IF YOU speak to anyone in the Brisbane region, a lot of them have never heard of Curtis Island. We were curious so started to research the island and found it is home to pristine beach campsites, where most of the time you’ll have the place to yourselves.
The island has changed from once being a working cattle farm to the current liquefied natural gas hub. There are plans for a luxury resort to be built on the hill overlooking Turtle Street Beach. This beach is appropriately named due to it being the third-largest turtle rookery in Queensland for the flatback turtle; if you’re visiting between October and March, you might just see some.
Access to the island is by vehicle ferry, which departs from Gladstone and takes almost 90 minutes to reach Curtis Island via Quoin and Facing Islands. Disembarking the ferry you arrive at Southend – the island’s township – which is perfect for day trippers or those who don’t like to camp too much. It’s also the place to air down before hitting the beach.
The Capricorn Lodge is the town’s shop and useful for basic supplies, and there’s a variety of accommodation options available in Southend, too, which allow you to take in the wonderful eastern view. The beach entrance is located just below the town and is an easy run.
However, take note of all the signs along the beach, as driving above the high-tide mark isn’t allowed due to the turtle nests which are visible by pegs that have been erected.
The drive up the beach is not a problem, but the beach ends abruptly at the rocks and it won’t take long until you start looking for an exit track. To the left and into the dunes are a couple of access tracks that get you off the beach and on your way to the camping areas. However, this beach exit is really soft, so you’ve got to give it the berries or you’ll sink down to your belly.
As you progress along this route you’ll notice a steep, rutted track, where you can opt to go left or right. Pick the best line for you and your vehicle, but what goes up must come down. Driving back towards town is an entirely different story; there are ruts to contend with, and it turns into an off-camber downhill slide. Extra care needs to be taken, as it’s easy to roll a vehicle on an obstacle like this.
Curtis Island is a national park, so the access roads are graded. However, some parts aren’t well-cleared and the low-hanging branches will let you know your rooftop tent is still attached – the added bush pinstripes will be free of charge, too. There are signs to the camping areas, so it’s hard to get lost in this place. Whichever site you’ve booked, follow the signs and you’ll get there easily.
Traffic on the island is quiet compared to the likes of Fraser or Moreton, so there’s no need to pull over for oncoming traffic; in fact, you’ll be lucky to see another car whilst you’re out exploring. The views along the headland are awe-inspiring and the photo opportunities are endless, but it’s worth it to take the time to soak it all in.
At Turtle Street Beach, not far from the turnoff, you’re greeted with a flat, open stretch of beach and the campsite to your left. Keep the tides in mind here, though, as when they are high, they’re high, and you’ll be lucky to drive anywhere when the tide is up. The upside is that when the tide is low you’ve got a wide beach to play on.
Turtle Street Beach campsite is able to fit three or more cars comfortably, but, be warned: the mozzies are insane. Bring extra bug spray before you board the ferry!
If mud crabs are on the menu, drive approximately 1km down the beach and you’ll come to a tidal creek. Put your pots in and be greeted with beautiful sweet crabs for breakfast… it kept our bellies full for two days in a row. Explore further by venturing to a cave located at a campsite called Joey Lees – you can only access the cave at low tide.
Curtis Island has a lot to offer, especially if relaxing and soaking up the scenery are priorities. If you’ve never been before, make sure you lock it in your calendar. This place is unknown to a lot of people south of Bundaberg, but sometimes you need to explore the untold to find paradise.
Travel Planner
Where Curtis Island, located just off the coast of Gladstone.
Camping $6.55 per person per night. There are three campsites on the island, two of which are accessible by 4×4; these are Turtle Street Beach and Joey Lees. Yellow Patch is only accessible by boat.
Facilities There are no facilities.
Trip Standard There are patches of soft sand at the beach exit, before a steep, rutted track leads to one of the headlands. This island is not for beginners, with some 4WD experience required.
Contacts and Information Curtis Ferry Services: www.curtisferryservices.com.au
National Parks Queensland parks and forests: www.nprsr.qld.gov.au
Restrictions and permits A camping permit is required, which you can access through the national parks booking system. No vehicle permit is needed for beach driving.
WE JUST got back from exploring the South Coast of NSW and I’d forgotten how remarkable this part of the world is. Beautiful beaches, rolling green hills, rugged coastlines and forests to explore are just some of the things about this place that will get me back there next summer. You’ll see more of it in our next 4×4 Adventures’ DVD series.
Something else that hits you on the South Coast is the fresh air as it blows in from the Tasman Sea. Whether you’re on the coast or in the hinterland the air is invigorating, encouraging you to tour with the windows down. Something you never get living in the cities.
In our convoy we had Ron Moon’s old TD42-powered GU Patrol, a 2017 Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger Raptor. Following behind the Hilux in the Ranger we were occasionally hit with a god-awful stench, which was followed by a belch of white smoke from the Hilux’s tailpipe. When we told the driver on the UHF what was happening, he replied that the diesel particulate filter (DPF) was doing its ‘burn off’.
DPFs have been compulsory for diesel cars since the end of 2016 and are there to reduce the emissions from a diesel engine. How anyone could think that the vile, toxic plume that emits from the Hilux every other day could be reducing pollution is beyond me. So much for enjoying that clean South Coast air…
Problems with DPFs have been well-documented ever since they were introduced, and they’re often attributed to city-use vehicles that don’t have the chance to heat up to properly burn-off and clean the filter. But I know this Hilux. It’s a sales manager’s car that does a lot of regional mileage and bush travel, as well as city use. If any car should be hitting its correct burn-off it would be this one.
There are many cases of Toyota 4x4s experiencing problems with DPFs documented online and I have to question the environmental value of fitting cars with these expensive devices. In many cases when DPF problems occur, the engine light comes on and the vehicle may go into limp mode, requiring a trip back to the dealer and days or weeks without your vehicle.
On the other hand, there were no such issues when following Ron’s 400,000km-plus Patrol both on- and off-road. It pre-dates DPFs and other emissions equipment by a long time and just shows how a well-maintained and serviced older vehicle can run clean and well without the unreliability of modern emissions tech.
Talking about old tech, 4X4 Australia turns 40 this year so we’re marking the occasion by remembering some of our favourite trips, vehicles and events from the past four decades in our March 2019 issue. Many things have changed over that time and, just like emissions technology, it’s not always for the better, so it’ll be fun to take a look back.
FOUR Wheel Drive Victoria is urging off-roaders to review their touring plans this Labour Day long weekend, due to the huge number of fires that have ravaged the Vic High Country recently.
Many tracks and parks have been closed by authorities. According to the latest update from Parks Victoria – 9:56am, March 8 – the affected parks and trails closed by authorities include: several areas of the Alpine National Park (closed until at least March 12); the Australian Alps Trail; Avon Wilderness Park; Bunyip State Park; Holey Plains State Park; Stradbroke Flora and Fauna Reserve; Howqua Hills Historic Area; walking tracks at Lerderberg State Park; Mitchell River National Park; Morwell National Park; Upper Yarra Reservoir Park; and several areas of the Yarra Ranges National Park.
Parks Victoria also released a map of affected areas of the Alpine National Park closure. Seen here:
The main roads and tracks into the Alpine National Park and Gippsland areas that will be closed are: Tamboritha Road; Howitt Road; Marathon Road; Moroka Road; King Billy track (access from Mansfield); Riley Track (access from Myrtleford); Wonnangatta Track; McMillans Road; and Dargo High Plains Road.
Fire-affected tracks and parks typically remain closed after the fire has subsided for a number of reasons: hazardous trees and fallen timber; damaged tracks, bridges, signs and facilities; unstable soils and stream crossings; and the presence of hazardous materials.
“Once recreation sites and tracks have been accessed, risks removed and necessary facilities rebuilt, they are reopened to the public,” Parks Victoria says on its website.
For the latest fire information, go to: www.emergency.vic.gov.au
For a full list of up-to-date closures, head here: parkweb.vic.gov.au
IT IS A LONG weekend for Victorians and, while many of the usual High Country haunts are closed due to fires, there’s plenty of off-road action to be seen.
The Patrolapart 4×4 Winch Challenge is happening at Neerim South, with spectators welcome to view the action on-site on Sunday. This event marks Round 1 of the 2019 Cross Country Driver’s Association Championship, so competitors will be keen to earn points.
Spectator tickets and location details for the Patrolapart Challenge can be found here: www.eventbrite.com.au
Up in beautiful northern New South Wales, Round 1 of the Comeup Xtreme Winch Challenge Series is happening at Emu Creek Retreat near Tabulam. The best winch truck teams from Queensland and NSW will be at it, competing for early points in this popular event. More details can be found on their Facebook page.
If you prefer your off-road action from the comfort of your own couch, The Mint 400 desert race is happening outside of Las Vegas this weekend. Among the best off-road racers in the world are a few Aussies competing in what they call America’s Great Off-Road Race, and you can catch the live stream here: themint400.com
RON MOON leads our convoy off the mainland of Queensland to spend a few days exploring the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island.
This gem off the coast of south-east Queensland is a haven for four-wheel-drive adventurers, fishers and tourists from around the globe, and it’s a must-see for anyone who loves a bit of beach driving and the sea breeze.
In this episode we trek along the eastern beach and venture inland to the rainforests at Central Station; Ron tries stand-up paddle boarding on the spectacular Lake McKenzie; and we criss-cross the island as we tour to its northernmost and most secluded section.
We run into a familiar faces on our travels, grab a meet pie at the famous bakery at Eurong Station, and learn a thing or two from a history lesson with Ron.
It’s always important to keep an eye on the tide on Fraser – or on any beach – and to stick to the speed limits. Also watch out for folks and dingoes wandering about. Most of the tracks are one-lane, so don’t fang along recklessly and always be courteous to other drivers.
We sample a taste of the many adventures to be had on Fraser Island, before we stop at the beautiful Kingfisher Bay Resort to wash the sand off, enjoy a cocktail and bid the island farewell.
Fraser Island is a place we keep coming back to, and we’re pretty sure this won’t be our last visit.
HOW WOULD you like to be one of the first people in Australia to drive a battery-powered 4×4 for as little as 50 bucks?
A new venture called Jaunt aims to bring electric four-wheel driving to the masses through a unique “distributed manufacturing model” that will allow community groups around the country to purchase an electrified Land Rover Series vehicle and rent it out to customers.
Currently in the crowdfunding stage, a $50 investment through Indiegogo aims to offer a 15-minute test drive with the Jaunt team on a special off-road circuit, while $1000 entitles the investor to a private test day with the Jaunt team. Planned rental agreements will be $200 for a day, $300 for two days, $1000 for a week and $5000 for a month.
Alternatively, three ‘Founders Edition’ Land Rover Series electric vehicles will be offered for private sale at a cost of $60,000, with expected delivery in 2020, while the intention is to manufacture other vehicles for Jaunt’s national car-share fleet.
Jaunt founders Dave Budge and Marteen Burger have enlisted the services of a variety of automotive specialists to help realise their dream, including people with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing, finance and marketing.
Their first electric vehicle, called Juniper, is a 1971 Land Rover Series IIA that is soon to be equipped with a tried and tested NetGain Hyper9 AC motor that makes a claimed 100kW and 235Nm. It will use five Tesla Model S battery packs and will have an expected range of around 200km.
Once Juniper has been completed it will be made available for test drives, as well as marketing and promotion of the Jaunt concept.
“Part of the reason we’re using old Land Rovers is they’re everywhere,” says Jaunt founder Dave Budge. “They’re pretty simple… and electric motors are too – the internal combustion engine is the most complex part of a car.”
Jaunt’s aim is to build electric conversion kits that can be installed into Land Rover Series vehicles by specialists all around the country, giving as many people as possible the opportunity to experience an electric vehicle for themselves.
“There are mechanics, auto electrical guys and engineers all across the country who are way more than capable of doing this work, so if we can create something where we can build a kit, provide the engineering and the quality control, and then partner with communities who can do the labour, do the work, run and support the installation, it ticks a lot of boxes for them as well,” explains Budge.
The Jaunt project began in July 2018 and has progressed quickly since then, with Juniper sourced in February 2019 and the crowdfunding campaign kicking off in March 2019. The team intends to start the electric conversion on Juniper in April, with the test drive program kicking off in June. All going to plan, Jaunt rental bookings will begin in September this year.
For more information on this ambitious project, or to contribute to the Jaunt crowdfunding campaign, check out: igg.me/at/jauntmotors
Congratulations to major prize winner T.Foster, VIC, prize redraw winner N.Nightingale, NSW, and runner-up prize winners N.Davis, WA, and P.Greene, SA.
The incredible experience, valued at up to AUD$11,800, will be led by 4X4 Australia’s very own Ron Moon, an Aussie off-road expert. By travelling with Ron, winners of the major prize will discover Moonie’s best-kept secrets, as well as benefit from his expansive knowledge of The Cape.Cape York features almost every landscape that is available in Australia, and it will surprise and delight any avid 4WDer with its abundance of opportunities to test your 4×4 and your off-roading skills. From rocky mountains, crystal-clear river crossings, bulldust, floodplains, thick bush, beach driving and rainforests, Cape York has it all. The winner must have an adequately prepared and insured vehicle for the duration of the trip as per specifications listed here.Two runner-up prizes will also be available, with tyre prize packs up for grabs.For your chance to win, simply subscribe to 4X4 Australia for 100 entries or enter your details below for one entry.
Subscribe or renew a 4×4 Australia Magazine subscription via magshop.com.au
Can’t see the entry form? Click hereFull Terms and Conditions
BRABUS is well-known for making extravagant, hi-po supercars and off-roaders, and this 800 Widestar recently added to its catalogue is no exception.
The German tuning house got their mitts on Mercedes-AMG G63 and gave it a shot of steroids, turning the G Wagen into a stunning mix of muscle and class.
Revealed at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, the wide-bodied 800 Widestar runs a Brabus-tuned version of the G63’s four-litre twin-turbo V8 that pumps out a massive 588kW (800hp; hence the name) at 6600rpm and 1000Nm at just 3600rpm – that’s 158kW and 150Nm more than stock. The V8 is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
To extract that performance from the G’s eight cylinders, the Brabus boffins recalibrated the ECU and replaced the two production turbos with its own reconfigured high-performance turbochargers. When all is said and done, the 800 Widebody can sprint to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds … but can it climb Billy Goat Bluff Track? Top speed is limited to 240km/h due to the car’s plump weight.
Also aiding in the quest for optimal performance is a Brabus stainless-steel sports exhaust system, which, thanks to actively controlled exhaust flaps, can be switched from ‘Coming Home’ mode, to ‘Hate the Neighbours’ (Sport) mode. The twin tailpipes look the bees, too.
The Brabus is 10cm wider than the stock rig, courtesy of the fender flares added to the front and rear axles. The space created allows for a big and chunky wheel/tyre combination to be fitted (20-23 inches). The options fitted to this example are forged 23-inch BRABUS Monoblock F “BLACK PLATINUM Special Edition” alloys wrapped in high-performance 305/35 R23 rubber.
Larger air intakes up front feed the engine, radiator and brakes, while the carbon hood adds muscle via two integrated ‘power’ bulges. An illuminated Brabus logo in the radiator grille complements the front end.
A Brabus skid plate is tucked into the rear-end between the rear fenders, which feature stylised air vents. A naked carbon spare wheel cover lives on the rear, while a Brabus roof wing caps off the car’s striking visual appeal. Other features include a smattering of LEDs, Keyless Go and illuminative Brabus logos.
The 2019 Geneva Motor Show is on from March 7-17.
VOLKSWAGEN has revived and modernised the dune buggy, with the curtains dropping on its electric ID BUGGY concept.
Revealed at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, the emissions-free concept buggy is powered by an electric- drive motor capable of generating 150kW. The motor, plonked in the rear, is fed electricity by a lithium ion rechargeable battery that lives in the vehicle’s floor.
The design of the buggy allows for an additional electric motor in the front axle, which VW says will give the buggy “all-wheel drive with an electric propshaft”.
Based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) – a platform developed specifically for electric vehicles that VW says will be the key to the “electric car for all” – the open-air buggy’s composite body is made using a combination of aluminium, steel and plastic, which can be detached from the MEB chassis.
“The ID BUGGY demonstrates the broad spectrum of emission-free mobility that can be achieved with the MEB within the Volkswagen brand. But we want to open up the platform for third-party suppliers,” Ralf Brandstätter, COO of the Volkswagen brand, explained.
Those who lived through Woodstock may see a resemblance between the ID BUGGY and the Californian beach buggies of the 60s that closely mirrored the iconic Beetle. The two-seater – it can be converted into a 2+2 seater – also features waterproof interior materials … obviously.
The 89th Geneva International Motor Show will run from March 7-17.
PEDDERS and Jayco have combined their considerable forces to celebrate the launch of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s all-new Towing Guide website.
The brands are offering the chance to win The Bullish Adventurer, an awesome touring package that comprises a modified Pedders MS-RT Ford Ranger and Jayco Adventurer, with a combined value of more than $200,000. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more impressive vehicle/caravan package for touring (both on- and off-road).
The Pedders MS-RT Ranger is far more than a glossy sticker pack and includes a host of modifications designed to make the Ranger a formidable tourer: LED Lazer high-beam assist lights on front grille; roof-mounted Lazer Triple-R LED light bar; Carlex Design full front and rear bumper conversion; body kit that includes wheel arch extensions; more aggressive front bumper; 18-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich 265 65/R18 All Terrain KO2 rubber; side-steps with the Pedders alloy bash guard; and more.
Pedders has upped the ante on this one-off Ranger with a pile of its own towing and off-road-oriented mods. These include fitment of a height-adjustable Hayman Reese towbar (and brake controller); Pedders TrakRyder extreme adjustable coilovers; variable leaf springs out back; beefed-up brakes in the form of Pedders’ TrakRyder big brake kit, which comprises a six-piston setup up front; and a Pedders rear drum-to-disc conversion kit that, for this vehicle only, comprises a four-pot setup.
Pedders currently offers its rear drum-to-disc conversion kit for the Ranger with a single-piston setup, but is working toward a four-pot setup that will be released in late 2019. All-up, that’s a comprehensive upgrade of an already capable 4×4 ute.
The exterior features bespoke graphics that incorporate the Pedders, Jayco, Caravan Industry Association of Australia and the one-off Bullish Adventurer logo. It’s all nice and subtle, too.
Inside, the Pedders MS-RT Ranger includes bespoke Nappa leather seats embroidered with the Pedders logo, with more Pedders branding on the MS-RT steering wheel and extra leather on the centre arm rest and door trims. In short, it’s a seriously comprehensive package that combines unique exterior styling with serious all-round capability.
Then, of course, there’s the Jayco Adventurer. The Jayco brand is synonymous with off-road mobile adventure, and this Adventurer is one of its premium offerings. The caravan features Jayco’s purpose-built JTECH suspension, fitted to its proven (and galvanised) Endurance chassis and featuring two heavy duty Pedders shocks per wheel.
The Adventurer also includes lithium batteries, a JHub portable control panel, an excellent Nautilus hot water system, solar panels (three 160W jobbies) and ducted gas heating. Inside, there’s some schmick all-leather furniture, a top-end full kitchen, and even an en-suite.
Yep, it’s the full package, and it would be a dream to win. So get over to Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s new Towing Guide website and enter … I know I am.
Website: www.caravantowingguide.com.au