PREPARE for your next off-road venture by swiping the credit card for a new backpack from BlackWolf and/or an LED tactical torch from EFS. Or just while away your isolation blues by picking up the new SnowRunner game.
SNOWRUNNER
Get ready for the next-generation off-road experience! SnowRunner puts you in the driver’s seat of powerful vehicles as you conquer extreme open environments with the most advanced terrain simulation ever. Drive 40 vehicles from brands such as Ford, Chevrolet, and Freightliner as you leave your mark on an untamed open world. Out now on PS4 and Xbox One.
Website: https://fivestargames.com.au/product/snowrunner
BLACKWOLF BLACKOUT BACKPACK
The brand-new BlackWolf Blackout backpack weighs in at less than a kilo and will make the ideal companion for that next bush trek from camp. The backpack is built with a 150D yarn-dyed woven camo with a compound bottom. Featuring an ‘Origins’ 3D EVA AirMesh II harness, the bag is designed to be comfortable; while a sternum strap distributes the weight of your belongings. Other features include a padded handle and padded straps, external zip pockets, an internal organiser, laptop sleeve, compression straps, internal zip mesh pocket, and two water-bottle holders. Available in a 20L and 25L capacities.
RRP: $129.99 Blackout I & II
Website: www.escape2.com.au
EFS X3 LED TACTICAL TORCH
The new EFS X3 LED tactical torch is a great addition to the campsite repertoire, with three quick-push interchangeable light attachments ensuring there’s an LED light for all situations. The torch head attachment, powered by a Cree XPG LED giving 250 lumens, allows wide and short angle focus for short- and long-range illumination; the blade head attachment, powered by a COB LED with 350 lumens, turns the torch into a work light with a magnetic base; while the flexi head illuminates hard-to-reach cracks and crevices. The EFS torch comes with a one-year warranty.
RRP: $104.99
Website: www.efs4wd.com.au
FOUR-WHEEL drives are often called upon to haul heavy loads over all sorts of terrain, and while your truck might have the grunt to do the job easily, you have to ask if it has the stopping power to pull it all up under brakes.
Brake system upgrades are a good idea for any 4×4 vehicle and can be done without any major modification or re-engineering. Brake rotors and pads of a better quality and design than standard are all that’s needed with no further mods.
A lot of folks seem to think that Ford Rangers fall short in the stopping department, especially when towing heavy trailers, so we jumped on the opportunity to fit some uprated pads and rotors to our vehicle.
We got a set of replacement brake pads and rotors from Protex, a brand you will find in many major automotive parts retailers. There are direct replacement parts that should be able to be fitted by anyone who is handy on the tools, but, remember, this is your vehicle’s brakes! If in doubt about anything, have them fitted by a qualified mechanic; taking a guess on brakes is not worth a gamble.
The Protex Ultra 4WD brake pads use a ceramic compound to help keep dust down while maintaining good brake performance. For the greenies out there, the Protex pads do not contain any copper, which they tell us is better for the environment as the copper dust is damaging to waterways. Who’d have thought, eh?
The Protex Ultra 4WD brake rotors use a high-carbon compound in the metal that is designed to keep up with off-road conditions and heavy towing. The rotors are slotted to help with disc cleaning, which resists pad glazing for improved stopping power under constant heavy applications. The vanes within the rotors are specifically designed to give maximum cooling, dissipating the massive heat loads that come from heavy braking.
Importantly, the rotors are specifically ground to be flat and smooth, so there should be no vibration when applying the bakes. This is something that can’t be said for all cheap brake products.
We had the boys at Street Machine Carnage Garage fit the Protex pads and rotors to our Ranger. While they might be better known for blowing things up, they did the brake job without any issues.
Then it was only a matter of a quick bedding in and the brakes are performing as good as ever.
As mentioned, Protex brake products are available from many major national auto parts retailers and used in many professional workshops. They are available to suit most popular makes and models of 4×4 vehicles, as well as your family beater.
ESSENTIAL INFO
AVAILABLE FROM: www.protexparts.com.au RRP: Depends on model. WE SAY: Easy direct replacement, for reliable braking.
DESPITE a considerable lack of new metal, as well as heavy restrictions on where we can drive, we’ve managed to squeeze 130 pages of 4×4 goodness into the new mag.
Yep, while we may be locked down, working in our ugg boots, we’ve put together a magazine chock-full of content. Take for example our epic Tasmanian adventure, which we ticked off just before restrictions set in. Part one of our Apple Isle adventure sees the 4X4 Adventure Series crew venture to the small state’s north-east.
Two mega LandCruisers tagged along on the Tassie trip – the MAXTRAX 6×6 and the MSA 6×6 – and it was only natural to take a look at these two monsters side-by-side.
Speaking of big, we drove the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ this month. We also gave Volkswagen’s long-awaited Amarok V6 manual an off-road workout; and tested Mahindra’s Pik-Up S10 on some slippery slopes.
Following on from our comprehensive coverage of Range Rover’s 50th anniversary celebrations last month, we’ve included a guide to buying one of the original Classic models.
We’ve also listed five essential trips to takes in a post-lockdown world. Plus, we’ve thrown in a comprehensive guide to satellite messengers.
WHAT ELSE IS THERE? – New product tests and Readers Rigs. – Advice on 4×4 insurance. – 4×4 trips to Gwydir River and Nitmiluk NP. – Triton and Hilux long-term updates.
The June 2020 issue of 4X4 Australia is OUT NOW!
ARB has released a drawer cable to tidy a vehicle’s storage area, and REDARC has released a range of Tow-Pro Universal Wiring kits, designed to support the company’s Tow-Pro Elite vehicle trailer brake controller.
ARB DRAWER CABLE GUIDE
ARB has found a way to eliminate the hassle of tangled cables getting caught in cargo, with the release of its Drawer Cable Guide. The Guide is supplied with two brackets to assist with the mounting, and the guide has been designed to suit all ARB drawer systems. The Cable Guides are one-metre in length, but can be adjusted to be smaller. The enclosed track seamlessly moves with the sliding motion of the fridge or drawer. RRP: $25 Website: www.arb.com.au
REDARC UNIVERSAL WIRING KIT
THE Tow-Pro Universal Wiring kits are designed to suit a wide range of 4×4 vehicles, including: Colorado, Triton, Hilux, Fortuner, Prado, LC200, D-MAX/MU-X, Navara, Pajero, Amarok, Everest and Ranger. The kits are easy to install courtesy of their plug-and-play connectivity. Plus, the kits are compatible with modern driving aids and advanced safety systems, and come with a two-year warranty. Website: www.redarc.com.au
THE Black Edition mHAWK is no longer a limited-edition model, with Mahindra Australia officially adding the blacked-out budget ute to its model line-up.
Originally revealed in April 2019 as a limited-edition model, the Black Edition mHAWK utilises the Pik-Up S10+ model as its core adds a steel bullbar, alloy sports bar, flares, custom decal kit, 17-inch rims and a tubliner – all in black.
“The Black mHawk was designed in Australia, for Australian conditions,” said Ankit Taneja, the national manager for Mahindra Australia, at the 2019 launch.
The S10+ is the halo model in the Mahindra garage, and it comes with hill descent control, a hill-hold function, a 2.5-tonne brake tow capacity, a new seven-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, Dana Spicer axles, and an Eaton self-locking differential.
The 2020 Pik-Up runs a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, good for 103kW and 320Nm, which runs through a six-speed manual transmission.
With a factory tub, the Black Edition mHAWK is priced at $39,990 driveaway, $7000 more than the standard S10+ version. It comes with a five-year/100,000km limited warranty.
ORGANISERS of the iconic Birdsville Races have announced the 2020 event has been cancelled, but reassured us it will be back in 2021 by revealing the dates for next year’s event.
The 2020 Birdsville Races were set to run on September 4 and 5 this year, but have had to be canned due to health and safety reasons.
The races are traditionally held over the first weekend in September each year and draw thousands of enthusiasts to the outback Queensland town on the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert, which usually has a population of just 150 people. The 2021 dates have been set at September 3 and 4.
“It is with heavy hearts that we have made the difficult decision not to stage the Birdsville Races this year. As much as we were holding onto the hope that we could run them, we’re at a point where we’ve had to concede defeat. The health of our patrons, and those who live in Outback Queensland, is of paramount importance to us – and it is impossible to know what the status with Covid-19 will be come September,” said Gary Brook, Vice President of the Birdsville Race Club.
This news comes on the back the canning of Birdsville’s other big event – the Big Red Bash. The massive music festival that is held at the base of the giant sand dune known as Big Red was set to happen in July but was cancelled earlier this year once the effects of the pandemic were unfolding.
Like the Birdsville Races, the Big Red Bash promises to be back bigger and better than ever in 2021. While the BRB has limited numbers and usually sells out quickly, numbers at the races are not capped. The last time the races were cancelled was back in 2007, when the town was cut off by flooding, and crowds flocked back the following year.
“After the event was unable to run in 2007 we recorded our largest crowds ever in 2008. And we’re expecting next year to even bigger than that. It will be an amazing experience in Outback Queensland,” said Gary Brook.
While these events have been cancelled for 2020, don’t let that stop you from visiting Birdsville and the Corner Country. Travel restrictions are progressively lifting state by state and it won’t be long before travel to Outback Queensland and beyond is allowed again.
Birdsville is the eastern stepping-off point to the Simpson Desert and is a classic outback town. The iconic Birdsville Pub and the bakery have new owners and will be open for business, and there’s plenty of camping in the caravan park and outside of town. Big Red is just 30km west and is a Mecca for four-wheel drivers, even if you’re not planning to continue across the desert.
Keep an eye on the Queensland government news for the status of travel restrictions, and check out the Outback Queensland website for what’s on in Birdsville.
AS THE colder months take hold in the southern states of Australia, a lot of us are thinking of escaping to the warmer climes of the north.
At this stage, 2020 probably isn’t going to be a year for travel, but as you’re shivering in your Uggies this winter, start making plans to ensure some respite in the years ahead.
The Top End of the Northern Territory is a destination on the bucket list of most, if not all 4×4 travellers. Not only does it offer warmth all year ’round but there’s plenty of adventures to be had there, particularly if you’re keen to get off the beaten track.
Unfortunately for most of us, particularly those in the southern states, the Top End is a long way away and a 4×4 trip there usually means a week of travel either end of your adventures just to get there and back. It’s something many folks just can’t afford to spend that much time away from home and work.
FLY IN, FLY OUT
THERE IS A WAY to maximise your time in the Territory with a fly-in/fly-out holiday to Darwin and either hiring a 4×4 vehicle or joining one of the many 4×4 tours available. There are plenty of Darwin-based tour operators and companies that can rent you a 4×4 vehicle to explore.
We did just this and left mid-winter Melbourne for 30˚C-plus sunny days in the Top End. Direct flights to Darwin from most capital cities make this easy and with clever packing you can transport all you need for your off-road exploration and camping.
Darwin is unlike any other capital in Australia. It’s chilled vibe and friendly locals are a refreshing change from folks down south who are too rugged up behind scarves and hats to say g’day. It’s very much a tourist town with plenty of fully kitted 4x4s covered in red dust roaming the streets, and a variety of languages heard in the many bars and cafes.
There’s plenty to see and do in town, too, and we killed an afternoon at Crocosaurus Cove where we caught the croc-feeding show and swam with one of the bigger crocs in the protected tank. After managing to stay off the croc’s menu, we enjoyed a meal at the well-developed waterfront precinct but we were keen to get out of town to see the crocs in the wild.
You don’t need to venture far from Darwin to see crocs in their natural habitat. The world-renowned Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks are less than a half-a-days’ drive from the city. We headed for Kakadu on a tour with Territory Expeditions, in one of its 4×4 trucks.
Before you reach the national park you come to the Mary River Wetlands, where there are numerous tour operators offering wildlife and croc experiences on the water. A cruise on Corroboree Billabong is an easy way to get out on the water, and it wasn’t long before we saw some big crocs gliding through the water and lazing on the banks. The eagle-eyed skipper was expert at getting us as close as possible to them and also spotting and identifying the plethora of water birds on the billabong.
KAKADU NATIONAL PARK
KAKADU NATIONAL PARK is just 250km from Darwin, so you can get out of the 4×4 and enjoy the sites before lunchtime if you leave town early enough. There’s plenty of Aboriginal culture and art to discover within the park, and the best way to find and appreciate it is to drop in to one of the information stations or take a guided tour.
The rock art site at Ubirr is a place where you can easily access and view the many different art sites via a relatively flat loop walk. Do it with one of the park guides for some local knowledge and interpretations of what the art means and signifies. One of the more interesting pieces of rock art depicts a thylacine, better known as the Tasmanian Tiger. Not known for being in these parts, the thylacine is thought to have become extinct on mainland Australia 2000 to 3000 years ago, before the last of them was lost in Tasmania back in the 1930s.
For the more energetic there’s a short but steep climb to the top of Ubirr Rock that offers spectacular views out across the floodplains below. With storm clouds approaching from one direction, fire and smoke rising in another, this hilltop was the perfect place to break from the group to experience in solitude the feeling and beauty of such a magical place and forget the cold city you left just a day earlier.
The drive to a campsite at Mardugal was perfectly timed to enjoy a quick sundowner at Yellow Water Lagoon (Ngurrungurrudjba). There are cruises available on the wetlands here, but the westward-facing view from the jetty is the perfect spot to catch a Territory sunset and reflect on the day.
WATERHOLES
AFTER SEEING MANY crocs in the waters around the floodplains it was with some trepidation that we ventured off toward Jim Jim Falls and the promise of a swim in the cool waters.
Many of the waterholes and waterfalls within Kakadu look inviting, but you have to assume there will be crocodiles in the water unless told otherwise by a reputable source such as a park ranger or tour guide. Most of the waterways within the park are signposted to indicate whether they are safe, and there are plenty of signs warning of crocodiles and where not to swim.
The drive in to Jim Jim is via the Karnamarr campground, the last 10km of it for 4×4 vehicles only, but it’s not difficult off road driving and anyone should be able to do it. From the carpark it’s a further walk to the falls, ensuring that by the time you reach the pool you are well and truly looking for a quick swim.
The waters are cool and refreshing, and depending if there is any sun on the pool at the time, dark. But a swim here is the perfect way to sooth the humidity of the day … and the aches and pains from the walk.
While there were no crocodiles at the waterhole we were reminded they are not the only animals that can hurt or kill you in the Top End. While enjoying lunch back at Karnamarr, the park ranger showed up with a death adder he caught at his doorstep that morning. The death adder is one of the most venomous snakes in the world and, without proper treatment, a bite will kill you quickly. The ranger was going to release it a safe distance from the campground.
The waterhole and falls at Maguk, or Barramundi Gorge, are well worth the walk, too. The one kilometre, mainly flat, walk follows a creek before delivering you to a stunning large pool with the falls at the other end. A pleasant swim gets you across to the falls, which you can swim beneath. There’s a basic campground at Maguk and this is a spot where you could spend more time, but we had other waterfalls to find.
To cap off the afternoon, we went to one of the most photographed waterholes in the park. But to reach the iconic spot, you first need to complete a steep 450m climb up the escarpment. It’s worth the effort. The pools atop Gunlom Falls run right to the edge of the cliff, forming a natural infinity pool where you can soak in the amazing view. It’s this unique and unmissable perspective that ensures images of Gunlon are plastered all over social media.
At the time of our visit in 2019, the track up the escarpment was being improved to make it more accessible, so this work should be completed by now. For those less energetic, there’s the plunge pool at the bottom of the falls, but it’s less spectacular.
The campsite at Gunlom is large and spacious and offers shower and toilet facilities for campers, caravans and camper trailers. It’s location makes it an ideal base for those looking to explore the walks and swimming holes in this southern part of the park. There are park and camping fees required to access and use Kakadu park, so research before you visit.
Our camp this night was just outside the park at the Mary River Roadhouse that offers a quality campground and facilities, plus the chance to enjoy a few cool drinks and a game of pool at the bar after dinner.
One last waterhole before ending the trip, this one a lesser-known small gorge not far from the Roadhouse. Ikoymarrwa, or Moline Rockhole, is a small gorge at the end of a 4×4 track at the southern edge of Kakadu National Park. It’s a short walk from the small carpark to the rock hole, where it’s possible to swim and sit under the falls when flowing. Due to its size and location, Moline Rockhole is one of the few within Kakadu that is open all year around, including in the wet season.
Moline provided a last taste of the water in Kakadu, and from the southern border of the park it’s around 160km on sealed road to the Stuart Highway at Pine Creek. From here you can turn south where its 95km to Katherine or north 225km back to Darwin.
Our three-day jaunt through Kakadu was only a small taste of what the park has to offer but enough to leave you wanting more. More importantly it provides a respite from the winter chill down south and a chance to plan more adventures in the Top End. We spent a few days in Katherine to make it a week away, and your time in the Top End is only limited by your ability to escape the every day. At the time of going to print, Kakadu National Park, like most national parks in Australia, was closed due to quarantine regulations, but there’s nothing to stop you preparing your 2021 winter escape now.
ESSENTIAL INFO
KAKADU NATIONAL PARK
BEST TIME TO VISIT: The park is open all year; the dry season runs from April through to October and is the best time to see most of the park and surrounds.
WHERE IS IT? Kakadu NP is 250km east of Darwin and 150km north of Katherine.
GETTING AROUND: It’s best to have a 4×4 vehicle for exploring Kakadu and the Top End. Either bring your own or hire one in Darwin. If you don’t want to do it yourself join an organised tour, such as Territory Expeditions.
MORE INFORMATION https://territoryexpeditions.com.au https://northernterritory.com/kakadu-and-surrounds https://www.crocosauruscove.com https://parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu
IN THE market for a GVM upgrade or new suspension for your 200 Series LandCruiser? How about a loopless bullbar for your 2019+ Jimny?
IRONMAN 4X4 GVM UPGRADE
IRONMAN 4×4 has released a federally approved 4000kg GVM upgrade for the 200 Series LandCruiser. Utilising the Aussie brand’s Foam Cell Pro Shock Absorbers, the upgrade will certainly improve the control and ride of your vehicle when loaded with plenty of gear for that remote-area adventure.
The upgrade has been thoroughly stress-tested by an independent body – in-house, on road and off road – for Australian conditions. For specs and details, head to the Ironman 4×4 website.
RRP: From $2600; Website: www.ironman4x4.com
TJM PACE REMOTE RESERVOIR STRUT FOR LC200
TJM has released its Pace Suspension setup for the Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series (2007-current), with the equipment now available to order via TJM stores and stockists. The brand-new bi-direction adjustable remote reservoir shocks are built for high-performance off-road users. Features include eight-stage compression and rebound adjustability, a patented inbuilt hydraulic bump-stop, an innovative monotube design consisting of a single-wall steel tube construction, and a coil-over assembly which includes the coil spring and has an adjustable spring seat for fine-tuning.
RRP: $999; Website: www.tjm.com.au
AFN 4X4 LOOPLESS BULLBAR
THE full bumper replacement for the 2019+ Suzuki Jimny is a neat addition to give the pint-sized 4×4 more capability yet keep it looking tidy. The bumper features dual antenna tabs and Hi-Lift Jack points.
The bumper is winch-compatible and suits both standard and compact mounts, while it also utilises OEM fog lights but includes new AFN LED indicators and DRL light assemblies. As standard, it comes with a satin black powdercoat.
RRP: $1535; Website: www.afn4x4.com.au
MERCEDES-Benz’s venerable G-Wagen might appear to be bulletproof, but even they are subject to niggling wiring problems.
A total of 155 AMG G63 series vehicles sold in Australia between August 1 2018 and March 31 2019 can be affected by incorrectly installed wiring within the doors, which could see the wires damaged from the constant opening and closing of the doors.
If the cables are damaged the side airbag may not deploy (or there may be a delay in deployment); the door may not automatically unlock in an accident; or, in the event of an airbag deployment, emergency services may be automatically notified of the incorrect affected seating position in the car.
Owners of the affected vehicles are asked to contact their Mercedes-Benz dealer to organise a free-of-charge repair.
Note that this is only for the IFS 463 G-Wagen and not the 461 G-Professional models. The Bahn-storming G63 is the only variant of the IFS G-Class currently available in Australia.
FOR THE sixth season of the 4X4 Adventure Series, Ron, Matt and the team explored South Australia’s stunning Flinders Ranges.
Beginning at the southern edge of the Flinders Ranges – just north of the famous coastal town of Port Germein, at the foot of Mount Remarkable – the team headed north to its first stop at Alligator Gorge to stretch their legs.
It was then on to the four-wheel mecca of Bendleby Ranges, where Ron had a chinwag with Charlie, the manager of the Ranges’ 190km of tracks, who then pointed the convoy in the direction of some freshly laid tracks.
Following plenty of fun on the challenging tracks, a sunset view was enjoyed at the aptly names Sunset Ridge.
It was then on to Quorn, with its famous Pichi Richi Railway. After a quick wander around the quaint town, it was on to the Arden Hills 4WD Track, north of Quorn. This track leads to some sensational vantage points, before ending the day at the base of Arden Hills.
Also on the agenda on this trip were the Willochra Plains, Kanyaka Station and a tour of the Blinman Mine. And what better location to end an episode, than atop the Skytrek Track at Willow Springs.