It looks like the Ram 1500 TRX isn’t done yet. There’s growing speculation – led by Mopar Insiders – that production of the high-performance off-roader will start in January 2026. Ram hasn’t confirmed anything yet, but speculation suggests the TRX is lined up to make a comeback early next year.

The TRX had a brief but notable presence in Australia. It launched in mid-2021 and remained on sale for just under three years before wrapping up in early 2024. Locally, the trucks were converted to right-hand drive by RAM Trucks Australia and Walkinshaw, with demand frequently outstripping supply. The 6.2-litre supercharged V8 was eventually phased out due to tightening emissions regulations, and no direct replacement has been confirmed for the Australian market.

Earlier this year, Ram announced the return of its 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine for the 2026 Ram 1500, after the engine was largely replaced by the 3.0-litre Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six in recent models. The V8’s comeback has been confirmed for Europe, where orders opened in July, and it will be offered alongside the Hurricane inline-six. Whether the HEMI will return to Australia remains uncertain.

The 5.7-litre HEMI V8 produces 294kW and 596Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an eTorque mild-hybrid system.

At the time, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said of the HEMI’s return: “Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle it defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the HEMI – we own it and we fixed it. We’re not just bringing back a legendary V8 engine, we’re igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers.”

He added: “Ram will continue to offer the more powerful and more efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo, but we heard loud and clear from consumers: there is no replacement for the iconic HEMI V8. At the end of each month, we count sales to customers, not statisticians or ideologues. Data be damned – we raise our flag and let the HEMI ring free again!”

If the rumours about TRX production starting early next year are true, we could see the TRX revealed before the end of 2025. And with SRT (Street and Racing Technology) back in the mix, the TRX’s return could shake up the full-size performance ute scene once again.

When Ironman 4×4 fitted the bullbar, winch and side protection to our VDJ79 LandCruiser, they also installed a pair of the company’s Scope 9-inch driving lights. 

Auxiliary driving lights are a must for outback and bush driving at night, providing a much clearer view of the road ahead and to the sides – and giving you a better chance of spotting wildlife before it’s too late. That extra lighting is especially important on the 70 Series, as the factory headlights still leave a lot to be desired – even though the new LED units on the 2024 facelift are a step up from the old halogen lamps.

LED lighting is the standard these days, and Ironman’s Scope lamps sit at the top of the brand’s lighting range. The lineup also includes other models and styles, along with a smaller 7-inch version of the Scope.

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What sets the Scope lights apart is their use of high-output LEDs combined with a clever reflector design. Each unit features six 12W and four 10W LED chips, producing an exceptionally bright, clear beam. The 5700K colour temperature has become the sweet spot for driving lights – bright enough to deliver excellent visibility without harsh reflections or the eye fatigue that can come with higher temperatures.

Ironman claims a 1-lux throw of 1050 metres per light for the combo-beam Scope 9-inch, and 1250 metres for the spot-beam version. Current draw is listed at under 12.6A per light at 12V – another advantage of LEDs over traditional halogen units, which typically draw more power for less output.

The Scope lights use a hooded reflector design, with the reflectors positioned along the top and bottom of the housing to capture the output from the high-power LEDs. This setup is said to be more efficient than traditional reflector cups, as the LEDs shine directly into the hoods, minimising light loss and improving overall performance.

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The Scope 9-inch lights also feature eight ‘side shooter’ LEDs built into the sides of each lamp. These broaden the beam pattern, improving visibility to the sides of the road. They also double as daytime running lights or positioning lights when the main driving beams aren’t in use.

One feature we’ve found surprisingly useful is the dimmer function on the Scope lights. It’s particularly handy in areas with lots of reflective road signs that can bounce light back into your eyes. A quick tap of the button dims the beams without switching them off completely, so you still get enhanced visibility without the harsh glare. It’s also great on long, open outback roads when an oncoming vehicle is still a fair way off – you can dial the spotties down without plunging into darkness.

They’re not the brightest LED driving lights we’ve used, and the beam pattern isn’t the most uniform. But they’re also significantly more affordable than some of the premium options that deliver better overall performance.

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At $349 each, the Scope lights aren’t the cheapest on the market, but they still offer solid value – especially when bundled with Ironman’s plug-and-play wiring harness. The harness retails for $66, bringing the total to just under $765 for a complete pair, which makes for a well-priced setup that should many most drivers.

Build quality is solid, with polycarbonate lenses, a screw-free front fascia to prevent moisture ingress, and a breather system that releases heat while keeping water out. The lights are IP69K-rated for dust and water resistance, and the powder-coated cast aluminium housings are matched with a stainless steel mounting system. Centre and side pinning bolts provide excellent rigidity – we’ve had zero vibration from the lights on our Cruiser.

That level of build quality allows Ironman to back the Scope lights with a three-year warranty.

The Kia Tasman has secured a five-star ANCAP safety rating following full assessment under the current, more stringent criteria. It’s a strong start for the Korean brand’s dual-cab debut, with consistent performance across all key safety categories.

The top rating applies to S, SX and SX+ (as tested) 4×4 variants but excludes the X-Line and X-Pro grades, which haven’t yet been tested. The Tasman was put through ANCAP’s full range of crash and active safety tests, scoring well in Adult Occupant Protection (85 per cent), Child Occupant Protection (85 per cent), Vulnerable Road User Protection (74 per cent), and Safety Assist (80 per cent).

In crash testing, the Tasman showed strong results. The frontal offset crash test returned low injury risk for both adult and child dummies. Importantly, the ute also rated well for crash compatibility – an assessment of how much damage a vehicle might cause to others in a collision.

One area of concern was noted in the full-width frontal crash, where the driver dummy’s pelvis slipped under the lap belt – known as submarining. This resulted in a penalty, but didn’t prevent the overall five-star score.

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All five-star variants come equipped with a full set of airbags – including dual front, side chest, curtain, and a centre airbag between the front seats – along with a comprehensive active safety package. Standard features include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with car, pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and intelligent speed assist.

One limitation raised by the ANCAP test is that owners are advised to not install child seats in the second-row centre position, as there’s no top tether anchorage point.

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“Fleet buyers and potential Tasman customers across the country have been eagerly awaiting the Tasman’s safety rating, and this five-star result will be welcome news,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg.

“With such strong market presence and consumer demand, it’s pleasing to see manufacturers continuing to prioritise safety in this segment. 

“The dual-cab shopping list is already healthy, and we expect to see it grow further with other new contenders entering the market in the coming months,” added Ms Hoorweg.

Drive-away pricing for the Tasman 4×4 starts at $53,890 for the entry-level S; $58,490 for the SX, $66,490 for the SX+, $70,990 for the X-Line, and $77,990 for the flagship X-Pro. The 4×2 S trim is available for $46,490.

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All 4×4 variants are powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (154kW/440Nm) matched with an eight-speed auto and part-time 4WD with multiple terrain modes. Even the base model is well-equipped, while higher trims progressively add off-road hardware, tech and comfort features – culminating in the X-Pro, which gets off-road tyres, a locking rear diff, surround-view cameras, and a Harman Kardon stereo.

The upper-spec X-Line and X-Pro variants remain unrated by ANCAP for now.

If you’re planning a 4×4 trip into northern Australia – Cape York, the Gulf, Top End, or northern WA – you’re in saltwater crocodile territory.

And it’s not just the ocean. These crocs live in rivers, creeks, estuaries and billabongs, often many kilometres inland. They’re ambush predators, smart, territorial and fast. Knowing how to avoid trouble is part of travelling safely in the tropics. Whether you’re crossing remote creeks, setting up camp, or flicking lures from the bank, here’s what every 4WD tourer should know.

Where are saltwater crocodiles found?

Crocodiles are found across northern Australia – Queensland, NT, and WA – and their range stretches much further inland than most people think. Don’t rely on warning signs. If you’re in the tropics and near water, assume there are crocs about.

Stay back from the water’s edge

This is where most people get into trouble. Salties can launch out of the water fast and silently.

• Don’t camp close to the bank. Pick a site at least 50 metres from water.
• Never sleep near tidal creeks or flood zones. Crocs move at night and can cover surprising distances.
• Avoid walking close to the water, especially at dawn or dusk.

Don’t swim in croc country

That crystal-clear creek or still billabong might look inviting, but swimming in croc country is asking for trouble. Locals know where it’s safe – if they’re not in the water, you shouldn’t be either.

• Don’t wade into water to cool off or collect gear.
• Keep pets out of the water. Dogs are common croc targets.
• Avoid crossing on foot unless absolutely necessary.

Fishing? Keep your distance

Fishing off the bank is a common pastime, but it’s also one of the most high-risk activities in croc territory.

• Fish from high banks or raised ground.
• Don’t stand in the shallows. Even knee-deep water is dangerous.
• Never clean fish or dump scraps at the water’s edge. It draws crocs in and teaches them to associate people with food.

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Safe 4×4 creek crossings and recoveries

If you’re tackling remote tracks, chances are you’ll be crossing croc-prone waters.

• Check for slide marks or disturbed mud before crossing.
• Use a stick or drone to test depth – don’t walk crossings blind.
• Avoid standing in the water during recoveries. Use winches and long straps from the bank.

Signs of croc activity

Keep an eye out for:

• Slide marks on riverbanks
• Trails in the mud leading to or from the water
• Nesting mounds or disturbed vegetation
• Sudden absence of birds or animals around water
• Reports from locals or stations – take them seriously

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General camp safety in croc country

• Camp high and dry – away from water, mangroves, or low-lying flood areas.
• Don’t clean dishes, brush teeth, or wash clothes near the riverbank.
• Never leave bait, scraps, or fish guts around camp.
• Avoid night walks near water – crocs are most active after dark.

Final advice for 4WD travellers

Saltwater crocodiles are a real risk in northern Australia. Most incidents happen when people get too close to the water or take unnecessary risks. If you’re touring remote areas with a 4WD, plan ahead, pick safe campsites, and treat every water crossing with caution.

You don’t need to fear crocs – just respect them. Stay alert, don’t get complacent, and you’ll avoid becoming part of the story.

Jeep’s updated Gladiator is arriving in local showrooms this month, priced from $82,990 before on-roads – down from the previous asking price of $87,250. 

The Rubicon is now the only variant on sale in Australia, with the entry-level Night Eagle quietly dropped from the line-up. The 2025 model update adds a range of upgrades aimed at improving comfort, tech and safety.

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What’s changed?

There’s a new-look front end with a revised seven-slot grille, updated wheels, and body-colour flares. The old steel radio antenna has been replaced with a low-profile trail-ready unit, and the windscreen is now made from tougher Gorilla glass.

Inside, there’s a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen running Jeep’s latest Uconnect 5 system, now with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The dash has been tweaked with new soft-touch surfaces and contrast stitching, and Jeep’s included an AMPS mounting bracket on top for bolting in accessories like GPS units or radios.

Up front, you now get Nappa leather seats with 12-way power adjustment and lumbar support. The previously optional ‘Lifestyle Adventure Group’ is now standard – so buyers get lockable under-seat storage, a spray-in bedliner, rail tie-down system, auxiliary switch bank, 240-amp alternator and Bluetooth speaker straight out of the box.

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Safety and off-road gear

Jeep has added a few safety upgrades including side curtain airbags, a rear seat reminder, auto high beams, and a selectable tyre fill alert. There’s also an extra skid plate underneath.

Under the skin, the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine carries over, making 209kW and 347Nm, paired with an eight-speed auto. It’s still running the Rock-Trac 4×4 system with low-range gearing, an electronic front sway-bar disconnect, and a 77:1 crawl ratio. It comes standard with 32-inch mud tyres on 17-inch alloys, three skid plates and steel rock rails. 

The tub remains steel-reinforced with under-rail lighting, tie-downs, a damped tailgate and an external power outlet. Suspension is the familiar five-link coil setup, with high-strength steel and aluminium used throughout to manage weight and durability.

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Streamlined line-up

Last week, Jeep also dropped the price of its 2025 Jeep Wrangler to $79,990 for the two-door (previously $82,950) and $82,990 for the four-door (down from $89,450), with two new colour options added: ‘41’ military green and ‘Mojito’ bright green.

Full list of updates – compared to the MY24 model

• New front grille
• New design 17-inch wheels
• Antenna relocation to windshield
• Front Gorilla glass windshield
• Side curtain airbags
• Rear seat reminder
• Front 12-way power seats (including four-way lumbar adjustment)
• Nappa Leather-trimmed seats
• Hard seat back panel
• Lockable underseat storage
• 12.3-Inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Wireless Bluetooth speaker
• Urethane dash panel
• NVH improvements
• Auto high beam headlamps
• 240-amp alternator
• Auxiliary switch bank
• Selectable tyre fill alert
• Additional underbody skid plate
• Trail rail system
• Spray-in bedliner
• Body-colour fender flares

A boxy, rugged-looking Mitsubishi SUV has been caught testing in Southern Europe, sparking rumours that the iconic Pajero name could soon make a comeback. 

Mitsubishi has yet to confirm details, but the heavily camouflaged prototype hints at a serious off-road contender aimed at rivals like the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest.

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The vehicle’s squared wheel arches, upright stance and six-lug wheels suggest it may be built on a traditional body-on-frame chassis – possibly sharing underpinnings with the latest Triton ute. This would mark a shift back toward classic 4WD architecture, setting it apart from Mitsubishi’s crossover-style models.

Visually, the SUV sports a tall grille with stacked LED headlights, a clamshell bonnet, and a blocky overall shape that hints at capability. At the rear, it moves away from the distinctive tail-light design of the Pajero Sport, opting instead for a more conventional look, which could indicate a fresh design direction.

While the exact powertrain line-up remains unconfirmed, the new SUV is expected to use the Triton’s 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, delivering solid torque for towing and off-road use. A plug-in hybrid variant may also be in development.

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The launch could come at a pivotal time for Mitsubishi. With the Pajero Sport recently withdrawn from Australia due to new safety regulations, the brand is currently missing a key player in the large SUV segment. Industry insiders suggest this new model will serve as a flagship 4WD and could arrive locally by 2027 following a global debut in late 2026.

Whether it carries the Pajero badge again or adopts a new name remains uncertain. However, the signs point to Mitsubishi preparing a capable and robust 4WD that could re-establish the brand’s presence in the tough off-road market and go head-to-head with established competitors.

Aussies love the 70 Series LandCruiser for plenty of reasons, but the stock exterior mirrors on tray-back utes aren’t one of them.

They look awkward and agricultural, and no matter how you adjust them, they never seem to sit right. Even when you do get them into position, they tend to rattle loose and shift again. In fact, the mirrors on our VDJ79 folded inwards the first time we hit 80km/h – and this was on a brand-new vehicle. The slimmer mirrors fitted to the 76 Series look better and are more functional, but they don’t extend far enough to suit a tray-back ute or a wide service body.

Thankfully, there are far better options in the aftermarket – and we’ve been big fans of MSA 4X4’s towing mirrors for years. MSA 4X4’s replacement mirrors are more than just towing mirrors. They extend out from the doors to give a clear view past your tray, service body or trailer, and they can be rotated for an even wider angle. They also offer power adjustment and, frankly, look a hell of a lot better than the stock Toyota units.

The four different positions cater to drivers of all heights, ensuring a clear view of what’s behind the 4×4, while the mirror glass retains the adjustment for fine-tuning the angle and field of vision. 

One thing we’ve come to appreciate with the MSA mirrors is the quality of the glass itself. It appears noticeably better than what you get in most OEM units, offering a clearer, sharper view every time you check the mirrors – whether you’re towing or not. MSA’s mirrors meet all relevant Australian standards for rearward vision and come backed by a five-year warranty.

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While we were on the blower to MSA, we also ordered one of the company’s generic roller drawers (Generic E830 Right Drawer Module) for the driver’s side of the service body. We’ve kept this side of the canopy relatively open to accommodate larger items, but having a drawer just behind the driver is ideal for storing gear you might need in a hurry – like recovery gear or a tyre deflator. A big bonus is that MSA’s drawers slide all the way out, giving full access to their contents – something many other cargo drawers don’t offer.

As always, the fit and finish of the MSA 4X4 drawer is first-rate. It stayed rattle-free throughout our Simpson Desert adventure, keeping essential gear secure and easy to access. The built-in LED strip lighting is a welcome touch when rummaging through the drawer at night – just another top-quality product from the team at MSA 4X4.

MSA 4X4’s Explorer Drawers are backed by a lifetime warranty. 

I’m constantly blown away by what some caravan parks charge these days.

Not long ago, we were travelling through the south-west of Western Australia when a beachside caravan park quoted us $50 a night – for an unpowered patch of dirt. We stayed one night, then hit the road in search of a better deal.

Now, it seems $50 is on the cheaper side. I’ve heard plenty of stories of beachside parks asking $90 or more per night – just for the privilege of rolling out your swag, pitching a tent, or setting up your camper. Power might be included (how generous), but if you’ve got a van with an aircon, expect to pay even more.

Got kids? Prices often climb again once you’ve got more than two people, especially if the kids are over five. Frankly, it feels like a rort. I’d rather free camp and spend that money on a decent pub meal and a couple of beers.

In some areas, particularly WA, local councils don’t make it easy to free camp. You’re often pushed towards pricey caravan parks or sanctioned options with hefty fees. At the same time, national parks across Australia are introducing or increasing camping fees – even in places that were once free. Their reasoning? “Improved facilities” like a toilet block, fireplace or designated sites. Whether those are actually improvements is up for debate.

Then they act surprised when people seek out free camps, head further off the beaten track, or park up overnight in a quiet beachside car park. Councils complain, hand out fines, but rarely offer realistic alternatives.

Thankfully, some small towns are taking a smarter approach – creating designated free camping areas close to shops and pubs, encouraging travellers to stay a night or two and spend locally. I love this idea. I’d much rather drop $50 at the local café, pub or general store than hand it over to a caravan park charging a premium for the bare minimum.

So, if you’re feeling the pinch, consider skipping the caravan parks. There are heaps of websites and guides out there for finding quality free camps – and your wallet (and maybe your local pub) will thank you for it.ide car parks and the like. They complain and fine people, but most do little to alleviate the problem.

Check out WikiCamps, or Camps Australia Wide, and the Facebook pages Free Camping around Australia, Low Cost & Free Camping Australia Wide or Country Pub Camping, for a heap of ideas.

My entire body tenses up as I walk towards the cool water. I feel bolts of lightning shoot up my spine as I wade knee deep into the crystal clear water and I sense something is very wrong.

Lush green ferns draping out over the water provide plenty of shade from the scorching midday sun, and enormous lily pads on the surface of the water complete the somehow familiar scene. Despite never having set foot here in my life, I have an overwhelming sense of déjà vu. My entire being is telling me I need to escape, and I need to go… right now!

This isolated riverbank in Northern Australia is eerily identical to the scene in Crocodile Dundee where Linda Kozlowski attempts to fill her water bottle before having a very up close and personal meeting with a monster saltwater croc.

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As I climb into the canoe and push offshore I am assured there’s no danger. To be perfectly clear, there are plenty of crocs in the water, but they’re just little freshies, and nothing to worry about. They don’t really attack people. Well, except the one at the waterfall we’re going to, but other than that, no worries mate.

We’re aiming to travel a few thousand kilometres from northern Queensland, across the top of the Northern Territory and into Western Australia, and apparently this kind of indifference to crocodiles is perfectly normal.

Tree kangaroos and natural hot springs in Far North Queensland

After the scorching heat and humidity of Cape York we thoroughly enjoy the fresh air provided by the elevation of the tablelands directly inland from Cairns. Night-time temperatures are genuinely cold, and hiking through the low mountains is a great way to warm up and enjoy the brisk morning air.

After a tip from a local we set out in search of the elusive tree kangaroo, which to my surprise is actually real and not just hoax like drop bears or so many other exaggerated Aussie critters. Exactly as the name implies, they look exactly like a small kangaroo, but prefer to live high in the treetops. Native to Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and this very tiny region of Northern Queensland, the highly endangered tree kangaroo is extremely difficult to spot.

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Soon we’re standing around with a few other people craning our necks, and I can’t believe it when we actually spot a small family of three high in the towering trees. Obviously aware of our presence they watch us carefully, and clearly have no intention of coming down for a closer meeting. It’s always fun to spot odd Australian wildlife, and I never imagined seeing a kangaroo that lives in a tree.

Later in the afternoon we roll into Innot Hot Springs, another honest-to-goodness natural hot spring. Plenty of scorching hot water bubbles to the surface in a small sandy river, which I much prefer to the modern concrete swimming pools nearby. Camping on site means we can enjoy a soak and stargazing long into the night, and again at sunrise. Once again, I’m shocked to learn Australia really does have plenty of natural hot water bubbling to the surface – you just have to go looking.

Paddling with crocs at Lawn Hill National Park, Queensland

Surrounded by thousands of kilometres of red dirt and dust, the paradise of Lawn Hill National Park is a spectacular red rock gorge complete with striking blue water and lush vegetation.

The best way to experience the gorge is in a canoe, so after overcoming my fear of winding up in the next Crocodile Dundee movie, we push off from shore for a few hours on the water. After a short and stunning paddle upstream we arrive at Indarri waterfall, almost the perfect place for a quick swim. The water and view are top notch, but sadly the locals are a little unfriendly.

We’ve been warned the freshwater crocodile that lives here is territorial, and recently a few people have been bitten. Given he is only a freshie it’s not like they lost limbs or anything, though it still feels very strange to swim in water with a crocodile that is known to have bitten people. Truth be told I think I was in the water for less than a second before making my hasty exit.

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After dragging the canoe up and over the falls we continue further upstream where the canyon becomes overgrown, wild, and clearly not often visited. Eventually the canyon narrows down until we find ourselves in a small and fast flowing creek and we can go no further. Floating downstream on the return leg is extremely relaxing and gives us a great chance to really study the beautiful red rock canyon walls towering over us.

Not surprisingly Lawn Hill is a very popular spot, and when we discover the campground is full we decide to push on before making camp on the side of a random dusty track. With enormous distances the auxiliary tank in the Gladiator is essential, and transferring 70L with the push of a button sure is a nice way to go.

Boabs, red dirt roads and wild camping in the Kimberley

After thousands of kilometres of rough tracks, fine red dust eventually works its way inside the canvas cover on the Gladiator bed, and a fine layer coats everything from our clothes and bedding to our plates and bowls.

Washing off with a quick shower from the world’s simplest shower bag at sunset is always worthwhile, and many nights I fall deeply asleep the second my head hits the pillow, exhausted by long days, the scorching sun and never-ending corrugations. I’m not usually one to get caught up naming birds or plants, though I have to say the mighty baobabs of Africa are etched strongly in my mind. They have an enormous presence and majesty, and some of my favourite wild camps were surrounded by these giants.

While a few different types of baobabs are native across Africa, a small pocket of north west Australia is home to the boab, which looks virtually identical. With an enormous swollen trunk and stunted branches the silhouette of these giants is unmistakable. With soft pulpy fresh, they are actually a type of succulent that can live for thousands of years by storing water in their enormous trunk. Boabs of all shapes and sizes are a regular feature of the Kimberly landscape, and I have to constantly remind myself I am not back in Africa.

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 Exploring the remote Western Lost City in Limmen National Park

After a quick visit to a ranger station we get the code to a combination lock that grants access to the Western Lost City, an enormous rock formation well off the beaten path in remote Limmen National Park.

The access track is slow going, with sandy sections, dry rocky riverbeds and plenty of corrugations to rattle our teeth. I air down to 22psi all around not so much for added traction, but to dampen the vibrations and make travel easier on man and machine.

Formed roughly 1500 million years ago, these giant sandstone pillars were part of an ancient seabed that cracked and split as it was exposed. Millions of years of erosion from wind and water have carved the incredible pillars which defy belief. Each pillar is a stunning display of various colours caused by the mineral deposits in the sandstone and millions of years of sun exposure. We spend hours wandering around the entire site, discovering hidden aboriginal rock art, caves and beautiful trees and roots climbing all over the rock.

Putting the drone in the air I simply couldn’t believe my eyes – we had only been able to see a tiny fraction of the formation which is many kilometres in length and width. Leaving the stunning formation at sunset we see a herd of wild water buffalo on the track, another terrible Australian tale of an introduced species turned feral that now wreaks havoc on the native plants and animals.

Crossing croc country: Ivanhoe Crossing and a hidden Kimberley canyon

After a quick resupply in Kununurra just over the border into Western Australia we set out early in the morning to check out one of Australia’s most infamous river crossings.

At Ivanhoe the Ord River cascades over a kind of curved concrete dam wall, and concrete blocks mark the edges of the driving surface. At this time of year the water is no deeper than a foot, although it is flowing fast enough that I concentrate carefully. Putting a tyre wrong would result in a very bad day, especially given the river is teeming with monster salties waiting below for any wayward fish or four-wheel driver.

With low mountains in the background and boabs on the water’s edge, the scene is spectacular and inviting, and I have to constantly remind myself this is not the place for a swim. I’m also not sure about the group of locals standing on the bank fishing. The crocs are a constant concern, they say, but the fishing makes up for it. I think it helps to be nuts.

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After promising we won’t give up the location, a local tells us about a nearly ‘secret canyon’ full of waterfalls and swimming holes, and so we immediately set out to explore. The access track has a few river crossings that lap at the bonnet, and a couple of loose rock scrambles that require low range 4×4. 

The canyon and surrounds are everything we were promised, and we spend an entire day swimming and climbing all over the waterfalls in the hot sun. The elevation change and rocky waterfalls mean there should be no crocs to worry about, and I’m very happy to not see one for the entire day.

The mighty Top End: 5000km across northern Australia’s wild frontier

We spend a week resupplying and doing odd maintenance jobs in and around steamy Darwin, a city that feels more like South East Asia than Australia, which makes perfect sense given we’re only a stone’s throw from a dozen other countries.

Reflecting on our time across the top of Australia, we have explored well over 5000km on remote and dusty corrugated roads to see stunning natural wonders, plenty of beautiful wildlife and more crocs than I care to count – both freshies and salties.

Though we are months from the peak of summer, the heat and humidity have been intense, and the red earth has taken on a special hue that makes sunsets brighter than ever before. All of this combined with tropical fruit, natural hot springs, waterfalls and monster lizards makes me feel like we’ve been exploring some exotic land far from where I grew up in rural Victoria.

While the distances are huge, the rewards are equally as big across the top of this enormous continent.

As a general wellbeing precaution, I try to avoid the UK between early October and late May and, in almost two decades of being an expat, there has been only one event sufficiently irresistible to break my own self-imposed rule – the global launch of the Ineos Grenadier. 

Getting a first steer of this deeply intriguing new 4×4 in 2023 meant leaving the height of the Australian summer and travelling to Scotland in January, facing sub-zero temperatures and – the part everyone forgets – seven hours of daylight. But it was absolutely worth it to witness the arrival of one of the most dedicated off-road vehicles in decades. 

At the time, I was reminded that the pinch of arctic air, frozen toes and the palpable depression of sunset at 4pm were the main reasons I left this hemisphere all those years ago. But I was happy to tolerate the discomfort in the knowledge that the next time I drove a Grenadier it’d likely be blasting across an arid Australian desert or some idyllic white sand beach closer to home following its local launch.

So why is it that I’m at the wheel of the new Grenadier Quartermaster, heated seats blasting and watching its digital gauges tell me I’m heading up as steeply as the temperature is plummeting? Since it arrived Down Under, we’ve thoroughly examined the Grenadier and explored its breadth of ability as a recreational vehicle, and each time we take it for a steer it impresses with amazing standard equipment, unquestionable off-road ability and gorgeous driveline. But Ineos says its vehicles transcend the usual freedom machines and weekend warriors and is putting that claim to the test in one of the most extreme environments in the country.

About 1800m above those balmy beaches I was hoping for, Mount Buller provides one of the country’s premiere ski resorts to the backdrop of stunning scenery, perched at the ceiling of the Victorian High Country. Make the trip at any time of year and you’ll be spoilt by stunning views, excellent trails and some of the most unique and precious nature anywhere on the planet. But there are two sides to this mountain and in minutes, the awe striking beauty can turn into a savage, exposed environment that spares neither man nor machine.

Why Ineos brought the Grenadier to Mt Buller

That’s why, for about two years, Ineos has based a fleet of Grenadiers at the top of the world for one of the most honest and inescapable stress tests any aspiring rugged off-roader could imagine. And that’s why I’m here… in another Quartermaster.

Two Grenadier ‘wagons’ joined the Mt Buller team in late 2023 and when the Quartermaster utes launched in 2024, a brace of the dual-cabs were sent up the mountain to double the fleet. Since then the four fourbies have been earning their keep, not by simply ferrying sauced-up VIPs from one apres ski to the next (don’t worry – they do that too), but at the white-coal face working hard to keep the chairlifts humming, the snow cannons blasting and the lights on at one of Australia’s loftiest villages. 

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The altitude is where it begins and ends up here and although Buller’s 1805m summit might be the third highest peak in Australia – and comparatively tame by global comparison – the effects are far from negligible. At that height the air contains 20 per cent less oxygen than at sea level, temperatures have a habit of fluctuating wildly and can occasionally dip below minus -10°C, while the wind-chill strips the perceived temperature back to as little as three times lower. When the sun does come out, the relatively thin atmosphere and low humidity filter out less UV than in surrounding low lands so the attack of cosmic rays on people and things is ironically more brutal than many might expect. And the fleet of Ineos Grenadiers have to perform their duties in all of it. 

There’s no such thing as an average day on Buller and what might seem like routine duties to any of the mountain staff here would make for a very unorthodox set of circumstances in many other settings. My visit coincided with the final days of preparation for the 2025 ski season and the mountain was teeming with activity, not least from the Grenadiers. Over the previous weeks they had been hard at work toiling to get everything ready for the influx of snow bunnies which can peak at 10,000 in the various resorts, cafes, shops and restaurants on a single weekend, and as many as 450,000 over the full winter season. 

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There’s a serious amount of kit to move up here: lift assemblies weigh half a ton and get hauled up to the lifts in the back of a Quartermaster along with the wheels, axles and bearings to recommission the lifts after their summer slumber. There are nearly 300 snow guns on the mountain and a train of up to five can be hooked up and towed into place by a single Grenadier, while the hefty high-track cable equipment vital for servicing the 20 chair and T-bar lifts is no problem for an Ineos, says Mount Buller mountain operations manager Nick Reeves.

“We haven’t had the opportunity to do that before because the cars wouldn’t take the weight or get there,” he says when recounting previous operational vehicles. With 43 winters and summers spent on the mountain, the former landscaper (with tenures in French cuisine and the music industry) has seen it all at Buller… except for a vehicle quite like the Grenadier, he claims.

“I’ve seen a lot of car sponsorships on Mt Buller but I’ve never had a company approach us saying we want these cars specifically to be worked. Normally they go to the general managers, directors and marketing, but these guys were serious and they wanted the cars to be operational.”

How the Ineos Grenadier handles every task on Mount Buller

And operate they do. While the snow may melt and the chair gondolas pack away, the mountain is alive with visitors all year round and when Nick’s team isn’t battling cold conditions with the Ineos, the warmer months bring revegetation tasks, conservation work and even fire-fighting.

When they’re not loaded up with masses of frozen metal machinery and parts, Reeves converts one of the Quartermasters into a wildfire first-response vehicle complete with either 500L or 1000L water tank and all the associated pump and hose gear. Unlike the dedicated fire trucks stationed on the mountain, the Ineos is lighter on its feet, faster and more agile, reaching anywhere indiscriminate lightning can strike. It’s the same for virtually all duties says Reeves, including as an impromptu ambulance or for vehicle recovery.

“Having the power and torque and being able to isolate all the egresses you just feel a lot safer,” he says. “I don’t have any worries driving up the steepest runs – I can get to areas with no safety concerns at all.”

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It becomes clear that there really isn’t anything the fleet can’t turn its hand to. The recent addition of winches was immediately applied to hauling insulating fabric from the huge piles of manufactured snow ahead of the run’s opening, while the hose-out interior has been tested on numerous occasions when mud and ice has made an unwelcome visit to the cabins. Even the Ineos’s low-geared and heavily damped recirculating ball-type steering, which often attracts criticism on the road, is praised by the Buller team for its stoic resistance to fight the driver.

“You can really find your line on a pickled or steep rocky road. If you hit a rock it doesn’t kick the steering wheel back. We really like that, especially going to work in the morning when there’s deep snow and you have to stay in a wheel rut. It’s a beautiful car to drive on snow and ice – it tracks so nicely. I put it into manual and hardly ever brake.”

Of course, this is not the first time a manufacturer of off-road vehicles has partnered with a snow resort to showcase the suitability of their vehicles in the harshest winter conditions Australia can muster. Subaru currently has Perisher, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham, Land Rovers look after Thredbo, while Mercedes-Benz was the Buller partner before Ineos. Certainly any brand wanting to base a fleet above the snow line needs some bonafide go-anywhere ability and durability, but the Ineos stationing is easily the deepest we’ve ever seen a model immersed into mountain life.

Ineos support and servicing behind the Mt Buller fleet

Since introduction, the British brand has found a small but loyal niche in the Australian market and, although off-road credentials are not one of the things the Grenadier has struggled to prove, its Buller placement is a strong statement of confidence in its ability from the company. Just as important however, is the supporting network for customers to gain equal confidence that they will be looked after if something should need attention. For the Buller fleet, that support is provided by Shepparton BMW.

“I really like that we have good back up and maintenance,” says Reeves. “The guys at Shepparton Ineos/BMW have been wonderful. I think it’s important we use little north east towns and they’ve been awesome.”

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Yes, it’s a two hour drive from the mountain but when you consider the nearest Woolworths is in Benalla and you’ll need to drive to Seymour for a Bunnings, it’s about as convenient as any other main shopping precinct. BMW dealerships, as Ineos Asia Pacific MD Justin Hocevar explains, are the ideal existing franchises to take on the Grenadier as the workshops already have the special tools and experience to service the BMW drivetrains, while the bricks and mortar are often located in regional townships for better access. 

It’s not hard to see why people relocate to this part of the world. The cold is inescapable in winter so why not lean into the big freeze and enjoy the spectacle of a winter wonderland on your doorstep rather than the occasional treat at the end of a three hour drive? In the summer, locals are treated to a reprieve from the scorching lowlands heat and even bushfires are given a hard time up here. With a network of about 300 snow guns, 200 megalitres of water, head pressure on water lines and state-of-the-art computer controlled valves from a central control room, Buller has a formidable firefighting arsenal – it just happens to make snow in the winter. 

Ineos Grenadier proves its strength hauling heavy loads at altitude

As I’m lost in thought considering a relocation myself and captivated by the endless view to the south east, I’m snapped out of the trance by another Ineos at work, this time dragging a snow bus toward the summit.

I’m assured it’s not a marketing stunt arranged just for me but, honestly, it wouldn’t matter if it was. The grenadier is pulling a 4.5-tonne caterpillar-tracked machine up a 16 percent incline. “We do that when the things break down,” laughs Reeves.

Talk to any of the mountain community and they all have something to say about the Ineos, from the local bobby who claims “It has a military feel – seriously fit for purpose,” to the countless intrigued visitors who Reeves always invites to sit in for a closer look. 

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The Ineos and Mt Buller partnership continues to bring mutual benefits to both parties. On the one hand, Ineos has possibly the most authentic demonstration of its vehicle’s hostile environment capability, while the Buller team has a fleet of machines that make every day on the mountain safer, easier and more idyllic all year round.

I’m personally hopeful the relationship continues and that my next visit to this stunning natural escape may be with my mountain bike loaded into the Quartermaster’s tray once the lush green alpine peak is revealed from under its white winter blanket. I know the Grenadier is good in winter but I reckon it would be even better up here in the summer.

Exploring High Country trails before the snow sets in

The flanks of Buller and surrounding areas are a labyrinth of high country trails with good accessibility for the day tripper or more committed camper.

During our visit however, we were given access to something a little more off limits. Leaving Buller Village via Number 3 track and dropping over to Pineapple Flat, the track connects to sister Mount Sterling and the gateway to the High Country trails. Depending on the climate, these byways normally close the Thursday after King’s Birthday and in line with DECA, but this year that date was being brought forward in anticipation of the first decent snow. After that, it’s strictly skidoos only. 

Unfortunately our visit was just a few days too early for the most exclusive piste pass and, although the mountain had been dusted by the season’s first flakes, we missed out on a significant snowfall. While we were privileged to pass through beautiful trails, negotiating them blanketed in snow is something you ordinarily have to be on the Buller or DECA payroll to experience.

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Regardless, the trip offered a chance to remember what makes the Grenadier unique. Its 3.0-litre BMW straight-six diesel (or have a petrol if you like) bolted to the eight-speed ZF auto is still the standout with accessible torque sent though three lockable diffs and an unrivalled level of sophistication and refinement. Coil springs on twin live axles offer a good balance of comfort, load lugging and wheel articulation, while the various drive modes have been clearly well thought out. 

Traction is simply never a worry even on standard mud and snow tyres. Any minor squeaks and rattles from the original vehicles have been comprehensively banished and even prolonged corrugations couldn’t provoke an unwelcome report from a poorly fitted trim or insufficiently secured panel. 

Yes, there’s the same slow steering that requires angle to be wound on and off with a resistance to self centre, but it only takes a little adjustment. Less easy to forgive however is the simply galactic 14.5m turning circle with many of the region’s tight switchback turns requiring a couple of bites at to negotiate.

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The lack of instrument cluster is another unorthodox feature along with a reversing camera that doesn’t function when in off-road modes, and rain-sensing wipers would be nice too. But we can forgive the Grenadier a lot for its switchgear which manages to be functional, robust and looks extremely cool.

The somewhat commercial driving position is tolerable when jacked high in the cabin which is best when negotiating trails, but still a bit strange on-road. Before we had time to complain, our journey concluded at the iconic Craig’s Hut on one of the most perfect days we’ve ever seen it.

Clear blue skies, views all the way over to Mount Buffalo and not a breath of wind. Perhaps we’ll get snow next time.