The V8 Cruiser has a two-inch lift and standard tyres. It’s very capable the way it is now, but I can’t wait to get better tyres. I’ve taken it to The Springs 4×4 Park, Janowen Hills and Gordon Country. K’gari (Fraser Island) was the first time I drove on the beach and it was easy in the old girl – she did Ngkala Rocks with ease – Brock Twiggy Torpy
The 3.0L V6 engine was fully rebuilt in 2007. Suspension is a Tough Dog two-inch lift with foam cells and a two-inch body lift. Barwork is also lifted to suit the body lift. Other mods include a Warn winch; 35-inch Mickey Thompson MTZs on 15-inch steel wheels; custom exhaust; Outback drawer system; custom-made bash plates; homemade roof rack; and rear quarter chop. I had the car from stock and built it up mostly by myself.
The best trip I went on was from Melbourne and through SA and WA on the Nullarbor, where I spent two weeks fishing on the Great Australian Bight. It performed really well on the sand dunes down there, even with the 1500kg of gear on a trailer that we needed to survive the two weeks fishing (quad-bikes, chest freezer, generators, etc.) I sold the 4Runner in 2008, but regret it as it was my first 4WD and got me into the lifestyle I lead today. My current 4×4 is a 2013 200 Series VX – Shane Lines
It currently has a two-inch Dobinson MRR lift with 295/70R17 Cepek Extreme tyres on Dirty Life DT-1 beadlock rims. Other gear includes an LRA long-range tank; Bestop rear twill canopy; and a Rugged Ridge bull bar with a pair of Narva 215s.
Our family just completed a bucket-list trip from Melbourne to K’gari, where we spent a week discovering the amazing sights of the island from the amazing rainforest to the beautiful beaches and rock pools. It is on the books to return one day – Ted Sparks
It’s the Vogue variant with the 4.4L V8 petrol engine. 4×4 accessories are really not made for Range Rovers, and when you say Land Rover 4×4 places really don’t want to know you. I have upgraded the essential items though: genuine nudge bar; CB radio; light bar; and a set of Pirelli Scorpion AT tyres that made a huge difference. The Range Rover’s 4×4 system works a treat, to keep power down or to crawl up hills.
By far the best trip would have to be six days in the Flinders Ranges with my family and friends, all 100 Series and HiLux owners. Towing a camper trailer, some of the climbs were freaky with all the weight, but the Rangie did it like a champ.
Other great places I have been to include Salt Creek 32-mile beach; Saunders Gorge; Bushys Track, Tintinara; Skytrek, Willow Springs; Googs Track; Port Lincoln; and a few other random places with mud – Cain Fricky-Butler
It has a three-tonne GVM Upgrade with two-inch lift using Lovells springs, Bilstein shocks and Ironman alloy upper control arms. Plus it has a TJM T3 bull bar and winch; Long Ranger 125-litre auxiliary fuel tank in the rear; dual battery with Projector BCDC charger and solar; rear Drifter drawers with fridge slide fitted; Ironman 40-litre fridge in the rear; Kaon cargo barrier and shelf; Travel Buddy 12v marine oven fitted to the Kaon shelf; Raptor tune; 285/75R17 BFG KO2 tyres; and LED clear front indicators. The best place I have taken it to would be K’gari – Brad and Charlene Steyn
Kit includes a Raslarr front bar by DASH OffRoad; step and rear bar with a rear winch; the swing-away has a jerry can and gas bottle holder with fold-down table; VRS 12,500lb winch up front and a VRS 9500 in the rear bar; 35-inch Nitto Mud Grapplers tyres on 18-inch rims; an Emuwing on the left side with the oven in it; rear setup with drawer, fridge and batteries; and there’s a 200w solar panel on the roof – Robert Forbes
Queensland national parks are diverse in what they offer, and it would certainly be a challenge to visit them all, so here are seven that we highly recommend you add to your bucket list.
The majority of this stretch is bitumen and on the way there’s an interesting cemetery up a side track to the right, just before crossing the Langlo River. A small sign points you in the right direction, and plaques reveal the interesting stories of how the people buried in the vicinity passed away. Once across the bridge there is also a good free camp on the banks of the river.
Upon reaching the entrance to Mariala National Park, dropping some air out of your tyres will make the going smoother. The track follows the fence line for the first few kilometres and there are plenty of speed humps and termite nests to keep your speed down.
Here you’ll find a rusting water tank, a dilapidated windmill and an old steam pump; there are no facilities at any of the campsites so take out what you bring in and leave the campsites better than you found them.
The track continues past Bore No.3 after which it changes from a solid orange sand base to stony and rocky as it runs up and down the escapements. Before dropping down the first steep section, there is a lookout and picnic spot on the right.
Mariala was one of the breeding parks for these wallabies that were once so close to becoming extinct. It was such a successful breeding program that the number of yellow-footed rock-wallabies now in Queensland means the marsupial is close to being off the threatened species list.
From the lookout, it is slow going as the testing track leads out to the Rockpools camping area. This is another great spot to keep an eye out for yellow-footed rock-wallabies, especially when there is water in the rockholes. The camping area here is small and well-shaded amongst the mulga.
If you like a bit pf peace and quiet, you’ll love this park; there is so much silence, it is refreshing. Even in the morning, the most you’ll likely hear are a couple of small birds chatting with each other. It’s such a rare experience and very beautiful.
Camping: Rockpools, Bore No.3 and Roadside camping areas have limited sites and bookings must be made online before arrival. Fires are permitted (except when bans apply) and wood is BYO.
Closest Town & Facilities: Charleville is 124km away, with caravan parks, fuel, shops and dump point.
Items: Food and drinking water, satellite phone or PLB, rubbish bags, portable toilet, insect repellent, sun protection, first-aid and snake bite kits.
The 70km track out to Hell Hole Gorge NP was in great condition when we were last there and as you drive along the landscape changes from treeless plains to mulga trees and cane grass.
The track follows the Wild Dog Fence for a while before turning west towards the park. Entrance to the park is through a gate – please leave it as you find it – and an information board offers an insight into the assets of Hell Hole Gorge.
While the Queensland Parks camp booking site suggests there are only four campsites at Powell Creek, there is certainly space for more.
From the campground, it is a 1200m return walk out to Hell Hole Gorge. It isn’t a challenging walk across the rockshelf, and the views of the waterhole are special. Keep an eye out for Krefft’s river turtles swimming in the water or sunning themselves on the rocky banks.
There’s another nice walk further upstream; keep an eye out for yellow-footed rock-wallabies that live along the cliffs. Hell Hole Gorge was also part of the successful breeding program so the chances of spotting one or more of these critters is quite high.
Take care along the cliff face as the rock is prone to breaking off, and you can see that this has already happened in some places.
It’s a short walk if you want to look over the stunning waterhole, but take the time to explore upstream and check out the seasonal waterfall – it would be spectacular to witness it flowing. The sandy riverbed sections of Spencer Creek are dotted with ghost gums along the bank while mulga trees thrive in the rockier sections.
Unfortunately we saw evidence of campfires and vehicle tracks past the ‘No Access’ sign; Hell Hole Gorge is such an epic destination that we’d hate to see it closed because of idiots who ruin it for everyone else. The same goes for toilet paper; please take out what you bring in, leave only footprints and take only photos so that more people can enjoy this amazing national park.
Camping: Powell Creek has limited sites and bookings must be made online before arrival. Fires are permitted (except when bans apply) and wood is BYO.
Closest Town & Facilities: Quilpie is 260km away, with caravan park, fuel, shops and dump point.
Items: Food and drinking water, satellite phone or PLB, rubbish bags, portable toilet (or be prepared to bury human waste and toilet paper in the rocky ground at least 150m away from watercourses), insect repellent, sun protection, first-aid and snake bite kits, and a torch.
Website: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/hell-hole-gorge [↗]
The information board near the entrance to the park provides a great explanation of what to expect, as well as a bit about the pastoral history of the region and the story of saving in-danger macropods, the yellow-footed rock-wallaby, and the bridled nail-tail wallaby.
Chucksters Bore is worth checking out, with its windmill squeaking in the breeze. Keep an eye out for the old stick stockyards made from tree branches and wire; this method was used throughout Idalia when it was a cattle station.
The old home yards can be spotted amongst the scrub. There is also a walk to a scenic lookout that is well worth the effort, and this is well marked with arrows or white spots painted on trees. The reward is a wave rock that has been eroded over time so that it now looks like a surf break.
I spotted a couple of yellow-footed rock-wallabies, but they fled up the rock face and disappeared before I had a chance to raise my camera. The birds give you away, issuing a warning to the critters that humans are coming.
There were two off-road caravans and an Earth Cruiser there during my stay. The only facilities are a drop toilet that is serviced daily when the ranger is about and fire rings.
Please extinguish fires with water as there is plenty of grass and trees surrounding the campground that would go up very easily.
Emmet Pocket is the furthest point of interest, and it is worth visiting for the views across the valley from the lookout. There is a 4.4km return walk that leads into the gorge with a rating of difficult.
Nearby Bullock Gorge is the pick of the walks, consisting a 2.7km loop walk that offers many stunning outlooks across the plains; it was here that I spotted another couple of yellow-footed rock-wallabies.
Camping: Monks Tank has limited sites and bookings must be made online before arrival. There is a drop toilet and fires are permitted (except when bans apply) and wood is BYO clean-cut and weed-free.
Closest Town & Facilities: Blackall is 113km away, with caravan parks, fuel, shops, and dump point.
Items: Food and drinking water, satellite phone or PLB, rubbish bags, insect repellent, sun protection, first-aid and snake bite kits, torch.
Bordered by the Barcoo River, when it floods, the park can be cut off for weeks, however when open it provides a great place to set up camp and explore the self-drive tracks over a couple of days. Or just throw in a line, a yabby net or cruise the river in a kayak or a canoe.
Access to the only camping option within Welford NP, Little Boomerang, is via the Jundah Quilpie Road, a maintained gravel road that is situated on the steep banks of the Barcoo River.
The Bullo River meets Cooper Creek just outside the park and there are free camping options at the bridge over the Cooper east of Windorah if Little Boomerang is booked out.
Welford has three exceptional self-drive routes you can experience, and you’ll get to see a lot of the park. The 12km River Drive takes you upstream following the Barcoo River lined by river red gums in some sections.
Make sure you visit Frances and Trafalgar Waterholes, with the latter being the best spot to launch a canoe or catch a fish. Across Mitchell grass plains and into the rugged mulga country, you’re led to Sawyers Lookout and then Sawyers Creek before returning to the homestead via a dusty loop track.
The 22km loop Desert Track is best left until the late afternoon so that you can capture the desert colours from atop a large orange dune, the most photographed feature within Welford NP. With golden-green spinifex thrown in, you will think you’re in the Simpson Desert.
Camping: Little Boomerang Campground, Barcoo River, limited sites, drop toilet, fire pits.
Closest Town & Facilities: Jundah is 45km away, with caravan park, fuel, shop, hotel, free camping nearby, and dump point.
Items: Food and drinking water, satellite phone or PLB, rubbish bags, insect repellent, sun protection, first-aid and snake bite kits, and torch.
The old homestead is now the Information Centre and Rangers Station, and you have easy access to the display boards that show the history of the property, while you can also explore most of the outbuildings.
The nearby Shearing Shed still smells of lanolin from long-gone sheep. The yards are off limits though due to the risk of arsenic poisoning.
If booked out, Long Waterhole is a popular free camp on the Western River, also accessed via the Jundah Winton Road.
The Route of the River Gum will take you to Engine Hole, a great place to picnic or take a dip. It also leads to Skull Hole, reputed to be the site of a tragic Aboriginal massacre in the late 1800s.
This circuit takes you across the flood plains, past the old racecourse and the lonely grave of a young child before you climb up the jump-up to see the waterhole where Scrammy lost his life.
The gorge named after him, and the lookout across the plains, will leave you breathless.
Camping: Bough Shed Hole and Surprise Creek have limited sites, drop toilets and fire pits. Bookings must be made online before arrival.
Closest Town & Facilities: Winton is 17km away, with caravan parks, fuel, shops, and dump point.
Essential items: Food and drinking water, satellite phone or PLB, rubbish bags, insect repellent, sun protection, first-aid and snake bite kits, and torch.
The Amptron BluEdge series of lithium batteries is its new premium smart battery range that raises the bar in quality and sophistication. Designed using only the highest quality components, and built with robust, tough construction that meets the demand for reliable, long-lasting cycle lithium batteries.
“Our new BluEdge Lithium battery series has been designed to endure the application challenges we have experienced over the years,” said Kevin von Weichardt, business development manager. “The unique robust construction and technology enhancements to this new battery range are a cut above the standard options available in Australia.”
The BluEdge series also has specific functionality that complies with all the requirements of the new AS/NZS 3001.2:2022 standard (connectable electrical installations and supply arrangements). Amptron’s batteries are independently tested to comply with the IEC62619 safety standard and are UN38.3 certified, giving you peace of mind for safe, reliable and compliant performance.
“The new BluEdge series is loaded with a host of new smart technology features specifically targeting the broader interpretation of the new AS/NZS 3001.2-2022 standard as well as the marine AS/NZS 3004.2 -2014 standard,” said Frik Stuart, Technical Director.
The advanced Battery Management System (BMS) provides comprehensive protection to the battery with high precision configurable protection and monitoring features, that protect the battery and carefully manage the safe long-term performance of each cell and the battery pack, or a bank of inter-connected batteries. The system will also report any alarm and protection statuses through its communication interfaces to allow the user to troubleshoot and identify any issues.
The BluEdge BMS also gathers detailed information on the battery, such as the Running State, State of Charge (SOC), Voltage, Current, Temperature, individual cell voltages, Alarm/Protection statuses etc. This information can then be accessed externally via the CANBUS and RS485 communication ports for integrated systems and via Bluetooth with the Android or iOS app.
An optional colour screen display can be added that displays all key battery parameters to the user. The display will also have an audible alarm that will be triggered in the event of a fault/alarm condition.
The cell cycle life has been enhanced by newer prismatic cell designs and improved cell management by the new BMS to maximise battery life. Depending on the model, these batteries offer a very long cycle life of between 4000 to 6000 cycles at 100% Depth of Discharge. The BluEdge series is backed by an Australian-based five-year warranty.
Increased shock and vibration resistance is provided via enhanced framing around the cell packs to prevent internal movement of the cells and/or electronics that may result in failures or metal fatigue over time. This makes these models very suitable for applications in rough offroad conditions.
Amptron ensures that all internal wiring is protected, and high-quality internal connectors and bus bars are used so intermittent failure modes are not introduced in harsh environments. The BluEdge series also has unique triple-layered moisture protection that provides barriers against potential moisture ingress.
Amptron ensures that all internal wiring is protected, and high-quality internal connectors and bus bars are used so intermittent failure modes are not introduced in harsh environments. The BluEdge series also has unique triple-layered moisture protection that provides barriers against potential moisture ingress.
| Model | RRP |
|---|---|
| 12V 100Ah / 200A LiFePO4 ABS BluEdge | $1036 |
| 12V 200Ah / 200A LiFePO4 ABS BluEdge battery with Bluetooth and data comms | $2117 |
| 12V 200Ah / 200A LiFePO4 Aluminium Slimline BluEdge | $2117 |
| 12V 400Ah / 300A LiFePO4 ABS BluEdge | $3850 |
| 24V 100Ah / 200A LiFePO4 ABS BluEdge | $1934 |
| 24V 200Ah / 100A LiFePO4 ABS BluEdge – Marine | $3693 |
| 36V 100Ah / 100A LiFePO4 ABS BluEdge | $2951 |
| 48V 100Ah / 100A LiFePO4 ABS BluEdge | $3386 |
Known officially as the ‘71 Series’, the three-door wagon has received the same updates as its larger ute, five-door wagon and Troop Carrier siblings now arriving in Australia.
Toyota Australia has no plans to re-introduce the ‘shorty’ locally. It was last sold in Australia in 1992, seven years after the LandCruiser 70 Series launched, with hardtop and convertible body types.
Compared to the five-door wagon, the 71 Series rides on a 420-millimetre-shorter 2310mm wheelbase – less than a Kia Picanto light car, and similar to a Suzuki Jimny and Fiat 500.
Unique features include a larger 9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – up from 6.7-inch, with wired-only connectivity – a tan-coloured leather upholstery option, and new 16-inch alloy wheels.
Under the bonnet, Middle Eastern versions of the LandCruiser 70 Series are fitted with a naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre ‘1GR-FE’ petrol V6 – also found in FJ Cruiser, HiLux and Prado models from the 2000s and 2010s – developing 170kW and 360Nm and matched to a six-speed automatic. No diesel option is available.
That is the opposite to Australia and Japan, which offer a new 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel from the HiLux and Prado with a six-speed auto.
The tried-and-tested 4.5-litre single-turbo V8 diesel and five-speed manual is also retained for the Australian market, though it remains unavailable to order due to existing demand.
Stay tuned for our first local drive of the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series next month.
These radios feature a professional grade speaker microphone complete with a powerful two-watt speaker, customisable buttons and a high contrast OLED screen guaranteeing a crystal clear, anti-glare display.
Enabled by Bluetooth wireless technology, XRS Connect is a market leader of connected UHF CB radios, with a number of unique features.
The XRS Connect range includes the first ever UHF CB radios with app control, introducing new features such as creating and sharing scan lists, and instant access to the entire Australian and New Zealand commercial analogue frequency database.
As with many other smart devices, XRS Connect products are software upgradable via the app, keeping your radio up to date with the latest features and technology. And now there are more ways to connect with the all-new XRS Connect Bluetooth Interface Module and Wireless PTT, the XRS-BT1.
The XRS-BT1 is an interface module bringing full Bluetooth audio connectivity and wireless PTT (Push-to-Talk) functionality to the full range of XRS Connect UHF CB Radios.
Bluetooth audio connectivity allows the XRS-BT1 to wirelessly connect to an extensive range of third-party audio accessories including headphones, hearing aids, and vehicle stereo systems, providing users with new and improved ways to stay connected.
Ugly Fish have been designing eyewear for active Aussies for more than 20 years. The range includes Safety, Motorcycle, Lifestyle and Prescription sunglasses.
The best-selling Eclipse sunglasses are perfect for clear vision while driving, designed with:
If you’re a little rough on your sunnies, look no further than the Ugly Fish Unbreakable range. Bend them, twist them, they’re virtually indestructible!
Ugly Fish are celebrating an epic 20 years of engineering eyewear for Aussies who want to grab life by the handlebars. This Christmas, get your hands on a Limited Edition piece from the 20th Anniversary range. While stocks last.
Give them a gift that works as hard as they do, with a pair of Certified safety sunglasses. On the jobsite, on the road or on the water, they’ve got you covered.
MSA 4X4 has taken the original Drop Slide to the next level and completely removed all physical effort to raise and lower a fridge to an accessible height. Accessing chilled food and drinks needs to be as easy as possible. Simply extend the slide and press the right-hand side control panel buttons to lower and raise the fridge. The function is smooth and effortless with the powerful twin 12-volt electric actuators doing all the work. The MSA Power slide shares the same compact footprint as the original patented Drop Slide.
RRP: Prices vary depending on model
MSA 4X4’s Storage Drawer Systems are designed with a patented slide technology offering a smoother opening under heavy loads. The entire drawer extends further from the frame, allowing 100% access to the drawers. No more hard-to-reach items at the back! Constructed with aluminium and have anodised aluminium components. Super-strong, lightweight and comes with stainless steel fasteners used throughout for a rust-free, corrosion resistance lifetime of use.
MSA 4×4’s Storage Drawer Systems, and Cargo Barriers, have been crash-tested and are fully ADR compliant.
RRP: Prices vary depending on system
MSA 4X4 has reached an exhilarating milestone, by taking the next step in the development of the highly popular, patented, SEMA award-winning, MSA 4X4 Towing Mirrors. The introduction of the much anticipated, MSA Power Fold Towing Mirrors, NOW brings the power to fold at your fingertips.
Featuring the same, large single mirror that pivots on a heavy-duty extension slide, as the original MSA 4X4 Towing Mirrors. Thus allowing the mirror to extend out when towing and return to a normal driving position, when not towing. Available in black or chrome.
RRP: Prices vary depending on model and pre-existing features
The MSA 4X4 Premium Cutlery Pack brings a touch of luxury to a camping trip or day out with family. All the cutlery items required to make a simple lunch or a three course dinner under the stars are contained within the durable, hard wearing 12oz premium canvas pack.
Each item is manufactured from high quality, food grade materials and are MSA 4X4 branded for a distinctive look. Consisting of a cutlery set, a set of kitchen knives, a set of utensils and a bamboo cutting board. The MSA 4X4, two-year warranty applies to all the components.
RRP: $167
MSA 4X4 has created a canvas seat cover that is durable enough to withstand life’s adventures, yet still soft enough to be comfortable for the occupants. The best fitting canvas seat covers available for a 4wd, guaranteeing touring comfort. Complete with a fully integrated, and adjustable air lumbar support.
Manufactured from heavy duty Teflon impregnated polycotton blend. 12oz canvas with reinforced high wear areas, (Polycotton protective layer, and additional canvas layer to high wear areas), making them 100% water, dirt, mud, kid and pet proof. Large rear pockets, centre console and headrest covers as standard. Fully airbag compliant and ADR certified.
RRP: Prices vary depending on model
The Powertec Trucker Edge antenna is designed to provide optimal gain across 3G and 4G bands used when travelling throughout Australia and abroad. This powerful bull bar antenna features the optimum 6 dBi gain, providing best performance in both flat remote areas and when travelling amongst hills and tall trees.
As a bull bar-mounted antenna, the Trucker Edge sports an extra heavy-duty stainless-steel bell-spring for rough corrugations, and a strong, tapered fibreglass radome that provides consistent radiative performance in all directions. The antenna has a 4.5-metre PTL-240 ultra-flex cable, which is an industry-standard for high vibration mining machinery and industrial plants, and it provides the lowest per-metre loss of all similar-sized coaxial cables.
Designed for cars, trucks, RVs and boats, the CEL-FI ROAM R41 is the industry’s most powerful cellular coverage solution for on-the-go applications. The R41 features the latest proprietary fourth generation IntelliBoost chip to deliver channelised coverage for specific mobile network operator (MNO) signals.
With this industry-leading performance and its plug-and-play operation, ROAM R41 can be set up and powered to improve cellular connectivity within minutes. ROAM R41 also supports operator switching through the Nextivity WAVE app.
The Lynx Smart BMS is a dedicated Battery Management System for Victron Lithium Smart Batteries. There are multiple BMS-es available for our Smart Lithium series of batteries, and the Lynx Smart is the most feature-rich and complete option. It is available in two versions: 500A (with M8 busbar connections) and 1000A (with M10 busbar connections).
The NARVA EX2 range of driving lights has been designed with the DIY 4WD enthusiast in mind, and it’s also ideal for a wide range of fleet and transport applications. With EXceptional beam pattern performance, EXtra-easy installation, EXceptional build quality and EXtensive customisation options to EXpress yourself.
The EX2R series maintains EX2’s performance and construction but introduces ADR/ECE-approved front position lights. Enhancing safety and visibility, these RGB-enabled lights, paired with the 12V RGB Bluetooth controller, offer customisable colours and a secure driving experience.
