s scenic capital, the perfect

starting-off point for an epic Tasmanian tour.
Words ALI MILLAR Pics GLENN WARDLE

118
 Salamanca Place transforms
into a busy marketplace each
Saturday

119
 Lost World Track city views

Mount Wellington Pinnacle

viewing shelter

T
hese days, it seems ‘Tassie’ is on the
lips of travellers everywhere and
there’s plenty of reasons for this. The
Island State is blessed with abundant
“At 1271m,
natural beauty, unique flora and fauna, and
a glorious sense of isolation and accessible
remoteness. It’s also renowned for its fresh
kunyani/Mount
produce, seafood, wine, cheese and all things
gourmet. Not to mention the winding back
roads lend themselves perfectly to self-drive
Welington
touring – ideal for campers looking to expand
their horizons to the south.
The scenic capital, Hobart, is a must-visit on
dwarfs the
Lost World Track view
any Tassie touring itinerary. Hobart’s spacious
suburbs sprawl either side of the city centre,
a narrow sliver of urbanisation sandwiched
smal city its
profile prominent
towards the Pinnacle
between the sandy banks of the Derwent
River and the bulky foothills of kunyani/Mount
Wellington. Keep your camera at the ready –
you’ll be met with photo-worthy scenes around
every corner.
Having lived in Hobart for a large portion
regardless of
of my life, I must profess to a certain level of
bias when it comes to this pint-sized and super-
friendly capital. But this also means I can share
where you go
an insider’s perspective of some of the best bits
to help plan your next visit!
around town”
120

ROOM FOR A VIEW
At 1271m, kunyani/Mount Wellington
dwarfs the small city – its profile prominent
regardless of where you go around town. I
highly recommend a trip to the pinnacle for
the expansive views it offers over the city
and across the blue stretches of water, the
numerous bays and coves, islands, arms and
peninsulas that make up this south-eastern
corner of the state. Aside from the wind and
the murmurs of appreciation from fellow
spectators, from this height the city below
appears magnificently silent and still.
To get there, take the winding, narrow
mountain road up through the rainforest onto
the alpine plateau (definitely leave the van
behind for this one). On the way up, stop at the
Springs and grab a coffee at Lost Freight – a
shipping container cafe with shaded seating,
adjacent the Springs car park.
This is where you’ll find many of the
trackheads for the extensive network of first-
rate walking and mountain biking trails that
criss-cross the mountain. A little further up the
road, the short but very steep walk to the Lost
World is one of my personal favourites for the
great views.
The cool mountain air is unbeatably fresh,
S
ADVENTURE
H rt,
t ania
Mount Wellington sunrise
Salamanca Place.
The historic sandstone buildings
are now home to cafes and bars
and in colder weather snow is a
possibility – at any time of year!
Pack a warm jacket, regardless of
the season. Even on a warm day
in the city, the wind chill on top of
the mountain can take your breath
away. Avoid making the trip on
cloudy or misty days, when the mountain is
buried behind a screen of white and views are
FAST FACTS
non-existent.
I’ll give you a hot tip, though – on a
reasonably clear morning, sunrise from the
pinnacle is absolutely worth getting up extra
early for. Plus, you’ll likely have the place mostly
Hobart is located in the
to yourself as you watch the world turn from south-east of Tasmania
pink to orange and the lights of the city flick off and is the state’s largest
as the sun creeps higher. city, home to an estimated
If you’re looking for other good vantage 220,000 people.
points around town, stop in at the Mount
Nelson Signal Station for views over the city From Melbourne, vanners can take the Spirit of
and the river mouth that can be enjoyed over Tasmania ferry to Devonport, then drive 280km
breakfast or lunch from comfy beanbags at the south to Hobart. Those travelling sans van can fly
Signal Station Brasserie. You could also pay a direct to Hobart Airport.
visit to Taroona’s historic Shot Tower where you Visitor information can be found at the Tasmanian
can climb the 318 wooden steps to the gallery Travel and Information Centre Hobart, Davey
for 360-degree views across Storm Bay and the Street, Hobart, 03 6238 4222.
surrounding countryside. For accommodation options, see separate
breakout.
121
 “If you’re feeling CULTURE SHOW
For you daily dose of culture, there’s no
denying the Museum of Old and New Art
alternatively, you can arrive in style by jumping
aboard the MR-1 fast ferry for the 25-minute
journey from Brooke Street Pier near Hobart’s

the festive (Mona) is Hobart’s modern icon. All fanfare

aside, Mona does not disappoint. The museum
offers an eclectic mix of exhibitions, delivered
centre. Upgrade to the Posh Pit if you’d like
the luxury of drinks and canapés on the boat’s
private deck (very civilised!).

vibes, consider with a side of difference, a splash of frivolity

and often a healthy dose of darkness. The
Mona complex has recently been extended
If you’re feeling the festive vibes, consider
timing your visit to Hobart around one of Mona’s
popular festivals. Mona Foma is a summer arts

timing your to encompass a new wing, Pharos – home to

some of James Turrell’s mind-expanding works
of light and darkness, as well as an excellent
and music festival held in January, while Dark
Mofo runs over the winter solstice in June,
offering a beacon of warmth in the depths of

visit to Hobart new restaurant, Faro.

Mona is a 20-minute drive out of town or,
Tassie’s winter. Both are excellent and offer
something for everyone.

around one of
Mona’s popular
festivals".
rket
Farm Gate Farmers Ma Brooke St Pier. Good morning coffee
bakehouse treats spot at Brooke St Larder at bottom level
Mona museum entry selfies

122
 S
ADVENTURE

H rt,
t ania

Waterfront precinct. Cruise

ships are frequent visitors over
summer

The period between Christmas and New

Year is one to pencil into the calendar, too,
as you can make the most of the Taste of
Tasmania festival, as well as the arrival of the
Sydney to Hobart yachts.
Back in the centre of town, visit the
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG),
with its plentiful permanent exhibitions of
Tasmanian Aboriginal culture, flora and fauna,
as well as a host of temporary exhibitions that
keep things interesting.
Tug boat heading out to guide a
ship under the Tasman bridge TREAT YOURSELF
Salamanca is, in many ways, the heart of
Hobart’s historic waterfront precinct. This was
once the rough wharf-front playground of
sailors, whalers and factory workers, but those
days are long gone and pleasant bars and cafes
now line the footpath, perfect for brunching
and lunching.
In the late afternoon, stop in at The Den for
a cocktail in stylish, wood-panelled surrounds,
before heading across to the wharves for some
fresh seafood or a feed of scallops and chips.
Finish up with a Tasmanian-made ice cream or
gelato from the Van Diemens Land Creamery
punt at Constitution Dock and stroll among the

WHERE TO STAY
THERE’S PLENTY of options for campers to stay in and around Hobart. Most accommodation is on the outskirts of town,
but nothing’s really that far away in Hobart, especially if you have your own wheels.
The majority of the caravan parks are on the eastern shore – the opposite side of the river to the city centre. A couple of
these are quite close to some nice beaches and would be convenient for people heading up the East Coast.
Just 10 minutes north of the city, the Hobart Showground Motorhome Park offers accommodation for a range of rigs
and is also quite close to public transport for easy access to the city centre.

123
 towards
Lost World Track. View
Pinnacle

Battery Point historic precinct is

perfect for an afternoon stroll

gETTING THERE

CAMPERS LOOKING to tour Tassie will need to book

“Also worth adding to your themselves, their vehicle and camper on the Spirit of
Tasmania, which sails between Melbourne and Devonport,
on Tasmania’s north coast.

itinerary is the Sunday Farm Prices vary seasonally and depending on your
requirements. Different ticket options are also available
depending on how much flexibility you want for making

Gate Farmers’ Market, held in last minute changes.

A one-way trip takes between nine and 11 hours. Night
sailings operate year-round while day sailings are also

the city centre.”

available during peak season. Cabin accommodation is
available, as are recliner seats.
You’ll need to be able to provide your vehicle and camper
dimensions (including length and height) at the time of
booking.
Visit www.spiritoftasmania.com.au for more.
124

Lost World Track. One of the
many great walks on Mount Wellington
fishing fleet and private yachts as the sun sets
behind the mountain.
For culture lovers and anyone looking to
bag a Tasmanian treasure, a wander through
the peaceful galleries, boutiques and specialist
stores hidden in the old sandstone warehouses
that line Salamanca Place is also highly
recommended.
From Salamanca, take Kelly Steps up the
hill for a self-guided amble around the historic
Battery Point precinct. Fuel yourself with a
delicious bakery treat from local institution
Jackman and McRoss and grab yourself a fresh
loaf for your pantry while you’re there.
If you’re in town on Saturday, Salamanca
Place is transformed into a bustling
marketplace for the Salamanca Market – an
undeniably popular Hobart highlight with both
visitors and locals for the friendly vibes, great
food and a variety of local and imported arts,
crafts and souvenirs.
Also worth adding to your itinerary is the
Sunday Farm Gate Farmers’ Market, held in the
city centre. This is the perfect place to stock
your van pantry before you hit the road with
seasonal fruit and veg, honey, kombucha, tea
and a changing array of treats from artisan
producers (if you can get your hands on one,
the sourdough donuts are beyond delicious!)
Your itinerary is now looking pretty full, I
S
ADVENTURE
Ho art,
tasmania
know, but before you leave, pay a visit to North
Hobart’s main street, which is lined with shops,
restaurants, cafes and bars. You’ll find a cuisine
to suit most taste buds for your evening meal
and it’s also a good spot for a lazy brunch
(Berta and Room for a Pony’s breakfast menus
are both top notch).
North Hobart is also home to the State
Cinema, which has been serving Hobart’s film
lovers for over a hundred years. It’s the kind
of cinema where you can grab a glass of wine
and a choc top and enjoy your film as it should
be enjoyed! There’s also a great little bookshop
attached where you can browse while you wait
for your film to begin. CTA
 Home-smoked
chicken and
duck never
tasted better
Words Tim Van Duyl

A
fierce office debate began the day
that the Fornetto 18" Midnight Black
Razzo Vertical Smoker arrived. But
in the end it fell to me to set aside a
lazy Sunday afternoon to assemble,
stoke and smoke – just for you.
Setting it up is fairly straightforward
though there is some assembly required.
We made a quick trip to Bunnings for
quality charcoal (pro-tip, avoid cheap and
often nasty options) and some smoking
chunks. The 18” asks for wood chunks,
not pellets or sawdust. We chose oak wine
barrel chunks that carried that enticing oak
scent with a hint of shiraz.
In the name of science and my
overeating disorder, we had a few cuts of
duck and chicken supreme as well a range

126
 ALL THE GEAR

of veggies and a rack of pork ribs. above. The lid is heavy, which tells me it should looked good so we removed the bath, cranked
You light the 18” is as you would any have good thermal properties and includes the heat and got the birds ready for lunch.
charcoal BBQ – which the bottom a thermometer and hanging points for Without the bath the temp flew up and in no
section doubles as. I find it best meat hooks. time we were ready to eat.

From $369
to use a charcoal lighter, a With all vents open fully and Easily some of the best duck I’ve had and
metallic jug with air vents to only five minutes later the dial probably the best I’ve made. The tomatoes and
get coals started faster and was comfortable at 100C. peppers were a winner too being blended into a
more thoroughly. Once Where The water bath lowers and killer bolognese sauce. Clean-up was easy. With
Most leading BBQ suppliers
developing a nice white maintain the temp for a nice the centre sections removed, we closed all vents
powdery outer, in they More info slow smoke session. After a and left the remaining coals to choke out.
Fornetto.com
went with a thick layer few more minutes we played It is too big and heavy to use as a travel
of dry wood chunks. With Rating with the top and bottom vents smoker but, as it doubles as a decent sized BBQ
the first centre on, in goes to see if we could manipulate and can take two racks and hung meats for
the water bath, topped up to the temp. We couldn’t, a good sign smoking, it can cater for a dozen people making
near full. Above goes the final for the effectiveness of the bath, so it a pretty decent buy.
middle section with racks internally. we set the top vents to fully closed and
We added all racks with ribs at the bottom lower to one-third open.
and truss tomatoes, red peppers and an onion After two hours we popped the top – all

127
 RAAW TENT POLE
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Using it, you’re able to easily adjust and
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That’s why the RAAW conversion kit for and your roof will be as taught as a drum in
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Where genius of a product. Its clear a lot of thought
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128
 ALL THE GEAR

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one’s weary body at day’s end than sun- A heater clipped to 24V 180 watt folding panel: $289
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 O FIXED ADDRESS
N
Enjoying the sunset.... before the wind hit!
SOUTHERLY BUSTERS
THE BIGHT'S NOT-SO-FRIEN
On the precipice of the Southern Ocean's windy magnificence.
WE WERE camped
on a beach on the far
west coast of South
Australia enjoying a few
wines and nibbles and
enjoying the sunset
when we noticed a
bank of cloud moving
pretty rapidly in our
direction. Our mate, Words and Pics
who has had his fair RO N AND VIV MO ON
share of nautical
experiences casually remarked that
there was a 'blow' coming.
The resultant change was sudden and
dramatic. One minute we were enjoying a balmy
late afternoon, the sun sinking slowly to the
horizon, the sea like a mirror with a low, low oily
swell lifting gently onto and up the sandy beach.
The cliffs had taken on the colour of burnished
gold before plunging into dark grey as the cloud
rolled closer — and then the wind hit.
A vacant chairs took off, tumbling before the
'southerly buster' and an awning canvas began
snapping in the breeze. The sea, so gentle a
second before, became a turbulent expanse of
battleship grey flecked by violent white-caps;
tearing, piercing and now washed with cold
spray from a sombre sea.
We rushed back to our campers, battened
down the hatches and doors, seeking shelter
from the storm. The worse passed in a few
minutes and we came out of our abodes to a
cooler and more subtle slate-coloured scene.
A few weeks later my mate was camped at
Twilight Cove, one of my favourite beach camps
130
Sandpegs — th
e bi
Southerly Bust gger the better when a
er hits!
in
n southern Australia when he
a
and his camping companions
n
noticed a plane flying low and
waggling its wings in what was
tthe first of a couple of low level
passes before it turned and
flew away. Just minutes later a
'Southerly Buster' hit with all its
fury, ripping an awning off its
mounting, lifting a camp table up
and flinging it against the cliffs
200 metres away, rolling a pegged
down camping gazebo hundreds
of metres along the beach, while also tearing a
couple of wind-out windows and vents on both
of the slide-on campers off their hinges.
Minutes later all was calm again and my
mates counted the cost of the quick and
sudden change.
While NSW people have long thought they
were the sole recipients of what they thought
were Southerly Busters, but during my
youth, spent largely on the beaches of South e
Australia, proceedings were often punctuated o dramatic wi
by what we also called Southerly Busters. change when you consider wind gusts of 100kph
These dramatic weather events, also called can take roofs off houses, let alone tents out of
'backdoor fronts' in the USA and 'Spanish their far less permanent moorings.
Plumes' in Europe, generally occur in summer Such a wind change when you're camping on
and are characterised by a violent wind change what are some pretty exposed beaches along
and a plummet in temperature of up to 15°C, our southern coastline can send the camp into
or more. But it's the wind change that can turmoil, as we recently found out during the
adversely and most dramatically affect us. aforementioned episodes. My advice? Keep a
Just earlier this year the Clipper Fleet, which lookout for such weather changes, batten down
was then sailing up the NSW coast was hit by the hatches before it hits —and have the tent and
a classical Southerly Buster, where the wind camper canvas pegged down with some bloody
went from a 17 knot (32kph) north-easterly to a good sand pegs! CTA
THE GREAT
AUSTRALIAN
BIGHT
THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BIGHT is a left-over
geological remnant from one of the greatest
movements in Earth’s history. Its familiar sickle-
shaped 'bite' shape forming as a result of Australia
and Antartica, as we know them today, breaking
from the supercontinent Gondwana to create two
distinct continents. It was a process that began
around 70 million years ago — about the time of
the extinction of the dinosaurs — and finished
around 40 million years ago, as part of the natural
process known as rifting.
This rifting, which moves continental and ocean
plates around the surface of the globe and brings
internal heat to the surface, has seen Australia
travelling northward at the relatively rapid rate
of about 69mm per year, and rotating in a gentle
clockwise motion. This means we have moved a
total of 1.49 metres closer to the tropics in the past
12 years. No wonder it seems to be getting hotter
Wordsand pics david cook around here!
In comparison, North America only moves about
25mm per year, though it is being squeezed by 75
to 100mm per year by the Pacific Plate, resulting in
Camper's resident geologist further lifting of the Rocky Mountains, the activity These may seem to be esoteric sorts of figures,

takes a bite out of the Big t.

of a total of 92 volcanoes in Canada and the USA but they do potentially impact on your camping
and the sort of tectonic activity that occasionally trips and your ability to find someone’s address
trips fracture lines such as the famous San via your GPS. It is necessary in this time of
Andreas Fault. extremely accurate GPS mapping to adjust our
global position to reflect our true location. It really
An aquaculture pod set doesn’t make that much difference to your street
in the Southern Ocean's navigation, but for the military, aviation, mining
pristine waters
and agricultural activities using extremely accurate
navigation systems that 1.49 metres can make a big
difference.
Our position has actually been adjusted four
mes in the past 50 years, the remapping in 1994
oving us, officially, by a total of 200 metres.
These sorts of figures also have significance
r our northern neighbours, as our northward
ift causes considerable volcanic and tectonic
tivity in Indonesia, New Guinea and the Solomon
nds. The most recent earthquake in New Guinea
ulted in a 7.5 magnitude shake and over 120
hs in February this year.
he Great Australian Bight is the longest ice-free
west coastline in the world.
terestingly, the International Hydrographic
Or nisation does not recognise the Great
Australian Bight as a separate entity, and shows it
 NEATH THE SURFACE
BE

The awesome Bunda Cliffs

A local
Ah yes. I think this means:
Beware the cliff's edge
only as a part of the Indian Occean,
just as it categorises Bass Straight
and the Tasman Sea as simply parts
of the South Pacific Ocean. The e
Australian Hydrographic Servicce
considers the Great Australian Bight
to be a part of the Southern Occean.

WEATHER IMPACTS
The separation of Australia
from Antarctica created one of
this planet’s most powerful and
influential weather patterns. It
opened a clear channel from we est
to east to permit ocean currents
and weather patterns to flow freely
around the southern polar regions, creating plant can grow, only stunted grasses, and
much colder and more violent weather than an ecology
gy that is so harsh that it is gr tl
greatly
th off the
exists at similar latitudes to the north h restricted to essentially polar forms.
equator. This has had immeasurable effects on
Great Britain exists at a latitude of about 55 Australia, from governing the weather patterns
degrees north of the Equator, with extensive in the southern half of Australia, to determ ing
forests and a very diverse ecology of animals the shipping routes to and from our shores
and plants. At 55 degrees south of the Equator in the days of sail, governing water flow
we find the Australian possession of Macquarie from rivers, where major cities have been
Island where the weather is so cold no woody established and on and on.
 SURFACE
NEATH THE
BE
Tuna fleet
NT
Typically, during rifting of a continent, as one
section of land pulls away from another, large
wedges on landmass drop down to fill the
widening gap. This is actually happening in
the Great Rift Valley in Africa and the Red Sea
today. When the sea floods in to fill this lowered
landscape – a process that may take many
millions of years – new seafloor is created. In
the case of the Great Australian Bight that new
seafloor was extremely wide, and it has left
Australia with a southern continental shelf over
260km in width in the centre section of the
Bight and about 80km wide at each end.
This area has a very unique ecology as
a result of a long period of geographic
segregation, high energy turbulence from
the rough Southern Ocean and an isolation
resulting from the inflow of nutrient rich cold
waters around Bass Straight and warm waters
brought in by the Leeuwin Current flowing
down the WA coast and around into the Bight.
The life forms living there are extraordinarily
diverse, many of them unique to the Bight,
and many rated as endangered. Notable
among these are the southern right whales
which come there to breed and calve, and the
Australian sea-lion and a number of species of
albatross.
134
The Obelisk at Robe, South Australia on a
stormy day
The rich upwelling of nutrients, especially depredations of Japanese whaling fleets.
summer and autumn, produce a healthy There are no rivers flowing across the
ankton community that supports a rich crop Nullarbor, preventing sediments from the land
sardines and anchovies. These in turn attract from muddying the offshore and near-shore
ge schools of juvenile blue fin tuna. waters, due to the low rainfall and the draining
The seaweed beds of the Great Australian of any surface water into the subterranean
ht are among the world’s richest, with over caves and holes which are to be found right
12 0 species known. across the landscape. Carbonic acid found in
rainfall gradually dissolves limestone and leads
G
GH AND MIGHTY to the formation of underground cave systems
geography of the Great Australian Bight and their enclosed features right across the
varies greatly across its shoreline. About 40 world.
million years ago thick carbonate sediments As with most such rift zones, which were the
deposited along the relatively newly formed scene of active river systems – one believed to
southern continental margin were uplifted have been greater than the Amazon of today -
to form the land which forms the current and deep sediment deposition before oceanic
Nullarbor Plain. The upper layers were a very flooding, the Bight is believed to be rich in oil
hard crystalline limestone, which provided a and gas deposits. Some oil and gas drilling has
hard capping, while the lower layers are a paler taken place along the Bight since the 1960s
chalky limestone which undercuts the rocks and proposals for further exploratory drilling
above as it is eroded by the heavy seas rolling has been the focus community opposition as
in from the south. opponents argue that a worst case scen rio of
This has resulted in the formation of a steep
t r sp wo va e the r
and dramatic cliff line that averages over
80 metres for the 200km from the head
the Bight to near the WA border. The Eyrre The Nullarbor
Highway passes close to the cliffs between
the head of the Bight and Eucla and therre are
side tracks leading down to the cliff edgee.
Any travellers are recommended to mak ke the
time for the side trip, but caution should be
exercised along the unfenced and precip pitous
drops into the ocean far below.
This is a great place for whale watchin ,
especially around the head of the Bight
during winter when the whales migrate
north from their summer feeding ground ds
off Antarctica. Their numbers were
greatly reduced by hunting but have bee en
increasing in recent years despite the
Delicious
LENTIL TUCKER Tasty
CURRY
A campsite meal that'll have you
chanting l rry
WHEN OUT somewhere remote its best to INGREDIENTS
have your wits about you. That’s why for this • 1 Tbsp organic butter or virgin
Great Australian Bight issue, we think a nice, coconut oil
wholesome, energy-packed lentil curry is the • 1/2 onion, chopped
right dish for the region. You can chow down • 1 clove garlic, chopped
with gusto the night before, your belly warmed • 2 tsp turmeric powder
and contented before bedtime, and yet be • 2 tsp curry powder
up raring to go, full of vim and vigour right • 2 tsp cumin powder
on daybreak, regardless of any nasty howling • 1 Tbsp ginger, grated
onshore Southern Ocean buster. • 1.5 cups red lentils*
• 4.5 + cups purified water
So long as you keep them nice • 1 bay leaf
and dry, lentils keep for ages • 1 medium sweet potato, cubed
• 1 medium bunch kale, stems
removed, or spinach.
• ½ tsp unrefined salt
• Fresh (or dried) chilli to
taste. The habanero variety
add great flavour, but are
ferociously hot.
**OPTIONAL**
• 1 can of coconut milk in place
of some of the water
**NOTE** soaking the lentils for a
few hours before cooking will make
them more digestible.
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat coconut oil or butter
in a medium size pot. Add
onion, garlic and spices
and sauté gently for five
minutes.
2. Add soaked lentils, bay
leaf and water. Bring to a
gentle boil and remove any
foam from the surface.
3. Turn down the
temperature to simmer.
A hot, steaming and tasty mea
l. Just
add water, spices and a dash of
love
4. Add potatoes, carrots,
etc. to the pot first.
5. Continue to simmer for
about 30-45 min.
6. Add the greens (kale
or spinach) five minutes
before serving.
7. When lentils are very soft
(like a puree) and veggies
are cooked, add salt to
taste.
8. Serve over rice, or similar
— or eat as is with crusty
buttered bread.
**Other vegetables:
zucchini, cauliflower,
eggplant, peas etc. can be
added, no problem** CTA
 HT
SHE'LL BE RIG
The ultimate classroom
KEEPING IT REAL
FORTUNATELY, for me these were good
experiences and involved some extended
periods away from school accompanying my
parents. Luckily enough, part of my dad’s
professional experience involved working at
overseas institutions. The family followed him
and so – between the ages of three and 14 -
for periods of up to six months I didn’t attend
school. Well, not formally anyway. Instead, I
did some home-schooling, and beyond that,
had a series of travel experiences that I reckon
set me up for life. I saw places, met people and
lived in cultures that most of my friends had
only read about in books. And I developed a
strong family bond based on the unique shared
experiences.
So, when we took our six year old daughter
out of school recently for five weeks to trek
6,000 kilometres across the country in our rig,
I didn’t think twice. I knew that, at her age,
the experience would likely leave an indelible
impression in her developing mind. After all,
even today, I can still bring forward my own
six year old memories of living in Canada. My
assurance that the trip was a good idea was
reinforced when her teacher confirmed that,
136
yes, at her age she was likely to learn more on
the road with us than she could hope to achieve
through formal learning.
So I have to say that I was pretty surprised
at how few other parents seemed to be doing
the same thing. Time after time, we arrived at a
campsite to find our daughter was the only kid
around. Mostly our fellow travellers were grey
nomads, ‘doing the lap’. Sometimes a few kids
would appear on a weekend. But, regrettably,
the majority of them would disappear inside
their vans at the first opportunity to mess
around with their devices or watch DVDs.
And this was a real pity for our daughter.
Because there’s one thing she misses when
we’re travelling. And it isn’t technology. It’s
other kids. As an only child, a long day on the
road with nothing but parents for company is
enough to test the patience of an angel.
But occasionally she was lucky. Now and
again we’d roll up to a remote campsite on an
evening to find another rig already set-up, with
kid’s bikes scattered around, footballs, and two
or more young kids racing around enjoying
everything the outdoors had to offer. And when
we settled down for a quenching ale with the
Words and Pics KATH HEI
MA N
The three Rs
Now, I’m no child development
specialist. But I'm pretty sure it
was the formative experiences
of my childhood that helped
make me who I am today.
parents at the end of the day, we found that
virtually all of these families were on trips that
were taking their kids out of formal schooling
for months at a time. Some were enrolled in
school of the air which, from all accounts, is
no second cousin to institutionalised learning
these days. Others were being home schooled.
But all of them had a level of energy, and
socialisation skills that left little doubt that their
parents were doing the right thing. Seeing
these kids gave me some real optimism that the
new generation doesn’t have to be condemned
to a life indoors bathed in the blue light of an
electronic device.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting we
all rip our kids out of school, hitch our wagons
and head for the hills. No doubt there are risks
in breaking a kid’s continuity with peer groups.
And institutional-based schooling offers a level
of stability that can make a lot of sense.
I just wonder whether there’s an opportunity
being missed, by a whole generation of kids, to
get out into the great outdoors, to get grubby,
and to see what life has to offer when we get
back to basics. CTA
WHEN SIZE MATTERS ON YOUR
WEEKEND
ESCAPE
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 P P E N I N G ?
WHAT'S HA
Ironman

Ironman 4x4 suspension shocks

IRONMAN CRACKS
THE BIG SIX-OHHH
Ironman shop floor
IRONMAN IS NOW a
sexagenarian. Sexy.
Günter Jacob
When Günter Jacob,
h b
began making leaf springs in the k d
backyard
of his Moorabbin family home in 1958, he
would not have dreamt that 60 years later his
company would have become a global 4x4
accessories brand.
The Jacob Family continues to lead Ironman
4x4 with its family-oriented culture sitting firmly
at its core. “The values of honesty, customer
care and safety are key drivers everyday” said
Tom Jacob, Managing Director. “Ironman 4x4
stands for something way beyond just running
the business”, he says.
The suspension program has moved far
beyond just leaf springs to become the most
comprehensive off road suspension range in
the world, with more than 3000 part numbers.
In addition, Ironman 4x4
4x has become a
leader with a full line of accessories including
bull bars, winches, LED lighting, snorkels and
canopies.
In most recent times, they’ve also developed
an exciting line of outdoor lifestyle products
including fridges, awnings, chairs and roof
top tents to complement its vehicle accessory
products.
“There’s something wonderful about
celebrating 60 years of business. Australia is
a great country and our family is proud to be
flying the flag wherever our products are sold,”
Jacob says.
~ Happy Birthday, Ironman, from all at
Camper.

TRAVELANDER ACQUIRE THEIR FIRST EVER

TRAYBACK CAMPER, 17 YEARS AFTER SELLING IT.
IN AN interesting quirk of fate, the good folk at
Travelander have been able to buy back the
first ever tray back camper they built and sold
back in 2001.
It’s a story that endorses one of their
prime principles; one that's persisted since
starting out: that the longevity and strength
of fibreglass will ultimately be a proven, long-
lasting, product.
The first trayback camper built by travelander “It was a bit of a leap of thought,” says
Darren Holger, Travelander’s owner and
chief manufacturing engineer, “but because
we’re a trayback product, we had to really
focus on weight minimisation and strength
fundamentals”.
“Seeing this first product really reminds us
of all the hard work and thought that went into
choosing the right material for the job, and how
that material has stood the test of time”.
Camper Trailer Australia @ campertrailerau

138
 T
I N G CHAETCIOKN FROOMU
S H A P P E N
WHAT ’ get
real adventures

ND
er
real people on

T E TOP E

P E R O N L I N E ? ISSUE 125 | ON SALE

APRIL 19 2018 | $12.95 trailer australia

ON C A M Touring THE the

the Great
ULTIMATE

mag
Australian Bight

EXPEDITION
Batten down the
hatches & hammer in
your tent pegs

CAMPER

,3BD0A6-a hjfb :k;o

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4campers
tip-top
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The ideal go-anywhere
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A correction
to the previous issue
Find us online and keep in touch with our weekly CAMPER e-Newsletter at The scores given to the Austrack Simpson

www.campertraileraustralia.com.au
roof top camper, reviewed in issue #124,
were not correct. The correct scores, as
deemed by reviewer John Willis, are:
CTA RATING (OUT OF 10)
B
AL SO ON TH E W E
FIT FOR INTENDED PURPOSE 9/10
INNOVATION 9/10
SELF-SUFFICIENCY 8.5/10
QUALITY OF FINISH 9/10
1. All the action from the Top End BUILD QUALITY 8.5/10
2. Taming the terrain OFFROAD-ABILITY 9/10
3. EzyTrail Parkes 13, reviewed COMFORTS 7.5/10
EASE OF USE 9.5/10
VALUE FOR MONEY 10/10
X-FACTOR 10/10
E V ENTS races and a celebrity cook off.
Wandilla Station, Eulo, (07) 4655 4065, www.
BATHURST HERITAGE TRADES
TRAIL
musicinthemulga.com.au May 12-13 Witness artisans practise
rare trades, with demonstrations and
MACKAY HOME SHOW AND exhibitions to celebrate the cultural, natural
CARAVAN, CAMPING EXPO and built heritage. www.visitbathurst.com.
May 18-20 Caravan, motorhome, camper au
trailer, and camping gear manufacturers and
retailers will join more than 100 businesses CASINO BEEF WEEK
showcasing wares for the home. May 19-29 The crowning of the Beef Week
Compil b Mackay, 1800 671 588, www. Queen kicks of 10 days of celebrations with
Rach ael Do er y mackayhomeshow.com.au cattle competitions, a live auction, rides,
rodeos and a free Breakfast with the Butchers.
GOOMERI PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Casino, www.casinobeefweek.com.au
Here’s what’s happening around May 27 Compete against locals and tourists

the country in the coming months.

in pumpkin-themed events or kick back and
enjoy the fun with market stalls till late, roving
entertainment and a main stage.
QLD
Goomeri, www.goomeripumpkinfestival.
com.au
BIG SKIES FESTIVAL
VIC
CLUNES BOOKTOWN FESTIVAL
May 5-6 Browse thousands of rare, new
and second-hand books at more than 50
bookshops and stalls with writers’ talks, the

Apr 28-May 6 The Dalby Picnic Races opens
the four-day event including music festival
program, camp cook-out and a captivating
breakfast among the balloons, with camping
available on site.
Dalby, www.bigskies2018.com.au
BLUES ON BROADBEACH
May 17-20 Enjoy a stellar local and
international line-up featuring more than 20
classic rock and blues greats including The
Robert Cray Band and The Screaming Jets at
this free Gold Coast event.
Visit http://bluesonbroadbeach.com for
more.
MUSIC IN THE MULGA
May 17-20 Wandilla Station celebrates for
four days with live acts, ‘walk up’ concerts
open to showgoers, a charity auction, yabby
NSW/ACT
TALLONG APPLE DAY FESTIVAL
May 7 Sample local apple produce, apple
cider and enjoy crafts from more than 50
market stalls, and enjoy a fiercely contested
pie-eating, apple bake-off and fleece-to-
garment competitions.
Tallong, www.tallong.com.au/tallong_
apple_day_festiva_12.html
LISMORE GEMFEST
May 19-20 Find rough stones for cutting
to finished jewellery alongside mineral
specimens, fossils, gold nuggets and
meteorites on display. With gem sieving
for kids, crafts and jewellery making
demonstrations.
Lismore, www.gemclublismore.org.au/
wordpress/gem-fest/
Children's Booktown precinct, street theatre,
brass bands, wine and food.
Clunes, www.clunesbooktown.com.au
RUN THE GAP
May 27 Amble or pound the 6km Fyans
Creek trail, hit a stride in the 12km run with
a lap across the wall at the stunning Lake
Bellfield or test yourself to the max in the 21km
trail run.
Halls Gap, www.runthegap.com.au
CAMPERDOWN ROBERT BURNS
FESTIVAL
May 18-20 Experience the Scottish heritage
of the area and learn about the man that was
the great Robbie Burns.
Camperdown, www.
camperdownburnsfestival.com

The awning connection with the attached slides is

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VESAK FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
May 20 Celebrate peace and harmony with
communal meditation and flower and incense
offerings to mark Buddha’s birthday, with a
Holy Relics viewing, acts, vegetarian food and a
fireworks display.
Myers Flat, www.stupa.org.au
TAS
AGFEST
May 5-7 Some 700 exhibitors showcase all
things for the farm and home from machinery,
automotive, livestock to jewellery, with
pioneering agricultural industrial displays,
draught horses and free rides.
Carrick, www.agfest.com.au
WOOFS WAGS AND WALKIES AT
WOOLMERS
May 12 Calling all Canines! Bring your
humans to a doggy day out! Doggy Art Comp,
stalls with food for dogs and humans, toys and
gifts, BYO picnic, relax on the lawn, enjoy the
beautiful gardens at this historic estate.
Longford, Search Woolmers Woofs Wags &
Walkies
MOTHERS DAY CLASSIC
May 13 Celebrate Mothers’ Day with a fun
run and walk to raise funds for breast cancer
research. The Ulverstone event offers a 4.3km
walk/run but you can come along as support
and join in the fun.
Ulverstone, www.mothersdayclassic.com.
au/event-info/regional-event-locations/
tasmania/ulverstone
CITY TO CASINO FUN RUN AND
WALK
May 21 Choose from an 11km run, a 7km run
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or walk, or a 2.7km run or walk for the kids,
all of which finish at the famous Wrest Point
Casino. Challenge yourself and get along for a
fun day out!
Hobart, www.citytocasino.com.au
SA
SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S HISTORY
FESTIVAL
May 1-31 Uncover South Australia's rich
diverse history as event organisers and
volunteers work together to present hundreds
of talks, exhibitions, workshops and tours.
State-wide, http://historyfestival.sa.gov.au
PENOLA COONAWARRA ARTS
FESTIVAL
May 17-20 Enjoy art in all its forms with
literary appreciation, a comprehensive live
music program, theatrical performances,
exhibitions and awards in art and a design.
Penola, info@artsfestival.com.au, www.
artsfestival.com.au
HAWKER CUP
May 26 Experience true country hospitality
and try your luck in the fashion stakes or
through studying the form guide in one of the
region’s most highly anticipated social event
out on the tracks.
Hawker, (08) 8648 4075, www.theracessa.
com.au
WA
PERTH COMEDY FESTIVAL
Apr 23-May 20 Catch all the laughs as
the emerging and established local and
international comedians descend upon Perth
for three weeks of mayhem, with a Gala Event
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MOONDYNE FESTIVAL
May 6 Toodyay harks back to the pioneer
years to celebrate the infamous escapades of
Moondyne Joe with stalls, exhibitions, games
and rides in period costume.
Toodyay, moondynecommittee@gmail.com,
www.moondynefestival.com.au
V8 SUPERCARS PERTH
SUPERSPRINT
May 4-6 Set your pulses racing with two
100km races on Saturday and a 200km race
on the Sunday. A Dunlop Series race, support
categories, Friday training sessions and
qualifying races complete the package.
Perth,www.supercars.com/perth/
NINGALOO WHALE SHARK
FESTIVAL
May 25-27 Celebrate the annual migration
of the whale shark with a free family movie
night, market stalls, a gala opening and live
entertainment, meet the sharks in the Big Day
Out on the reef.
Exmouth, www.
ningaloowhalesharkfestival.com
NT
FREDS PASS RURAL SHOW
May 19-20 Enjoy a country music concert,
livestock and equestrian displays and
competitions, arts and crafts, a polocrosse
carnival, a wood chop exhibition, a fireworks
spectacular and the Grand Parade.
Freds Pass, fredspassruralshow@gmail.com,
www.fredspassruralshow.com.au CTA
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0N T H E WAY. . .

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SNOW ‘N GUMS. WHERE A COMFY CAMPER COMES INTO ITS
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WATERPROOF BOOTS, THERMAL LAYERS, FREEZE DRIED ISSUE 126
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