This challenging journey stretches over 1800km from the relatively well-watered southeastern edge of the Kimberley at Halls Creek, across the deserts of Western Australia, and to the rich goldfields north of Kalgoorlie.
The route was first surveyed by Alfred Canning in 1906 and he suggested that a stock route across the deserts could be built despite this being contrary to the strongly held and stated beliefs of earlier explorers such as David Carnegie and Lawrence Wells.
Tasked with the job to build it, he set out from Wiluna in March 1908, arriving in Halls Creek (now called Old Halls Creek) in July of the following year having excavated and erected 31 wells along the way. Turning back south he and his men established a further 21 wells before arriving in Wiluna in April 1910. It was an incredible undertaking.
Just a year later the first cattle were brought down the stock route, but it was only ever used spasmodically, with the last mob coming down in 1958.
The first vehicle to travel any length of the stock route was that of Michael Terry who travelled from Billiluna Station as far as Well 48 in 1925. At the southern end, vehicle-equipped surveyors reached as far north as Well 11 in 1929. In 1963, Len Beadell and his Gunbarrel Road Construction Party built two roads that cut the CSR – one at Well 23/24 and another at Well 35.
In 1964 the late Henry Ward (who established the Glen-Ayle Station in 1947) became the first person to travel up the stock route by vehicle as far as the Durba Hills and Well 18. Four years later, in 1968, three surveyors, Russell Wenholz, Dave Chudleigh and Noel Kealley, who had done much of the mapping in the area, became the first to drive the complete length of the stock route.
Martu Aboriginal people, who had been moved out of the deserts in the 1950s and 60s, mainly to Jigalong or further afield, began to move back onto their traditional lands in the 1980s. Punmu was established in 1981 and Kunawarritji soon afterwards, but it was a number of years before general stores were established to service the growing number of travellers along the Canning and other desert tracks.
In 1983 the late David Hewitt, who had travelled the stock route some years earlier, saw the need for a reliable water source about halfway along the stock route. He led a well-equipped party to restore Well 26, the first well to be reconditioned in modern times. That well has been overhauled a number of times since and is still a good source of water, although at times it can be tannin stained.
Since then a number of the other wells have been reconditioned and toilets built, most by Track Care WA, and if you can help or donate a few bucks it would be great (trackcare.com.au).
On our recent trip with a group from Moon Tours (www.moontours.com.au) we cleared the grass from around Well 26, hoping to save it from the fires that often decimate the country and take out any wooden structures around the wells; if you could do likewise when travelling the CSR it would be of great benefit.
From the mid-1980s to around the turn of the century, a fuel dump was established each year at Well 23 to supply those making the long trek along the CSR. Today, Kunawarritji Community services that need.
While the 1980s saw the number of travellers on the stock route grow to double figures, today many hundreds do the trek. Some say it’s easier than it’s ever been; don’t worry, it can still be a challenge. One of the greatest attractions for many travellers along the CSR is the history that is so tangible and touchable.
Every one of the historic wells sunk along the route has a different story to tell, and there are plenty of examples of ancient Aboriginal art that tell the story of the ancient lifestyle of these desert wanderers. Today, if you are lucky, you’ll meet their descendants as they act as rangers along the stock route.
At Weld Springs a low circle of rocks marks the site of a ‘fort’ built by the explorer John Forrest in 1874 to protect him and his small band of men from Aboriginal attack. At Well 40 is the grave of Michael Tobin, who was speared by Aboriginal man Mungkututu, while nearby is the headstone marking the probable burial site of Mungkututu, who was in turn shot and killed by Tobin.
At Well 37 the graves of two drovers taking the first mob of cattle down the CSR can be seen, along with a member of an oil exploration team who was killed in 1922. Other graves along the CSR mark the site of where a stockman died, either from thirst or from a simple accident far from medical help.
Another reason to travel along the CSR is the variety and beauty of the surrounding country itself. Wide, sweeping vistas of long, steep-sided dunes roll away to the horizon, and vast seas of waving golden spinifex stretch off into the distance. Forests of desert oaks whisper a sigh on the faintest of winds, while sheer rock escarpments and low, rugged mountain ranges hide secluded valleys and verdant oases surrounding tranquil pools of life-giving water.
If you haven’t done any desert travel before, start off with something not quite so daunting as the Canning Stock Route. Take a four-wheel driving course at the very least, and travel the SA/Vic Border Track through the Big Desert or cross the Simpson Desert before attempting an expedition along the CSR.
Don’t travel the CSR on your own. It is far too remote if anything goes wrong, and you might need to rely on a mate to tow you out if you get stuck. Joining a commercial tagalong trip is a great way to see this remote part of Australia.
Allow at least 14 days to travel from Wiluna to Halls Creek. The more time you give yourself the better.
The best time to travel the CSR is from May to September. It is way too hot in the warmer months.
Most of this country is designated as Aboriginal land. A CSR permit allows travel between Wells 5 and 51. This can be obtained on-line at permits.canningstockroute.net.au/default.aspx.
Currently the permit costs $295 for a 4×4 or motorcycle.
If you need to access the CSR via Granite Peak (ph: (08) 9981 2983) or Glen-Ayle stations (ph: (08) 9981 2989) you’ll need to contact them directly to organise and pay for a permit to cross their land.
All vehicles must be in tip-top condition for a trip along the CSR. Have your vehicle inspected and maintained by a dedicated 4×4 service centre; most car company workshops have no idea of what the Canning and other desert tracks can do to a vehicle.
You must carry ample fuel and plenty of water (see below). You will need basic tools, a multimeter for electrical faults you are sure to have, and some basic spares such as fuses, fuel and oil filters, and a serpentine belt (fan belt).
Because of the corrugations you might want to carry a spare shock absorber or two, and on CSR trips we always carry spare wheel studs. For modern vehicles an OBD2 scan gauge is essential for fault finding (autophixaustralia.com.au).
A recovery kit is essential for each vehicle and at a minimum should include a snatch strap and shackles, and a pair or more recovery tracks.
With the increased traffic on the CSR it is essential to run a sand flag and to use your UHF to call periodically to let others know where you are on the track and the direction you are travelling in; much better to be cautious than to have a head-on at the top of a sand dune.
In addition to a good first aid kit (www.arb.com.au/general-accessories/first-aid-kits) every traveller needs to carry their own prescription medicine, as well medicines for diarrhoea, bites and stings, and a general antibiotic.
Most Aboriginal communities have a health centre but don’t expect 24/7 service; the solitary nurse in these places can be stretched.
For medical requirements and emergencies, the RFDS can be contacted around the clock on 1800 377 359 or +61 (2) 9941 8888, or via their WA base on (08) 9417 6300.
Emergency evacuations are possible from airstrips located at Parngurr, Kunawarritji or Billiluna, or the Glen-Ayle, Cunya or Granite Peak properties in the south of the CSR.
Fuel usage will vary between vehicles and track conditions at the time of travel, but expect much higher consumption than when driving other outback tracks because of the 1000 odd sandhills you will cross.
For the 1000km from Wiluna to Kunawarritji (it’s only 650km from Kunawarritji to Billiluna) expect a V8 diesel Cruiser to use around 200 to 230 litres of fuel; a petrol Cruiser will use significantly more. Smaller four-cylinder diesels don’t get much better out in this country with a HiLux and the like using around 190-200 litres.
Wiluna Traders for fuel and last minute supplies – (08) 9980 6011.
A caravan park should be open for the 2025 season.
The Tjukurba Art Gallery and the Canning-Gunbarrel Discovery Centre are open Monday-Friday 9am to 4pm, and on weekends by appointment; they’re worth a visit.
Kunwarritji Store (Well 33) for fuel and supplies – (08) 8956 4935
Billiluna store for fuel and supplies – (08) 9168 8066
Halls Creek has a number of servos and stores. The caravan park has been closed for the last two years. Will it open for 2025?
While there is a varying quantity and quality of water at some of the wells, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much water is available. Still, carry at least 60 litres of potable water per person.
You’ll need UHF radios between vehicles and a HF radio, satphone or StarLink for long distance communications. A two-way satellite communicator or EPIRB is the absolute minimum if no HF or satphone.
Vehicle recovery can be expensive so be prepared with some form of insurance or Total Care – make sure it covers remote tracks like the Canning.
For outback recovery there is Andy Sutcliffe based in Laverton (0428 196 306) and Pilbara Towing (0407 380 407).
The best up-to-date guide is Phil Bianchi’s The 4WDriver’s Guide: Canning Stock Route – www.philbianchi.com.au/publications/canning-stock-route/the-4wdrivers-guide-canning-stock-route.
Phil has also written the definitive history of the establishment of the stock route called Work Completed, Canning.
Westprint’s The Canning Stock Route adds a lot of history notes to the detailed map – https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/canning-stock-route-digital
The Hema Maps Great Desert Tracks Atlas and Guide is excellent and well researched, as is the series of four maps – www.hemamaps.com
The stock route along this section travels across pastoral land and during times of heavy rain can be closed to all vehicles. Alternate routes on to or off the Canning can be from Well 5 or Well 9. You will need to contact the station involved and pay to use these tracks.
From Well 5 a track leads via Granite Peak HS to a good road to Wiluna.
Well 6 (Pierre Springs) is one of my favourite camps on the stock route. Good water and a toilet can be found here.
Well 9 is Forrest’s famous Weld Springs and is now contained in a Historic Reserve. At this point the track from Glen-Ayle HS joins the CSR, from either Carnegie homestead or Wiluna.
After leaving Well 9 you come to the end of the pastoral country and are soon in the sandhills, where the real adventure begins. You cross the first sandhills heading for Well 11. North of Well 16 the track begins to skirt the western edge of the Durba Hills; Canning’s cairn is easily visible and it’s worth the climb. Take a break and spend at least two nights at Durba Springs.
North of the Durba Hills is some of the toughest country on the Canning. Further on, you cross Savory Creek (can be daunting) and then skirt the western margin of the vast Lake Disappointment – take the detour to check it out.
North of Well 22 is the Talawana Track, and close by the junction is Georgina Bore, a great source of beautiful water and a good camp. West from here leads 85km to Parnngurr Community and its good store and fuel.
This section of the Canning offers some delightful variety, so enjoy the drive.
Well 26 offers water, a toilet and good camping.
A major graded track crosses the CSR 4km south of Well 33. Just 3km west along this relatively good road is the Kunawarratji Community and its fuel and store. Another 185km further west is Punmu Community, and further west again is the township of Marble Bar.
East along this major track leads to Len Beadell’s Gary Highway with the Kiwirrkurra Community 375km further. Alice Springs is a mere 1170km to the east.
Well 33 offers a great camp, good water and a toilet.
Some of the most historic and poignant places lie along this section of the stock route. Take your time and make the effort to see it all. The corrugations can be woeful in and around Well 33 to Well 35.
In this section history and a variety of desert landscapes vie with one another for attention.
Well 41 has good water and a toilet.
North of Well 43 there are some big dunes to cross before coming to Well 46 and its good water and pleasant campsites.
The end of the stock route looms.
Well 48 is close to the picturesque Breaden Hills and its attractions. Once north of Breaden Hills, you are back into remote and rarely used pastoral country.
Well 49 has some of the best water on the Canning, and Well 51 with its disused windmill is the last on the stock route.
An expansive Lake Gregory can cut the normal track along the stock route as it did in early 2024. The lake will still have water in it in 2025 but should have dried enough (barring any heavy rains in the 2024-25 wet season) to use the marked route. A detour track heads around the eastern edge of the lake to the small community of Mulan and then to bigger Balgo.
You’ll pass Stretch Lagoon and its camping just south of the Billiluna Aboriginal Community and the Kururrungku Store with its fuel and supplies, just before joining up with the Tanami Road.
Turning west at the Tanami Road will lead you to Halls Creek, 175km away. Just 43km north along the Tanami Road is the turn off to the Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater, which is well worth a visit.
You’ve made it – have a celebratory drink in the pub!
*All distances are approximate – depending on detours to wells and POIs.
Australia is a massive country with everything from pristine beaches, ancient rainforests, stunning gorges, a rugged high country, expansive deserts and more in between. Most likely immense distances will need to be driven on a variety of roads to reach your destination.
Planning doesn’t have to be to the nth degree, but having at least a basic plan in place will ensure you get the most out of your adventure.
The destination won’t move but how you get there and back home again can make all the difference.
I usually start my route planning by poring over the huge Hema map that hangs on a wall at home. Getting an overall view makes it easier to gain a sense of what off-road tracks can be taken, what side trips might augment the trip, what national parks offer something different, and what small towns I will visit to spend some cash and help the local economy.
Some permit applications are easily filled out online and approval is received in your inbox within minutes.
Others need you to print a PDF form, fill it out, scan it before emailing it, and then it can take four weeks before you get a response. Some permits charge a fee or have a restriction on the number of days allowed on a track, while some only allow access if there is more than one vehicle.
If you want to fly a drone in a national park, you will require a permit for that too, and in some states, this is simple and free while others demand to know everything about the flight, from the number of people who will be present to the flight times… and then they might charge a significant fee.
Spoil your rig with a major service and pre-trip inspection by a reputable mechanic, preferably one who specialises in 4x4s, and have this performed a few weeks out so that if there are any issues, they can be sorted out in time.
On extra-long trips that might exceed the service intervals of your vehicle, you might need to book your 4×4 in for a service somewhere along the way.
Carrying a selection of spare parts and lubricants is important, especially if you use a specific brand or your 4×4 is known to leak a bit when worked hard. We’re talking belts and hoses, engine oil and some coolant… just for starters.
It is a good idea to work out the distances between fuel stops so you know how much extra fuel may be needed.
Of course, knowing how much fuel your 4×4 uses over a particular distance and road or track type is important too. The Hema atlas and guide range will help you out a lot with this, as the maps include fuel stops in even the most unlikely places.
Taking and using a cryovac machine is a great way of extending the lifespan of many meats, vegetables and nuts.
Stocking up on supplies is similar to calculating fuel needs; you need to know how much to carry between grocery stores, including extra food and water in case you are held up somewhere by wet weather, mechanical issues or a bogged vehicle.
Is your fridge big enough to carry food with a short lifespan? Can you freeze food? Where will you store the pantry items? These are questions you should solve before you depart.
Taking and using a cryovac machine is a great way of extending the lifespan of many meats, vegetables and nuts.
The downside to baby wipes is that they are not biodegradable and should never be flushed. A face washer is also a good option as it needs minimal water to work, although you do then need to keep the washer clean too.
A cheap 12V shower unit is a great piece of kit when you have access to fresh water, or if you can carry water with you.
Caravan parks, council swimming pools and some roadhouses have showers that you can use, usually for a small fee, and coin-operated showers are sometimes available in small towns such as Innamincka.
If you’re a member of a gym chain or a golf club with reciprocal rights, you may be able to access the change room showers.
If a tyre’s tread shows signs of wear or the sidewall has a couple of nicks, replacing it before you leave home is better than copping a blowout the first time you drop tyre pressures for off-road terrain.
Installing a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is great for peace of mind as it will sense when a tyre is losing air or if it’s heating up too much, and will set off an alarm. In the majority of cases, this will prevent further damage to the tyre and allow you to plug the hole or pump some air into it before it is damaged beyond repair.
Speak to your doctor and chemist before you leave to see if you can arrange to collect all the medications you might need to cover the entirety of your trip.
Another option is to carry either an electronic or paper version of your scripts so that you can have them dispensed at chemists along the way. If you require specialised medication, however, it is better to call the chemist before you visit to check that it is in stock.
Stopping at a caravan park will also give you time to give your 4×4 a good going over to see if everything is in order.
A bit of personal care is sometimes needed too, such as getting a haircut, so spending a bit of time in a town that will allow the missus to “lose the greys”, and where the kids can have a look around, will keep everyone happy.
Check the first aid kit for missing items or out-of-date products, and add things like hay fever tablets (antihistamines) and purification tablets for drinking water.
When it comes to navigation, Hema 4×4 Explorer, Newtracs and ExplorOz Traveller are some of the better apps. Don’t rely on Google or Apple Maps, as they are pretty much useless once you leave the blacktop or are out of mobile phone range.
The FuelMapAustralia app shows petrol stations with a list of facilities and crowd-sourced fuel prices (when known). What3words shows exactly where you are on the planet in three words, and these can be shared and are easier for recipients to understand than GPS coordinates.
The ideal way to pack is to lay everything out on the driveway before you start filling up the 4×4.
Another tip is to have someone help you, so that when you forget where you put something, the other person might know where it is.
There are plenty of better tubs to be found; check out Front Runner, Expedition 134 or TRED Outdoors for some rugged and useful options.
Try to keep the heaviest items down low and in between the axles. If you need to use a roof rack, put the lightest gear up there along with the fuel jerry cans and LPG bottle. If you have driven on an off-camber track when fully laden you will understand why I’m saying this.
If this occurs, you can try and sit it out or better still change your plans and head somewhere else.
On a recent trip to Birdsville, the rains came, and it seemed every track in South Australia was closed with no hope of getting anywhere. I changed my trip plan and headed home for a week to let the rain clear with the hope that things would dry up quickly.
Queensland that I’d never heard of before, heading to Barcaldine to get back on track with my trip plan. Don’t let bad weather ruin your holiday; there are other amazing places just waiting to blow you away.
This tip should go without saying – and it applies to all vehicles regardless of whether it’s 4×4 or 4×2 – but ensure your vehicle is serviced regularly. If you have a long-distance road trip on the horizon, then plan accordingly and get it serviced ahead of schedule. Other than a routine service, ensure tyres (and the spare) are at the correct psi and tread levels are in good condition; the water, coolant and oil levels are spot-on; and all of the basics are humming along nicely. And check your rego and insurance expiration dates, just in case.
Download the best navigation apps – Waze and Google Maps – if your route doesn’t veer too far from the blacktop. These apps will not only get you to the correct destination, but will alert you to traffic congestion, provide alternate routes, and buzz when a speed camera is approaching. Still, it’s the holiday season, so be prepared for clogged roads and try to be patient.
These apps won’t be much use when bitumen turns to dust, so make sure you install a 4×4-specific app like or purchase a physical map (both from HEMA, for example).
When behind the wheel for long stints in pursuit of a quiet beach-side campsite (good luck), it’s important to break up long drives with plenty of rest stops, even if it’s just to stretch your legs. The consensus is to stop for 10 or 15 minutes every couple of hours, and overnight siestas are recommended for really long trips – you don’t want to be playing chicken with suicidal wildlife at sunset – especially without a bull bar.
Plan ahead to ensure you have all of the correct permits and paperwork for your trip – and do it well in advance in case your application falls through. Plenty of remote places require permits, but most of the popular hotspots don’t – check anyway.
Carry extra fuel (outside the vehicle), extra water, and extra food in case of an emergency. You simply never know what might happen when touring remote places, so always pack smart. If an emergency does occur, then stay calm, stay with your vehicle, and radio in your location (yes, with a UHF CB which should be with you). Also pack smart, with heavy items at the bottom, cumbersome items up on the roof racks, and frequently used items within easy reach. Here’s our guide on how to pack a 4×4.
Justin Walker
Little Desert National Park is Victoria’s own ‘outback,’ located around four hours’ drive west of Melbourne, near Dimboola. The 1326km² park is bordered by the Wimmera River, great for fishing, and the SA/Vic border near Naracoorte, featuring a fantastic mix of sandy desert terrain and huge river red gums.
The landscape is diverse with mallee country vegetation, such as heath, dominating the eastern section due to lower rainfall, while the western side features casuarina woodlands and swamp areas that emerge after rain, with river red gums lining the park’s waterways.
The park includes several campgrounds, from easily accessible sites via bitumen roads to more remote desert locations. Numerous sandy 4×4 tracks are available for exploration, along with two sealed main roads for linking these tracks. A 4X4 with a dual-range transfer case is essential for navigating the soft sandy terrain, providing opportunities to escape the crowds and immerse in nature.
An exciting adventure is to traverse the park’s three sections via the McDonald Highway, which begins at the eastern end of the central section, accessible via Nhill Road.
Despite its name, this highway is a sandy track. By linking it with Eastern section tracks and heading south along Kaniya-Edenhope Road, visitors can re-enter the park via the East-West Track, offering a rough plan for a weekend trip.
Starting in the east allows for a full day of exploring the numerous tracks before camping that night at Kiata Campground, Ackle Bend, or Horseshoe Bend, all suitable for caravans and camper trailers. The park has six campgrounds, including walk-in options like Mallee Walkers Camp and Yellow Gum Walkers Camp.
Bush camping in the central and western sections allows for solitude along side-tracks. Camp fees apply at Ackle Bend and Horseshoe Bend, so advance booking is necessary.
Visitors must bring their own water, as potable water is scarce. A powerful torch is recommended for nighttime wildlife viewing, as the park is home to possums and various nocturnal birds, creating memorable encounters for everyone.
With around 600km of tracks in the park, highlights include Dahlenburgs Mill, Jungkum, Salt Lake, Mallee, and McCabes Hut in the eastern section, as well as Broughtons-Sambells, Lawloit, Jacobs, and Mt Moffat in the west.
The western section tracks are generally more difficult, but experienced drivers should manage well. It’s essential to check weather forecasts, as tracks can become boggy after rain.
Little Desert NP is also a great destination for bushwalkers. Numerous short walks, including the Pomponderoo Hill Nature Walk near Dimboola and a scenic stroll beside the Wimmera River, average a couple of hours.
The 74km Little Desert Walk can be segmented into shorter sections, offering deeper engagement with the park’s wildlife, including 220 bird species such as emus, wedge-tailed eagles and the rare malleefowl. Spring visitors can enjoy a landscape dotted with wildflowers. For longer treks, walk-in-only campgrounds provide true remoteness, but registration with Parks Victoria is required.
For those seeking an outback adventure without travelling to South Australia or the Northern Territory, Little Desert National Park offers a brilliant desert driving experience, abundant wildlife viewing, and serene campgrounds.
Glenn Marshall
Murray-Sunset National Park in north-western Victoria is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking landscapes, unique history and a variety of outdoor activities. The nearest towns, Mildura and Renmark, provide essential facilities for travellers.
The best time to visit is during the cooler months from April to September, though access can be limited after rainfall. During the warmer months, native bees become active, adding to the park’s vibrant ecosystem. Camping options abound at sites like Lake Crosbie, Mt Crozier, Mopoke Hut, Rocket Lake and Pheeneys Track, each equipped with pit toilets, tables and firepits. Rainwater availability depends on conditions, while Border Track Campground is unserviced.
Essential gear for visitors includes a compressor, tyre gauge, repair kit, food, water and firewood. The park’s tracks can be challenging, especially away from the Pink Lakes, where deep sand presents a real test, particularly in warmer weather.
Just outside Renmark, the stunning Heading Cliff lookout is a must-see. The cliff’s colours shift throughout the day, making sunset a particularly magical time to visit. Nearby, the Woolshed Brewery offers a variety of locally brewed beers, accompanied by beautiful river views, barbecue facilities and food trucks on weekends.
A visit to the old Customs House at the end of Murtho Road reveals its historical significance as a collection point for goods transported via paddle steamers. Today, it operates as a general store with river access and a boat ramp. The Border Cliffs Customs House Wetland Walk, a 4km loop, begins and ends here, providing an opportunity to explore the wetland ecosystem.
Crossing into Victoria via Millewa Road, the Border Track leads to White’s Cairn survey marker, a replica from 1850 commemorating the border survey by Edward White and Henry Wade. The track continues, offering sandy terrain and a chance to spot local wildlife such as echidnas.
Tank Track connects to Berribee Tank Track, which descends through dunes toward the Sturt Highway. The nearby Shearers Quarters Camping Area features firepits, tables and a pit toilet, with the option to book the historic Shearers Quarters cottage.
Exiting Murray-Sunset, the journey to Ouyen reveals the new recreational lake, a transformation of the former Ouyen Reservoir. This area, now equipped with facilities for water sports, signifies the region’s ongoing development. Refuelling in Ouyen will allow a brief break before returning to the park.
Back in the park, Mopoke Hut, built in 1962, serves as a historical resting place for cattle drovers. Though vandalised in the past, it has since been restored by local clubs. The campsite here provides a connection to the area’s history, offering travellers a comfortable spot to unwind.
Last Hope Track is nearby and reveals remnants of old lake beds, and navigating through muddy junctions tests driving skills. The journey to Mount Crozier involves picturesque landscapes and views. The drive can often conclude at Lake Crosbie, where the busy campground showcases the area’s appeal.
While in the park make sure you visit the Pioneer Museum, detailing the area’s salt mining history, while the Pink Lakes exhibit their vibrant colours due to algal activity. A journey along Grub Track and Sunset Track leads to stunning landscapes and a connection to the region’s pastoral past. The drive back home incorporates scenic routes through the Mallee, showcasing fields of wheat and canola swaying in the breeze.
Words: Tristan Tancredi
Photos: Ron Moon
The Victorian High Country is often mentioned when discussing the best 4×4 tracks in the country. Only a few hours’ drive from Melbourne, the High Country is known for its stunning views, rich history, extensive outdoor activities, dense and lush forests and, of course, its challenging 4×4 tracks. Not just a mecca for off-roading, the region is also well-known for its skiing, hiking and fishing, and beautiful towns like Mansfield and Bright.
The best time to visit the High Country is between spring and summer, and a majority of tracks in the area are closed during the winter months. Remember to always carry essential safety equipment and off-road gear for such an adventure. Here are some of the best tracks and spots within the High Country.
Billy Goat Bluff: Billy Goat Bluff isn’t for the faint of heart, but overcoming its incredibly steep ascents and descents – it’s one of the steepest tracks in Victoria – will lead to breathtaking scenery. A modified 4×4 with high clearance is essential for anyone wishing to embark on this challenge, as the track is graded as difficult.
The track is located within Alpine National Park near the Wonnangatta River, and it’s common for four-wheel drivers to start at Dargo (27km to the track via Crooked River Road) and end at Licola. There are a few camping spots along the way, including at Horseyard Flat and Black Snake Creek. The area is also popular for bushwalking, horse riding, rock climbing and fishing.
Howitt Plains Track: Easier and more inviting than Billy Goat Bluff for casual four-wheel drivers, Howitt Plains Track is a scenic route that carves through beautiful alpine forestry and provides access to many walking trails and well-known camping spots.
The track is accessible from the small town of Howitt, approximately four hours’ drive from Melbourne, and travellers often start at the southern end near the Howitt Plains. Some sections can be challenging, so a high-clearance 4×4 is recommended. While there, be sure to have a picnic at Howitt Plains; detour to Mount Howitt to get truly impressive vistas of the area, or bushwalk the many trails including The Viking, a multi-day hike.
Mount Pinnibar Track: Most tourers depart from the nearby towns of Omeo and Benambra to access this challenging 4×4 track from the northern end, near the southern base of Mount Pinnibar. As with the other tracks on this list, a high-clearance 4×4 is essential, as the track is steep in sections, with mud known to hinder vehicles after rain.
Inexperienced drivers need not apply, as the track has plenty of technical sections and steep climbs, but the alpine views at several vantage points along the way make it an extremely rewarding journey.
Dargo High Plains Track: This adventure typically starts at the towns of Dargo or Licolo, roughly four hours’ drive from Melbourne. The well-known track weaves through the Alpine National Park and mixes picturesque views with challenging terrain.
A combination of river crossings of the Dargo River, steep climbs and technical sections means a high-clearance 4×4 is essential. The Dargo High Plains Road leads to the start of the Blue Rag track, which ends at a high peak with unbeatable views of the area.
As with all tracks on this list, it’s paramount to be well-prepared if things turn sour – that means packing the correct safety and off-road gear, and knowing how to use it. Canoeing, fishing and rafting are popular in the region, as is hiking and horseback riding.
Zeka Spur Track: The historic Zeka Spur Track is another recommended for experienced tourers only due to its demanding and technical off-road sections. The track that leads to the Wonnangatta Valley is littered with sharp rocks, steep ascents and descents, and multiple river crossings, so an appropriate high-clearance 4×4 is non-negotiable.
The track is most commonly accessed from the southern end off Howitt Plains Road from Licola, but it can also be reached from the northern end near Dargo. It’s also highly popular for trout fishing and hiking.
Robert Norman
Grampian National Park’s array of accommodations, restaurants and wineries makes it a perfect getaway for travellers of all tastes.
Halls Gap, with a population of just 430, serves as the gateway to the Grampians. Despite its small size, the town boasts essential services including a bakery, general store, hotel, service station and cafes that accommodate a steady influx of visitors. Among the town’s attractions is Victoria’s largest regional zoo, home to more than 160 species of native and exotic animals.
Visitors can enjoy unique encounters with dingoes, meerkats, giraffes, cheetahs, and rhinos. Families can also take advantage of electric bike rentals and a paved bike/walking track that runs through town. For adults, nearby wineries, such as Fallen Giants, offer the perfect retreat for wine tasting.
For fishing enthusiasts, the Grampians features numerous manmade lakes and reservoirs stocked with redfin and trout. For those who prefer dining out, the Halls Gap Hotel serves delicious fish and chips – reservations are recommended.
A must-visit is the Brambuk National Park & Cultural Centre, which celebrates the connection to Country through indigenous dancers, artists and storytellers. Known as Gariwerd to the traditional owners, the Grampians is home to the largest collection of Aboriginal rock art sites in Southern Australia, with 80 per cent of Victoria’s sites located here. These ancient artworks, some dating back 20,000 years, can be explored at public sites like Bunjil’s Shelter, nestled within a granite boulder.
The park features an extensive network of unsealed roads and tracks, ranging from accessible to steep and rocky, making it a popular destination for the 4×4 community.
Campgrounds within the park require online booking, and while many sites offer basic amenities like toilets and fireplaces, those seeking comfort can opt for caravan parks in Halls Gap, which provide additional facilities such as hot showers and swimming pools.
For those looking to explore beyond their vehicles, numerous walking trails lead to breathtaking lookouts and attractions. Mt Victory Road winds through scenic areas, offering access to locations like the Elephant’s Hide and the stunning panoramas at Lakeview and Pinnacle Lookouts. For a more challenging hike, the moderately difficult walk to the summit of Mt William rewards hikers with spectacular views.
Among the park’s highlights is MacKenzie Falls, Victoria’s largest waterfall, which flows year-round. Though swimming is prohibited, visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery, while a short side track leads to the picturesque Broken Falls. Nearby, Wartook Reservoir offers a peaceful picnic spot with lovely views.
The Grampians is also home to various 4×4 tracks. Adventurers can explore routes like Victoria Range Track, which features challenging terrains and stunning vistas. The park’s gravel roads, while not overly difficult, provide spectacular views of the Grampians’ rugged landscape.
While most caravan parks in Halls Gap enforce a no-dogs policy, nearby Lake Fyans Holiday Park welcomes pets outside of peak times. For those preferring to free camp, Glendinning Campground and Lake Lonsdale Campground offer dog-friendly options with basic facilities and fishing opportunities.
Grampians National Park truly has something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for repeated visits.
Miriam Blaker
Tintaldra, once a bustling hub of activity along the Upper Murray, is a small hamlet steeped in history. In its heyday, it featured a ferry crossing, customs house, blacksmith, and even a police sergeant on patrol. This quaint locale was one of the few points to cross the river from Victoria into New South Wales.
Fast forward to today, and while the original punt has given way to a modern bridge, Tintaldra remains a serene retreat. The local police officers stationed here are friendly, offering a warm welcome to visitors. This charming town, coupled with the iconic Murray River, provides ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
The journey from Melbourne, over five hours long, becomes increasingly scenic upon leaving the Hume Highway. Travellers are treated to stunning landscapes as they navigate towards Tallangatta and the Murray River Road, which connects the majestic Murray River with the Snowy Mountains.
Numerous campsites dot the area, and the drive through Tallangatta reveals the forest’s resilient regrowth after the bushfires. The winding Shelley-Walwa Road descends to the Murray River Road, showcasing the river’s meandering path through lush grazing lands and woodlands. Walwa makes for an ideal pit stop, boasting a well-stocked general store, a pub, and a caravan park.
Neils Reserve, just 7km east of Walwa, offers abundant camping options along the river. As the journey continues, panoramic views abound, particularly at the Jim Newman Lookout, where the Murray River gracefully winds through the valley, framed by the distant Alps.
A notable feature here is a giant bogong moth structure that highlights the significance of these moths to the indigenous people who once thrived on them during the spring and summer months.
Clarkes Reserve serves as the perfect campsite, with its picturesque river frontage ideal for fishing or canoeing. Situated just 6km from Tintaldra, this idyllic spot offers a lush, open space for relaxation. After settling in, a visit to the town reveals a quiet atmosphere.
The historic general store, built in 1864, is a must-visit. Stepping inside is akin to stepping back in time, with its patterned tin interior and river red gum beams. This store, which also serves as a post office and museum, was once a vital supply hub for the area.
Caretaker Robin Walton shares the store’s rich history, recounting her family’s nearly 50-year stewardship and honouring her late mother, a beloved figure in the community known for her hospitality.
Across the road stands the Tintaldra Hotel, established in 1870 and serving as a local gathering place for years. Though it faced closure, the hotel has been revitalised since reopening in 2018, combining historical charm with modern amenities, including excellent pub food and cold drinks.
Visitors can enjoy views of the historic river red gum bridge while the nearby monument commemorates early pioneers like Christian Vogel, a jack-of-all-trades who contributed significantly to the area’s development.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park presents a playground of bushwalking and four-wheel driving opportunities. Though some tracks remain closed for safety assessments post-bushfire, ranger insights hint at future openings. Pine Mountain, one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest monoliths, beckons adventurers, while Cudgewa Bluff Falls offers a spectacular spot to cool off in nature.
Nearby Mt Mittamatite Regional Park features Embery Lookout, promising breathtaking views over Corryong and the Australian Alps. The region is also dotted with welcoming country pubs like the Walwa Pub and the Cudgewa Pub, perfect for a refreshing drink after a day of exploration.
As dusk falls at camp, the river provides a tranquil backdrop for relaxation. With more than 155km of stunning landscapes to discover along the Murray River Road, Tintaldra and its surroundings offer a wealth of experiences for those seeking adventure and tranquillity in this magnificent part of Victoria.
The images shared by CarNewsChina show the “MG” on the back of a tow truck, at an event for the launch of the Maxus Interstellar X pickup truck. The Maxus will be available in both diesel and EV forms when released in China.
The former British marque, which just recently launched one of the world’s few two-door electric performance cars into the Australian market in the form of the shapely MG Cyberster, is reportedly getting ready to enter a very different segment – one with substantially more commercial importance.
MG wants a ute for Australia.
Not just any ute: a dual-cab, the most popular bodystyle for privately-owned pickup utilities in this country. Why? Because the brand’s local boss Peter Ciao says MG will struggle to achieve its goal of being a top-five brand in Australia if it doesn’t have a dual-cab ute in the Aussie product portfolio. It’s a goal MG hopes to hit by 2027, with a secondary goal of becoming a top-three brand by 2030.
With the calendar about to click over into 2025, a ‘by 2027’ deadline sounds awfully close. It means MG’s ute will need to arrive within the next 24 months, ideally within the next 12 if it’s to lodge a full year of sales and contribute as much as it can to MG’s Australian sales ledger in 2026. The clock is ticking, but MG does have the ability to move quickly.
Product development lead times in China are substantially quicker than that of other car-producing nations, but MG also has the advantage of being able to adapt existing product from the broader brand network of its owner, the Chinese automotive juggernaut SAIC.
MG already has a ute in the Thai market, the MG Extender, however that product is a rebadge of the T60 Max (above) that’s sold by LDV, another SAIC subsidiary, which is already on the road in Australia. MG’s Australia-bound ute is expected to be something quite different.
A more likely candidate is the Maxus eTerron 9 (top and below), an electrified dual-cab pickup utility which could hold potential for an MG rebadge for Australia given Maxus is another corporate cousin of MG. With a big battery and electric motors driving its wheels, the eTerron 9 would also fit in neatly alongside MG’s other new-energy vehicles like the MG ZS, MG4 and Cyberster.
A diesel-powered version dubbed the Terron 9 is also set to enter production soon, replacing the eTerron 9’s 325kW dual-motor powertrain and 102kWh battery pack with a more conventional 163kW 2.5-litre turbodiesel driving all four wheels. Both are expected to boast a 3500kg towing capacity.
The catch? LDV’s local distributor Ateco has already committed to bringing the eTerron 9 and the diesel-powered Terron 9 to Australia badged as LDVs (below), meaning MG – whose presence in Australia is fully backed by SAIC and is managed separately to LDV – will either need to do something special to set its version of that ute apart from its LDV equivalent, or will have to bring a wholly different vehicle to our shores altogether. If the latter is the case it would have to be something we haven’t seen yet, as SAIC’s only other mid-size pickup besides the T60 and eTerron 9 is the Wuling Zhengtu: a homely-looking ultra-utilitarian ute that’s powered by a 72kW 1.5-litre petrol engine driving only the rear wheels.
MG’s leadership isn’t wrong about the commercial importance of putting a ute in its showrooms. Right now, Mitsubishi sits in fifth place in the year-to-date sales figures with a tally of 62,588 vehicles sold, and the Triton accounts for just under 15,000 of that total – or nearly a quarter of all Mitsubishis sold in this country. Meanwhile Toyota, which dominates the 2024 sales charts with more than 202,000 units sold to the end of October, attributes 28 percent of its sales volume to the Hilux and 70-Series Landcruiser ute.
If MG was able to see similar percentages it might not be enough to boost it into the top five (its current year-to-date sales tally is 41,302 cars and SUVs), but it would certainly put it within striking distance of rivals like Hyundai, which currently sits in sixth place without a ute in its lineup.
The first shipment of vehicles landed locally earlier this month, with the allotment dispensed to dealerships to fulfill back orders across the country.
Two T9 variants are available to order, starting at $45,670 (driveaway) for the lower-spec Oasis and topping out with the upper-spec Haven. Both variants are powered by the same 125kW/410Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel running through a ZF eight-speed auto and part-time 4WD system.
“We’re thrilled to begin deliveries of the JAC T9 Ute to our Australian customers,” said Ahmed Mahmoud, JAC Motors Australia Managing Director. “The JAC T9 Ute is a ‘smart choice’ for buyers seeking a blend of value, design, and leading cutting-edge safety.
“We have also made sure that every JAC T9 comes with an uncomplicated, seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and affordable capped price servicing.”
The JAC T9 received a five-star ANCAP safety rating back in August 2024, scoring 85 per cent (adult occupant protection); 87 per cent (child occupant protection); 87 per cent (vulnerable road user protection); and 89 per cent (safety assist).
“JAC has clearly committed to bring high levels of safety performance to the Australian market with the T9 and are to be commended for achieving these strong results with their first offering,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg.
Safety equipment includes seven airbags and a suite of active safety features: forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking; lane-keep assist; lane departure warning; lane change assist; blind-spot monitoring; rear cross-traffic alert; traffic sign recognition; a driver monitoring system; and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist.
On the inside, the Oasis features a 10.4-inch infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster; smartphone mirroring; wireless charging pad; LED lighting; climate control air-conditioning; reversing camera; rain-sensing wipers; and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Haven then adds rear privacy glass, 360-degree camera, and heated front seats.
| 2024 JAC T9 Oasis features | |
|---|---|
| 18-inch alloy wheels | Remote window open/close control |
| Highway terrain tyres | Rain-sensing wipers |
| 10.4-inch infotainment system | Tyre pressure monitoring |
| Six-speaker audio system | Rear parking sensors |
| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Electronic parking brake with auto-hold function |
| DAB+ digital radio | Forward and reverse autonomous emergency |
| Keyless entry and push-button start | Lane-keep assist |
| Wireless phone charger.u00a0 | Lane departure warning |
| Exterior LED lights | Lane change assist |
| Black leather-accented upholstery | Blind-spot monitoring |
| Six-way power-adjustable driveru2019s seat | Rear cross-traffic alert |
| Leather-accented steering wheel | Traffic sign recognition |
| 7-inch digital instrument cluster | Driver monitoring system |
| Cooled or heated centre console | Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist |
| Power-adjustable side mirrors | Automatic high-beam |
| 2024 JAC T9 Haven features (in addition to Oasis) | |
|---|---|
| Front parking sensors | Black/brown leather-accented upholstery, |
| 360-degree camera system | Auto-dimming rear-view mirroru00a0u00a0 |
| Roof rails | Four-way power-adjustable passenger seat |
| Rear privacy glass | Heated front seats |
| Puddle lamps | Rear USB charge port |
| Auto-folding side mirrors with chrome caps | Rear 220-volt power outlet |
The one-off special is essentially a showcase vehicle to promote the Quartermaster’s potential as a hugely customisable platform, and it has been built in partnership with some of Australia’s most well-known aftermarket companies including Norweld, Rhino-Rack, Brown Davis, REDARC, JMACX, GME, BFGoodrich, MAXTRAX, and STEDI.
“We wanted to create a truly unique Quartermaster together with some incredibly innovative local engineering and accessory partners,” said Justin Hocevar, Regional Director, APAC at INEOS Automotive. “The Quartermaster Cab Chassis is a ‘blank canvas’ that allows for great versatility when it comes to customisation, so together with these project partners, we let our imagination run wild. Ultimately, the ‘Kaiju Quartermaster’ expresses our Australian vision of ‘built for more’.”
The “Kaiju” – which translates to a mythical ‘giant creature’ or ‘monster’ in Japanese – is based on the Grenadier Trialmaster edition, which means it already comes equipped with front and rear diff locks; raised air intake; an auxiliary battery; 17-inch steel wheels; an access ladder; high load auxiliary switch panel and external plugs; an exterior utility belt and interior utility rails; and a Class III 1-7/8″ NAS tow hitch and electrics. Plus, this one has a selection of genuine INEOS accessories that includes a roo bar, rock sliders and checker plates.
At the rear, Norweld has installed a heavy duty aluminium tray equipped with a 1200mm trundle drawer set-up with a drop-in table. The tray also features an integrated 40-litre poly water tank, as well as exclusive sequential tail-lights. A Compact Deluxe Lite canopy sits atop the tray and is loaded with a 130-litre Bushman fridge and a Bolt-On jerry can holder. Both the canopy and tray are dust- and water-resistant.
Power needs are covered by a suite of REDARC gear including a 2000W RS3 inverter; Manager Alpha50 battery management system; and the addition of an Alpha150 150A lithium battery. An XRS-660 handheld UHF CB radio, XRS-370C4P compact UHF CB radio, and a heavy duty radome UHF antenna and bull bar bracket from GME will keep all comms humming nicely when (if) beyond the black stump.
Other kit includes a 168-litre Brown Davis long-range fuel tank kit; a suite of LEDs, wiring and harnesses from STEDI; MAXTRAX recovery equipment; 315/70 R17 KM3 muddies; and the stock suspension was overhauled in favour of high-quality JMACX Alpha remote reservoir electric 2.5 shocks.
When ordered through retailers, INEOS extends the vehicle’s warranty to cover select aftermarket components from official accessories partners.
In a recent post on his Instagram page, Portelli shared a handful of photos of the newly transformed Jeep, and Patriot Campers seemed to have spared no expense for this one-off build.
“So we been keeping this one under wraps for a couple months,” PatriotGamesTV posted to Instagram. “@adrian_portelli asked us to build him a SEMA style Jeep, so that’s what we did!”
Image credit: instagram.com/adrian_portelli/
The aggressive Wrangler now features tube doors for both the front and rear, as well as an open-air roof with a retractable soft-top that has four slimline LEDs positioned aft. A neat slimline snorkel wears AP nomenclature – Adrian Portelli – as does the front number plate that sits below a bullbar/winch combo.
Gigantic wheels and Fuel Off-Road Gripper tyres are hiding a ridiculous suspension system. We’ll have to wait and see as more info drip-feeds on social media, so we’re not sure whether a HEMI V8 is lurking under the bonnet. However, we reckon they probably would’ve mentioned it in the post if it is.
Animal strikes, stones rocks and scrub are all out there to clash with your vehicle, be they bouncing out in front of you, sliding down the side of your guard or scraping under your sills or sump; there’s always the potential for damage and sometimes it can leave you stuck, or worse, be life threatening.
Driving in the bush is nothing new for Australians and thankfully we have a buoyant aftermarket industry busily designing and fabricating world-class products to protect our 4x4s and their occupants. For our VDJ79 build we were very happy to team up with the crew at Ironman 4×4 as we know they have all the protection gear we need for the LandCruiser.
In fact, it was actually Ironman’s magazine ads featuring a white facelift-model 79 just like ours that convinced us that was the gear we were after, as not only is it well-engineered but it has the desired look.
The equipment fitted to the front of the Ironman LandCruiser, and now on our one, consists of a new Apex bull bar which was specifically developed for the facelifted 2024 70 Series Cruiser; premium steel side steps/sliders with side rails; a Frontier 12,000lb winch; Cube lights in the bull bar that replace the factory fog lights; and a pair of Ironman Scope nine-inch LED driving lights.
It’s a comprehensive package that will protect the front and sides of our Cruiser as well as supply much needed recovery equipment for getting ourselves and others out of sticky situations.
The facelift on the 2024 70 Series LandCruiser is a bit of a back to the future change with a return to round headlights, but they are now LED units with daytime running lights, and there are a few other design elements and vents that hark back to LandCruisers of old. It might be new for this year but the overall front-end of the vehicle remains essentially the same, just revised.
So when it came to creating the Apex bull bar, the design team at Ironman didn’t need to stray too far from what they already had. The full hoop bar is taller in line with the higher bonnet, and the hoops are made big with 63.3mm tube and a more detailed lower channel section with provisions for the latest LED cube lights for the purposes of park and turn signals, fog lamps and additional lighting.
Of course, the Apex bull bar includes a cradle to mount a winch on, and in this case we’ve fitted Ironman’s Frontier 12,000lb unit. Another new product to Ironman 4×4, the Frontier takes over from the Monster range of winches that the company has sold in the past.
The Frontier takes lessons learned from that experience and the new winch is rated to IP68 for being submersible to one metre for 30 minutes, and it has a breather to allow the heat that builds up out of the housing while keeping water out, thus protecting the internals. This durability allows Ironman to offer a five-year mechanical warranty on the Frontier winch.
The motor is a proven 6hp unit and there is now a controller that can be used either wirelessly or with the supplied cable. We chose the option of synthetic winch rope as it is lighter than steel cable, meaning less weight over the front axle. Synthetic rope is also easier and safer to work with when performing vehicle recoveries.
Fitting the Frontier winch in the Apex bull bar required the winch housing to be ‘clocked’ to get the clutch release lever closer to the front where it is easy to reach. Clocking is simply a matter of undoing the housing and turning it around until the lever is in the best position before buttoning it back up.
The Apex bull bar has provisions for mounting extra lights on the main channel and antenna tabs up on the hoop. We particularly like that the antenna tabs are at the furthest reaches of the hoops to get the antennas as far out of the driver’s line of sight as possible. There’s also a pair of rated recovery points under the bar along with a 4mm-thick protective bash plate.
The Ironman Scope nine-inch driving lights are a premium product, but at $349 each they don’t come with a premium price tag. The Scope lights are an all-in-one lighting solution as they have two modes for output so that you can dim them down when you have reflective signs on the road and they are a spot and spread combo. In addition, the side lights work as DRL/positional lights when the spotties aren’t in use. The driver can adjust from the full beam to the 80-per-cent dimmer mode via a two-way switch; in our LandCruiser we have mounted this switch in one of the factory blanks on the dash.
At full power the Scope lights punch out up to 1 lux at 1770m, and with a 5700K colour rating the light is claimed to be easy on the eyes. We’ll bring you a full review of the Scope lights and the Frontier winch once we get out in the bush for some night driving.
We’ve run a set of Ironman side rails back from the hoops on the Apex bar and down to the side steps. Side rails not only protect the front guards from rubs and scrapes but they also brace the bull bar in the case of a heavy animal strike. As the side steps are mounted to the chassis rails, the side bars triangulate the mounting of the bull bar for greater strength in an impact.
The standard aluminium side steps Toyota fits are as consumable as brake pads and tyres; one decent scrape on a rock or log and they are easily busted up, so steel replacements are always a worthy addition. Ironman’s Premium side steps not only give folks an easy step up to get in and out of the cabin but add valuable protection to the sills and side of the vehicle; like a bull bar and side rails, they provide peace of mind when you are driving in the rough stuff.
The Ironman 4×4 kit comprising the Apex bull bar, side rails, Premium side steps, Frontier winch and Scope lights has given our LandCruiser a comprehensive package of vehicle protection, self-recovery capability and forward lighting, all things we’d recommend for any 4×4 vehicle heading bush… and that’s just what we’re planning to do.
Predator Tyres recently launched a range of all-terrain (AT) and mud-terrain (MT) tyres in various sizes to gauge the Australian market, with more sizes coming soon, so I thought I’d give them a go.
Predator, you ask? Parent company ROH Wheels saw an opening in the market to launch these new tyres for Aussie adventurers. ROH has been making wheels for a huge range of vehicles worldwide since the early 1940s, including OEM rims, and before dipping its toe into the tyre market the company tested several brands before settling on the Chinese-made Predator tyres.
It features an advanced X-tread pattern with dual sidewall protection for sticky mud situations where you need all the traction you can get. At the moment the MT’s are only available in three 17-inch sizes but according to ROH more sizes will be added as demand increases.
The New Mutant X-AT tyre is available in 15-inch up to 18-inch sizes, and this is what I opted for on my LandCruiser, in an LT285/75R16 size, and after six months I am suitably impressed with their performance. At first I was hesitant that they didn’t look like an aggressive AT tyre, and I wondered how they would perform in outback conditions, but with nearly 20,000km on them I have become a fan.
So far I’ve tested the X-ATs on some pretty remote outback roads where they have again proven to be quiet on dirt and rock surfaces, and they do a good job of flicking away stones that can get caught up in the tread blocks of some other tyres I have tested.
Like the X-MTs, the New Mutant X-ATs also run an X-tread pattern, and they have a ‘Spike’ dual sidewall design.
When driving through the harsh rocky terrain of the northern Flinders Ranges these tyres really showed their worth; despite the sharp, shaley rocks with jagged edges, the tyres with their 10-ply sidewalls and deep, aggressive X-tread saw them ease through every track I tackled.
Predator claims the New Mutant X-AT has an advanced tread compound for long-lasting wear and optimum traction. The tyre is covered by a four-year manufacturer’s warranty and an 80,000km tread life warranty, so long as certain conditions are met that can be found on the Predator website.
RRP: Contact Predator Tyres for price
AVAILABLE FROM: www.predatortyres.com.au
WE SAY: A new tyre to the market but one that is so far proving to offer a good blend of on- and off-road performance.