Camper Trailer Australia - April 2016 PDF

ISSUE 99 APRIL 2016 $8.
95 inc GST
Easy 12 Volt
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REAL CAMPERS SHARE THEIR SECRETS
Altitudes latest
KDUGRRUULJ
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tested!
BUDGET
TOURING GUIDE
5 CAMPERS REVIEWED AND RATED!
BORGYS
BEST
BUSH COOKING
TIPS AND
RECIPES
ROOTHYS
SHED:
MORNING
MAINTENANCE
CHECKS
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OFFROAD
CAMPER
OF THE YEAR
OFTHEYEAR
2011
2013
PRESENTED TO
Mountain Trail
Escape
FINALIST!
MOUNTAIN TRAIL CAMPERS
Live Love Explore

Hard and soft oor
off-road camper trailers
Press button electric
opening and closing
Effortless, fast and
easy set up
Hot dipped galvanised
chassis and composite
materialss
FINALIST
Mountain Trail Campers Factory

838 Knight Road
Albury NSW 2640
Phone: 02 6040 4488
sales@mountaintrailcampers.com.au
Opposite Lock Midland

201 Great Eastern Hwy
Midland WA 6056
Phone: 08 9274 7844
simon@midland4wdcentre.com.au
www.mountaintrailcampers.com.au
CTG-DPS-5190488-TS-099-XCC
AUSTRALIAN MADE
ilers
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Adventure
Family time
Peace and quiet
Breathtaking views
Year-round
Year
round enjoyment
VIC
Melbourne Factory/Showroom
7/1695 Centre Road,
Springvale, VIC 3171
1300 667 868
Pattos RV
166 -168 Bellarine Hwy,
Moolap, VIC 3244
03 5248 0138
RV & Caravan Centre
182 Raglan Parade,
Warrnambool, VIC 3280
03 5561 0033
Lyal Eales Stores
29 Maryborough Dunolly Rd,
Maryborough, VIC 3465
03 5461 4222
Blue Sky Swan Hill

Shop 4/5 McNeil Court,
Swan Hill, VIC 3585
03 5033 2218
Caravan Crescent
107 Stawell Road,
Horsham VIC 3400
03 5382 4100
Gippsland Caravan Centre
35 Princes Hwy,
Stratford, VIC 3862
1300 667 868
S.M.U Trailers
F6/4-6 Len Thomas Place,
Narre Warren, VIC 3805
0400 057 797
QLD
Brisbane Factory/Showroom
74 Compton Road,
Underwood, QLD 4114
07 3386 0498
Motoco Group
315 Mulgrave Road,
Cairns, QLD 4870
07 4046 6333
Cars Galore
129 Herries St,
Toowomba, QLD 4350
0418 157 586
Capricorn Caravan Centre
12 Queen Elizabeth Drive,
North Rockhampton, QLD 4701
07 4927 4826
NSW
Caravans Coffs Coast

186 Pacific Hwy,
Macarthur Caravans & RVs
Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450
1/26 Grahams Hill Rd,
02 6652 5523
Narellan, NSW 2567
1300 667 217
Houlihans Caravan & RV
605 Ebden St,
Albury, NSW 2640
1300 720 196
Blue Sky Griffith
1 Railway Street,
Griffith, NSW 2680
02 6964 0844
Posties Caravan
24 Brissett St
Inverell, NSW 2360
0417 584 155
Puma RV
142 Pacific Hwy,
Tuggerah, NSW 2259
02 4352 3333
SA
Matts Extreme Outdoors

491 Grand Junction Rd,
Wingfield, SA 5013
1300 687 155
Northern Caravans
37 Wandearah Rd,
Port Pirie, SA 5540
08 8632 3442
EP Campers
548 Western Approach Rd,
Duck Ponds, SA 5607
08 8682 4060
Contact your nearest dealer for stock availability and to book a demonstration
CALL NOW
1300 667 868
Please visit our website for our complete range of campers
WWW.MARSCAMPERS.COM.AU
CTG-DPS-5204001-CS-097-XCC
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It is your call. Mars Campers ca
IRONMAN 4X4
Auto
A
utto Head
Headl
dl ht On Kit
Kit
199
190
Features:
Instant warning for loss of engine coolant.
Dash warning light and alarm.
Suits plastic or metal header tanks.
To suit 12V or 24V systems.
IRO
RO
TY
Features:
Lights on when vehicle
ignition is switched on.
10 second delay at
ignition to reduce battery
starting load.
Delay on exit. When the
ignition is turned off the
lights will stay illuminated
for 10 seconds.
Parking/Tail light
functionality.
Override function.
Custom delay time and
Voltage cutout.
For 12V/24V (ILWA001)
AN
Lights on keys on 12V/24V (IALK001)
Low Water Alarm
SMARTER
For731
your 137
nearest
callironman4
1300 731 4
137, or visit www.ironman4x4.com
1300
00
ordistributor
visit www
POWERED SOLUTIONS
ger
g
Electric Brake Controller
Using the latest technology. Suitable for all

battery types and smart/low output alternators
(IDCDC40)
12V Microprocessor with remote head

(IEBC001)
40A DC to DC Battery
450
12V Dig
Very low standby current <3mA

Optional start assist and
boost charge available
Compact size (160mm W x
70mm D x 32 mm H)
Suits any vehicle, caravan,
camper and motor home
Suitable for all smart and low
output alternators
180
Start
St
tart A
Assist
ssist Booster K
Kit
it
y
For single and dual battery setups

((IDBM001))
Features:
Can be used on dual
or single 12V
battery setups
Easy view voltages of
main or auxiliary batterries
Over and under voltagee
indicators
Auto-dimming display
Mounting kit included
12V kit to suit IDCDC40 DC to DC battery

charger
chaarger ((IDCDCSA)
IDCDCSA)
125
Features:
Automatic emergency
vehicle start with IDCDC40
135
Start Assist:
The Start Assist Booster
Kit when used in conjunction
with the Ironman
4x4 IDCDC40, is an
override function allowing
the vehicle to start utilising
the auxiliary battery.
Boosts DC to DC
charger output to 80A
Boost Charge:
This kit will also double the
40A output of the Ironman
4x4 IDCDC40. Allowing up to
80A for the initial fast charge
of the auxiliary battery.
Prices do not include freight or tting. Prices are subject to change without notice
C P 23
CTDP
CTD
30216
30
1
Features:
3-stage 12V Booster Charger
40A max output (80A with start
assist kit)
Charges Flooded, GEL, AGM
and Lithium Batteries
Selectable output voltage
Over current and temp
protection
Remote charge status
LED indicator
Features:
Compatible with electric stability
control (ESC)
New gen microprocessor based
Easy adjustment dashboard knob
Dashboard LED Indicator
Convenient override control
Dual and single axle capability
Remote hideaway control box
Mountable at any angle
Compact and rugged housing
CTG-FP-5176070-CS-099-XCC
CONTENTS
66
86
10 campertraileraustralia.com.au
CAMPER TRAILERS
REGULARS
34
ALTITUDE ULTIMATE
Lightweight hardoor
12
44
ALLIANCE WARRIOR
Softoor with space in spades
14
NEWS
Get the scoop
56
BLUE TONGUE OVERLAND XR

Impressive imported rear-fold
18
ON THE WEB
66
IVAN DAKAR
Comfortable, capable and great value
21
76
JAWA CRUZADER
Functional forward-fold camper
27
FIELD EDITORS LETTER

Old vs. new
Whats happening online

BORGYS BUSH MECHANICS
Creative campsite kitchen
ROOTHYS SHED
Cause and effect
FEATURES
86
BORGYS BUDGET TOURING GUIDE

Stay longer for less
94
DONT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT...

10 essential items
100 12V CAMPER MODIFICATIONS

Real campers show off their upgrades
144 BRIGHT IDEAS

Tried tips from true campers
146 BULLDUST
The last site standing
148 NO FIXED ADDRESS
The high life
TRAVEL
150 SHELL BE RIGHT

Loaded gun
152 ON THE ROAD
Real readers living the dream
108 WOLLONDILLY RIVER STATION, NSW

Float on cloud nine
154 CAMP COOKING

A welcome change
116 RAINBOW VALLEY, NT

Striking gold
156 HOTSHOT
Wollondilly River Station, NSW
124 SAVANNAH WAY: PART 2

Limmen NP to Borroloola
158 EVENTS
Upcoming events around Oz
134 GRAMPIANS PEAK TRAIL, VIC

Exploring on foot
162 PRODUCTS
The latest gear
124
tradervs.com.au 11
THE CAMPFIRE
NEW BUSINESS ADVERTISING
Tel: 1300 366 651
Email: newsales@bauertrader.com.au
DIYads.com.au
PRIVATE ADVERTISING Tel: 1300 362 272
ADVERTISER SERVICES Tel: 1300 362 355
MANAGING EDITOR Max Taylor
PRODUCTION EDITOR Laura Gray
FIELD EDITOR Michael Borg
DEPUTY EDITOR Rachael Doherty
DESIGN MANAGER Danielle Beadman
DESIGNERS Claudia Moreira & Nicholas Ramsamy
EDITORIAL AND NEWS
Locked Bag 12, Oakleigh, Vic 3166
Tel: (03) 9567 4200 Fax: (03) 9567 4100
laura.gray@bauertrader.com.au
PHOTOGRAPHY
SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Ellen Dewar
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Nathan Jacobs
DIGITAL
DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Emma Krieger
VIDEO PRODUCTION MANAGER Elle Tosolini
MARKETING
BRAND COORDINATOR Dominique Maclean
CORPORATE DESIGNER Caroline Garde
CIRCULATION AND RESEARCH

CIRCULATION MANAGER Stuart Jones
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
GROUP SALES MANAGER Grant Manson
0417 052 819 grant.manson@bauertrader.com.au
BRAND SALES MANAGER Simone Thomson
(03) 9567 4155 simone.thomson@bauertrader.com.au
STATE SALES MANAGER - NSW Matthew Rice
0404 672 196 matthew.rice@bauertrader.com.au
STATE SALES MANAGER - QLD David Wiltshire
0466 009 383 david.wiltshire@bauertrader.com.au
AGENCY SALES MANAGER - NSW Max Kolomiiets
0415 869 176 max.kolomiiets@bauertrader.com.au
AGENCY SALES MANAGER - VIC Andrea de Kauwe
0409 117 675 andrea.dekauwe@bauertrader.com.au
VIC CD Media (03) 9583 8377 gmanson@cdmedia.net.au
QLD Bernard Raffaut
0466 776 302 bernard.raffaut@bauertrader.com.au
SA Nick Lenthall
0439 485 835 nick.lenthall@bauertrader.com.au
NSW Danielle Gowan
0435 065 325 danielle.gowan@bauertrader.com.au
WA Greg Boase
0408 516 176 greg.boase@bauertrader.com.au
FINANCE
GROUP REPORTING MANAGER Cain Murphy
EXECUTIVE GROUP
GENERAL MANAGER TRADER DIGITAL Nigel Dearing
GROUP FINANCE MANAGER Richard Wein
GENERAL MANAGER TRAVEL & OUTDOOR Rob
Gallagher
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Keith Falconer
SUBSCRIPTIONS
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Web: magshop.com.au
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& CONDITIONS GO TO:
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Camper Trailer Australia is published by Bauer Trader Media, a

division of Bauer Media Limited.
ACN 053 273 546, ABN 18 053 273 546. All material in Camper
Trailer Australia is protected by the Commonwealth Copyright Act,
1968. No material may be reproduced without written consent.
*Recommended maximum retail price. Distributed by Gordon & Gotch. Printed
by PMP, 31-35 Heathcote Road, Moorebank, NSW. ISSN 2205-0515
OLD VS. NEW
ve always had a real soft spot for old

4WDs. They just seem to have a sort
of charm and character about them
that make a fella feel right at home!
You readers would already know my old
Troopys a bit of a sweetheart, even if I do
say so myself, but with half a million kays
on the clock, you can rest assured shes
taken me to some pretty awesome places
over the years. Plus my old 80 series (Uncle
Grump) has blasted up more tracks than a
1980s logging truck.
But Im going to call a spade a spade here
the maintenance on these old beauties will
dead-set bring a tear to your eye, and not
in the good way either. I mean, Ive said it
before and Ill say it again: when Im not out
on the tracks wheeling and exploring, Im
back in the shed, you know, xing broken
stuff! All those grazed knuckles and greasy
ngertips have taken their toll on me lately.
In fact, I cant believe Im going to say this,
but Ive been having naughty thoughts about
getting my hands on a later model 4WD. You
know one of those ashy fandangle ones
that seem to be getting around everywhere

these days.
I dont know if Im getting lazier or smarter,
but theres denitely plenty of appeal to
go with a newer vehicle. Comfort, turn-key
reliability and, in a lot of cases, improved
offroad technology are the mains benets.
But, for me, there are still a few concerns
in the bush-ability department. I mean, are
those fancy electronics going to be more
trouble than theyre worth on the tracks?
Will a new vehicle be tough enough to carry
on the legacy of my old Cruisers? And the
biggie can I handle scratching up a new
vehicle or will I turn into Old Fusspot on every
overgrown track I tackle?
If youre waiting for me to give you the
answer here, youre barking up the wrong
tree this ones fair dinkum got me stumped!
Theres just too much history and memories
attached to my 4WDs to even think about
selling them just yet, but Ill tell you what,
theres no harm in adding a new 4WD to the
crew now is there?
Borgy
BUILT TOUGH.
BUILT FOR
AUSTRALIAS BEST TRAY-BACK SOLUTIONS.
Dual and single cab models available
ANGE
R
R
U
O
T
U
CHECK OOW DATES AT
AND SH NDER.COM.AU
A
TRAVEL
With all the experience of
outdoor camping behind us
well equip you for the perfect
escape! We have crossed many
roads, traveled through deserts
and viewed the true beauty
of Australia in its raw
and untouched state.
So if youre serious about
outback adventure; then our
campers and products are
worth exploring!
OF THE YEAR
OF THE YEAR
WINNER
FINALIST
Slide-on
Over $45k
Travelander
Travelander
Evron
DC2
Geo
Convert 2
TRA4922_FULLPAGE_AD02
Single & double swags
For more information

or dealer locations call
1300 2 TRAVEL
Find us on Facebook
A SUPER SHOW!
T
he 2016 Victorian Caravan,

Camping and Touring Supershow
was held over six days at the end of
February and, with more than 350
exhibitors showing off their wares, there
was a huge array of campers, caravans,
motorhomes and accessories on offer.
Prospective buyers browsed the more
than 60,000sqm of exhibition space at
the Melbourne Showgrounds. This is the
second year the event has been held at
Flemington and the shows new, more
central home was well-received once
again.
The camper trailer market was, of
course, well-represented. Camper Trailer of
the Year (CTOTY) winner Patriot Campers
(Softoors up to $50K category) had two
new models on show, with the focus on
its new entry level camper, the compact
Patriot X2 which, at $28,990, has the same
construction methods as its X1 model, but
comes in a foot shorter at only 3m-long
and weighing only 700kg. Also on display
was its X1 Limited Edition, available in
white, slate grey or green, with a slightly
smaller bed that folds up at the end for
extra living area, a new drawer layout, and

additional awning space over the barbecue
area and entrance.
EzyTrail had an array of its brightly
coloured hardoor K-Series models
set up for buyers to peruse, including a
range-topping $25,000 white Lincoln LX
complete with internal club lounge area, a
slate-grey Stirling LX, and a bright orange
Albany GT.
US-based Northstar slide-on campers
recently appointed Jeffs Shed in Kyabram,
Vic, as national distributors and took
the opportunity to launch its brand new
Northstar Traveller 700SC at the show. The
$42,990 slide-on camper ts the back of
a small extra or single cab ute, sleeps up
to four people and is fully-detachable for
freestanding use.
Another CTOTY winner, Mountain
Trail Campers, brought along its electric
opening and closing rear folding EDX
hardoor model that took the trophy in the
2016 hardoor category (Up to $60K), as
well as its latest release Escalade softoor.
Complete Campsite was also there with
its hard-top Exodus range, while Southern
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Punters browsed the well laid

out displays; Northstar launched the Traveller 700SC
slide-on; Mountain Trail had the EDX with replaceable
panels on display; Buyers inspect the new, compact
Patriot Campers X2.
Land Campers had its hybrid pop-top PT12

model and PT16 complete with internal
ensuite on show.
With the mercury hitting nearly 40C
during setup the day before the show
opened, exhibitors were relieved with the
drop in temperature in time for opening
day. A cloudy, humid morning turned into
a warm, sunny day, but plenty of shady
umbrellas and cooling stations as well as
icy refreshments helped keep energy levels
high and the overall vibe from visitors and
exhibitors was certainly positive.
Ali Millar
NEWS
SCORPION MICRO-HYBRID SPARKS RHINOMAX MOVE

Queensland RV manufacturer Rhinomax Off
Road Campers has commenced production
on the Scorpion micro-hyrbid at its new
1600sqm premises in Maroochydore.
Measuring a little more than 3m long,
the new micro-hybrid camper features
an aluminium and reinforced breglass
body riding on a galvanised chassis and
independent coil suspension at just 1160kg
Tare and 80kg (unladen) on the ball.
The new line offers a choice of two models,
with the range topping RX enjoying a large
storage box up front with fridge slide, alloy
wheels and a wind-out awning. The new RX
is also geared for off-the-grid touring with its
the external pop up ensuite and hot and cold
shower, a water draw facility, internal toilet,
a large suite of drawers, a comprehensive

power pack and 300W of roof-mounted solar.
Co-owner Steve Punton said Rhinomax Off
Road Campers deployed several space saving
initiatives in the Scorpion line, including the
new queen size bed that retracts into the roof.
Mr Punton said the Scorpion was
developed in nine months using Solidworks
software, with production starting immediately
due to the new two-factory plant, which has
increased the companys output three-fold.
In response to its increased capacity,
Rhinomax Off Road Campers launched an
interstate dealer network, welcoming Mike
and Anita Pavey from The Dirt Camper Trailer
Sales & Hires to the fold.
Visit www.rhinomaxcampers.com.au.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Rhinomax Off Road

campers takes the Scorpion micro-hybrid out for a
beach run; Cooking comforts all under cover; Raise the
queen size bed for a lounge betting a camper of larger
dimensions.
Scorpion Off-Road 15 6 with a FULL ENSUITE featuring remote control hydraulic roof lift and front slide-out
This camper trailer is suited perfectly for travelling couples due to a comfortable double innerspring mattress with bathroom and toilet amenities. The standard inclusions comprise of
galvanized chassis, 12 electric brakes, tuff rider coil independent suspension *rated 2500kg, D035 hitch, rear tool box, 16 rimes with all terrain tyres, front boot storage, front stone shield,
bumper bar spare wheel, 2 x 110amp deep cycle batteries, 12v power supply, 2 x 4kg gas bottles, 2 x 60L water tanks, step light LED, roof hatch, remote control hydraulic roof lift and front
bedroom slide-out, composite wall paneling, 1 piece fiberglass roof, double internal power points, 3 way 90L fridge, separate 3 burner stove, separate stainless steel sink, L shape lounge
with table, rolled post form bench tops, LED lights throughout, smoke alarm, 12v electric water pump, full rear ensuite separate shower and toilet, 12v cassette toilet, hand basin, hot water
service, full block out curtains, quality fabric and vinyl seat covers, high density foam cushions, al-ko drop legs, timber or modern light weight doors, gas bayonet and picnic table.
Coming soon: Chameleon wheelchair accessible camper! Coming soon: Chameleon wheelchair accessible camper!
Melbourne Head Office

Westernport Caravans & Accessories Pty Ltd Factory 1/11 Simcock Street, Somerville VIC. 3912
T (03) 5977 8194 or Chris 0429 167 103
Queensland | by appointment only
www.kakaducampers.com.au
PROUDLY
MADE IN
AUSTRALIA
CTG-HH-5203228-CS-095-XCC
THE SCORPION OFF-ROAD, FULL ENSUITE CAMPER TRAILER
NEWS
PEACE OF MIND FOR

DOMETIC CUSTOMERS
RHINO-RACK ON COMMON ROOF-TOPPER TRAPS
Rooftop tents are great for remote camps
but with many being purpose built, pitfalls
are rife. Rhino-Rack urges rst-time buyers
to research prior to purchase for optimal
safety, pleasure and value out on the tracks.
Many rooftop tents weigh between
40-60kg and how your 4WD will handle
it, your awning and the required support
structure varies from model and maker, so
check your vehicle manual rst. The rack
system style also needs to match your 4WD
(www.rhinorack.com.au has a great guide).

Whatever system you use, its ratings should
account for a moving or dynamic load just
as your vehicle load rating does.
In many setups, the ladder doubles as
an access point and structural support, so
camp on rm ground and carry a stable
base a few pieces of timber will do the job.
Finally, if you choose an awning like the
270 Foxwing Awning, youll avoid having to
constantly retreat up top in rain or the heat.
Dometic has launched a care program for its

products, for easy access to repairs en-route.
Travellers who register selected products
under the new Dometic Care Program will
receive a unique Dometic Care number for
instant access to service and repairs. Once
theyve enquired at www.dometiccare.
com.au or called the customer care team,
travellers are directed to the closest authorised
service agent for priority service, saving time
searching for repairers in unfamiliar locations.
The free Dometic Care Program is available
for selected Dometic, Aircommand, Atwood,
Eberspacher, Truma, Milenco and WAECO
products.
www.emucampers.com.au
07 5500 5503
Call us now for more information

e: sales@emucampers.com.au
SUV ROADER
DESERT SERIES FORWARD FOLD
EXTREME 4x4
FROM
FROM
FROM
20
20
-T
-T
FINANCE AVAILABLE
SHOP ONLINE NOW
$7,450*
nt
$15,585*
$9,650*
8
4
5
10
6
10
7
ES
R
U
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A
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F
ROMED
RD CH
20MM HA OD
PISTON R
SSURE
HIGH PRE LD OIL SEAL
THRESHO
TWIN TUB
40MM B
10
6
11
ED
N2 CHARG
ISTON
IG BORE P
N
ED TEFLO
AND
QUALITY BEAL
S
PISTON
12
11
12
XS RANGE
provides improved body

control and comfort for TJM
Legal Lift suspension
XT RANGE
provides superior body and

load control for heavy duty
TJM Legal Lift suspension
Visit your local TJM store and get equipped for on and off road, work or play.
07 3865 9999 | www.tjm.com.au |
/TJM4x4
E DESIGN
TER
1.6MM OULL
A
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TUBE
DE
HIGH GRAOIL
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DAMP
OUTER
COMPACT METER
CASE DIA
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ED VELOCG
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S & STITC
D
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SEAMLE CONSTRUCTION
WELDED
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WEB
Find us online!
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And more!
ISSUE 99 APRIL 2016 $8.95 inc GST
Easy 12 Volt
RA
AD
DE
ES!
REAL CAMPERS SHARE THEIR SECRETS

raustralia com au
Altitudes latest
KDUG
K
RRUULJ
tested!
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BORGYS
ROOTHYS
i AD!
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DOWNLOAD FROM THE APP STORE TODAY
COMPETITION
WERE GIVING AWAY FIVE CAMPERTRAILER
AUSTRALIA SIX-MONTH MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS.
TO ENTER, VISIT WWW.CAMPERTRAILERAUSTRALIA.
COM.AU/COMPETITIONS AND TELL US, IN 25 WORDS OR
LESS, WHAT YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CAMPERTRAILER
AUSTRALIA, AND WHY?
* Terms and conditions apply. Competition opens on 24 February 2016 and closes 23 March
2016. Visit campertraileraustralia.com.au/competitions for full terms and conditions.
CAMPER TRAILER
DESTINATIONS
NEED INSPIR ATION FOR YOUR NEX T
TRIP? WEVE GOT YOU COVERED
3 MONTH ROAD TRIP

+ $25K DOMETIC
*
RV RENO
OR
TRAVEL IN THE
PINK MINNIE
CARAVAN WITH TOWING VEHICLE SUPPLIED
+ $5K DOMETIC PRIZE PACK*

CRUISE IN COMFORT FOR A GOOD CAUSE
The 3 winners also receive up to $10K travel
package for accommodation and fuel.
ENTRIES
CLOSE
8 MAY
2016
For more information about the competition, the

Pink Minnie and to enter, visit the website today!
www.dometicfollowthesun.com.au
* Conditions apply. See website for full Terms and Conditions. 151204R
2014 Follow the Sun Ambassadors

Kellie, Corey & Zac Stephenson
Introducing the next generation

d,^D,
discovery
hybrid
LIGHTWEIGHT : COMPACT : EASY TO TOW : OUTBACK READY
scorpion
micro hybrid
a big idea condensed
COMPARE RHINOMAX WITH THE REST & WE GUARANTEE YOU WILL BE IMPRESSED
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BUSH MECHANICS
CREATIVE
CAMPSITE KITCHEN
ITS TIME TO STRIP THINGS BACK TO BASICS AT YOUR NEXT CAMP COOKING
SESSION. WORDS MICHAEL BORG PICS MATT FEHLBERG
ABOVE: Camping is the perfect environment

to enjoy life without all of our modern
conveniences.
The camper you want is now easier to find
f we need something these days, anything

at all, we head straight to the shop and
buy it. Whatever happened to the good
old days when we got a bit hands-on and
made stuff for ourselves? Sure, a store-bought
item usually looks ashier but, seriously, when
did we campers attain the need for the fanciest
gear? Making your own stuff is all part of the
charm on a camping trip and it keeps the kids
entertained as well.
So lets take a look at a few creative ways
you can make do with what youve got, in
order to cook up a feed out in the bush. Its all
about letting your creativity take the stage, and

showcasing your ingenuity to, well, yourself.
Plus, with some simple and easy camp recipes
using nothing more than some aluminium
foil and a re as cooking implements, I can
guarantee youll be dead-set drooling in no time
at all. Heck, youll be wondering why you bought
half of your cooking gear after trying these DIYs.
So if all of the above sounds good, and you
dont mind a few quirky yet handy hints along
the way, then its time to sit down, relax and
take it all in as we run you through creative
camp cooking 101.
tradervs.com.au 21
DIY CAN STOVE
If youve got two empty soft drink or beer

cans, you can make a stove using the two
bottom halves. Simply cut both of them in half,
insert a bit of cloth or cotton wool inside one
of the cans and t the other half a can (bottom
FORGOT YOUR SPOON?
up) inside the rst can.

Then poke a hole or two in the centre of
the top can so you can ll the stove up with
methylated spirits and poke several more
holes around the top outside diameter of the
can for the burners.

To light it, simply pour some of the fuel on
top and light it up. Once it starts to boil, it will
ignite the fuel inside and, hey presto, youre in
business!
DIY FIRE STARTERS
Every now and then desperate times

call for desperate measures, like when
you forget your spoon and its time for a
coffee! Granted, youd have to be pretty
desperate for a spoon to actually do this,
but you never know.
Simply grab an empty soft drink bottle
(1.25L works well), and cut it in half. Then
cut your spoon out down towards the
bottom of the bottle. Try and cut as close
into the bases centre as possible as this
area is thicker, and gives the spoon a bit
more rigidity. It also gives it a nice curve.
Kick this one off by cutting an old toilet roll or

similar into 3-4 pieces. Then grab a few cotton
buds or even lint from your clothes dryer, and
smear a decent chunk of petroleum jelly into
them before jamming them into the cardboard
toilet roll pieces. And thats it, theyre ready
to go!
These things will put a ame out a good 2in

high, and will burn for up to 15 minutes.
For easy lighting, ignite it from a bit of cotton
bud thats not covered in petroleum jelly. Keep
a few of these bad boys ready to go and theyll
make you look like a pro the next time you go
to light a re in front of your friends and family.
BUSH MECHANICS
SNAG ROASTERS
HANDY UTENSILS
This ones more for fun than anything,

but the kids will love it for the rst few
minutes, anyway. Simply curl a bit of
fencing wire up at the end so the snag can
t through. Make sure the handle is long
enough so it doesnt burn your hand, but

youll need fairly heavy gauge wire to ensure
it doesnt sag too much. Another idea is to
stick the ends in a log and give them a turn
every few minutes.
Sick of losing your tongs? This ones a

cracker! Simply grab an old belt or strap,
and wrap it around a trunk or log. Adjust
it tight, and hang a few wire hooks from it.
If you choose a pre-cut log you can move
it around. Hang pots, pans, tongs or any
cooking utensil you can think of, and the
top of the log can even act as a bench or
chopping board! Hows that for fancy?
SILENT SPICE STORAGE
Theres nothing worse than having the spice

jars rattling around in the back, plus those
old round jars arent exactly space efcient.
One simple and insanely cost effective

alternative is to simply empty the spices into
plastic resealable sandwich bags. Theyll
take up less than half the original space, they

wont rattle and you can carry as much as
you want.
tradervs.com.au 23
TASTY TANTALISERS
TAME YOUR ADVENTURE-FUELLED HUNGER WITH THESE BORGY-APPROVED
FLAME-KISSED SNACKS. WORDS MICHAEL BORG PICS MATT FEHLBERG
ome of my favourite campsite recipes

require next to no cooking utensils at all.
So why have a crack yourself? Youll be
camping back-to-basics in no time.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, EH?

After feasting on some (or all) of these recipes
using my dead-simple cooking methods, I reckon

youll know why its worth taking a walk on the
creative side the next time you head for the scrub.
Sure, you can probably buy bigger and better
things down the local shop but wheres the fun in
that? The next time youre out camping, give some
of these a crack, I guarantee youll love it!
ABOVE: Flame-kissed dinners out on the

tracks. It doesnt get better than this.
BUSH MECHANICS
CHEESY MUSHROOM BALLS

s150g blue cheese
sSalt and pepper
sParsley
sHot barbecue sauce (if desired)
sBacon (6 slices)
s12 large baby mushrooms

s150g cream cheese
Start by cleaning the mushies and

removing the stems. Then, add the
cheeses, salt and pepper, parsley and
sauce into a container and mix well
together before stufng it into your
mushrooms.
Slice a piece of bacon in half and wrap
the mushroom up securing it with a tooth
pick through the side so it still sits evenly
on the grill.
Cook it for about 4-6 minutes each side
or until the bacon is just starting to crisp.
Then enjoy the hell out of it!
CAMPFIRE CHOC CONES

sCadbury Caramello chocolate
sMini marshmellows
sChoc chips
sIce cream cones

sBanana
sDried fruit
sPeanut butter
This ones as simple as they come. Simply

stuff those ice cream cones with enough
sweet stuff to sink a battle ship and youre
just about done. One tried and tested list
of ingredients is mentioned above, but
dont limit yourself to that.
Once youve lled the cones up, simply
wrap them in a few layers of foil and place
on the coals. Now these wont take long
at all, seeing as youre literally just melting
the chocolate inside. So keep a close eye
on them or youll end up burning the cone.
Get it right, and youll be the king of the
camp kitchen!
ORANGE CAMPFIRE
BROWNIES
s Oranges
s Chocolate brownie mix (cake mix works, too)
sAluminium foil
sVanilla ice cream
Start by cutting the top off the orange
about a quarter of the way down, and
remove most the actual orange from
the skin, leaving a bit on the bottom
and up the sides for added avour.
Mix up your brownie mix, and pour
it into the orange skin. Now to keep
this quick and easy, you can just
use a brownie mix ready to from the
store. Or to go one step further, grab
a few of those self-saucing pre-made
brownies and use those instead.
Wrap the orange in 2-3 layers of
heavy duty aluminium foil and place
on a bed of hot coals for roughly
15-25 minutes. The orange avour will
blend in with the chocolate sauce and
brownie. Serve with ice cream and its
guaranteed to be a hit!
HAM AND CHEESE LOAF

s1 tbsp of Dijon mustard
sPoppy seeds
s 3/4 cup melted butter
s1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce
s1 tablespoon dried minced onion
sUnsliced loaf of bread
sShaved ham off the bone
sCheese (pick something tasty like Swiss cheese)
Mix mustard, poppy seeds, melted butter,
Worcestershire sauce and minced onion

in a bowl. Slice the loaf evenly all the way
through, and line with cheese and ham. Pour
a thin layer of the liquid mix over the top and
wrap 2-3 times in aluminium foil. You can put
this straight in the coals but youll lower the
chances of burning it in a camp oven. Cook
for about 15 minutes with the majority of coals
on the lid and remove when the cheese is
melted and the bread is lightly toasted.
tradervs.com.au 25
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CAUSE & EFFECT

NIP THE PREDICTABLE CONSEQUENCES OF TOWING OFFROAD IN THE
BUD WITH COMMON SENSE, THE RIGHT GEAR AND A RESPECT FOR
ROUTINE. WORDS JOHN ROOTHY ROOTH PICS ANTHONY WARRY/LOWRANGE
hooka brought it up the other night

during our weekly training session for
the Australian Olympic darts team down
at the Mudats Hotel. Yes, youre right,
none of us have actually made it to the Olympics
but then half of us are lucky just to hit the board.
It just sounds so much better when youre
explaining Thursday night to your wife, though...
Chooka and Loretta are planning another big
trip bush for the winter season and, with a brand
new Goldstream RV in tow, things have kicked
up a notch from the old blanket-under-the-trees
travel of their courting days. Hes done plenty
of adventuring in his time but, while there are
no worries the Goldstream will handle the job,
Chookas main concern was what might change
given the extra work involved towing.
Of course, Kevvy chimed in with his own
advice, mostly centred around how much more
food and beer theyll be able to enjoy with all that
extra space. And Porker Baton had a bit to say
about it, too, like how much more quality shing
time a bloke could enjoy knowing his wife was

comfortable back at camp.
Yep, my mates are pretty useful if you need
a hand with a big plate of prawns or knocking
over a free keg, but when it comes to the more
serious stuff, well, theyre prepared for it but are
pretty good at avoiding it, too.
And that is pretty much the crux of towing
big-time offroad be prepared for trouble but
go out of your way to avoid it! There are always
plenty of detailed reports in these pages on
the same subject but seeing as I had to get my
head around it for Chooka, I gured itd be easy
to share it with you as well. Some of it, anyway,
at least as much as I can t on these beer
coasters...
DAILY RITUAL
Towing anything means the vehicle is working
harder than normal so the rst thing to do is a
uid check each morning. That means lifting the
bonnet. On most modern cars, you can eyeball
TOP: Even a mild creek bed can put twice the

strain on a vehicle with a caravan or camper
strapped on the back. No problem, but you do
need to allow for it!
tradervs.com.au 27
ABOVE: With a good snorkel setup and a

modern engine with hydrostatic fan, theres
not a lot to fear from water crossings but
the golden rule is to keep the motor running
afterwards to dry things out. Either lift the
bonnet and let it idle the steam off or do a
few more miles.
ABOVE RIGHT:The most common situation
towing up a beach is to get bogged in soft
sand. However, its vital you use quality
recovery gear not the cheap polyester
stuff and make sure you attach it to
genuine recovery points on the vehicle and
not the lightweight loops used to tie them
down on transporters.
CENTRE LEFT: Its not just traction thats
directly related to tyre pressure, modern
tyres with a bit of deation will ride over
stakes and sharp rocks, too. But remember
to do the trailers tyres as well, aiming for a
similar footprint right around your rig.
CENTRE RIGHT: Towing through softer
surfaces puts a big strain on the motor
which, in turn, stretches the cooling
capacity to its limits. No problems if your
radiator, hoses, pump and coolant are all in
good condition but any weak link will turn
Old Faithful into a Stanley Steamer.
FAR RIGHT:Daily checks on everything
uid-wise are the cheapest form of
insurance you can have. Diffs and
gearboxes can be checked just by looking
for puddles under the vehicle.
the brake uid and its not hard to dip for the
oil and steering uids. The biggie, of course, is
the transmission uid in an auto because its
responsible for powering the torque converter
and tightening the bands as well as lubrication.
And more load means more work.
So if the transmission uid is down a tad then
theres less oil doing the work which translates
to the heat that kills an auto. You probably
know that and have tted a transmission cooler
already but it doesnt matter whether were
talking a few kilometres up a Fraser beach or
climbing out of the Finke once you add a soft
surface and a few dips, youve got a recipe for
cooking more than sh!
Fluid checks should be right up there rst
thing with a look at the wheel nuts, a check of
the hitch and wiring, and a shake of the safety
chains. But the biggie once youre doing a bit
of offroading is to have a good look underneath
the entire rig. Youre looking for oil leaks on
the ground that tell their own story, depending
what theyre under and also any sticks jammed
up under the chassis. It doesnt take much of
a stick to rip out a brake or fuel line and they
have a habit of doing nothing for ages until they
suddenly decide to pole vault off a rock.
Tyre pressures are important on-road, but
absolutely crucial offroad. A decade ago,
nobody ever considered letting the pressures on
the trailer tyres down but now most of us realise
a atter footprint reduces load when youre
travelling on sand or loose gravel.
Plus, weve gone a long way from the old

belief that the harder a tyre was, the less chance
there was of a puncture. That furphy has been
reversed (mind you, Kevvy still reckons youll get
further after a puncture if theres more air to leak
out and pumps his up accordingly).
Itd be possible to ll a ute with tools and still
not have the one you need, so the trick is a bit
of versatility and no doubling up. My own golden
rule based on a lifetime of do-it-yourselng
is to always carry whatevers required to x the
last thing I xed. But hopefully youre leaving
home in something a tad more modern, eh?
A SAFE RETURN
Oh boy, Im in deep water here, and not just
ROOTHYS SHED
because its after closing time and I forgot to

call my wife. Ive opened up topics here that
could take books to address and were running
out of space! But the one thing I absolutely
have to mention was the rst thing Chooka and
I covered.
If youre adventuring, you need to be
prepared to recover the vehicle. And after this
last year of LowRange DVDs where Kenno
either towed a camper or a van on all the trips,
its pretty obvious that the rst vehicle to get
stuck will be the one pulling a trailer.
So two things are required one, the
common sense not to go travel stupidly
impossible tracks (not always a big component
of making good television!) and two, really good
tradervs.com.au 29
ROOTHYS SHED
recovery gear. You dont need a winch with the

lot although its almost mandatory if youre
travelling on your own but you do need quality
gear. Given the extra strain of a trailer, the most
dangerous thing on earth can be a recovery
involving stuck vehicles and big weights.
Given the cotton-wool-wrapped nature of
life under a government trying hard to outlaw
common sense, youd think snatch straps,
shackles and things would have to be covered
by legislation. They are, but bureaucratic
laziness and general lack of real-life
experience mean that legislation comes under
the crane slings standards. Now theres a
world of difference between static lifting a few
tonnes and twanging the same out of a creek
bed bog!
Not that long ago there were only a few
companies supplying offroad recovery
equipment and they all had reputations to
consider and customers they wanted to
come back. These days, you can buy stuff
thats often half the price from all sorts of
online shops and the like, and while it looks
the goods, if its cheap its probably not. The
reason is polyester cheap to make, looks the
part but has exactly the same exing characteristics as those nasty blue plastic tarps and
the same horrible habit of losing its integrity
with a bit of sunlight and age. The real things
are made with nylon much more expensive
but with built-in ex and longevity, too. Pay
more, but live to come home!

Phew, and I havent even got around to the
difference between genuine recovery points
on a vehicle and the ones welded on at the
factory to facilitate tying said vehicles down
on transporters. Maybe well look at that next
time, eh? If Im still alive at any rate. I can hear
my wife and her Morry outside, not too hard,
seeing as I still havent xed the tail pipe, and
both of them are roaring.
See what happens when you try and help a
few mates?
TOP: Of course, the most recoveries youll

probably have to handle will be after a bit too
much effort around happy hour. Here, Im
working up to a great recovery with Dave,
the sole inhabitant of Restoration Island.
His home-brewed beer didnt leave much to
restore, I can tell you...
ABOVE: Few tools have as many potential
uses as a butane-powered soldering iron.
Apart from joining wires often an issue when
towing in rough country theyre pretty good
at welding plastic radiator tanks, loosening old
nuts and, err, hollowing out didgeridoos, too.
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Sleeps 6, giving you room to move with the whole family

Abundance of storage space
Full off road capabilities
Quick and easy to set up
Free fully enclosed annexe with every new camper trailer
Australia wide warranty for peace of mind when travelling
REVIEW
LIGHTER AND
BRIGHTER
ALTITUDE CAMPERS NEW ALUMINIUM-BODIED ULTIMATE DELIVERS
A LOT OF BANG ON AND OFFROAD FOR ITS SUB-TONNE TARE.
WORDS DAVID GILCHRIST PICS NATHAN DUFF
tradervs.com.au 35
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: At less than 1t

Tare, the Ultimate promises manoeuvrability
on the tracks; Goodrich Grabber AT2
tyres instil condence on and offroad; We
could have thrown a lot more at this rig;
Auxiliary fuels up front are encased for
added protection; Riding on proven Vehicle
Components suspension.
MEASURING UP
HITS
> Hinged kitchen and large pantry
> Storage drawer with under-bed
access
> Easy-clean breglass oor
> Genuine queen-size bed
> Tropical roof
> Diesel heater
MISSES
> Could do with bedside storage
pockets
> No LED lights for annexe
hen you think of altitude, images

of high forest-clad peaks by deep,
dark valleys spring to mind. So
Queenslands Sunshine Coast
hinterland, south-west of Gympie, was a
tting place to test the new Ultimate by
Altitude Campers.
Director Brian Johnston launched Altitude
Campers a little more than two years ago on
the back of previous manufacturing and camper
hire businesses, with the view to establishing the
Maryborough facility as a source of high quality,
value-packed, Aussie-made camper trailers.
So, with that lofty ambition, my chance to play
with this camper came with great expectations.
AROUND THE OUTSIDE

If rst impressions are anything to go by, the
Ultimate makes the grade. It wasnt shiny
and brash, instead it came across as a very
functional, tidy camper.
It looked easy to use, with a few nice comforts
plus all the essentials such as storage, gas,
lighting and cooking close at hand.
So, with all those boxes ticked, we got around
to setting it up and having a closer look at a little
hideaway called Cedar Grove, 12km west from

the peaceful country village of Amamoor.
We hitched the camper to our tow vehicle
with the Ultimates Vehicle Components
Hitchmaster DO35 hitch. Thats the right sort of
kit for the job, considering it has a load rating
of 3.5t, which is ample for most camper trailers
including this one. It was part of the equipment
list that also included Vehicle Components
Cruisemaster coil-sprung suspension and a
sturdy construction which convinced me it could
cope on tracks a little bit tougher than those it
conquered on our test run.
Everything looked very promising when we
arrived at camp, as the main tent was easy
to set up in a matter of minutes. In next to no
time, we had the tent unfurled were opening
up the windows and doors this is great news
for anyone travelling with kids or just doing an
overnight stop en-route.
Camping in Queenslands Sunshine Coast
hinterland comes with the potential for hot,
humid days, so airow around the tent is
important. Consequently, it was great to see the
campers tropical roof, which was set as a xture
on the roof of the tent, automatically deployed
REVIEW
When you consider the campers low Tare of just under a

tonne, its unlikely youll ever overload it
tradervs.com.au 37
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Setting up for an

overnight camp is easy; Sheltered access to
the large storage box and the entire kitchen;
Orient the kitchen parallel or at 90; External
access to storage under the bed is relatively
deep; The spare wheel swings away for easy
rear access; Dedicated storage for small and
large pantry items; Monitor your battery, fuses
and water storage from a single point.
CTA RATING
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
without fuss as we rolled the tent off the trailer.

While the speed and ease of the basic setup
was a big plus for those wanting to swiftly
settle the kids in the shade, establishing a more
elaborate camp is a slightly different story. On
the plus side, the Altitude Ultimate has a large
awning that more than doubles the living space
but its size means it chews up time getting it set
up, with many poles and struts required to get it
looking right.
TOUGH STUFF
Build-wise, Altitudes Ultimate is a model of
quality. The camper has a sturdy chassis of
50x50x2.5mm RHS galvanised steel. Up front,
where you might expect to most wear and tear
during travel, Altitude chose 100x50x4mm RHS
galvanised steel for a strong drawbar ready for
all the twists and turns of offroad or back-road
travel. All up, the entire chassis and drawbar
construction looks sound.
Under the chassis, Altitude selected ideal
riding gear for its Ultimate: 2t-rated Vehicle
Components Cruisemaster suspension. And
when you consider the campers low Tare of just
under 1t, its unlikely youll ever overload it even
with the two 80L water tanks lled. (I reckon any
owner who can weigh down a small camper
with more than a tonne of extra baggage ought

to stay at home and phone a friend).
Maximising the strength-to-weight ratio in
the Ultimate was a priority for Altitude and the
company deftly achieved this through the use of
composite aluminium panels for the body and a
honeycomb-insulated breglass oor.
ON THE INSIDE
With the structure and suspension sorted,
high on the wish list for any camper trailer owner
is to have ample storage. And Altitude has
provided plenty in the Ultimate in three well-
REVIEW
orchestrated ways.
The rst is an enormous drawer that is
accessible from the rear when the camper is still
packed away and from inside the tent after its
unfurled. For those that like to carry a wardrobe
full of clothes and other gear, this drawer is
almost the full width of the trailer and very deep.
The great thing about this massive drawer
is that its also accessible by lifting up the
genuine queen-size bed, allowing you to fully
utilise the adjacent area for a card table or
bunk beds. This storage access also reveals
two smaller storage compartments; one is
tradervs.com.au 39
ABOVE: Theres hot and cold water plumbed

to the shower. RIGHT: Stork lights by the
bedhead and internal canvas aps typify the
Ultimates user-friendly design.
CTA SPECS
ALTITUDE CAMPERS
ULTIMATE
> TRAILER
> DIMENSIONS
Box size 3450x1900mm
Length (hitch to tail lights) 4850mm
Tent size 4650x1800mm
> ACCESSORIES
Gas cylinders 2x4kg
Water 2x80L
Cooktop Three-burner cooktop on a
slide-out drawer
Kitchen Stainless
Battery 2x120Ah AGM
> PRICE AS SHOWN
really a plumbing maintenance hatch, while the

other is a small hide-away storage hatch.
The bedroom has reading lamps for the bed
and general purpose lighting courtesy of a
central LED strip.
The internal dimensions are within the scope
of a typical hardoor camper, although a strip
of vinyl below the innerspring mattress allows
for a bit more room under the canvas, making
it a comfortable space for two or a few. The
main annexe has Velcro on the walls for an
optional room if you need more.
Diesel
$39,990 (plus on-road costs)

> ENQUIRIES
To enquire about this camper, visit
www.campertraileraustralia.com.
au/spec or phone (07) 3073 8480
> CAMPERTRAILERAUSTRALIA.COM.AU
> More pictures
> Specs to compare
In terms of external storage, the camper has

a front boot for the jerry cans, diesel heater
and gas bottles and behind that on the driver
side a huge open hatch for wet camping gear.
CONVERTIBLE KITCHEN
The slide-out kitchen, with a Thetford Spino
cooktop triple-burner gas stove and sink, is
the third surprise, as it opens out on a hinged
mount. This allows the chef to change the
position of the kitchen, locking it parallel to the
tent or at 90 to suit the weather or their needs.
Heater
2x Jerr Cans
(1 each side)
Shower set
Firewo d rack
Tare 980kg
ATM 2000kg
Suspension Vehicle Components
2T Cruisemaster independent with
springs and trailing arms
Brakes 12in electric with handbrake
Coupling Vehicle Components
Hitchmaster DO35
Chassis 50x50x2.5mm hot-dip
galvanised RHS
Drawbar 100x50x4mm hot-dip
galvanised RHS
Body Aluminium composite
Wheel/tyre 16in alloy 265/75 R16
Style Rear-fold hardoor
Hot water
& Heating
Queen Bed
w/ storage
Ensuite
Main Floor
2x Gas bottles
Fridge
Pantry draws
Sink
Three-burner
stove
Awning
Optional
Kids room
REVIEW
Immediately beside the slide-out kitchen

is a generous twin drawer pantry and next
to that is a fridge slide with an 80L Waeco
fridge-freezer on board. Weighing in at around
29kg and drawing something like 2A, this
fridge is a worthwhile inclusion. The pantry
hatch also provides access to the battery
management system. This makes this kitchen
area feel much like a general utility hub where
you can turn your snags, switch on the heater
and make sure your batteries are charged
within reach of a cool beer.
The campers electrical system runs off
two 120Ah AGM batteries and a Redarc 1230
Battery Management System which, like the
fridge, are accounted for in the 980kg Tare. For
my money, the nice thing about this system is
that its got a bit of a green preference. That
is, if 12V solar power input is available, solar
power will be chosen to top up the batteries
before relying on a mains source or DC
vehicle power.
With the power sorted, LED strip lighting
helps you nd your way around at night and
you can plug your gadgets in any one of three
easily accessible 12V.
While the diesel heater keeps the interior
of the camper cosy on cold winter nights,
the back side of the camper will keep you
clean with an external hot and cold shower.
Now heres the kicker you can enclose the

external shower with the ensuite annexe;
simply pick up some rubber mats from any
camping supplies retailer and youll have a
proper little indoor bathroom.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Stepping up

to a genuine queen-size bed; There are three
points of access to the drawer system under
the bed; The hot and cold water plumbing is
accessible from inside.
THE VERDICT
The Ultimate by Altitude Campers is a great
camper for two people or a small family and is
equally suitable for an outback long-haul or a
quick getaway on the weekend.
The degree of tout belie the simple yet
strong and lightweight design.
Solar panels and annexe walls would
complete it for me.
tradervs.com.au 41
REVIEW
INSTANT
EMPIRE
QUICKLY STAKE YOUR CLAIM AT CAMP WITH THE ALLIANCE
CAMPERS WARRIOR SOFTFLOOR CAMPER.
WORDS AND PICS DAVID GILCHRIST
tradervs.com.au 45
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The dampers

and coils ride as one; Six-stud LandCruiser
style wheels; The Warrior has the goods for
rough road travel; Ample external storage;
The wheel carrier pivots on two points for
easier handling; A 25A charger tops up two
100Ah batteries; Extra safety chains up front;
Multiple access points on the toolbox.
MEASURING UP
HITS
> A sizeable tent with ample storage
around trailer
> A quality kitchen with large pantry
> Sturdy 14oz canvas, double
stitching throughout
> Easy set up
MISSES
> Powder-coating nish could be
better around some drawers
> Inconsistency in the quality of the
welded joins
> Placement of pantry above the
slide-out kitchen
> Heavy Tare weight
heres a lot said about the quality of

internationally-sourced camper trailers
and how they compare to those
made here. And, after 12 months of
manufacturing offshore, Alliance Campers
reckons it has made the right strides in terms
of design, style and build quality. So I took a
look at the top-of-the-range softoor camper,
the Warrior, to see if it was a bantamweight or
a true contender.
LOCAL DESIGN
While Alliance campers are imported, they are
manufactured in the Alliances own factory in
China and built to an Australian design.
The Warrior is the result of eight months
of research in Australia, during which time
Alliance produced four prototypes, each
a renement of the previous one, before
arriving at the current design, which is now in
production.
FROM THE GROUND UP

Alliance Campers touts its Warrior
step-through softoor camper as an offroad
camper. That suggests it should have
adequate suspension and a chassis and body
construction ready to handle the tough stuff

that the Australian bush can dish up.
A look around underneath revealed a
chassis of 60x40x4mm hot-dip galvanised
RHS attached to a drawbar of 100x50x4mm
hot-dip galvanised RHS. The body panels
are powder-coated aluminium to protect
against corrosion and to keep the camper
weight down.
Suspension-wise, the camper has shock
absorbers, heavy duty coil springs and trailing
arms, which is a common setup in offroad
camper trailers.
Crawling underneath, my rst impression
was that this camper was sturdy enough, but
I did wonder if one of the drawbar members
was cut as precisely as it should be. However,
Alliance offers a ve-year structural warranty
on the trailer, which put my mind at ease.
There was an enormous amount of storage
space with every available nook and cranny
utilised in powder-coated aluminium drawers.
On the downside, the nish of some drawers
REVIEW
was uneven, with the paint skin having

bubbled slightly in areas. At the time of this
review, Alliance was outsourcing its hot-dip
galvanising and power-coating processes
but, the good news is that, since this review,
Alliance has brought its powder-coating
inhouse to its own factory in order to have
greater quality control.
tradervs.com.au 47
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Elastic and hooks

help keep the canvas taut and operating at its
best; Two pairs of hands make light work of
the awning, which rides attached; The awning
covers the entire kitchen area; Theres enough
room to t camp cots under awning, even
when you take into account the size of the
door; Theres self-supporting benchtop either
side of the four-burner cooktop; The fridge
slides out to reveal even more storage space;
The kitchen pulls out from the campers rear.
CTA RATING
2. INNOVATION
3. SELF-SUFFICIENCY
5. BUILD QUALITY
6. OFFROAD-ABILITY
7. COMFORTS
8. EASE OF USE
9. VALUE FOR MONEY
10. X-FACTOR
COMFORT AND EASE

As for the question of design, Alliance
Campers Warrior had the right stuff with
storage in the bedroom, under the steps in
the main tent and around the trailer including
a large front end storage box. The main
tent storage is quite remarkable with a large
slide-out drawer ample enough to keep most
of your camping bric-a-brac.
One of the campers most standout features
is the speed with which we went from arriving

on-site to having the main tent up and ready
to use. Its an ingenious, graceful system
for a softoor camper that may even leave
some hardoor enthusiasts green with envy. It
involves rolling the tent up and over, adjusting
a few of the internal pre-tted poles then
hauling the oor out from underneath. Its fast
and simple and thats just what you want.
While the main tent took only one or two
REVIEW
minutes to establish, the annexe setup took,

perhaps, another ve. However, thats still a
lot faster than many other softoor campers
Ive seen. The effort to erect the annexe is
denitely worthwhile as it almost doubles the
living space and provides coverage for the
slide-out kitchen. Its worth considering that
the combination of the annexe together with
the main tent probably provides enough living
and sleeping space for a family of ve.
The cooking area includes a useful stainless

steel kitchen slide-out with a sink and drainer,
hose and electric pump and a four-burner
stove. Then there is a fridge slide-out with a
food fridge and enough space for a second
fridge to keep your bait or beer cold, plus
a large slide-out pantry that has heaps of
storage space.
The position of the generous pantry over the
kitchen slide-out would force me to be more
tradervs.com.au 49
REVIEW
organised than Im normally am before starting

to cook but, just the same, the kitchen area
and the overall storage space were among the
best aspects of this thoughtful design.
SETTING UP CAMP
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A walkway provides both partners access of the bed, note the DVD player and sound
system; Poles are sewn in to reduce setup times at camp; The yscreens allow light and air to circulate through
the tent.
The Warrior offers owners two key ingredients:

easy, quick set up and plenty of space. Easy
set up means youre getting down to camping
quicker and thats better for everyone. More
space in this instance, among other things,
comes with better access to the bed thanks to
side steps. The internal staircase is a popular
feature in softoor campers but poor access
Live your Dream

to Explore Australia
In Your Southern Land Camper
<(6 :H ZLOO FXVWRP GHVLJQ

to best suit your needs!
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'(6,*1(' %8,/7,1$8675$/,$
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12 0(5$17, 86('
<($5 :$55$17<
)$&725< ',5(&7
Unit 6, 36 Barry St,

Bayswater. VIC 3153
03 9720 0302
info@southernlandcampers.com.au
www.southernlandcampers.com.au
REVIEW
RIGHT: The tent is high and has large windows

to bring the best of the weather in.
BELOW RIGHT: Theres plenty of room for the
kids beds in the softoor tent.
CTA SPECS
ALLIANCE CAMPERS
WARRIOR
> TRAILER
Tare 1390kg
ATM 2000kg
Suspension Heavy duty independent
with dual shock absorbers, coil
springs and trailing arms
Brakes 12in electric
Coupling Polyblock offroad
Chassis 60x40x4mm hot-dip
galvanised RHS
Drawbar 100x50x4mm hot-dip
galvanised RHS
Body Powder-coated aluminium
Wheel/tyre 235/75R15 tyres, sixstud LandCruiser stud pattern
Style Softoor step through
> DIMENSIONS
is the sort of thing that can turn a camping

weekend sour very quickly, so this is important.
Although it arguably means a larger trailer, as I
have more generous proportions, Id rather the
space than something with a compact design.
The downside is that in this case, extra space
means more weight to tow. And a Tare weight
of a smidge under 1400kg is getting a bit on
the high side for a softoor camper trailer.
Power-wise, the Warrior looks to have the
right stuff with two 100Ah batteries, a 25A
seven-stage Projecta Battery Charger and a
1000W pure sine wave inverter to help meet
your needs. For those who like to travel with an
array of electrical entertainment gadgets, there
is a DVD player and plenty of USB and power
outlets. Pick up some portable solar panels and
you really would have a decent power system.
THE VERDICT
The Alliance Campers has all the hallmarks of
> ACCESSORIES
Gas cylinders 2x9kg holders
Water135L tank with lockable water
ller and electric water pump
Cooktop Four-burner
Kitchen Stainless
Battery 2x100Ah
2 x Spare wheels
Sink
Four-burner stove
2 x Gas bottles
Queen bed
> PRICE AS SHOWN

$24,999 (plus on-road costs)
a brand on the move. While there was some

room for improvement in terms of t and nish of
the Warrior, it was easy to set up and provided
plenty of living space.
A commitment to development, an impressive
determination to listen to customers and a
substantial structural warranty all show Alliance
Campers willingness to join the game for the
long-term.
fridge
Jerry Can
> ENQUIRIES
> More pictures
> Specs to compare
Under sleep
draw
Main floor
Awning
REVIEW
KNOW
HOW
THE BLUE TONGUE OVERLAND XR IS COMFORTABLE

AND EASY TO USE OUT ON THE TRACKS.
WORDS DAVID COOK PICS MATTHEW FEHLBERG
tradervs.com.au 57
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Coated metal

stoneguards protect your auxiliary supplies up
front; The internal lockers are carpeted; Two
awnings allow for wall-to-wall coverage on
extended stays or fuss-free shade at a quick
stop; Two stainless steel tanks provide 150L
water capacity for extended stays out on the
tracks; Your choice of gas ring sizes to suit your
gas consumption.
MEASURING UP
HITS
> Good design and engineering
> Comprehensive ne-tuning of all
areas
> Excellent electrical system
> Huge fridge capacity
> Good range of options on the
canvas
MISSES
> Restricted access to pole storage
when set up
> Ensuite wall issue interfering with
essentials
> Carpet in jerry can storage area
> Limited access to the Redarc
battery monitor panel
n the past decade, the Australian camper

trailer industry underwent a signicant
changes when it went from having an almost
exclusively local manufacturing base to one
where many models are now produced abroad.
The quality of the imported offerings varied
greatly in those early years, but the standard of
workmanship and design in recent years has
steeply improved. Now, in line with some of the
brands seen at Camper Trailer of the Year 2016,
along with the release of other new models
such as the Blue Tongue Overland XR, the gap
appears to be closing.
Blue Tongue has established itself as a local
manufacturer of high quality side-fold softoor
camper trailers but, as interest in competitivelypriced rear-fold and forward-fold hardlfoors
increased, the company sought an overseas
supplier. After trialling several sources in 2015,
Blue Tongue began shipping in three designs
from China for assembly and customisation in
its workshop in Kirrawee, NSW, and havent
looked back since.
WHAT ITS GOT

The Blue Tongue Overland XR rear-fold camper
on review doesnt break any new ground in
camper design, but it has made some great steps
forward in quality and functionality.
The basic design follows that of a traditional
rear-fold camper. It is built on a solid chassis
and drawbar made from 100x50x4mm hot-dip
galvanised tube. The drawbar runs back to the
front spring hangers and arrives in Australia in one
piece for optimal strength, as opposed to being
bolted together during assembly which can form a
weak point under the chassis.
Also under the oor are 100L and 50L
stainless steel water tanks, each complete with
checkerplate stone shield.
The suspension is a fully-adjustable dual shock
trailing arm independent setup with 12in electric
brakes and high-load 16in alloy rims. A front winch
assists in opening and closing if you feel the need,
but the guys from Blue Tongue recommend, and
easily demonstrated, the old fashioned lift and pull
approach, which places less strain on
REVIEW
tradervs.com.au 59
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The new boat rack;

Lift and pull or use a winch; Optional solar
panel up top; A good depth for an easy pack-up.
CTA RATING
2. INNOVATION
3. BUSHABILITY
the tent bows.

The fully welded steel body is smartly nished
in a two-pack off-white with grey highlights and
stainless steel trim. It is 590mm deep, which
is more than enough to provide for plenty of
internal storage and easy pack-up, saving a lot
of straining and ddling around to get the canvas
in on the mattress. The side awning can remain
attached during pack-up to save the need for its
removal and reattachment each time you break
and make camp.
COOKING
5. BUILD QUALITY
6. OFFROAD-ABILITY
7. COMFORTS
8. EASE OF USE
9. VALUE FOR MONEY
10. X-FACTOR
The kitchen is all stainless steel and includes a

three-burner Smev stove, sink, mixer tap, with a
pull-out extension at the end for additional prep
space. The kitchen and the extension both require
a supporting leg under the end. Under the bench
are cutlery and utensils drawers and a small
storage space around the base of the sink.
Immediately adjacent to the kitchen is the fridge
slide thats big enough for an optional fridge up
to 110L. Next to that is the pantry, consisting of
a long 560x150x145mm drawer and two shorter
drawers at 400 and 175mm deep, suitable for
items such as bottles. All drawers are carpeted
and the top of the longer drawers cabinet can be
used for additional prep space during cooking.
Lighting here is provided by an LED stork light
and a smaller side light which provides some
illumination in the general area.
Setting up the tent is easy, and only requires

you to insert and extend the two front vertical
poles and two spreader bars at the rear. This sort
of adjustment is expected in a rear-fold camper
trailer tent with vertical front and rear walls. The
camper comes standard with a full-length side
awning which runs from the front, adjacent to the
hitch, to the back, but also with a shorter shade
awning which Velcroes on and covers the front
above the kitchen. This has, according to Blue
Tongue, become increasingly popular and, for
those doing an overnight stop, many gure its all
thats needed.
The imported tent is sewn from plain weave
450gsm canvas, which equates to 13.3oz.
As the tent opens, the tropical roof automatically
deploys. This isnt made from canvas but from
a lightweight nylon material nished with a
UV-resistant coating (aluminium impregnated
polyurethane). Blue Tongue reckons it does a
better job at keeping out the heat for a fraction of
the weight, though I wonder how it would survive
in the long-term.
At the rear is an attached awning which quickly
converts to a 2200mm long kids room by the
attachment of the optional walls and oor.
On the drivers side, an ensuite can be
attached. This area, in my view, requires some
improvement, as the optional boat rack blocked
access to the tap for the shower. Blue Tongue
assures me that the tap will be moved to allow
REVIEW
for the newly-developed rack but the ensuite still

overlaps the swing-away arm for the spare wheel.
I would like to see the ensuite moved towards the
rear, away from the wheel carrier.
All the required poles and spreader bars travel
in roof-top boxes so youll need to remove it all
before setting it up otherwise youd have to lift up
the oor to get to the poles.
The windows are large and fully meshed, and
the rear half of the kitchen side of the camper can

unzip and be rolled to the rear to make an airy and
open living space.
Internally, theres a queen innerspring mattress
above four 880x530x100mm-deep drawers,
though this conguration may possibly be varied
in the future.
On the kitchen side of the bed end is a duct
for the heating outlet and, on the other side, are
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Ample clearance will

serve you well offroad; The lightweight tropical
roof is impregnated with aluminium; Gull-wing
doors provide easy access to the fridge and
the front box drawers.
tradervs.com.au 61
REVIEW
RIGHT: There are pockets at the head of the

bed and internal canvas aps in case the
weather turns.
CTA SPECS
BLUE TONGUE
OVERLAND XR
> TRAILER
Tare 1550kg
ATM 2200kg
Suspension Adjustable trailing arm
double shock
Brakes 12in electric drum
Coupling Al-Ko 3600
Chassis/Drawbar Hot-dip
galvanised 100x50x4mm
Body Welded steel
Wheel/tyre High load rated alloy
rims with 265/75 R16 all-terrain
tyres
Style Rear-fold hardoor
> DIMENSIONS
Tent size 4400x1800mm plus
2400x6000mm for the full length
awning or 2400x2400mm for the
quick setup version
> ACCESSORIES
Gas cylinders 2x4.5kg or 2x9kg
Water 150L
Cooktop Three-burner Smev
Kitchen Stainless steel
Battery 3x100Ah gel and Redarc
1230 battery manager
the main control switches, fuses and a battery

monitor, which is a bit hard to read as it is angled
towards the outer wall.
The oor is a wood-grain laminate that looks
easy to keep clean, there is a sturdy fold-down
step at the foot of the bed to aid access and strip
lights in the peak of the roof and above the bed
head. Wall pockets are ideal for storing glasses,
reading matter and other small items.
The shower and kitchen, as well as the internal
space heating, is taken care of by the optional
diesel heater ($2500 for hot water, and $550 extra
for cabin heating), which operates from the front
> PRICE AS SHOWN
Storage
$27,390
drivers side storage box. It has been assembled

from Blue Tongues own resources, using
smart-looking AN aluminium ttings, as used on
race vehicles.
Gas storage is also unique, in that you get two
sets of brackets, one pair to suit 4.5kg bottles and
one pair to suit 9kg bottles, or you could have a
mix of both to suit whichever arrangement you
might want.
The front storage box, between the coated
metal stoneguards, can carry up to four jerry cans,
though having carpet around fuel storage seems
an undesirable arrangement. The top of the main
Main floor
Queen bed
> ENQUIRIES
Sink
Drawers
> More pictures
> Specs to compare
fridge
Slide out bench w/
cooktop and drawers
REVIEW
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Divided storage

for your clothes; Hot and cold water come
standard; Maintain your battery fuses from a
single point.
front storage compartment has a rack so it can be

used for rewood or other bulky storage.
capacity in case you ever decide to go down

that road.
Our review camper came with a boat rack
($950 option) capable of carrying up to 100kg,
which was tted with a 150W solar panel ($595
option). The panel sits below the top of the rack,
so a boat can travel on there as well, though that
would block light from the panel.
Although the Overland XR comes from the
same factory as many of its direct competitors,
Blue Tongue goes to a lot of trouble to lift theirs
from the standard mould. When landed each
camper goes through several days of work,
involving the tting of an Al-Ko hitch, the Smev
cooker, the diesel hot water and space heater
system, the Redarc battery management system,
the 240V ttings, much of the gas plumbing and
the solar where the necessary options are ticked.
With a Tare of 1550kg and an ATM of 2200kg
you get a hefty 650kg of load capacity.
POWER RANGE
Electrically, the Overland XR is equipped with
three 100Ah gel batteries that are taken care of
in our review camper by a Redarc 30A battery
management system. The $1400 optional
upgrade replaces the standard 25A mains
charger to provide a 30A mains charger, 30A
DC-DC charger and a 30A MPPT solar regulator,
complete with lithium management and charging
THE VERDICT
The Overland XR is a well-nished and equipped
camper, although it did had a few minor issues
which could do with some ne-tuning.
That said, Blue Tongue has addressed many
of concerns levelled at similar models in its class.
And, at a starting price of $21,990 and $27,390 as
I saw it, the Overland XR is a good buy.
LAKE ILLAWARRA SOUTH COAST NSW Tourism Australia / Con Poulos
Small to tow, big to live in, a Jayco CAMPER TRAILER

is practically an Australian tradition for young families.
a holiday along the coast, by a river somewhere, or deep
in the great outdoors.
enhanced on-road safety provisions, including our all-new
JTECH SUSPENSION as a standard feature on Outback
versions and an option on touring versions, with Electronic
Stability Control optional on both.
In a Jayco Camper Trailer, every holiday will become

a much-loved source of cherished lifelong memories.
So start planning your next trip today. Visit jayco.com.au
1300 JAYCO RV
JAYCO.COM.AU
REVIEW
BALANCING
ACT
DOES THE IVAN CAMPERS DAKAR HAVE WHAT IT

TAKES TO TACKLE THE BEST OF AUSTRALIA IN
COMFORT? WORDS MICHAEL BORG PICS MATT FEHLBERG
tradervs.com.au 67
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Auxiliary

supplies are covered en-route in ventilated
compartments; 130L of water to sustain you;
Good clearance and a tall ride height; The Dakar
is tted with Goodyear muddies; Theres a
wood rack tted up front.
MEASURING UP
HITS
> Great features offering value for
money
> Walk up area is very convenient
> Great ground clearance
MISSES
> High ride height makes packing
up a bit harder
> Still requires nishing touches
> Kitchen layout is awkward
ustralia can wreak havoc with your

camper trailer. There are plenty of tracks
out there that will quickly sort the men
out from the boys in terms of durability
so, when you have a limited budget for buying
a camper, its important to balance what you
want in terms of comfort and self-sufciency with
where you plan to go.
The Dakar from Ivan Campers is a model on
a mission. Its designed to be a comfortable
and capable camper trailer for the whole family.
It basically takes a few key features, functions
and ideas from the more expensive campers out
there, and offers them to us for a budget price of
just $15,500. The question is: how does it stack
up against the big boys? Can a camper in this
price range really offer the same features without
compromise? To nd out, we took the Dakar for
a blast down to the Southern Highlands in New
South Wales, which is a beaut spot, might I add.
things like the light-duty locking latches on the

storage compartment doors, and the automotive-style dust seals which have a tendency
to peel away from the camper. In saying that,
anyone who is half handy could sort that out
in a heartbeat and be satised with the overall
product. The rock slider/bash plates are a nice
touch, and while the full length stoneguard up
front is mounted a little close to the front toolbox,
it gets the job done.
STORAGE AND PRACTICALITY

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
At rst glance, this camper looks like it belongs
in a much higher price bracket than it actually
is. Its got a nice solid stance about it, and no
shortage of ground clearance either. Plus, it ticks
all the boxes when you look at its list of features.
However, when I took a close look at the nished
product, I could see a few bits and bobs that I
thought could be improved upon to make this
a genuinely competitive camper. This includes
If you havent already guessed it just by looking,

this things got a tonne of organised, easy-to-use
storage space. The external, ush, side, lockable
storage compartments offer no-fuss access to
your gear right around the camper, and theyre
all different sizes, making them quite practical
to store all different types of gear in. The front
storage box extends right across to the other
side, so you can access equipment like the tent
storage poles from either side. The storage pods
REVIEW
tradervs.com.au 69
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The Dakar is a

tall camper; The rear-fold conguration means
two can set up the tent with ease; The kitchen
layout is better suited to one person.
CTA RATING
2. INNOVATION
3. SELF-SUFFICIENCY
5. BUILD QUALITY
6. OFFROAD-ABILITY
7. COMFORTS
8. EASE OF USE
9. VALUE FOR MONEY
up the front are ventilated, and will hold two

20L jerry cans as standard. And the jerry can
holders are lined with rubber for a rm yet gentle
grip. There are also facilities for two 4.5kg gas
cylinders, which is more than enough capacity
for a long tour.
Storage in the main tub of the camper is
limited compared to most other basic softoor
campers because of the full slide-out kitchen
and fridge slide taking up a lot of the space.
But, with the amount of storage around the
rest of the camper, I doubt youll miss it much.
Theres a 130L rear mounted water tank with an
aluminium guard, making it quite self-sufcient if
youre planning on tackling a lengthy expedition.
Once you step inside the main tent, youll
nd its quite a comfortable design. The tents
a good size and is surprisingly easy to set up
with two people, although setting up the main
awning is a bit of a jigsaw puzzle until you work it
out. Theres a large skylight over the bed which
provides plenty of light during the day and a view
of the stars at night. The walk-up area adds a
whole new level in terms of creature comforts,
too. It makes getting in and out of the bed
simple despite the beds overall height from the
ground, and it also means you can enter and exit
the bed from the bottom end instead of having
to crawl all over your partner to get out the side.
BUSH-ABILITY
10. X-FACTOR
For a camper to be a successful offroad model

it needs to be capable enough to follow your
4WD anywhere you go, and robust enough
to handle the tracks long term. The Dakar is

denitely on the right track but has a little way to
go to be classed as truly offroad. Its built upon
a solid galvanised chassis with a heavy-duty
drawbar complete with a powder-coated nish.
Its also got all the standard offroad features
to ensure a comfortable yet adventurous
experience. Were talking about an offroad poly
block hitch, heavy-duty jockey wheel and full
REVIEW
independent suspension complete with 10in

electric brakes. The spare tyre is mounted on
the tailgate at the rear of the camper, which
maintains a good level of ground clearance
underneath. While the tailgate itself is reinforced
and fairly sturdy, its hinges could do with some
beeng up. No doubt theyll change this design
to a swing away option in time, though.
The outside compartment panels all feel nice
and solid, and while a few drain holes in the

channels would help drain any dust and water
that gets stuck in them, theyll get the job done
for a long time to come.
TOP: The divided drawers are nice and deep.

ABOVE: A fridge slide is included and there
are a few different model fridges available as
options.
COMFORT AND FEATURES

With the amount of features that Ivan Campers
has jammed into this thing, this camper trailer
really does stack up to the big boys on paper.
But Id be lying if I said it wasnt in need of
some small renements. Take the kitchen for
example; its got all the goodies. Its a brushed
tradervs.com.au 71
REVIEW
CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: The large softoor

tent provides plenty of living space and a
staircase provides access to both sides of
the bed; The drawers are lined, and an angled
shelf keeps your gear at bay; The tent opens
out on gas struts.
CTA SPECS
IVAN CAMPERS
DAKAR
> TRAILER
Tare 1050kg
ATM 1800kg
Suspension Independent
trailing arm
Brakes 10in electric offroad
Coupling Poly coupling
offroad hitch
Chassis 75x50x3mm galvanised
and powder coated
Drawbar 100x50x4mm galvanised
and powder coated
Body Powder coated zincalume
Wheel/tyre LT265/75/R16 with
mud tyres
Style Side-fold softoor
> DIMENSIONS
Tent size 3.65m (12ft) tent with fully
enclosed annexe
> ACCESSORIES
Gas cylinders 2x4.5kg holders
Water 130L tank with
aluminium guard
Cooktop Two-burner Smev
Kitchen Stainless steel slide
Battery 1x100Ah battery
slide-out, fully stainless steel unit, with a good

quality Smev two-burner stove, a Smev built-in
sink, and even a stainless steel pantry with
dividers and an electric water pump plumbed up
to the tap for added convenience. However, the
internal auto-close drawers didnt stay closed on
the dirt track on the way to our camp, and there
is limited working space between the tailgate

and kitchen, which youll really notice when you
go to access the fridge while cooking up a feed.
Mounting the kitchen on the passenger side
facing the other direction would solve this. Ivan
offers a choice of several different fridges as an
optional extra, along with a whole bunch of other
2 x Spare wheels
Sink
Four-burner stove
2 x Gas bottles
> PRICE AS SHOWN

$15,500
Queen bed
> ENQUIRIES
> More pictures
> Specs to compare
fridge
Jerry Can
Under sleep
draw
Main floor
Awning
FINAL DAYS, LIMITED STOCK
HOPETOUN.
Ideal for mature couples or families with small children. Soft Floor off Road, Kitchen & water tanks, Coil
suspension & Shockers, Under bed storage plus more.
$15,999
CURRAWONG
$17,999
NEW & IMPROVED CURRAWONG

Ideal for large families and groups where size matters. Hard floor off road, Kitchen & water tanks, shower
room, retreat room, annex walls and floor included, kitchen lighting, large storage and more.
HOPETOUN
OTWAY - Ideal for everyone, couples, families, retirees, spacious with dining suite. Forward folding hard
floor with a slide out bed and lounge area. Off road, full kitchen, water tanks, internal lighting, fridge draw
and all the bells and whilstles. Annex walls and floors included
Ph 1300 985 008
lumberjackcampertrailers.com.au
295 Thompson Rd, Nth Geelong MonFri 8am-4pm, Sat 9am-1pm
OTWAY
$25,999
REVIEW
ABOVE: The drawers are lined. TOP: The

Dakar rides on a strong, solid base.
upgrades such as a hot water unit.

Electrically speaking, there are plenty of
gizmos and gadgets. The 100Ah deep-cycle
battery kicks things off nicely and there are
provisions for a second battery. The electrical
accessories all look fairly neat, but I thought the
main battery cable could do with an upgrade.
Itll do the job in the short-term, but if youre
adding a few extra electrical upgrades down
the track, Id look at beeng it up to handle the
increased load.
There are a few LED strip lights supplied as
standard; one in the main tent, another under
the awning and one above the bed, all of which
are wired to an easy to reach control panel.
There are also a few LEDs lighting the way for
the walk-up area to the bedroom.
THE VERDICT
Well there you have it, the Ivan Campers Dakar
in all its glory. Pound for pound, this camper
has enough gear to travel the outdoors in
comfort for a decent period of time.
It has a solid base that seems structurally
sound but, in my opinion, the tout needs a
few small improvements if you plan to tackle
really rough tracks. That said, this is a camper
thats still evolving, and I am curious to see
what Ivan Campers comes up with next and
where the Dakar goes in the future.
Im also betting that if youre willing to add
a few of your own personal touches, it will
be one of those campers that becomes part
of the family and helps create a lifetime of
adventurous memories.
CTG-FP-51910
1052-C
CS- 977
REVIEW
NEAT AND
SWEET
LOUNGE BACK AND ENJOY THE FULL FLAVOUR OF
THE GREAT OUTDOORS IN THE OFFROAD-READY
JAWA CRUZADER FORWARD-FOLD.
WORDS AND PICS MALCOLM STREET
tradervs.com.au 77
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Compression

seals protect the external storage bins; A
checkerplate stoneguard shields the auxiliary
supplies; Clearance on the Jawa is good; A
poly-block hitch with manual override rides up
front; The water tank has a 120L capacity.
MEASURING UP
HITS
> Easy to set up camper
> Well-appointed
> General storage capacity
> Window canopies
> Electrical setup
MISSES
> Inconvenient charger socket
locations
> No solar panels reduces self
sufciency
> Lounge seating a bit low
awa Offroad Camper Trailers sells a

wide range of camper trailers sidefold softoor, forward-fold and rear-fold
hardoor so, generally speaking, its
campers can cater for a variety of needs. The
components of the Jawa trailers are built in
China but much of the t out is done locally at
Jawas Sunshine Coast, Qld, premises.
For this review, I decided to take a look
at one of Jawas forward-fold models, the
Cruzader, and yes, thats with a z and not an
s! It comes with an extensive standard ttings
list and a few nice options.
Underpinning the Cruzader is a hot-dipped
galvanised chassis. Up front, the rails are
100x50mm RHS but the chassis itself is
mostly 50x50x4mm RHS, apart from a centre
rail which is the same size as the drawbar. The
chassis is tted with trailing arm independent
suspension with coil springs and twin shock
absorbers, leaving room for a rear tted
stainless steel 120L water tank and four corner
stabilisers. The photos dont really do it justice

but theres quite good clearance room under
the trailer.
On the drawbar, the two gas cylinder
mountings and the jerry can holder sit behind
an alloy checkerplate and mesh stoneguard
and look well-protected from track debris.
In front of the stoneguard are the poly-block
hitch, jockey wheel, handbrake and gas
barbecue connection plus a winch for opening
up the camper trailer. Theres also a winch at
the rear of the trailer closing up the camper,
along with a carrier for two spare wheels,
the second one being an option. Above the
chassis, the steel body work has a baked
enamel nish some areas like the top
surfaces have a covering of alloy checkerplate
as well, which not only looks good but is
practical, too.
In terms of general storage, the Cruzader
comes well-equipped. In addition to the
drawbar storage box, which is accessible from
REVIEW
tradervs.com.au 79
ABOVE: Gables and a tropical roof provide

comfort in changeable conditions.
RIGHT: Theres room to install appliances
near the water tank in the external locker.
CTA RATING
2. INNOVATION
3. BUSHABILITY
5. BUILD QUALITY
6. OFFROAD-ABILITY
7. COMFORTS
8. EASE OF USE
9. VALUE FOR MONEY
10. X-FACTOR
both sides, there are two smaller bins, one of

which is partially dedicated to the electrical
panel. And all the bin doors have pinch-weld
sealing.
LAYOUT
Being a forward-fold camper trailer, the
Cruzader has a simple but effective layout.
When opened up, the entire upper front
creates the bedroom, while the rear contains a
low club lounge. The slide-out kitchen is tted
to the rear of the trailer and the large box on
the drawbar contains, among other things, a
fridge tray on sliding rails providing an open
area in which to cook.
The tent walls and roof all seem to be well
sewn together. Jawa uses a 16oz canvas that
is double stitched. Weatherproong seems to
be well in hand with features such as seam
tape on the roof to reduce the possibility of
water leaks.
Operating the forward-fold unit is relatively
simple and it doesnt take long to set up or
pack up for a quick overnight stop. The main
tent area measures 4200x1800mm and the
main awning, being 4200x 2200mm, adds
more than the same area again to comfortably
cover all the catering functions. All windows
are protected under awnings and a tropical
roof sits above the main roof area.
Access to the bed and lounge areas is via
a fold-down step at the front of the trailer
body. Up front, theres a second step for easy
access to a caravan queen-size mattress,

internal canvas aps for closing up the
windows in poor weather, an internal
privacy screen and a rear wall-mounted
LED strip light.
HOLIDAY APPEAL
The Jawa Cruzader has a pleasant
appearance and layout which is conducive to
relaxation This can likely be attributed to the
companys other core business, which relates
to hand-crafted furniture.
REVIEW
Opposite the bed, the U-shaped lounge,

nished in soft grey microsuede, offers space
to stretch back and put the feet up. A fold-up
table is available if needed and the lounge
seating can be made up into a second bed.
Like the bedroom, this area has windows all
round, including the removable awning side,
as well as a wall mounted LED strip light. For
charging purposes, two 12V outlets are tted
near the bed step.
The slide-out kitchen bench has a good
size four-burner cooktop alongside a sink and
drainer unit. A good size cutlery drawer ts

neatly under the cooktop. A stalk-style LED
light keeps thing illuminated if youre prepping
in the dark and there are both 12V and 5V
USB charger outlets on the trailer wall at the
end of the kitchen bench. I believe these are
essential for RV travel, although I thought
these ones were in an strange location.
With the fridge located in the front storage
box, the kitchen is a practical setup for
camper cooks. However, theres no real bench
top space available either in an extension or
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A table completes

the spacious kitchen area; There are external
points for charging your appliances, although
their proximity to the sink requires care; The
270 windshield helps you make the most of
the four-burner cooktop.
tradervs.com.au 81
REVIEW
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: There are two

charger sockets under the lounge; The lounge
room canvas wall opens out to bring the
outside in; There is plenty of room to kick back
and enjoy the raised views.
CTA SPECS
JAWA
CRUZADER
> TRAILER
Tare 1390kg
ATM 2000kg
Suspension Independent coil
spring with shock absorbers
Brakes 10in
Coupling Poly-block
Chassis Hot dipped galvanised
100x50x4mm plus 50x50x4mm
Drawbar Hot dipped galvanised
100x50x4mm
Body Steel and baked enamel
Wheel/tyre 16in alloy 265/75 R16
Style Forward-fold
> DIMENSIONS
> ACCESSORIES
Gas cylinders 2x4kg ring holders
Water 1x120L
Cooktop Four-burner gas
Kitchen Stainlesss steel slide-out
Battery 1x100Ah deep-cycle
room for the necessary awning wall storage.

The Cruzaders electrics are well set up. The
100Ah deep-cycle battery control system and
a 20A charger maintain the water pump, LED
lighting and the charger sockets located in
various places. This wont be an issue if youre
on top of the cooktop and sink.

At the other end of the camper, in addition
to the fridge slide-out, the front storage box
contains a good size drawer on the awning
side and a slightly smaller but equally useful
shelf. On the opposite side, theres plenty of
2x Jerry Cans
Seat
> PRICE AS SHOWN
Spare wheels
Queeen Bed
$19,999
> ENQUIRIES
2x Gas bottles
Sink
Fridge
Steps
four burner cooktop
> More pictures
> Specs to compare
Storage
Slide out kitchen
w/ drawers
REVIEW
travelling daily but, for lengthy stops, a solar

panel or two should be a consideration. The
control panel located in the external bin
tells you all you need to know, as well as
having all the necessary 12V switches
including the master switch. I know its not
digital but I quite like the slightly retro looking
water tank gauge.
The Jawa comes with 12 month warranty
and an options package that now includes an
ensuite shower and toilet, solar panel, extra
battery and extra water tank as well.
THE VERDICT
The Jawa Cruzader is a well-appointed
camper with just about everything needed for
the offroad traveller whos keen to kick up their
heels once they arrive at camp.
Although appearances arent everything,
Jawas choice decor combined with the
Cruzaders bright and breezy design will no
doubt set a relaxing tone for you and your
family, wherever you roam.
TOP: Six-stud tyres and rims ride out the back on the dual carrier, the model on review also included the optional
second spare. ABOVE: The bedroom can be entirely closed off from the lounge.
FEATURE
SLASH YOUR
CAMPING COSTS
SINK YOUR TEETH INTO THESE HELPFUL HINTS, TRICKS AND TECHNIQUES
THATLL HAVE YOU OUT CAMPING LONGER FOR LESS.
WORDS MICHAEL BORG PICS MATT FEHLBERG AND MICHAEL BORG
tradervs.com.au 87
ABOVE: Keeping your tow tug in tip-top shape will help save
you money down the track.
TOPS TIPS TO SAVE FUEL
ave you noticed how the cost of a

few nights camping has crept up? Its
almost at a point where its cheaper to
book a motel room than to pitch a tent! I
mean, even if you already have a decent camper
trailer ready to go, the cost of the actual trip can
put a family vacation on the back burner for a
few months.
So what can you do? Plenty! Ladies and
gentleman, its time to dust off the camping gear
and cut up the credit card as we bring you the
best tips and tricks weve learnt over the years to
slash the cost of camping, and get you out and
about more often than youve ever imagined.
SAVING FUEL
Its no secret that fuel is one of the biggest
expenses on a trip away. But guess what? Fuel
is also the one place you can really save some
cash if youre on a tight budget. Lets start with
the most obvious cost cutter: the fewer kilometres
you travel, the more youll save on fuel, right?
So it makes sense to travel a total distance that
wont break the bank. But one sure way to get
more bang for buck out of your trip is, instead of
hightailing 500km in one day and staying for the
week, why not nd a few free camps on the way
to your main camp and stop in for a night or two
at each one? Youll get to see more of this grand
country of ours, and you wont be doing many
extra kays either, so it wont cost you an arm and
a leg to do it.
Shaving just 10km/per hour off your

Fuel is usually much more expensive in
speed can save you a fortune in
regional towns, so plan your fuel stops
1thehighway
5
long run, because the faster you drive, the
around major towns when possible to take
more air resistance is created, which means
your engine has to work harder.
Take the time to plan your trip properly
as unexpected detours and unplanned
2expenses
can really hurt the piggy bank.
easy to use maps and up-to-date
navigation devices. The less you get lost,
3theCarry
less fuel youll use. Youd be surprised at
how quickly you can clock up the kays when
youre lost and driving around in circles.
wind resistance where possible.
You can do this by limiting what you put on
4yourReduce
roof racks, and by using a wind deector
where possible.
advantage of cheaper fuel prices. A long-range

fuel tank can allow you greater exibility when
it comes to when and where you have to stop
for fuel, too.
It takes a lot of effort to air-condition a
cabin in the heat especially when youre
6towing
a load, so use a windscreen shade at
camp and open up the windows to cool it down
before setting off down the road.
run adequate tyre pressures and
keep your tow tug regularly tuned. Not only
7willFinally,
it reduce the risk of a costly repair down
the track but youll also save on fuel as you go.
Even something as simple as old spark plugs
can impact the fuel efciency of your rig.
FEATURE
FREE CAMPING
With camp fees ranging anywhere from $5-$30
per person these days, its easy to rack up a hefty
bill on extended stays. So by utilising free camps,
you can extend your stay without it costing any
extra. Finding free campsites is fairly easy with the
amount of technology available these days. Simply
Google free camps and theyll pop right up. Youll
nd most campsites with running water and public
facilities will incur a camping fee, so if youre able
to be totally self-sufcient, the chances of nding a
suitable free camp are bucket loads higher.
Once youve got your free campsite sorted,
one of the best ways to lower the daily cost of
a camping trip, believe it or not, is to lengthen it
altogether. Yep, thats right! It will cost you more
per day to go camping for a weekend than it would
to go for an entire week. Why? Well, when youre
camping for free the bill fuel bill to and from camp
becomes the biggest expense. The cost per day
of camping when you dont use any fuel is very
surprisingly minimal.
SELF-SUFFICIENT
LUXURIES
DIY TOILET
There are a heap of DIY camp toilet designs
out there that wont break the budget. One of
the easiest is the old milk crate design. Simply
cut a hole in the top and attach a toilet seat
with a few cable ties.
ABOVE: A riverside camp provides hours of

low cost entertainment for the whole family.
LEFT: Alternative fuel sources that embrace
the camping spirit will help preserve your
batteries and allow you to extend your stay.
HOME-MADE SHOWER
One of the easiest camp showers you will
come across is a simple metal bucket to warm
up the water over the fire and cheap $20
shower pump kit. Or, you can even just bung
in a few shower fittings to a PVC pipe and call
it a job well done. To help heat the water up,
paint it black!
tradervs.com.au 89
FROM TOP: Whats the rush? Stop at as

many free camps as you can while youre on
tour. The less time you spend driving, the
more youll save; Check with your travelling
companions what gear theyve got before
setting out and purchasing your own; Potato
and pasta are perfect ller foods to go with
your meals; Catching yabbies is an Aussie
tradition thatll occupy the kids and provide
free feed to boot!
BUDGET ACTIVITIES
The next thing to look into is what activities are
nearby. Theres no point staying at a free campsite
if it costs you an arm and a leg to get to the
activities. The best places to look are for spots on
or close to the water it just opens up a whole
range of cheap and easy options to keep the
whole family entertained!
Youll nd any activities the kids enjoy at home
will be just as fun, if not more enjoyable, on a
camping trip. So bring the bikes, balls, cricket set
and your favourite toys! Oh, and if youre camping
near water, make the most of it by bringing a
length of rope to string up a Tarzan swing, and an
old air mattress or tyre tube to oat around on. If
youre a bit DIY savvy, why not help the kids make
a raft from a few logs and riverside debris? It might
not oat for long but youll get a few hours of peace
and quiet out of it!
FISHING ON A BUDGET
Estuary sand flats are a great place to take

the whole family fishing on a budget. Reason
being theres always the potential to catch a
great eating fish (and score a free feed), and
you dont need expensive equipment to do it.
In fact, a $5 handline will do the trick!
Most of the best spots are accessible either
by foot or canoe, and bait is easily sourced
on the cheap. A yabby pump will pay for itself
within a few days of fishing, and the kids will
have a blast just pumping the yabbies out!
And, if you strike out on bait, you can
always make your own hook from aluminium
foil.
FEATURE
TOP TIPS FOR CAMPING ON A BUDGET

BE FIREWOOD WISE
Wood can cost a fortune if you have to buy it. A
good idea is plan where to collect rewood on
the way to your destination. You can even keep a
stockpile at home and take a few good logs with
you. If youve got plenty of good rewood, you
wont have to cook over a gas stove either.
If you have the room at home, youll often
nd free rewood advertised on sites such as
Gumtree, especially after a storm. Youll need to
stack it up and dry it out for about a year, though,
for it to burn at its best.
LOW-COST MEALS
To keep the grocery bill down, add llers such
as potato and pasta with your meals. Itll ll the
troops up quicker and it costs less! And dont
forget to add dried peas, barley and pulses to your
stews and sides either; theyre protein rich so
youll use less meat, saving you a packet at the till
and in cooling costs as well. And while youre at
it, why not chuck some powdered milk into a bag?
Its cheap, weighs very little, is great in damper
and can be used in a white sauce for a makeshift
meal when stocks are low.
Freeze your meat before you leave so your
fridge doesnt have to work so hard, and stock up
on pantry snacks like nuts and dried fruit. Itll help
save your battery supplies and leave you free to
camp for longer.
RECYCLE GOODS
Before you throw any rubbish out, have a think
about what it could be useful for. Things such as
milk crates are great for storing the gas bottle or
camp oven in, a busted jerry can makes a good
bin if you lop the top off it, and old food containers
and cans have a million uses around camp, too.
AVOID IMPULSE BUYS

The absolute worst thing you can do is visit the
camping store before a trip away. Youll spend
money on things you really dont need. If you
really have to go, discuss with your mates what
theyve got and what you need to bring, then write
a wish list and stick to it.
SPLIT THE BILL

If youre camping with others, why not buy your
meat in bulk and split the bill? The same can be
said for pretty much any and all camp expenses.
INSULATE, INSULATE, INSULATE

The costs of cooling and heating your camper
rack up quick so set up your awnings and throw a
silver tarp over the top if you plan to bunker down.
While youre at it chuck in a few sets of thermals,
a beanie or a wide brim hat in your luggage to suit
to the conditions. Youd be surprised at what a
difference the right choice of clothing can make in
and around camp.
tradervs.com.au 91
FEATURE
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Youll save a

packet if you plan rewood collection enroute; Instead of investing in set of purposebuilt nesting bowls, hunt around the kitchen
and create a set for yourself; There are many
beautiful free campsites a few hours drive of
major cities.
ITS YOUR TURN NOW!

Well, if that doesnt make you want to hitch up
and go camping I dont know what will. If you can
score the time off work, why not make your next
big trip away even longer and take advantage of
cheaper days in the scrub? Remember, camping
not all about having the fanciest gizmos and
gadgets around, its about spending quality time
with friends and family, making the most of what
you have and exploring the grand country of ours.
Its hard to argue with that, eh?
Custom Build your Caravan with Spinifex Caravans

for a quality finish with luxury and comfort
www.spinifexcaravans.com.au
P: 07 3888 2221
F: 07 3888 2226
E: info@spinifexcaravans.com.au
21-23 Imboon St. Deception Bay. QLD 4508
BARE NECESSITIES
BUSH SURVIVAL STARTS WITH KNOWING WHAT TO PACK FOR A TRIP. FORMER FEDERAL POLICE
INSTRUCTOR SCOTT HEIMAN SHARES HIS ESSENTIALS. WORDS AND PICS SCOTT HEIMAN
ack in the day, Australians were happy

to swag it Waltzing Matilda across
the wide sweeping plains and rugged
mountains. Whether our forefathers
lived as nomads or roughed it for their job,
their swags generally comprised a bed roll and
a sheet of canvas containing a few meagre
possessions.
Weve now got camper trailers, 12V fridges,
freezers, air-conditioners, 4in innerspring
mattresses, re-retardant material, breglass,
plastic, hot water systems, TV, DVDs, satellite
TVs and winches. I reckon thered be about 14
million devices we could connect to our tow
tugs or campers if we wanted to.
Living in a country with a coastline of nearly
60,000km and more than 7.5 million sq km
of land we can still, even in this age, escape
civilisation. But remote area travel comes at
a risk: Australia telecommunications mobile
networks cover 99 per cent of the population
not 99 per cent of the country.
So what would you do if things didnt go
to plan beyond the reach of other people,
WHO IS SCOTT
HEIMAN?
Scott Heiman is an avid camper,

4WDer, bushwalker, sherman
and hunter. Hes an environmental
scientist whos also a 22-year
Army veteran and a former Federal
Police instructor. He now owns his
own company which specialises
in bushcraft, survival craft and
environmental consultancy.
communications and critical resources? You

can load your rig with every conceivable
resource and gadget, but theres always a
limit. The fact is, our basic requirements for
survival have evolved little since we lived in
caves, so it shouldnt come as a surprise
that when we go bush, the basic priorities for
survival protection, rescue, water and food
still hold true.
These principles help me distinguish
between the nice to haves and the must
haves whether Im packing for bushwalk or an
extended trip with the camper trailer. A good
place to start is to seriously ask yourself: What
are the things that I wouldnt go bush without,
and then ask why.
My kit of essential items may seem primitive
but it provides the backbone for survival. Most
items are stored in my HiLux and camper every
day, so when I embark on a camping trip or a
simple spot of afternoon shing at a moments
notice, I know I have what I need on hand just
in case. Everything else just makes things a
little easier and a little more comfortable.
FEATURE
PERSONAL SURVIVAL KIT

A personal survival kit, properly thought
through, tops the list. My wife and I clip ours
to our belts at all times. I adapt it to the terrain
I plan to cover whether thats marine or
desert and so on as one size never ts all
circumstances.
Most items serve multiple uses. Why carry
nylon braided cord for heavy tying when the
bres of a parachute cord can also be used as
shing line or sewing thread?
These packs also contain a rst-aid kit for
stings, bites, sprains and burns and are with
us no matter if were going to the scrub, or just
walking to a lookout from the car park.
BUG-OUT-BAG
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The inside

of my rig, every day, every trip; The McLaski
Wildland Combination Tool combines a re
rake with an axe; I carry a survival and rstaid kit at all times out on the tracks.
A Bug-Out-Bag in your car may do little if

zombies attack but it should help in an event
of a ash ood, bush re or a breakdown away
from your camper or home on a daily drive.
This vehicle survival kit or a Get out of
Dodge bag is an extension of your Personal
Survival Kit and should contain everything you
need to survive for up to 72 hours. Mine lives
in the back of my 4WD and stays in the same
place at all times. I service it regularly so its
tailored for the conditions I expect to face on
my next trip.
While I use a backpack as my Bug-Out-Bag,
but I know other travellers who have removed
the slide rail retaining-pin on one of the
drawers their in-vehicle drawer-systems. That

way, if they need to get to their Bug-Out-Bag
and move away from their vehicle quickly, they
just grab the drawer and go.
AN ADDITIONAL 72 HOURS OF FOOD

AND WATER
The key is to plan on the worst-case scenario.
Your life and that of your family may be
at risk. For my money, storing water in three
different vessels (in case one or more leak)
is a no-brainer. Everyone leaves the safety
of camp at some stage so consider holding
water supplies in both your 4WD and your
camper. I carry 100L in the campers tank and
another 50L in a Flexitank behind the back
seat of the HiLux. Added to this are two 20L
jerries in the camper and some Camelbaks
and sports bottles in the 4WD.
While this may sound excessive, consider
this general guiding principle: an adults
average necessary uid intake is 4-6L per day
in temperate climates and 6-8L per day in
the desert. And then you need to account for
washing up and personal hygiene. Adding up
these gures, 200L of water will only last you
around eight days, and less if your personal
circumstances (your health, for example)
demand you consume more.
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 our and
tradervs.com.au 95
BATTERY
ESSENTIALS
Heres a question for you: Why
would a friend employed in the
search and rescue industry say
the next time I nd someone
with a working torch will be the
rst time?
Answer? Simple. Because
torches need batteries and
many people dont plan ahead.
We all know that torches,
CBs, GPS and other toys take
batteries. So why not buy devices
that use a compatible source,
such as AA or AAA? If all your
gadgets take the same batteries,
you can swap between them in an
emergency situation according to
your immediate priorities.
Remember, too, that many
remote area garages and shops
may not stock the small button
batteries many devices require.
an emergency combat ration pack from the

Army Disposal store. Additional salt and sugar
will act as an emergency electrolyte if I need
it. I have all these items vacuum-packed in my
Bug-Out-Bag.
PERSONAL LOCATING BEACON (PLB)

OR EPIRB
I never leave home without one after all,
when you consider the amount of money
youve probably invested in your 4WD and
camper, a PLB is a relatively minor outlay to
achieve peace of mind. For my part, I keep
one PLB in the 4WD within arms reach of the
driver seat in case of a roll-over, and one each
in my wifes and my belt rigs.
If youre hesitating about purchasing a
PBL, consider this statistics indicate youll
be rescued within 72 hours (three days) of
authorities becoming aware that youre a
missing person. However, while people will
report missing children straight away, if youre
an adult, your friends and loved ones probably
wont report you to police as missing for
about 24-48 hours after the fact because they
think youll turn up. So thats ve days you
can expect to be left languishing in the scrub.
Rescue times will be reduced to 24 hours (and
usually less than 12 hours) if you activate a
PLB which is GPS-equipped and registered.
The important part is to remember to register
your PLB with the Australian Maritime Safety
Authority.
KNIVES
For thousands of years, man has depended on
a cutting tool for basic survival needs: food,
water, re and shelter. And its still sensible
to keep such an important survival resource
close by just in case. A good survival blade
combined with your own ingenuity, knowledge
and experience may be the key to a safe

return home. Thats why I carry an Australianmade survival blade designed for the what if
scenario rather than a pocket knife.
When choosing a survival blade, nd one
with a xed and thick blade, with a full tang
in a strong handle. Choose one of decent
length as a big blade will do everything a
small blade can but the same cant be said
in reverse. Single-edged blades are stronger,
more versatile and easier to sharpen than
double-edged blades.
Avoid serrated knives as they perform poorly
for bushcraft and survival chores. Equally, if it
looks like a kitchen knife, it probably is one.
AXE AND SHOVEL

Axes and shovels have been carried by
campers since prehistoric times. Prior to
European settlement, Australian Aboriginals
ingeniously created a dual-purpose digging
tool. It comprised a shovel at one end, and
a digging stick at the other and it was also
used as a paddle.
Simple hand tools can still keep your
FEATURE
campsite dry, warm and comfortable today.

Use them to cut rewood, clear tracks, get
yourself out of a bog, make rafts, dig for food,
bait and water, or to divert running water away
from your camp. And dont forget to bury
your human waste rather than leaving it lying
around to spoil the next campers day and,
potentially, their health.
WATER FILTERS
Up to 90 per cent of your body weight comes
from water: the brain is comprised of 70 per
cent water and your lungs are nearly 90 per
cent water. Lean muscle tissue contains
about 75 per cent water. About 83 per cent of
blood is water. Therefore, clean water is vital.
Contaminated water is a key cause of infection
and disease, which can strike at any time.
When planning your trip away, dont just
rely on the lter connected to your campers
water supply. For one thing, you wont always
be within cooee of your camper and, besides,
its probably located under your camper so
theres always the risk of it getting damaged
on rough tracks.
For these reasons, I carry a number of

LifeStraw products in my Camelbak, car and
camper trailer. Theyre all back-ups, but every
now and then, Ive been very pleased to have
them with me.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A Get out of

Dodge bag who knows when youll need
it?; Man has relied on an axe and shovel since
time began; Lost travellers who activate a
PLB are usually rescued quickly; Water lters.
Because no two water sources are the same.
tradervs.com.au 97
FIREFIGHTING TOOLS
Lets face it, bushres are synonymous with
Australia. I dont want to be caught out in or
be responsible for starting one. And re can
easily strike. The cause could be an accident
around the campre, an exploding gas bottle,
or vegetation getting into an engine bay or
around an exhaust and igniting.
For this reason, my camper has a re
extinguisher and re blanket tted inside
near the door. The HiLux also has two
extinguishers (one in the cabin under the
drivers seat and one in the ute tray) as well as
a re blanket. I also carry a McLaski Wildland
Combination Tool that I picked up from ARB.
It combines the McLeod Fire Rake with a
reghting Pulaski axe. It also features ve
other tools: a hoe, scraper, spanner wrench,
gas wrench and fusee are holder.
MOBILE REFERENCE LIBRARY

Travelling into remote areas in Australia, or
even into an unfamiliar area close to home,
you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to
do a little research before you step off. Mostly
we think about obtaining relevant maps and
reference guides for the geographic area that
were planning to visit. But there are other
reference sources worth carrying too.
A rst-aid book is a handy go-to book
particularly if youre not rst-aid qualied. And
how about carrying the wiring diagrams for
your vehicle and accessories? Who knows
when you or a remote area mechanic
might need them to get your rig back on the
road? Also consider books about bush food
and survival techniques that will help you keep
safe in the outdoors, particularly if things dont
go according to plan.
FEATURE
rescue scenario where every second may count.

To get you started, consider this: Australia hosts
20 of the worlds top 25 most venomous snakes.
Do I need to say more?
APPLY COMMON SENSE

COMMUNICATIONS
Communication is the key. You need to know
the correct ABC radio frequency that will give
you routine weather updates and warnings, and
listen to it.
I also carry hand-held CB units to provide an
extra level of safety whether Im stepping away
from my travel group to recon a new shing
spot, or simply coordinating a winch recovery.
In addition to carrying three hand-held CB
radios (one for each member of my family), Ive
also installed CB base stations into both my
4WD and my camper to ensure I maximise the
likelihood of staying in contact with those Im
responsible for when were out bush. After all,
it doesnt take much imagination to think of a
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Theres

safety, friendship and good times in
numbers; This is a sunburnt country, and it
burns hot; A CB in the camper saves time and
worry; A remote reference library is a must
for remote area travellers; These boots were
made for walking, unlike Crocs or thongs.
In all of this, the cardinal rule is to respect

the bush and keep a sensible head on your
shoulders. For my part, there are some things
I simply wont go bush without and once Im
out there I avoid unnecessarily risky situations
and I err on the side of caution. Importantly, I
tell people where Im going. Also, I never sh,
4WD, bushwalk, bird watch or hunt alone. Quite
apart from the unnecessary risks entailed in
solitary travel, I nd it pleasurable to share travel
experiences with family and friends. Besides,
they can help dig me out of a bog, check the
yabby trap and share the view.
So take essential equipment with you when
you go bush, and take your family and mates
youll create a legacy of ongoing outdoor
enthusiasts.
HALVING YOUR LOAD

Everything we carry as remote area travellers should
have two or more applications. If it doesnt, were
carrying the wrong thing and more than we need to.
When youre deciding between several items with
a similar purpose, use your imagination and pack one
that can be re-rolled in an emergency situation.
The silver reective windscreen sun shade we
use for our parked vehicles, for example, can act as
a tropical reector on an awning at camp or, when
were stranded with our car, be orientated to reect
the suns rays from a north-facing window, to signal
aid to search and rescue aircraft.
Dedicated emergency devices often serve multiple
purposes in extreme situations. Here, Im showing a
crowd how to purify water with a marker panel.
Once you have the knack, youll soon be nding
multiple purposes for many mundane bits of kit.
tradervs.com.au 99
FEATURE
BRIGHT
SPARKS
THESE CAMPER TRAILER OWNERS
MAKE FULL USE OF THEIR
CAMPING COMFORTS OFF THE
GRID WITH ONGOING UPGRADES
TO THEIR SYSTEMS.
WORDS DAVID COOK PICS MATT FEHLBERG
or many of us, the purchase of a new

camper trailer whether its brand new
out of the factory or purchased secondhand from a previous owner is an act of
faith in fullling the dream. Some manufacturers
go all the way no matter the cost, while others
strive for the bottom line, labelling their products
as priced from so buyers can add items to
suit their budget.
Campers expectations, however, have
changed considerably. Practical experience
shows its now not always enough to have
a battery, and a charger, and a solar panel
with various wire and plugs attached. Were
now wondering if the battery big enough or of
the right type and should there be a second
or even a third? Is the charger big enough?
Is the solar adequate to keep pace with our
increased demands? Is the cable adequate to
move electrical current around at the right pace
without strangling the voltage?
For many campers, their circumstances may
change say, they want a bigger fridge or more
lighting and technological developments
such as newer batteries or chargers may leave
their setup wanting. So, as a consequence,
they take to modifying their campers electrical
arrangements themselves.
We spoke to three experienced campers at
a recent weekend getaway on the New South
Wales north coast about the approach theyve
taken. Often the changes may seem small, but
these can open up a systems capacity and
make a big difference to its performance.
tradervs.com.au 101
BATTERY BOX
Craig invested in a battery box package from
JTS Online. It came with a 120Ah AGM battery,
an Anderson plug input, two cigarette sockets,
a Merit socket, digital voltmeter and everything
fused so it was a quick shortcut to electrical
independence.
To bring this to life, he installed a dedicated
cable to an Anderson plug at the hitch which
he mated to one in his tow vehicle, so now the
battery charges as hes driving.
ACCESSORY PLUGS
CRAIG QUINN
.
s the president of Sydney and

Central Coast Avan Group,
Craig Quinn pushes his Avan
Cruiseliner to its limits, thanks to
a few electrical modications hes made.
The 2011 camper was equipped with
a 90Ah AGM battery, a mains charger,
incandescent lighting and just enough
current coming in through the standard
wiring from the tow cars alternator to
run the power-hungry three-way fridge.
It was ne if you were happy to spend
much of your time in a caravan park,

where you could plug your battery
into the mains and run your fridge on
either gas or the 240V, but Craig soon
discovered he liked having full access
to his rigs comforts away from the
organised and manicured world. So an
electrical remake was on the cards.
Craigs rejigged Avan now has a new
lease on life and has since taken him
with care to many out of the way
campsites.
Craig installed the 12V cigarette plug, a dual

USB outlet and digital voltmeter in a side-facing
three-bay housing in a drawer cabinet near the
foot of the bed, which he felt was less exposed
compared to the factory tted sockets.
The digital voltage readout, which keeps him
apprised of the battery condition, has a powerful
light that shines in his eyes when hes trying to
get to sleep, so hes currently devising a cover to
counter it.
FEATURE
SOLAR
FRIDGE MANAGEMENT
To gain more independence from the

civilised world, Craig added to the factoryinstalled 20W solar panel, two freestanding
40W panels (total 80W) which he moves
throughout the day to make best use of the
suns rays.
While the three-way fridge does the job

for Craig, it is very hungry on 12V (as are
all three-way fridges), and it has been
measured drawing a hefty 14A.
This could rapidly atten even a 120Ah
battery, so Craig has installed a Fridge
Switch from RV Electronics.
The Fridge Switch senses motion and

vibration, and when this stops as when
the vehicle stops it will automatically
turn off 12V power to the fridge.
Craig also installed a Topargee water
gauge which measures water usage from
the tank in litres, rather than a fraction of
its capacity.
EXTRA LENGTH
Avans have a side gland, beneath a
cover, to access various services for the
trailers requirements. The standard tting
includes 15ft of 15A cable, hard-wired into
the camper to connect to mains power.
Craig had this disconnected and a 15A
male plug installed under the bed, adjacent
to the gland, as well as a 10A power board,

which enables him to connect whatever
length 15A or 10A power cable he might
desire to use.
He also added an Anderson plug (he
standardised all his 12V power plugs on the

Anderson format) just inside the gland so
that he can run in a lead from the solar panel
or to take a 12V extension lead out to an
external shower tent.
tradervs.com.au 103
TERRY AND
SANDY AGLAND
.
erry and Sandy Agland are very

experienced offroad adventurers
who built a very capable camper
trailer of their own (which they still
own) before moving on to an upmarket
Australian Off Road Eclipse Super Camper
in December 2013.
While the Eclipse camper ticked many
boxes, it didnt stop Terry from ne
tuning his new camper.
LIGHT SHOW
POWER TO THE TV
AOR doesnt skimp on its external

illumination, and Terry and wife Sandy
found it a bit much. So he rewired the
two LED lights to separate switches,
allowing the couple to turn on one at
a time.
Terry is also considering wiring in a
dimmer or adding a diffuser to further
soften the light, and wants to convert
one of the lights to a yellow colour to
discourage insects.
Terry found the perfect spot to install a

TV in the camper, except that there was
no power outlet nearby, requiring him
to run a long lead. So he installed a dual
12V outlet for this purpose, permitting
him to run the 12V television and a
masthead amplier for the antenna.
Hes also found that, with a USB
adapter socket plugged in, its a handy
place for charging phones and other
12V appliances.
FEATURE
TRACING A PATH
Terry didnt have a diagram when he
redesigned the system, so he traced
every single wire in the electrical box
and made his own. In the process, he
discovered a battery relay near the tow
vehicle connection which duplicated one
he had already installed in the car, so it
was removed. He had also found that his
dual 120Ah batteries were losing charge
in storage. He suspected a low voltage
disconnect system, which drew 300mAh
to monitor the batteries voltage, mightve
been the cause, so he removed it and
hasnt experienced problems since.
Terry also inserted a 20A circuit breaker
in the circuit for the solar panels so he can
turn off the solar and run solely on the
DC-DC charger if desired.
TO 12-PIN OR NOT?
THE DC-DC ADVANTAGE
FRIDGE MAINTENANCE
When Terry wired up his rst camper

trailer, he did it using a 12-pin plug at
the hitch, with the 6B&S cable from the
alternator in the vehicle being split into
three and shrink wrapped each strand to a
separate wire running to three pins in the
plug allocated to power. This worked well
for Terry, so he decided to replicate it in
his AOR.
I just see it as one less plug to
worry about when hooking up and
disconnecting, said Terry.
I dont necessarily say the 12-pin
plug is any better than a 50A Anderson
plug, but in nine years it has never let me
down.
When Terry ordered his camper, he did

not specify a DC-DC charger. However,
he soon found that his new batteries
wouldnt fully charge between camps,
and, when he checked, he found he had
14.2V at the alternator and 13.5V at his
LandCruisers rear bumper because of
voltage drop down the cable.
By the time hed run the charge back
the full length of cable from the hitch,
it was down to 12.9V at the batteries,
which is not enough to top up batteries
designed to be charged at 14.2V.
He tted a Redarc BC-DC 1220
charger which has done the job
excellently since. He chose this unit
because it doesnt have an inbuilt solar
regulator, as the Morningstar regulator
for the 300W roof-mounted solar was
doing an excellent job.
Terry improved the performance of his

fridge with large vents on the side and
above the compressor and condenser. He
also installed a large computer fan to blow
air across the compressor on hot days
and a programmable digital temperature
controller for $15.
The controller lets him set the fridges
hysteresis (the lag in its response to
changes in its environment) from 5C to
1C. Now, if the fridge is set to 4C, it will
switch the compressor on at 5C instead
of 9C (5 C higher) making it easier to
maintain the desired temperature.
To minimise power consumption
some fridges cut out when the ambient
temperature drops, as indicated on a
wall-mounted sensor, but if the weather
remains cool for a long period, freezer
temperatures can rise. Manufacturers
sell manually-operated kits to overcome
the issue, but Terry prefers his digital
controller, as its mounted inside the
cabinet rather than on the wall.
tradervs.com.au 105
FEATURE
INVERTER AND
SECOND FRIDGE
KEN AND
OLGA RUMBLE
Ken installed an Anderson plug on the

bulkhead behind the zip-open panels on
the campers drop wall, inside the tent.
This was connected to the batteries,
and gave him access for power to run a
600W inverter to run 240V appliances.
He also installed a 6mm cable
through to the rear of the camper so
he could power a new Merit plug for a
second (30L) Waeco fridge for a roundAustralia trip. Such ventures are best
assured by a second cooling system in
case of emergencies.
TOP UP SOLAR
en and Olga Rumble know 4WDing

they ran a 4WD training school for
many years and chose their camper
appropriately: a Challenge Outback,
which they purchased new in 2004.
We ordered it pretty much standard, Ken
explained, and it has performed brilliantly,
with next to no problems from day one.
That doesnt mean that Ken has left the
electrics alone, and as he went along, he
decided to upgrade the standard electrical
setup to keep up with his needs.
BATTERY
IN THE LOOP
When Ken tted the new batteries and the
DC-DC charger, they were wired on the
same circuit as the second battery under
the bonnet of his then-Prado diesel.
The DC-DC charger then started
shutting down the circuit, cutting off
supply to the second battery in the car. To
resolve it, Ken installed a circuit breaker
before the second car battery.
ANDERSON SOLUTION
A popular solution at the time was to
use a single pin in a seven-pin plug to
connect charge from the alternator to the
camper. But as his electrical demands
increased, Ken rewired the hitch point
with a separate circuit, connected
through a 50A Anderson plug.
Ken decided to run 120W of solar on his

Prados roof racks, where it can keep up
the charge in the cars second battery, a
110Ah deep-cycle, as well as be available
to the camper simply by plugging in to
the Anderson plug on the back of the
vehicle.
It charges through an MPPT regulator
and in a round-Australia trip sustained
all batteries, and a 50L Waeco fridge at
-8C.
POWER ON
The factory supplied setup included two
90Ah calcium batteries. But, as they
required more than 16V to fully charge,
they relied soley on an 8A charger. So he
had two 130Ah AGMs and a 10A Engel
DC-DC tted, and then later installed a
seven-stage Projecta 15A charger.
The original setup came with two

fuses and a digital voltmeter. For
security and scalability, Ken added
two more fuses, a 12V main safety
switches and a more efficient
voltmeter to ensure everything works
well now and into the future.
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THE FITZROY
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SOFT FLOOR
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Plenty of storage - 5 Sliding

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2 x 4kg gas bottles
ARGYLE EXPLORER
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SOFT FLOOR
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SIDE FOLD
HARD FLOOR
A prime piece of real estate on the

Wollondilly River.
TRAVEL
IDLE
WONDERS
WITH CANOEING, FISHING AND NO SHORTAGE OF SCENIC VISTAS,

WOLLONDILLY RIVER STATION FARM STAY WILL HAVE YOU
FLOATING ON YOUR VERY OWN CLOUD NINE.
WORDS MICHAEL BORG PICS MATT FEHLBERG
tradervs.com.au 109
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Crossing the

bridge at Goodmans Ford; Idyllic Wollondilly
River Station is an ideal retreat from the rat
race for a weekend; Serenity in the Southern
Highlands; Paddling gently down the stream.
FAST FACTS
> Wollondilly River Station is about
165km from Sydney via the Hume
Highway and Wombeyan Caves
Road.
> Camping fees are $15 per adult per
night and $5 per school-age child
per night; pets and children under
six are free.
> Visit www.wollondillyriverstation.
com for information and to place
a booking phone (02) 4888 9207
or for large bookings please fax
(02) 4888 9271. No email bookings
please.
here are two main things that I love

about camping adventure and pure
relaxation. And yep, you guessed it:
Wollondilly River Station, NSW, has got
both of these things in spades.
Now, this isnt exactly one of those iconic
places like the Cape or the High Country, its
more the type of spot where you can relax for
a few days before you have to drag your sorry
behind back to work, which is exactly what we
did. If youre Sydney-based, its the sort of place
you can visit to escape the rat-race for a quick
weekend getaway. In fact, even if youre from out
of town, its the perfect spot to check-in to for a
few days or more.
With a few days to spare and the weather
looking pretty good, we decided to make
the most of it and check out what Wollondilly
River Station and its surrounds had to offer,
and its pretty safe to say we had a bloody
awesome trip!
GETTING THERE
Youll nd Wollondilly River Station in the
beautiful Southern Highlands of New South
Wales. It lies around 50km west of Bowral
and Mittagong on Wombeyan Caves Road,
right on the Goodmans Ford on the Wollondilly
River. Its only three hours from Sydney or
two-and-a-half hours from Canberra, making
it the ideal weekend getaway.
If youre visiting from Sydney, take the
Mittagong turn-off on the M5 motorway, and

drive into Mittagong. In the town centre, at the
lights, take the right lane towards Berrima and
Wombeyan Caves (Hume Highway) and take
the right-hand turn on to Wombeyan Caves
Road about 5km up the road. Follow the road
TRAVEL
for another 45km until you hit the bridge at

Goodmans Ford and youve made it.
PRIME RIVERSIDE CAMPING

Theres not a camper alive who doesnt like
a relaxing campsite right next to the river. I
mean, there are some people that will choose

a hotel over a tent but Im talking about sane
people! So the hardest part about nabbing
yourself a prime piece of real estate here at
Wollondilly Station is choosing from all the
prime spots. If you cant tell by the photos, we
tradervs.com.au 111
got an absolute cracker! Now, I dont want to

tell you how to live your life, but if youve got
a hammock, this place is practically made for
it. The trees are spaced perfectly apart, the
breeze is smack bang on the money and the
serenity is simply superb.
KEEPING BUSY
If lazing around in a hammock for a few days
isnt your style, Im sure a leisurely paddle
downstream will do the trick. Nothing much
compares to canoeing in these parts, just ask
the dog; she likes it more than I do, I think.
Youll nd there are water dragon lizards all
over the place here, and they dont seem all
that afraid of people, so you can get nice and
close for a look. A variety of bird species y
up above and between the valleys. In fact, the
amount of wildlife around here makes it the
perfect place to try your hand at photography.
Goats are found everywhere around here,
including under the camper at one stage, the
cheeky buggers!
Theres a maze of walking tracks around,
and even a few spots to explore with the
4WD. Mountain bike riding is popular on
the property, and if you own a horse theyre
welcome to come along for the ride it
doesnt get any more pet-friendly than that!
WOLLONDILLY RIVER
A RIVER FULL OF FISH

www.hemamaps.com
The river is full of sh, but Im a pretty

hopeless sherman, to be totally honest,
which explains why I never caught anything
TRAVEL
during my stay. In fact, unlike a lot of fresh

water shing locations, the Wollondilly River
does not close for shing during the colder
months, so you can actually enjoy shing in
the river throughout the whole year.
What can you catch? Well theres plenty
of species to target, including trout, native
Macquarie perch, bass and fresh water catsh
in the river. But heres something you dont
hear every day; property owner Brian reckons
youll have a ball catching and eating carp!
Yep thats right. He reckons the carp put up a
great ght and, because they are being caught
from a fresh water running stream instead of
a muddy dam, they actually taste half decent.
Use worms or even corn as bait and you might
just be surprised.
WHATS AROUND
If youre after a good day trip, roughly 15km
down the road youll nd Wombeyan Caves.
This place is beautiful to visit during spring
when the owers are blooming, and theres a
bunch of walks like the Mares Forest Creek
Walking Track and Victoria Arch Walking
Track. The main attraction, of course, is the
Wombeyan Caves themselves. The limestone
caves of Wombeyan Karst Conservation
Reserve are between 400 and 430 million
years old and are a fascinating system to
explore. Theres even a guided discovery
tour, which is the perfect chance to learn the
history and geology of the caves.
Heres a fun fact for you in 1865,
Wombeyan became the rst area in Australia

to be reserved for the protection of caves and
there are still structures dating from the early
1900s in some caves.
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Taking a track

to adventure and pure relaxation; Fishing
for some absolute crackers; A dogs day
afternoon at Wollondilly; Stop... Hammock
time!
tradervs.com.au 113
TRAVEL
For a self-guided experience youll never

forget, Figtree Cave is regarded as one of the
best in New South Wales.
On the other side of the station, youre just
a hop, skip and a jump away from the Nattai
National Park, which offers plenty of things
to do. That includes the Wollondilly lookout,
which gazes out across the eucalypt forests,
sandstone cliffs and mountain ranges of Nattai
National Park.
SLICE OF PARADISE
If youre after a quick weekend escape that
offers true bush camping complete with your
own little slice of riverside perfection, youve
found it. Plus, if thats not enough to pack up
the camper and bring the family out camping,
the fact that you can even bring the dog along
should do the trick. You can let your pooch
relax around camp off-lead, providing hes
well behaved, that is.
Make sure you bring the canoe or at least
an old tyre tube to oat down the river in,
and dont forget the shing rod and tackle
either! I might not be able to catch a sh to
save my life but Im betting, with a bit of luck
and persistence, you could catch plenty of
absolute crackers in these parts!
FROM TOP: Nattai National Park is on the other side of the

station; A snapshot of the sensational scenery; Looking out
over Wollondilly.
Discover the
greater
ocean road.
South Australias Southern Ocean Drive is the idyllic way to slow
down and savour the very best life has to offer. Offering a rich
variety of experiences, youll nd yourself spoilt for choice with
wineries, breathtaking scenery and experiences there to be
discovered at every turn. Taste wines from Coonawarra to
McLaren Vale, marvel at the magical Blue Lake and World
Heritage Naracoorte Caves then hop across to Kangaroo Island
and indulge in their famed produce, pristine views and wildlife
experiences. You may even catch sight of a whale! Whether
by 4WD or the family car, the Southern Ocean Drive will take
you to a place that can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you
want it to be. Visit our website for more information and to see
where a South Australian road trip can take you.
C G P 20
roadtrips.southaustralia.com
Explore the
Bowman Scenic Drive,

Limestone Coast
kwp!SAT12053
The campsites have a clear view of

Rainbow Rock (Ewerre).
TRAVEL
POT OF
GOLD
MANS MAYHEM IS NO MATCH FOR THE MAJESTIC

EWERRE IN THE RAINBOW VALLEY CONSERVATION
RESERVE. WORDS AND PICS CHRIS WHITELAW
tradervs.com.au 117
ABOVE: Ewerre is a special place for the

Southern Arrente people. BELOW RIGHT: The
landscape is littered with enormous boulders.
FAST FACTS
> Rainbow Valley is 97km south of
Alice Springs. A 22km unsealed
road leads from the Stuart
Highway to the reserves carpark
and campsites. The road has
corrugations, sandy patches and
washouts and can close when wet.
> The reserve is accessible all year,
but the cooler months of April to
September are the most pleasant.
> Visit the Alice Springs Visitor
Information Centre at Corner of
Todd Mall and Parsons Street,
Alice Springs, NT and www.
discovercentralaustralia.com or
phone (08) 8952 5800 for more.
> Camper trailer camping is
accessible by 4WD only and
available next to the carpark for the
Ewerre viewing area and walking
tracks. First in best dressed. Fees
are payable on site. Visit www.
parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/parks/
nd/rainbowvalley for more.
fter almost a week in outback

South Australia we had really got
the taste for this spectacular inland
environment from the Gawler
Ranges and Lake Gairdner to The Breakaways
near Coober Pedy and The Painted Desert on
Arckaringa Station. We still had a few days to
kill and quite a way to go before we were due
to rendezvous with some 4WDing buddies in
Alice Springs, so we looked at our maps for a
likely waypoint for a bush camp.
From Arckaringa, there were two possible
routes that would both lead to some beauties
west to Oodnadatta then north through
Witjira National Park to Chambers Pillar;
or straight up the Stuart Highway with an
overnighter in Erldunda to Rainbow Valley.
It was a tough choice but, for reasons too
numerous to mention, the valley won out and
we are so glad it did.
The Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve,
97km south of Alice Springs, is renowned
for the spectacular coloured banding of
its sandstone cliffs and bluffs, part of the
James Range, and the massive, spired
outcrop known as Rainbow Rock (Ewerre)
that dominates the surrounding orange-red
landscape of sand dunes and claypans.
The valley lies in the traditional country
of the Southern Arrernte Aboriginal people
who know this place as Wurre, a bush tucker
dreaming site and an important place for
meeting and ceremony. Found throughout the

area, especially around the hills and ridges,
are artefacts of their ancient connection with
the country, in the form of rock engravings
(petroglyphs) and paintings, grinding stones
and stone tool chips.
Ewerre is a registered sacred site. The
signicance of the spread of black rocks at
the northern base of this rock formation is
not clear, but the traditional owners insist that
TRAVEL
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Ewerres

spires are a sight to behold; Sea heath grows
in profusion around the claypans; The access
road is only accessible by 4WDs.
these rocks should not be moved.

The park takes its European name from the
coloured rock bands in the sandstone cliffs
created when red and yellow iron oxides were
dissolved in ancient, wetter times and drawn
upwards through layers to the surface during
dry seasons. The minerals formed a dark red
iron crust with the softer yellow and white
substrata weathering more quickly into loose
sand. Erosion has also carved huge blocks
from these startling sandstone formations

leaving sheer faces, jagged crags and scree
slopes in hues of crimson, orange, cream and
bone white that fairly glow at dawn and dusk.
The camping area in the reserve lies at the
end of a 22km unsealed road recommended
for 4WD vehicles only. A large red sign near
its junction with the Stuart Highway warned
of loose surface, dust (and) corrugations
three features of outback travel with which we
had become only too familiar over the past
few weeks. Something we had not expected,
though, was the presence of hazard warning
signs that were themselves hazards. Not only
was the track surface rough, it was scarred
intermittently by washouts and deep gutters
to trap an unwary driver. At these places,
tradervs.com.au 119
RAINBOW VALLEY
hazard signs had been erected at or in the

obstacle, requiring evasive action as much
for the sign as for the hazard. At least the
navigator got to look beyond the road to enjoy
the slowly-passing scenery of coral pink sand
ridges clothed in spinifex, wattle and stands of
handsome desert oak.
SETTING UP CAMP
www.hemamaps.com
The overcast morning was fast clearing to a

brilliant blue day as we claimed our site at the
camp. In truth, it was little more than a large
space in the carpark but it was handy to the
amenities that included picnic shelters, gas
barbecues, re pits and ush toilets, and we
had the whole place to ourselves with a clear
view of Ewerre from our front door. As soon
as we had set up our Kimberley Karavan,
nicknamed Tikay, we set off along the walking
trails to explore the neighbourhood.
TRAVEL
In keeping with its status as a conservation

reserve, great pains had been taken (in the
form of cordoned bollards and rubber mat
footpaths) to protect the fragile environment
from unnecessary pedestrian trafc and to
promote the generation of a myriad plant
species. At rst sight, the scrubby vegetation
covering the dunes appeared bland and
nondescript, barely rising above head height.
However, as we strolled along the formed
pathways, we were astounded to nd scores
of wildowers and blooms of every colour
gracing the plants and shrubs. Later, we
rummaged through our onboard library for
a copy of Wildowers and Plants of Inland
Australia to identify this host of colourful
strangers with such odd names as hairy
goodenia, umbrella bush, rattlepod and foxtail.
We spent an enthralling hour or so
meandering through this desert wonderland
of sculpted cliffs and botanical gems before

returning to Tikay for a quiet lunch looking
across the claypan to Ewerre. Imagine our
horror when, on cresting the last dune above
the carpark, we found that the camping
area had been transformed in our absence
to a bustling depot of road plant, machinery
and tough-looking men in high-vis shirts. To
nd out what this mayhem meant for us, we
conversed (or, rather, shouted above the din
of graders and generators) with one of the
workers and learned that they were setting up
a base for roadworks which were starting in
two days and none too soon, judging by the
number of red hazard signs we encountered
on the way into the park.
The clamourous activity and attendant
clouds of dust (too much even for the
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Ewerre rises

majestically from the claypan;Rainbow Valley
Conservation Park is a worthy stopover off
the Stuart Highway; The walkways get you
close to the rock; The walking trails are paved
with rubber matting to reduce environmental
impact; Hazard signs on the road are a hazard
in themselves.
tradervs.com.au 121
TRAVEL
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The rock glows

in the late afternoon light; The reserve
was awash with colourful blooms such as
Newcastelia spodiotricha; Wildowers add
a colourful touch to the coral red dunes;
Sunrise over the camp at Rainbow Valley.
ies) abated in late afternoon, allowing us

the opportunity to climb back up to the
observation decks atop the sandy ridges
for a sunset spectacle to rival anything we
had seen at the Breakaways or Arckaringa.
Several other campers had arrived by then

and were also out and about enjoying the
sights and sounds of this now peaceful camp
in a multi-hued sea of light. That night the
Milky Way and all the constellations of the
southern sky sparkled overhead, lighting up
the landscape and adding an eerie glow to the
stunning rock formations around us.
Sadly, the trucks and workers returned
the next morning to create another seething
dust bowl of mechanised activity around
us. This, and a cool, overcast day, kept us
indoors for some R&R, while still enjoying our
uninterrupted panorama of Ewerre through
the window (we never tired of it). Clouds
prevented stargazing that night so we retired
early for a pre-dawn departure for Alice. As
we tootled back along the red sand road
toward the highway, keeping a wary eye out
for wildlife and hazard signs, we agreed that
not even the man-made irritations noisy but
necessary for a well-maintained park could
take the edge off our huge enjoyment of this
remarkable place a worthy waypoint to
break the long haul up the Stuart Highway.
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TOP END
TOUR
THE WHITELAWS TAKE IN THE TERRITORY TROPICS,

ROCKY OUTCROPS AND STATION COUNTRY ALONG
THE EASTERN END OF THE SAVANNAH WAY.
WORDS AND PICS CHRIS WHITELAW
TRAVEL
Bush camp on the banks of the

Towns River.
tradervs.com.au 125
FAST FACTS
> The Savannah Way crosses
1500km through the Northern
Territory, with more than 600km
on unsealed, 4WD-only roads.
> The best time to travel on the
Savannah Way in the Top End is
during the dry season from April to
October. Remote areas travellers
should be well-prepared and selfsufcient.
> More information at www.
parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au or
www.savannahway.com.au
> Reliable fuel supplies and caravan
and camping opportunities are
available at Timber Creek, Victoria
River, Katherine, Mataranka,
Roper Town, Cape Crawford and
Borroloola with bush camping
available at national parks and
selected stations
> We recommend Hemas Top End
and Gulf Regional Map and for a
detailed e-guide try Destination
Top End by Birgit Bradtke available
online for $27.
> Visit Parks and Wildlife
Commission of the Northern
Territory at www.parksandwildlife.
nt.gov.au; Tourism Top End at
www.tourismtopend.com.au
Katherine Visitor Information
Centre at www.visitkatherine.com.
au and the Savannah Way at www.
savannahway.com.au
> Visit www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/
roadreport for road conditions.
fter smoko beneath the paperbarks by

the Bar, we set off along the Nathan
River Road, which follows the south
bank of the Roper River, and soon
entered Limmen National Park (NP). The park
encloses 1.236 million hectares of some of
the most remarkable country in the Territorys
Top End. Eucalypts dominate the sparse,
tropical savannah landscape of woodland and
low quartzite ridges. During the dry season,
the network of shallow creeks that cross the
oodplains shrink to isolated billabongs and
lagoons. We diverted briey to one of these,
Lomarieum Lagoon, near the ruins of St Vidgeon
Homestead. This small paradise, with plentiful
birdlife and carpets of waterlilies, presented as
a beaut bush camp but it was still early in the
day and we decided to press on to Towns River,
further down the track.
Conveniently located about halfway between
Mataranka and Cape Crawford, the bush camp
beside the Towns River is a beautiful location
by any measure and a handy waypoint to break
the testing gravel road along this section of
the Savannah Way. The very popular camping
area is just south of the river crossing, on a
broad sandstone platform that drops several
metres sheer into a long stretch of water lined
with reeds and rushes. That evening, as the
sun dipped below the forest on the far bank,
we set up our camp chairs on the verandah
to watch a spectacular sunset so typical of

the Gulf Country. Next morning, a gentle
dawn light ltered through the mist to reveal a
mirror-smooth river and several fellow campers
making ready their tackle and tinnies for a day
of barra shing. After a last, lingering coffee
overlooking this tranquil tableau, we hit the road
for what turned out to be an action-packed day.
NATHAN RIVER ROAD TO LORELLA

SPRINGS
On leaving Towns River, the Nathan River Road
becomes rougher as it continues through
Limmen NP and leads to a host of opportunities
for bush camping, shing and sightseeing, all
within the span of about 100km Maria Lagoon,
Limmen River Fishing Camp, The Four Archers
(a spectacular rock formation) and Limmen
Bight River Crossing camping area.
A popular waypoint and camp is Buttery
Springs, a small oasis named for the masses of
common crow butteries that shelter from the
sun in the cool shade of a rocky outcrop to one
side of the billabong. The waterhole here is also
one of the few places where it is safe to swim
in the park but, this late in the season, it had
dwindled to a stagnant pool. Still, we had the
whole camping area to ourselves for morning tea
among the fern-leafed grevilleas before moving
on to the Southern Lost City.
Both the Southern and Western Lost City
TRAVEL
were created by the compaction of sediments in

a shallow sea 1500 million years ago. Tectonic
forces raised the sandstone plate out of the sea,
causing it to fracture, and over millions more
years weathering eroded the cracks and carved
out the chasms and deep-red sandstone pillars
we see today. We took the 2.5km walk from the
campground through the Southern Lost City and
marvelled at the forces of nature that wrought
such a spectacular landscape. The Western
Lost City is only accessible by 4WD vehicle and
a key from the Nathan River Ranger Station is
required to unlock the gate at the start of the
28km access track (it is recommended that you
call prior to your visit as the Ranger Station is not
always attended).
A little way beyond the Southern Lost City,
we turned off to Lorella Springs, a huge tract

of land one million acres that extends from
the Savannah Way 110km north-east to the
Gulf, where it occupies more than 100km of
coastline. It was once a cattle station, part of
the even more vast Nathan River pastoral lease
known as The Valley of Springs and rst settled
by John Costello in the 1880s. But, over the
years, adverse market conditions and the sheer
enormity of the stations hostile terrain made it
uneconomical to continue pastoral activities on a
major scale. Today, the Kingdom of Lorella offers
tourists a truly remote, wilderness experience
of 4WDing trails, birdwatching, bushwalking,
swimming and shing, mellowed by creature
comforts that include a natural thermal spring
pool, a licensed bar and restaurant, hot water
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The bush

bar during happy hour at Lorella Springs;
Spacious unpowered camping at Lorella
Springs; Wildre Gorge; A thermal pool in
Rosie Creek; The old road bridge across the
McArthur River.
tradervs.com.au 127
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Lost City

formations at Caranbirini Conservation
Park; The parks semi-permanent waterhole;
Heartbreak Hotel welcomes visitors to Cape
Crawford; Hells Gate Roadhouse was built to
educate wayfarers on pioneering spirit; Set up
at the McArthur River Holiday Park.
showers and safari-style accommodation for

those who dont bring their own. We spent
three days enjoying all of this and couldnt help
wondering about those parts of Lorella that,
even after so many decades of occupation,
remained unexplored wilderness.
CAPE CRAWFORD TO BORROLOOLA

A further 56km of rough track south of the
Lorella Springs turn-off brings the Nathan River
Road to a T-junction, from which a left turn
THE SAVANNAH WAY
www.hemamaps.com
leads to Borroloola (77km) and a right to Cape

Crawford (45km). We took the latter route out
of sheer curiosity to see a town with such a
name more than 100km from the ocean and,
of course, the fabled Heartbreak Hotel. In
deference to King Elvis, we played his song on
the car stereo, quite loudly in order to hear it
above the rumble and clatter of the Savannah
Way beneath us. The hotel was easily found on
main street Cape Crawford, at the junction of
the Tablelands and Carpentaria highways, and
was a real oasis, surrounded by lush gardens,
bougainvilleas and a shady expanse of actual
lawn. This friendly roadhouse offers fuel,
motel-style accommodation, a restaurant, bar,
beer garden with pool and a caravan park. The
town itself consists of little else so, after enjoying
the hotels hospitality, we hit the highway to
Borroloola the rst bitumen wed seen in more
than 400km.
About 65km along, we came to the Caranbirini
Conservation Reserve on the western extremity
of the Bukalara Range. Located within the
ecological transition zone between the tropical
north and drier inland, the 1200ha reserve
preserves a number of unique habitats, including
a sandstone escarpment, a semi-permanent
waterhole with surrounding riverine vegetation
and areas of open woodland. As the afternoon
was still young, we ventured into the reserve
along a couple of the formed walking trails a
short (150m) walk to a birdhide overlooking
the Caranbirini Waterhole, a 1km (return) track
to a lookout with spectacular views, and the
TRAVEL
Barrawulla Loop Walk (2km) through impressive

lost city sandstone formations that towered up
to 25m over the trail.
In the late afternoon, we arrived at Borroloola
on the McArthur River. Barely 50km from
the Gulf of Carpentaria, it is one of the most
remote towns in Australia and, for eastbound
travellers like us, it is the last place to prep and
provision before passing through Hells Gate to
Queenslands Gulf Country. With a population of
nearly 800, it is a thriving community dependent
largely on tourism and the provision of services
to local cattle stations and passing wayfarers.
At the turn of the century, Borroloola had a
erce reputation as a wild and lawless frontier
town of some disrepute, a magnet for criminals,
vagabonds and neer-do-wells. Today, however,
the town is renowned, domestically and internationally, as a mecca for shing enthusiasts
who come for the barramundi, mud crabs and
prawns in the shallow mangrove estuary of the

McArthur River and the pristine Gulf waters
of nearby King Ash Bay. Visitors also enjoy
the delightful Old Police Station Museum for
a fascinating glimpse into the towns colourful
past, and the Waralungka Arts Centre for a
display (and sales) of artwork by the many
renowned local artists.
WOLLOGORANG ROAD TO HELLS GATE

Having been stationed in Borroloola for three
days to do a few running repairs to our rigs
occasioned by the rigours of the Nathan
River Road, we geared up and set off along
the Savannah Way (Wollogorang Road) for
Hells Gate Roadhouse, 315km away to the
south-east. We had received mixed reports
about the quality of this track and we were
somewhat apprehensive about whether wed
get through unscathed. Friends of ours had
tradervs.com.au 129
TRAVEL
ABOVE: A time for reection on the verandah

watching a spectacular sunset over Towns
River. TOP: A natural boat ramp provides easy
access for shing on Towns River.
shredded two tyres when they travelled this road

a few weeks earlier. As it turned out, the road
had been recently graded for almost its entire
length and our fears went unrealised.
For the rst 100km or so, the road was
reasonably straight, running through densely
timbered plains and crossing several major rivers
owing to the Gulf the Wearyan, Foelsche,
Robinson and Calvert each providing a scenic
pause, to picnic or sh, in the long and dusty
journey. Along this stretch a couple of cattle
stations Seven Emu and Manangoora stations
offer remote bush camping and shing for selfsufcient 4WD travellers.
Beyond the Calvert River, the country
changed noticeably as it climbed a small range,

wound through Echo Gorge and some rocky
outcrops (containing Mastertons Cave and
Redbank Mine), then on to Wollogorang Station
at the border. Graders were busily at work on
the road around Wollogorang and there were
long stretches of fairly decent, if somewhat
dusty, track.
About 50km inside Queensland we arrived at
leafy Hells Gate Roadhouse, which is part of
the 1500sq km cattle property Cliffdale Station
between the spectacular eastern escarpment
of the Barkly Tablelands and the rugged
oodplains of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Hells
Gate refers to the small gap in the escarpment
through which the road passes 1km south of
the roadhouse, earning this sinister sobriquet
because of the perceived dangers posed
by hostile Aboriginal tribes to 19th century
European travellers.
The roadhouse was opened in 1986 to assist
travellers in remote north-west Queensland to
build a better understanding of the pioneering
spirit of the Australian bush. Sadly, the roadhouse
no longer offers full services to wayfarers;
camping (unpowered) is available with toilets and
showers, but meals and other accommodation
are no longer provided. Fuel is sometimes
available and you should phone ahead to check.
We were lucky and, with fuel tanks brimming, we
resumed our journey down the Savannah Way,
if only briey, toward the Aboriginal community
of Doomadgee. From there the Savannah Way
continues east to Burketown and, ultimately,
Cairns but we took a southbound fork across
Lawn Hill Station, towards Adels Grove and
another outback icon, Boodjamulla National
Park...but thats another story.
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View from Mt Rosea down to Lake Belleld.
TRAVEL
HIGHER
CALLING
TWO ADVENTURE-SEEKERS FORGO THE COMFORTS OF A
CAMPER TO DISCOVER THE GRAMPIANS ON FOOT ALONG
THE GRAMPIANS PEAKS TRAIL.
WORDS MADDISON CAPUANO PICS MOONIKA APART
tradervs.com.au 135
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The views

from the top of The Pinnacle are well worth
the hike; On the way up to the Pinnacle;
Madison and Moonika prepare to embark on
their adventure.
FAST FACTS
> Halls Gap is about 253km northwest of Melbourne and 72km
south of Horsham, Vic.
> Bugiga and Borough Huts
campsites must be booked
beforehand. Visit www.parks.vic.
gov.au or call 13 19 63 for more
information.
> All hikers must register at the
Brambuk Cultural Centre in Halls
Gap before commencing their hike.
> Campres are not permitted at
Bugiga campsite.
ou cannot really appreciate the vastness

of the Grampians National Park (NP) until
you lay eyes on it. Its simply immense. The
Grampians (or Gariwerd, as it is known by
the local Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung people)
consists of 167,219ha of rugged wilderness,
ridges and valleys, making any suggestion of
exploring the entire range sound impossible. That
is, until Parks Victoria set about redening the way
people experience this iconic mountain range by
launching the game-changing Grampians Peaks
Trail (GPT).
Earmarked as one of the Walk Victorias Icons
long distance trails which also includes the 37km
Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing and the 100km
Great Ocean Walk the GPT will eventually form
a 13 day/12 night adventure set to rival Tasmanias
famous Overland Track as Australias premier
multi-day walk.
The project requires the development of about
80km of new trails and the upgrade of 65km of
existing trails. When completed, the 144km trail will
span the length of the Grampians from Mt Zero
to Mount Abrupt in the south to link many of its
most dramatic peaks, waterfalls and vistas.
Completion of the trail is slated for some time
in the next ve years but, in May 2015, the rst
section of the trail was ofcially opened to the
public, offering a three day/two night circuit
departing from Halls Gap and covering a total
of 36km.
My motivation for tackling this GPT tasting platter
came about when my friend Moonika, an Estonian,
decided she wanted to soak up as many authentic
Australian experiences as she could before leaving
the country and what is more quintessentially
Aussie than a few days spent bushwalking and
camping in a national park?
However, deciding to do something is a lot easier
than actually doing it, and Ill admit, neither of us
had much in the way of self-sufcient camping
experience (and by not much, I mean none
whatsoever). Therefore, we had to embark on a
very steep learning curve, lest we nd ourselves
the punchline of some poor joke beginning, An
Aussie and an Estonian walk into the bush
The biggest challenge for us even more so
than the physical challenge the hike presented
or the foreign territory of using a camp stove
was guring out what to pack. In all my previous
camping experiences, Id been accompanied by at
least car and, at times, even a caravan, meaning
few things were off limits. The difference with the
GPT is that you need to carry everything you pack.
That means Eskys full of cold beers, comfy camp
chairs and any other relics of luxury will need to be
left at home.
Its not that these items are prohibited if
youre willing to carry it, technically, you can take
anything its just that the possession of certain
TRAVEL
items invites ridicule, as I learnt the hard way

when Moonika caught me stufng a pillow into
my backpack. Why on earth would you pack a
pillow? she asked incredulously.
I want to ensure I get a good nights sleep, I
responded. Her look of contempt was enough to
make me very sheepishly remove the pillow from
my bag and place it back in the car, alongside a
range of apparently unnecessary toiletries and a
pair of pyjamas that had Mon shaking her head.
And good thing I did, too, because, as it turns
out, a rolled up jacket works just as well as a pillow,
and my bag was more than heavy enough with 6L
of water in it.
So, nally, packed, ready, and with Moonika
assured that I wasnt going to embarrass her
again, we jumped in the car and drove to the
GPTs designated starting point: the tennis courts
on School Road, Halls Gap.
DAY ONE
The walk began under a bushland canopy,
snaking past the Venus Baths and on towards the

popular Pinnacle Lookout. The incline may have
been gentle in these early stages, but after only
half an hour we were already pufng and panting,
throwing each other suspicious sideways glances
trying to remember whose idea this was.
However, our exhaustion soon took a backseat
to our awe of the stunning scenery that emerged
from around every corner and, by the time we
began our ascent of the Pinnacle, we were feeling
a fresh wave of energy (this may have also been a
result of us madly chugging water in order to make
our bags that little bit lighter)
The climb up to the Pinnacle began, for us, near
the Wonderland car park, with the roughly 2.3km
hike highlighting some truly photogenic terrain and
taking us through the incredible rocky corridor
known as Silent Street. Ordinarily, hikers also
have the opportunity to walk through the Grand
Canyon, which boasts some striking ancient rock
formations, but, alas, the path was closed for
restoration works while we were there and we were
tradervs.com.au 137
forced to take a slight detour.

As physically taxing as the walk up to the
Pinnacle was, the payoff was more than worth it.
The lookout which is immensely popular with
day-walkers offers sweeping views over Halls
Gap and Lake Belleld, with farmland stretching
off into the distance. Being a Sunday, the area
was buzzing with people and sele sticks, but we
were still able to nd a quiet spot along the rocky
outcrops to enjoy the view while we dug into our
picnic lunch.
An hour later, we decided it was probably time
to get moving again, so we begrudgingly pulled
our packs back on and started the walk down the
other side of the ridge. This is when we discovered
walking downhill can be just as difcult as going
up but, with shaking legs, we made it through both
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The

impressive Lake Belleld can be seen on the
nal leg of the walk back to Halls Gap; View
from Bugiga campground; A narrow squeeze
on the way to the Pinnacle; Boardwalks and
tent platforms at Bugiga campground aim to
reduce impact on the environment; Bugiga is
a dedicated hike-in campground.
DAY TWO
GRAMPIANS PEAKS TRAIL
www.hemamaps.com
rocky and forested terrain to the Sundial car park,

and within a half hour we were at Bugiga campsite.
Built exclusively for use by GPT hikers, the
Bugiga hiker camp is certainly unlike any camping
ground Ive ever seen. The campsite consists of
12 raised camping platforms, each 4m in diameter
and equipped to accommodate a 2-3 person
hiking tent (though there is a strict maximum of two
people allowed at each site). A sturdy wire runs the
circumference of each platform for securing ropes,
and all sites are unpowered.
Each platform is connected by a raised wooden
walkway, which also leads to the communal
undercover area and two non-ush toilets. The
campground is designed to minimise impact on
the environment and, while you have to be a bit
more wary of splinters than you would at a regular
campsite, the views of Mt William cant be beaten.
The second day was dominated by the ascent

of Mt Rosea. It was on this mountain that we
encountered the most exciting obstacles of the
journey, with the maze of sandstone outcrops
seeing us climbing over and under boulders,
and negotiating our way through slim passages
that could barely accommodate us, let along our
colossal backpacks. On more than one occasion,
we found ourselves having to backtrack after
evidently taking a wrong turn somewhere, and
searching the windswept terraces for the GPTs
strategically placed little yellow markers our
saving grace.
Once again, the effort of the climb was worth
the reward, with the summit of Mt Rosea offering
amazing 360 views over the Serra and Mt
William ranges. The walk itself is a showbag of
breathtaking sights, and with many of the most
amazing vistas emerging behind you, be sure to
look over your shoulder once in a while.
TRAVEL
After a leisurely refuel at the top, we were back

on the trail, making our way slowly but surely
through rocky outcrops and forested gullies to our
second campsite at Borough Huts.
Unlike Bugiga, Borough Huts is a general access
campground and, in fact, is only a temporary
arrangement until the second dedicated hike-in
campsite is constructed. There was a bit more
activity at this site than our last, with a number of
motorhomes pulling in throughout the evening.
Towards dusk, one of our neighbours lit a campre,
which Moonika and I gathered around while
watching the local kangaroos come out and say
hello. So far, so quintessentially Australian.
DAY THREE
Borough Huts is the ofcial end of this GPT preview
walk, but you still need to make your way back to
Halls Gap. If it gets to day three, and, like me, it has
become apparent you made a very poor choice in
regards to footwear, you can actually skip this nal
leg by organising other transport back to town.
However, if you have a hiking buddy like
Moonika and can be persuaded to walk through
the pain, the trail back does allow a close up of
picturesque Lake Belleld. From here, the track
tradervs.com.au 139
TRAVEL
PACKING FOR A HIKE:

WHAT I LEARNED
As I mentioned, Im a bit of a rookie when it comes
to self-sufcient camping, and Ill admit, the pillow
asco wasnt my only faux-pas. With the beauty of
hindsight, Ive identied many items I could have
done without, and a few I denitely missed.
TOP:4HECLIMBUP-T2OSEAISONEOFTHE
most challenging parts of the trail.
ABOVE: Quintessential Aussie bush scenery.
joins an unsealed road, and though the scenery is

fairly unchanging from here on out (and the path
ridiculously steep at times), if you power through,
you can be back in town and on your way to a
shower in just four hours. Trust me, youll be in
decent need of one by this point.
So that was that. Moonika and I had survived
our rst Aussie multi-day hike, and were rewarded
with some of the best scenery Victoria has to
offer. Whether we would have been able to make
it through the additional 11 days of the completed
GPT remains to be seen, but well be sure to give it
our best shot when it gets completed. Sans pillow,
of course.
Things I wish Id packed:

s 7ATER PURIlCATION TABLETS 4HERE IS UNTREATED
water at all campsites, so this is a much smarter
option to carrying all your water on your back.
s ! CAMPING LANTERN ) ONLY PACKED A HEAD TORCH
which didnt really allow for card games to
continue after night fell. Sunset pretty much
became bedtime.
s 3LIP ON SANDALS !FTER A LONG DAY HIKING )
denitely wish Id had a second pair of shoes to
wear around the campsite.
s ! HAT ) KNOW ) KNOW THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A
NO BRAINER 4HE SUNBURN WAS EPIC
Things I wish Id left at home:
s -Y RUNNERS (IKING BOOTS WOULD HAVE BEEN A
much better idea, not only for the ankle support
but overall comfort.
s #OTTON T SHIRTS -OONIKA HAD THE RIGHT IDEA WITH
tops made of a synthetic breathable material. Lets
just say I was less comfortable.
s ! COMPASS h"RING A COMPASSv THEY SAID h9OULL
NEED ITv THEY SAID ) DIDNT
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Bright Ideas
TRIED TIPS FROM TRUE CAMPERS.
HAND WASH STATION

Ray Pridham from Richmond, NSW, built
this neat little hand wash station next to
his kitchen from a 10mm piece of bar
tube that he moulded to t a plastic tub.
The bar slots into a hole at the rear of
the mudguard and in another on a tab
riveted to the campers side. The water
comes via a hose connected to the hand
pump located nearby.
CTA
WINNER
BONUS BENCH
Peter Browne from Cromer, NSW, made
an extra benchtop using a sheet of 2mm
aluminium, which sits on two brackets he
had folded from 10mm aluminium bar.
The setup rests on four hooks made
from offcuts of the 10mm aluminium bar
and rests on the drawbar, above one of
the jerry cans during transit.
BIKE AND KAYAK CARRIER MOUNT

SHOE TIDY
John and Penny Heath from Brisbane, Qld,
purchased a 16-pocket panel for their shoes,
to save them from cluttering up the oor. The
couple place one half of the panel on each
side of their lift-up bed base leaving John and
Penny with enough room to each store eight
pairs of shoes.
Colin and Sharon Tidey from Denman, NSW,

made a rack receiver for tting a kayak rack
or bike racks on their camper trailer.
Colin welded a piece of 60x4mm tube to
two 5mm plates, with the front one cut to t
the spare wheel mount. The assembly slots
under the campers bumber bar while two
bolts at the top clamp it in place.
LOW PROFILE SOLAR PANEL

Ray Pridham from Richmond, NSW,
lowered the prole of his solar panel by
removing the surrounding aluminium
frame and replacing it with pinchweld
rubber and Velcro.
Although this removed the air space
from under the panel, which was a
component of the design, Ray reckons
it still works just ne.
BRIGHT IDEAS
DIY SUNROOM
Nigel Welsh from Hornsby, NSW, made
window panels from reinforced plastic
he purchased at Clark Rubber, so that he
could turn the area under his awning into a
sunroom on brisk and bright autumn days.
The front facing window panel zips into
the bottom of the awning, and is held in
place with webbing straps and plastic
clips that hook onto the pegs.
The end wall comprises three panels
joined with webbing strips that anchor it
into the ground.
WIN WITH TOPARGEE
WHITE BOARD SEAL

STOP GAP
Scott Heiman from Canberra, ACT,
uses a rubber chair tip to prevent
dust from entering the gravity fed
tap on his camper trailer, protecting
his water supply out on the road.
Doug and Jenny Peisley from Dubbo, NSW, slip

Perspex behind the end of their bed to seal their
camper trailer at camp.
The sheet slots into place once the kitchen
slide is fully extended to keep their berth nice
and cosy during those chilly Outback nights.
Weekender
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tradervs.com.au 145
The last site standing

DAVID COOK FEELS THE LASH OF POOR PLANNING DURING THE PEAK SEASON RUSH.
For the most part, this plan actually worked

o you remember a time when
much to my amazement in spite of it being
camping was easy? When you
peak holiday season along this resort coast,
simply poured the contents of your
and any doubts in our ability to nd places
drawers over a faded tent and
to stay for the night were all but dissolved by
packed some tinned beans into the boot of
the time we pulled into Lakes Entrance on
an old FJ, bound for new horizons, free of the
Victorias south-east coast.
hassles of the modern-day world? I do. Even
Now, this may have been peak season
with the modern spoils of the two-tonnes
in the middle of summer but, from Eden
towing behind, my heart yearns for those
on the south coast of New South
footloose and fanciful days.
Wales onwards, it had been
It was in this spirt that my
somewhat damp. The skies
wife and I made our way to
were leaden, frequently
Melbourne, Vic. We had
dropping anything from a
turned our backs on the
misty shower to torrential rain,
expedient Hume, with its
and each mornings pack-up
divided roadway and multiple
of the camper had been a wet
lanes that promised same-day
WORDS AND PICS
one. But with judicious use of
passage from Sydney to
DAVID COOK
canvas awnings and good luck
Melbourne, to take in the scenery
with striking drier weather at crucial
of the coastal route.
stages, wed stayed mostly dry and safe
We left on New Years Day with a view
as houses in our cosy canvas abode. Our
to arriving on January 6 yet, frankly, we
smugness was palpable; we were clearly pros
had no idea where wed fetch up on any
at this camping business.
night in between. We werent in a hurry
Then we got to Lakes Entrance. Hopes of
and thought wed simply take pot luck with
nding a free camp anywhere around this
accommodation along the way, pulling in for
holiday hot spot dwindled fast and we were
the night wherever we could nd a slot.
resigned to rocking it with rest of the tourists

at a caravan park. It was late afternoon and
we were ready to stop, but every campground
and van park we drove past had a no
vacancies sign out the front drat, wed been
out-manoeuvred by the masses. We werent
seeing this place in the best of circumstances,
but it certainly appeared to be popular with
the locals.
Finally, we came upon a caravan park that
didnt have a full-house sign out the front,
so we swung in and hoped for the best. The
ofce was shut with a small sign inside the
glass door saying back in ve minutes, so
we sat and waited. After a while, a rather
harassed gentleman in a battered vehicle
drove past and swung around the side of the
ofce and, with a jingle of the keys, he was
there opening the door. My wife dashed out of
the car door, and with all the spills and thrills of
a race-walking event, she cut ahead of a pack
and into the ofce, to be told there was one
vacant position.
Well take it, she shot, running rough-shod
of the opposition scrum arriving at the door.
Maybe you should go and take a look rst?
I did send another gentleman there a little
BULLDUST
while ago, erred the manager. He drove down to
take a look but instantly turned around and drove
straight out.
I dont care, well take it, my wife said, plonking
her credit card on the bench.
There was a schoolyard hiss. Apparently the
others were after a spot for a friend who had been
sheltering from the rain in one of their caravans
while the ofce was unattended, and now there
was going to be nowhere (else) for their blow-in
to spend the night. Diving her head into a wad
of local tourist leaets while the paperwork was
completed, she then slipped out the door to leave
the manager to deal with the disgruntled tumult.
TO THE VICTOR COME THE SPOILS

The allocated spot provided was a salubrious gap
alongside the parks work shed. You wouldnt
have squeezed a caravan of any description in
there, as the back third of it was taken up by a
pile of dirt, rocks and ferroconcrete bricks as well
as a rusted out old-box trailer, a piece of fencing
and general caravan park clutter. Alongside was a
rather stylish 40- or 50-year-old Massey Ferguson
tractor, nesting beneath a galvanised steel lean-to.
It was all very classy.
Getting our camper into this spot involved
asking a neighbouring park resident move his car:
Youyoure not going to camp there? he asked
in amazement.
But we did, demonstrating our driving prowess
as we reversed into the space between the Jayco
and the farm implement.
Our guy ropes were over the boundary into the
Jayco owners space, but our neighbour kindly
turned a blind eye, saving us the indignity of a
demarcation dispute.
It was cramped and awkward. Any attempt to
walk down the kitchen side of our camper outside
the awning involved a frantic hurdle over ropes
and power leads, with the other side provided a
sweeping panoramic across the old Massey to the
cladding on the work shed. As a break from this,
we could amble to the back and take in the iron
oxide of the box trailer relics and its load of wet
sand as well as the lofty peaks of dirt decorated
with concrete, old carpet and other rubbish and
through the wire mesh fence to the passing trafc.
Out front was the enticing glamour of a
permanent caravan and its bro attachment.
Having settled into our accommodation, we
headed up the road to a local club, where we
stood in line to book a table before cooling our
heels at the pokies for half an hour until it was
ready and then queued at the bar to order our
food. We then paid Michelin-star prices for our
club-style drinks and meals, shouted across the
table above the din of our hundreds of fellow
patrons and wandered back in the misty rain of
early evening.
I know remember why I usually stay rmly at
home during school or other holidays. But we
were off the road and enjoying the delights of

Lakes Entrance. And I suppose Ive camped in
worse places in fact, I know I have but, in this
instance, I was deprived of the right to complain
because it was all my own fault. Besides, we were
there for just one night.
If Id done some pre-planning, we probably
could have found something more in the traditional
line of camp spots you know, water views,
roomy access, a nice shady tree, a short walk to
the beach, local facilities at a more reasonable
price but taking pot luck gave us no options.
I cant say Im in any rush to holiday in peak
season again, but if I do, hopefully Ive learned my
lesson.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Not booking

ahead left the Cooks squeezed in beside the
van parks work shed; A rusty old box trailer
also resided on the site; A vintage Massey
Ferguson tractor was their closest neighbour.
tradervs.com.au 147
NO FIXED ADDRESS
LEFT: The Victorian High Country scenery takes some
beating. BOTTOM: Youll be hard-pressed to nd tougher
4WD tracks anywhere in the country.
If youre thinking,
But if we go to
bloody Victoria,
itll all be over in a
day or two, youre
wrong
The high life

RON MOON HELPS HEMA MAPS NAVIGATE
AUSTRALIAS TOUGHEST TERRAIN.
or the last few months, we have

been criss-crossing the Victorian
High Country, taking on some of
the most challenging and enjoyable
4WD tracks in the country.
I know that may sound like a big call, but
Ill go one step further! The Victorian High
Country offers the touring 4WDer not only
the most challenging tracks, consistently
one after the other, but also some of
the best scenery on the continent, with
idyllic campsites on fast-owing streams,
meandering rivers or high on some
ridgeline overlooking the spine of the
Great Dividing Range.
Yeah, yeah, I know! Theres great
scenery in the Pilbara, and one or two
tough tracks in the Kimberley, Cape York,
or inland from Coffs Harbour, and so on.
And while the feeling of driving that great
sweep of beach along the Pacic coast of
Fraser Island, around the Great Australian
Bight, or on the west coast of Tassie is
unforgettable, I gotta tell ya, the High
Country between Manseld and Orbost
is a totally different ballgame and takes a
whole lot of beating.
If youre thinking, But if we go to bloody
Victoria, itll all be over in a day or two,
youre wrong! You can drive into the
mountains at Manseld or near King Lake,
just outside Melbourne, tackle a hard track
each and every day, camp on some magic
river every night and not the cross the
WORDS AND PICS

RON AND
VIV MOON
border into New South Wales or pop out

on to the coast until Mallacoota or places
further east, for two weeks or more.
Believe me, we know. Ive been
wandering the mountains since the 1970s
but, in recent months, we have gorged
ourselves on every major track, taken
every well-known high-prole 4WD route,
along with some not-so-well-known
vehicle paths, and havent doubled up on
any of them. Ive still got 10-14 days of
driving in front of me and Im almost numb
my senses have been over-awed by
the country, the tracks and the camping

and Im lost for words for describing
the places, the challenges and the
experiences.
While you can haul a camper trailer from
one end of the High Country to the other,
there are a few tracks Id stay away from;
a good spot to start would be with any
that are rated as a single black diamond
or a double black diamond by Four Wheel
Drive Victoria (www.fwdvictoria.org.au).
NEW DIRECTIONS
These recent forays into the mountains
have been for Hema Maps for its latest
map on the High Country, its guidebook
of the same area and the Hema Explorer
Cloud. Now, I can get my head around
maps and guidebooks but this cloud thing
is still something new for this old dog so Ill
do my best to explain it. I electronically log
a track, include a few pics, it then goes off
into the ether and, after head ofce has
tidied up the photo captions and deleted
the superuous waypoints, it is ready to
be downloaded to your mobile device
(cloud.hemaexplorer.com.au). Anyone
can add to the cloud. You can check it
out and, if you like it, follow the route on
your tablet and/or share it with a friend.
The important thing is to get out there
and enjoy what the country, and this new
technology can really help you make the
most of it.
In the meantime, weve got a few more
tracks to drive in some of the best country
in Australia. Before you challenge my
assertions, give the Victorian High Country
a try for a few weeks; you wont be
disappointed!
VISTA RV
CROSSOVER
Because the fun starts

where the bitumen stops...
4/23 Jersey Rd. Bayswater Victoria 3153

Phone: 03 9729 1234 Fax: 03 9720 9200 Email: enquiries@vistarv.com.au
www.vistarv.com.au
SHELL BE RIGHT
LEFT: Those who cant tie knots, tie lots.
BELOW: Securing your camper, as well as the load on your
vehicles roof, is imperitive for safety.
Loaded gun
WORDS AND PICS

KATH HEIMAN
DO WE LACK THE FUNDAMENTAL KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HOW TO

SAFELY SECURE OUR GEAR IN TRANSIT?
hen we head out on the road,

we need to ensure our loads are
properly restrained, whether its
securing a jerry can, latching the
pop-top on your camper when the hinges fail
or loading a kayak. If we dont, we can face
heavy nes. Worse still, we can potentially
cause serious injury to ourselves or to those
around us. While statistics are hard to come
by, Vic Roads indicates that, in Victoria, more
than 50 cars are hit by items falling off trailers
or trucks per annum and the WA Main Roads
Department tells us that incidents of this type
are a major contributor to serious crashes.
So its a wonder why many of us spend so
little time learning how to properly tie down
our loads.
Traditionally, securing loads has involved
lashing them down with ropes and a
combination of knots such as the clove
hitch. Well, I dont know about you, but I
havent had specic training in knot-tying
since I learnt how to tie my shoelaces as a
ve-year-old. My only other related training
was 20 years ago on a team building course
where our Navy colleague taught us all how
to splice ropes in our down time. It struck me
at the time as one of the simplest yet most
useful things Id learned for ages.
For many of us, the challenge of tying a
good load-bearing knot has been mitigated
by the availability of ratchet and other
variations of tie-down webbing straps. These
have removed a lot of guesswork. Theyre
also far more effective than ropes. After all,
while a rope might feel tight, the tension

achievable in a webbing strap is generally
about ve to 10 times greater. And theyre
much easier to re-tension after a load settles
and the tie-downs inevitably slacken.
In my student years, I used a simple pair
of tie-downs to transport a small kayak on
the roof of my Volkswagen Beetle. With
these at hand, securing the load to the roof
racks was pretty simple. My main worry was
that the thumb-screws securing the $100
one size ts most roof racks to the cars
curved roof gutter would one day loosen
causing the racks (with the kayak rmly
attached) to slide off the roof and crash on
to the road.
Happily that never occurred. But, on
reection, Im not sure my efforts at

load restraint would have complied with
national best practice standards.
The Load Restraint Guide published
by the National Transport Commission
and NSW Roads & Trafc Authority is
well worth reading (www.ntc.gov.au/
heavy-vehicles/safety/loadrestraint-guide). This straightforward handbook talks about
the principles of load restraint,
positioning of loads and includes
useful stats and facts to illustrate
what needs to be achieved. Its clear
from this publication that load safety
doesnt mean chucking a cargo net over
a load and thinking were done. Equally
as important as securing the load is
making sure that it cant shift in a way
that will make the vehicle unstable or
unsafe. After all, its pretty clear that the
laws of physics wont be our friend if we
brake heavily or take a bend too tightly
with a badly tied-down load.
Theres an old saying in the Army,
Those who cant tie knots tie lots. And
as I watch my ve-year-old attempt to
tie her own shoe laces, the tendency to
tie lots looks like a fundamental human
compulsion among knot-tying amateurs.
While ratchet tie downs may be used
for many purposes, theyre not always
suitable and when were on the road we
cant always guarantee the availability
of webbing straps. At these times, the
necessity to pull off a good truckies
hitch shouldnt be underestimated.
OFFROAD
D
OF THE YEAR
2013
WINNER
PRESENTED TO
Over $45k
CAMPER
R
OF THE YEAR
Aussie Swag
Ultra D
WINNER
Aussie
Swag
Ultra D
www.aussieswag.com.au
Factory/Showroom
Corner Moonbi & Deakin Sts
Brendale (Brisbane) QLD
(07) 3881 1903
ON THE ROAD
On the road: Tom and

Sharon McGaron
THESE TWO STATE CHAMPIONS ARE JUST HAPPY TO
ENJOY THE SPOILS ON OFFER IN THEIR OWN BACKYARD.
e all know that a trip to a caravan

McGarons set off to catch up with friends.
and camping show is a risky
While theyre loving the freedom the Jayco
business. Theres always so much
Flamingo offers, the McGarons arent yet
on offer that its difcult to keep your
entirely committed to a camper trailer for
wallet rmly in your pocket. For Tom
life. A lot of their friends have caravans
and Sharon McGaron, their visit
and, after the next couple of trips,
to an outdoors exhibition two
theyll evaluate whether theyll stay
years ago marked the start of
with their Flamingo or move to a
a lifestyle change when they
caravan themselves. While they
browsed the Jayco stand.
know the 15 minute setup time
We simply walked into the
for the Jayco is pretty short,
Flamingo and, wow, we loved
their friends are still kicking back
WORDS AND PICS
it! Tom said.
at the end of the day before they
SCOTT HEIMAN
The key for the McGarons was
are! Still, the Flamingo has some
the openness of the Jaycos design
benets which their friends cant
and its affordability. Other campers
match with their bigger rigs. Not least of
within their price range seemed too small.
which is the weight of their Flamingo camper
The Flamingo offered the pair a big living
trailer. Their camper roof is also tted with a
space with all the back to nature benets
rack that allows the McGarons to carry items
of camping, but with the protection from the
that their caravanning friends cant. Tom and
elements that comes with a camper trailer.
Sharon also commented on the manoeuvrabilTheres plenty of air; it feels like a tent with
ity and the ease with which they can tow and
so much more comfort! Sharon said.
park their Jayco.
Since buying their camper, the McGarons
Whichever decision they make, this couple
have been taking as many opportunities
is destined to be overlanders for a long time to
as they can to travel South Australia during
come. We love meeting new people, exploring
the warmer months. When we met them,
our state and being free, Tom said.
Tom and Sharon were comfortably set up at
Its the opportunity to just go where they
Second Valley, a great tiny seaside town on
want to go, whenever they want, that really
the Fleurieu Peninsula. We parted ways as the
appeals to them.
WHO ARE THEY?

Names: Tom and Sharon
McGaron
Home: St Agnes, SA
Home on the road: Jayco
Flamingo
Camper mods: Roof racks,
barbecue, bed-end ies and a bag
for the annexe and walls
Tow vehicle: Ford Territory TS
turbodiesel
Vehicle mods: Nil. This has all
we need, Sharon said.
Favourite destination: Renmark,
SA, and Point Fairy, Vic
Scariest moment: We
experienced very strong winds
and rain at Sellecks Beach. Our
annexe was torn off despite
having ve tie-down straps and
we thought the camper was
going to roll over. It held up well,
though, and Jayco replaced the
damaged annexe and ttings for
free, Tom said.
Lessons learned: Tom and
Sharon are still trying to perfect
their way of erecting the camper
and are taking their time with it.
They are also learning the value of
knowing what to take and what to
leave behind.
As new campers, we do this
by watching other campers and
what they do.
And we agree with the
McGarons theres always a lot
to be learned from those camping
around us.
turu.com.au/explorensw
TO RECEIVE A
VISIT: TURU.COM/EXPLORENSW
Now is a great time to book your next holiday in NSW. From tents to cabins,
caravans to motorhomes, whatever your style or budget there is an adventure
just round the corner. Recharge, reconnect and explore on a caravan and
camping holiday in NSW.
*Visit website for full terms and conditions. Promotion closes 25/03/2016
CTG-FP-5016473-CS
Visit turu.com.au/explorensw for your free $50 voucher* to holiday parks

in New South Wales.
A welcome change
WORDS AND PICS
MACCA
MACCA GAINS A LOCALS PERSPECTIVE ON THE TROPICAL NORTH

QUEENSLAND SUMMER AND HOW IT INFLUENCES THE CUISINE.
here are a couple of things you can

do when its wet in Tropical North
Queensland in summer. You can sit
by the pool in some cushy coastal
resort, sipping on your uffy duck and
deny theres another world besides the one
you currently occupy, or you can immerse
yourself in the one we know and visit during
the winter, just over the ranges and inland
from the coastal fringes.
It was my desire to once again experience
a wet season but, more importantly, it was
the opportunity to work in Normanton for
a month that took me back over the range
past the Atherton Tablelands and across
the Savannah Way to one of the gulfs most
iconic, yet frequently missed, towns.
While on the coastal fringe between
Bundy and Cairns before heading
north-west, I was struck by the humidity
and frequent summer storms. Im a
southerner by birth and, until recently, it
was my permanent home, so I presumed
that the summer up north was best left
to northerners who had adapted to the
dampness that is a characteristic of living in
tropical northern Australia.

But since acclimatising to the weather on
the coast, my reaction to the inland northern
summer had changed. The weather felt the
same, the towns were the same and the
meals in the pubs tasted the same. In fact, it
felt as though nothing had changed, except
there were no tourists.
The hospitality was no different, but you
didnt have to line up for a beer, every tent
and caravan site was available no camping
next to the crapper or the TV room. The
tours were the same, but you werent ghting
with a hundred other people.
In fact, Im struggling to nd a downside. I
really am.
Well, of course, not all of the tourist
attractions are open and the local pub might
shut between 1pm and 4pm during the wet
because its siesta time but, really, I cant nd
a genuine downside.
I sat at the Sunset Tavern in Karumba one
Sunday afternoon in late January sipping a
cool ale, watching nature deliver its full range
of weathery delights over the gulf seas, as
huge thunder clouds rising thousands of
metres into the air, lit by a tropical sun, stuck

electrical chaos on to the earth beneath.
The bar could have easily accommodated
two to three hundred people and I was there
with four locals. It was bliss.
Quick and simple is how I kept meal
time in TNQ and stir fries occupied my
thoughts quite a bit, along with my poor and
misunderstood mate broccoli. I suppose
it had a bit to do with the Asian inuence
throughout the tropical north. Places like
Croydon, Georgetown and around Mount
Garnet were home to Chinese market
gardeners who supplied the thousands of
prospectors way back when.
When it came time for dessert, the sweet
delight Ive described below was made all
the sweeter by the addition of ice cream.
Enjoy these simple, summery stir fries
and watch the waistline with the banana
spring rolls.
BROCCOLINI AND BEEF NOODLES
cup dark soy sauce

cup honey
1 lime, juiced
CAMP COOKING
1 tsp crushed garlic
1 tbsp ginger
1 tbsp cornour
1 tbsp sesame oil
400g blade steak, sliced
2 cups of broccolini, sliced
450g noodles. The pre-cooked type is ne
In a bowl add the soy, honey, lime, garlic, ginger
and cornour and mix until combined. Set aside.
Add the sesame oil to a hot frying pan and
brown the beef. Add the broccolini and a cup
of water to help steam. Add the noodles and
stir well. Place a lid on the pan and steam for a
minute or so.
Add the marinade mixture and stir through the
pan for a couple of minutes until combined with all
of the ingredients.
Serve immediately.
THAI STICKY MINCE AND BROCCOLINI
4 cloves garlic, nely chopped

1 knob ginger, julienned
1 tbsp minced chilli
300g lean beef mince
1 tbsp sh sauce
2 tbsp kecap manis
1 cup sliced broccolini
1 cup cabbage, shredded
1 cup capsicum, sliced
lime, juiced
bunch Thai basil, for garnish
Rice to serve
Heat some sunower oil in a wok or large fry pan
over high heat and swirl to coat.
Add ginger, garlic and chilli and stir quickly for
5-10 seconds. Add the beef mince. And stir till
brown. Once all the mince is brown, add the sh
sauce and the kecap manis and stir fry for 5-8
minutes or until the beef becomes caramelised.
If you dont have kecap manis, substitute for a
dark soy and add a tablespoon of brown sugar.
Add broccolini and stir to coat. Cover with lid
until it starts to wilt. Add cabbage and capsicum
and stir to mix evenly. When ready to serve,
squeeze over lime juice, add Thai basil and serve
with steamed rice.
BANANA AND CINNAMON SPRINGIES
Oil for shallow frying

8 spring roll sheets, thawed
2 large or 4 small bananas, halved
6 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon, for dusting
1 Cadbury Flake, crushed
To a deep pan add enough oil to half coat the
spring rolls. Bring to medium high heat.
Lay a piece of the pastry on a clean, moist
tea towel.
Add a piece of banana on the diagonal, then
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Crunchy

vegetables add contrast to this sweet and
spicy Thai sticky mince and broccolini dish;
Precooked noodles make this broccolini and
beef stir fry a tasty, fuss-free favourite; Molten
banana and chocolate ooze as you bite into the
pastry of these dessert springies. Denitely a
sometimes food, this one.
sprinkle with 1 tbsp of brown sugar, dust with

cinnamon and sprinkle with the chocolate.
Roll up to resemble a spring roll. Once the oil is
hot, cook the spring rolls until crispy and oozing
with banana yumminess.
Serve with ice cream, custard, cream or all of
the above.
tradervs.com.au 155
HOTSHOT
> WOLLONDILLY, NSW

PHOTOGRAPHER
Matt Fehlberg
GEAR
Nikon D800E, f/6.3, 1/250 second,
ISO 320 @ 200mm
tradervs.com.au 157
Events
WITH ALI
MILLAR
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Fairbridge Festival,

WA, showcases almost 100 folk and world music
acts; There was a fun-lled atmosphere at last year's
Fairbridge event; The Revealed Art Market, WA,
will feature paintings, textiles, artefacts, ceramics,
jewellery and more.
WHATS HAPPENING AROUND THE COUNTRY THIS MONTH?

DUST N GOLD RODEO
Apr 2
Enjoy extreme rodeo action
betting of ne Charters Towers
tradition. This event is a popular, familyfriendly day out held under the covered
arena at the Dalrymple Equestrian Complex.
Charters Towers, charterstowersrodeo@
gmail.com, www.charterstowersrodeo.com
TASTE TAMWORTH FESTIVAL

Apr 1-10
Meet growers, makers, chefs
and diners in this 10-day event
with Taste in the Park and The Long Lunch,
plus cooking lessons, workshops and organic
markets and the Farm Gate Trail.
Tamworth, (02) 6767 5300, taste@
tamworth.nsw.gov.au, www.tastetamworth.
com.au
13TH ANNUAL SCALE MODELLING

EXHIBITION AND SWAPNSELL
Apr 10
The Modellers Of Ballarat return
for 2016 with scale model aircraft, armour,
vehicles, ships plus lifelike and fantasy
gurines. Featuring a SwapNSell and rafes
to raise funds for Make-A-Wish.
Ballarat, www.modellersofballarat.
wordpress.com/events
FESTIVAL OF THE WIND

Apr 3
Celebrate the majestic kite from simple
kits to sailing craft, hang gliders and
parachuting. Enjoy rides, entertainment, and
kite ying your own kites on the beach.
Emu Park, festivalofthewind@gmail.com,
www.festivalofthewind.com
CANBERRA AND REGION HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Apr 2-18
More than 100 events celebrate local
Aboriginal heritage with tours, talks,
demonstrations, markets and re-enactments.
Canberra, (02) 6205 0255, heritage@act.
gov.au, www.environment.act.gov.au
FELTON FOOD FESTIVAL

Apr 10
Take a crop tour, wander the stalls, meet
local farmers and learn about paddock to
plate with cooking demonstrations and
free-range farm animals and face-painting
for the kids.
Felton, festivalcoordinator@
feltonfoodfestival.org.au,
www.feltonfoodfestival.org.au
ORANGE F.O.O.D WEEK

Apr 8-17
Producers, artisans and restaurateurs
showcase ne local food and wine,
with tastings, farm gate tours, cooking
demonstrations, music, picnics, a night market
and the 100-Mile Dinner.
Orange, (02) 6360 1990, foodinfo@
orangefoodweek.com.au, www.
orangefoodweek.com.au
RUN THE ROCK

Apr 16
Take off on a fun run surrounded by the
alluring mountains, abundant wildlife and
beautiful gardens of Woodend. Choose from a
5km run or walk, 12km run, 20km run and the
2km kids run.
Hanging Rock Reserve, Woodend, (03)
9285 0600, www.solemotive.com/events/
run-the-rock-2016
ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE

Apr 25
Commemorate those who served for our
freedom from WWI through to current
conicts, with a march assembling at
Murraba Street at 4.35am, and a Dawn
Service at 5am at Elephant Rock.
Currumbin RSL, Currumbin, (07) 5534
7999, info@currumbinrsl.com.au
BOOLIGAL SHEEP RACES

Apr 9
Support local charities at this light-hearted
meet that kicks off with judging for the Best
Decorated Sheep, with a barbecue on cricket
lawns, prizes and camping on the Lachlan
River.
Booligal, info@booligalsheepraces.com.au,
www.booligalsheepraces.com.au
QLD
NSW
VIC
WANDILIGONG NUT FESTIVAL

Apr 23
Taste roasted chestnuts, crack hazelnuts and
walnuts, sample local wines and beers, talk
to producers and chefs, and relax in the idyllic
surrounds at this lively market.
Wandiligong, (03) 5750 1440,
www.brightvic.com/wandinutfestival/
AVOCA RIVER FESTIVAL
Apr 24
Sample wine, beer, cider and local gourmet
produce stalls of the greater Pyrenees Wine
Region. With live music, family activities and
wine making master classes from award
winning winemakers.
Avoca, (03) 5465 1000, www.pyrenees.
org.au
EVENTS
TASTE OF THE NORTH WEST

Apr 2
TAS
Enjoy boutique brews and
gourmet treats in a local paddock-to-plate showcase feast as more than
10,000 people descend upon historic Shefeld
for the judging of the International Mural Fest.
Shefeld, info@tasteofthenorthwest.com.au,
www.tasteofthenorthwest.com.au
SEAFEST
Apr 2-3
Browse the latest in boats while sampling ne
foods and wine from the region with jet-ski
racing and rides, a game shing comp, power
boat demos and free activities for children.
Triabunna, www.seafest.org.au
RICHMOND VILLAGE COLONIAL FAIR
Apr 3
Sample the local produce from market
stalls, with live performances and vintage
re engines, motorcycles and machinery on
display.
Richmond, www.richmondvillagefair.com
TARGA TASMANIA
Apr 11-16
Touring, sports and GT cars will compete in
stages on more than 2000km of some of the
island states toughest and most scenic roads.
(03) 6221 8800, www.targa.com.au
EYRE PENINSULA FARMER AND FISHERMENS

MARKET
Apr 24
Chefs and producers deliver a sensory feast
on the Streaky Bay foreshore with wine,
seafood, game and a multicultural fusion of
biscuits and pastries in a backdrop of live
music and amazing views.
Eyre Peninsula, www.epfarmersmarket.
com
DALY WATERS PUB OUTBACK B

AND S BALL
Apr 1-3
Prepare for a weekend of
partying, fun, games, and little sleep
over the Easter long weekend when the
legendary Bachelor and Spinster Ball
returns to town.
Daly Waters, www.dalywaterspub.com/
events, (08) 8975 9927.
NORTHAM MOTORSPORT
FESTIVAL
Apr 2-3
Pull up a pew at a local caf to
watch classic racing cars compete in time
trials through the streets of Northam in this
all-ages free classic car event.
Northam, www.vsccwa.com.au
KING ASH BAY EASTER FISHING CLASSIC

Apr 3-5
Enthusiasts chase 14 different species of
sh including the elusive barramundi with
large prizes awarded across four categories.
King Ash Bay, (08) 8975 9800,
kingashbayshingclub@gmail.com,
www.kingashbay.com.au
DRUG AWARE MARGARET RIVER PRO

Apr 8-18
Top world-ranking male and female surfers
take on the famous Mainbreak and the
fearsome Box at Surfers Point in Prevelly.
Margaret River, sara.lailey@surngwa.
com.au, www.worldsureague.com
TERRITORY TASTE FESTIVAL

Apr 16-17
With gourmet produce direct from the
grower, cooking demonstrations and
master classes, bush harvest experts
plus leading chefs preparing the nest in
Territory cuisine.
Darwin Convention Centre, (08) 8981
2010, territorytastefestival.com.au
WA
GELTWOOD FESTIVAL
Apr 1-10
Browse the blanketed retail
precinct for exquisite quilts or
make your own with Celtic knot, needle-turn
appliqu and quilt-making workshops, plus
music, food and story-telling and kids crafts.
George Street, Millicent, (08) 8733 0904,
www.geltwoodfestival.com
SA
BEACHSIDE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

Apr 2
Enjoy wine, beer and food, while browsing
market stalls on the Christies Beach
boulevard with roving entertainment, music,
free kids activities and shuttle connections
to metro services.
Christies Beach, (08) 8384 0666,
events@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
ROCK AND ROLL RENDEZVOUS
Apr 10
Live the chrome, ns, fashion, dancing and
the cars in a beautiful park setting with
plenty of all-ages fun. Watch rocknrollers
jive in a series of solo and group
performances then have a go yourself!
Shannon Street, Birdwood, rockandroll@
history.sa.gov.au, (08) 8568 4022.
REVEALED ART MARKET

Apr 9
Purchase direct with all prots returned to
the maker and more than 20 Aboriginal art
centres across WA represented.
Fremantle Arts Centre, www.fac.org.au
FAIRBRIDGE FESTIVAL
Apr 15-17
Celebrate folk and world music in a
trafc-free, self-contained rural village with
almost 100 acts.
Fairbridge, event@fairbridgefestival.com.
au, www.fairbridgefestival.com.au
NT
TJUNGU FESTIVAL
Apr 22-25
Pronounced tjoo-ngoo and meaning
'meeting together' in the Pitjantjatjara
tongue, Tjungu offers patrons a traditional
welcome, art, bush tucker, a blend of
indigenous sounds and all the action of the
AFL Tjungu Cup.
Ayes Rock Resort, travel@voyages.com.
au, www.ayersrockresort.com.au/events/
detail/tjungu-festival
tradervs.com.au 159
CTG-FP-5016473-CS
PRODUCTS
FILLING ME
SOFTLY
COASTING ON ROLLERS
ARBs Outback Solutions range offers 4WDers
three modular roller drawer units in varying sizes,
with more than 200 possible congurations.
These innovative space-saving designs include
the xed top Roller Drawer for storing clothing
and equipment, and enabling the loading of extra
modules; the low prole slide-out Roller Floor for
easy accessibility to stored items, and containing
a storage tray; and the Roller Drawer with Roller
Floor for a fridge/freezer, with storage below.
The keyed drawers feature push-pull slam shut

latches for ease of use; folded stainless steel
runners; and a self-locking anti roll back system
which locks into place at full extension.
ARB OUTBACK SYSTEMS MODULAR
ROLLER DRAWER SYSTEM
RRP: POA
Where: ARB stores Australia-wide
More info: www.arb.com.au
The Hydrapak SoftFlask sports bottle is a hygienic

hydration ask that collapses for transport.
Manufactured with thermoplastic polyurethane,
the SoftFlasks moulded top and bottom allows for
a wide opening, high performance bite-valve and
twist locking mechanism.
The SoftFlask is dishwasher safe and has a
43mm-wide screw cap for easy lling and a dust
cover. It comes in 350ml, 500ml and 750ml sizes
in a choice of smoke/grey, orange, and white/blue.
HYDRAPAK SOFTFLASK
RRP: From $39.50
Where: Visit OSA Brands website for
authorised dealers
More info: www.osabrands.com
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TRIPFREE TENSIONERS
CTG-QV-5156777-TS-085-XCC
Sli
CO.com.au
When darkness descends on camp, navigating back to your camper can be

a trap, what with poles and awning ropes no longer in plain view.
Thankfully, Tripfree tensioners, when placed in direct sun, can provide
up to 12 hours of diffused, solar-generated illumination, at the site of your
guy ropes where you need it most.
Available in a pack of four, the ties are bright enough to alert you of
tripping hazard, yet subtle enough not to disturb fellow campers.
TRIPFREE TENSIONERS
RRP: $9.99 for a pack of four
Where: Available from the Life in Style website
More info: www.lifeinstyle.info
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SAFE & SOUND

The light-ngered come from all walks of life and the RV fraternity is,
unfortunately, not exempt from their clutches. So it is imperative to securely
fasten your valuable camping gear. Rhino-Rack has designed the Locking Tie
Down Strap (LTDS) which is a safer solution to more traditional models.
The LTDS is corrosion- and cut-resistant, has a security stop to deter
thieves, and a detatchable locking for full access to the cam buckle, with
safeguards in place so that the tongue and housing are kept clear of the
vehicle. Capable of handling loads up to 225kg, the LTDS is available in 2.5m,
3.5m, 4.5m and 5.5m lengths.
RHINO-RACK LOCKING TIE DOWN STRAP
RRP: From $89
Where: Visit the Rhino-Rack website for your nearest distributor
More info: www.rhinorack.com.au
Its an Ultimate.
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IRONMAN 4X4 AIRFORCE SNORKEL,

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Visit www.4x4australia.com.au/winhilux
One lucky reader is going to drive away in this mighty Toyota double cab ute.
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MEAN MOTHER
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& REAR BAR
PRODUCTS
TESTED: SPATAP
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m: 0428 240 822
e: info@bestwaterlters.com.au
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RV Inline Water Filter
Whether were camping, shing or

hiking, water conservation is often a high
priority. After all, 60 per cent of an adult
body is made up of H2O. So we were
impressed when we came upon SpaTap,
a go-anywhere water conserving tap and
shower device.
SpaTap ts on any standard PET bottle
and a range of non-standard drink bottles
and asks to distribute water as a tap,
shower or in a higher pressure ow.
Designed and made in Australia, the
SpaTap has won numerous international
humanitarian awards, has been adopted
by armies across the globe and was
distributed by Nepal Quake Relief to help
maintain hygiene and conserve clean
water as the local community rebuilds the
earthquake stricken region.
OUR TEST
The SpaTap looks pretty indestructible. Its
made from food-grade UV stabilised silicone
with a molecular memory, so it weighs just
70g and will squish down to almost nothing.
To operate, we tted a bottle nozzle into
the gusseted SpaTap neck and drew the bead
down on the drawstring to set it in place,
and then used the adjustable Velcro strap to
attach it to a branch. Its a exible approach
that worked well on a variety of bottle sizes
and styles we tried.
To test the SpaTaps performance as a tap,
we squeezed the egg shaped bowl, which
dispensed enough water from ve holes to
wash our hands. To increase the ow we
removed the bung, and then squeezed the
bowl again so that the air intake converted
to an outlet that owed sufcient water for a
drink, to wash a wound or ush an eye.
We were particularly interested in how
it performed as a shower, so we again
entirely removing the bung to allow an
intake of air that released a gravity-fed
spray from the ve pin holes. We also
found we could reduce the water ow rate
by only partially removing the bung to limit
the intake of air.
Warm showers were achieved by leaving
the bottle out in sun for a few hours, and
after a bit of trial and error, we found that
a 1.25L bottle provides enough capacity
for 8-12 minutes of ow at a rate thats
adequate to wash and rinse long hair.
Scott Heiman
SPATAP
RRP: $20 or $25 with postage
Where: Online, or at leading 4WD
camping retailers, nationwide

More info: spatap.com
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NEXT ISSUE
A CTA CENTURY!
CAMPERTRAILER
AUSTRALIAS
100TH ISSUE!
100 TOP CAMPSITES
CAMPER MODS UNDER $100
BUMPER VOLUME!
ON SALE
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IPSWICH LIFESTYLE CENTRE, QLD 54-55
SA TOURISM COMMISSION, SA
IRONMAN SUSPENSION, VIC
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6-7
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ARB has a huge range of SPECIALS to help

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ISSUE 99 APRIL 2016 $8.

REAL CAMPERS SHARE THEIR SECRETS

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BORGYS BUDGET TOURING GUIDE

DONT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT...

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150 SHELL BE RIGHT

108 WOLLONDILLY RIVER STATION, NSW

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124 SAVANNAH WAY: PART 2

134 GRAMPIANS PEAK TRAIL, VIC

CIRCULATION AND RESEARCH

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ISSUE 99 APRIL 2016 $8.95 inc GST

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