While most 4×4 wagons don’t have the load capacity to match 4×4 utes, they generally carry their contents (gear and people) more securely and in greater comfort.
As is the case with the Toyota Prado, which has long been a favourite with those who want a multi-purpose vehicle to act as commuter throughout the week, an escape machine on weekends, and something to drag the family around the country in the holidays.
If you need a seven-seater, then you will have to opt for a Prado GXL or up, which will set you back around $87k+ drive away, but if you can make do with five-seats we reckon the Prado GX hits the sweet spot for 4×4 touring as it offers a bigger cargo area than the seven-seat models.
Having said that, the Prado GX only has a 605kg payload capacity, and that includes vehicle occupants and any accessories you fit to it, so you will need to be judicious when it comes to selecting equipment for your Prado; perhaps opt for an alloy bull bar instead of a steel one, for example.
The Prado is powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine with Toyota’s 48v System (V-Active) system for claimed outputs of 150kW and 500Nm. As with other grades, the Prado GX comes standard with an arsenal of goodies to enhance off-road capability; in addition to a full-time 4×4 system with a locking centre diff and decent low-range reduction, it has traction control, downhill assist control and crawl control.
While a lower grade, the Prado GX is still well equipped in terms of convenience and safety features, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a seven-inch multi-information display, the myToyota Connect app, four USB-C charging ports, keyless entry/start, dual-zone air conditioning, LED headlights, nine airbags, reversing camera and parking sensors, blind-spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
I should mention that there is another Prado with five seats; the Prado Altitude comes fitted with off-road suitable Toyo Open Country rubber and more kit than the GX but it will set you back more than $100k drive away.
Considering its nominal payload capacity, you should seriously consider a pre-registration GVM upgrade on the Prado GX if you want to load it up for 4×4 touring. Unfortunately, while there are plenty of such kits to suit the previous generation Prado, GVM upgrades for the 250 Series Prado are still under development.
One way to minimise accessory weight eating into your payload is to fit an alloy bull bar instead of a steel one, but bear in mind that you’ll only save a few kilos if your alloy bar is fitted with a winch-mounting cradle. An alloy TJM Outback bar ($3250) for the Prado GX weighs 77kg, for example, whereas a genuine accessory steel bull bar from Toyota ($3200) weighs 93kg.
You can expect a 10,000lb winch with synthetic rope ($1200-$3000) to weigh around 30kg and a pair of quality LED driving lights to tip the scales at 6kg.
An aftermarket suspension kit will provide a 400mm lift for your Prado GX for more ground clearance and to ensure it can handle the weight of accessories and gear on board. Expect to spend between $1500 and $3000 for a decent setup. You will also want to upgrade the rubber to Light Truck (LT) tyres in an all-terrain or mud-terrain pattern; there are plenty of options available in the standard 265/65R18 tyre size from around $450-$500 a tyre or you could go up slightly to a 275/70R18. An alternative would be to fit a more off-road friendly 17-inch wheel and tyre package with LT285/70R17 tyres.
When it comes to carrying gear in the back of a Prado GX, you will want to keep heavy items separate from vehicle occupants, and the best way to do this is by fitting a cargo barrier, which will cost between $600 to $900. A drawer system will also be a handy addition, but don’t skimp in this department as a cheap steel-frame setup (up to 70kg) will weigh a hell of a lot more than a more expensive aluminium-frame one (as little as 25kg).
Other gear you’ll need for 4×4 touring includes a quality snorkel ($600-$1000) to keep out water in river crossings and to minimise dust ingress into your air box, a dual-battery system with lithium auxiliary battery and charger ($1500+), and under-vehicle protection ($800-$1000). And if you can’t fit everything in your Prado GX, with a 90kg roof load limit, you could throw some stuff up top on a quality roof platform ($1500-$2000).
One thing you probably won’t need is a long-range or auxiliary fuel tank as the Prado GX comes standard with a decent-size 110-litre tank.
Heavy rain and flooding across New South Wales has led to the many closures of 4WD tracks, walking trails and campgrounds in national parks.
Several areas have been deemed unsafe due to water damage, landslips and impassable roads, with closures affecting parts of the Mid-North Coast, Hunter, Southern Highlands and surrounding regions.
In the Mid-North Coast, the Orara Escarpment 4WD Touring Route is currently closed. Flooding at the Urumbilum River has made the Bindarray Picnic Area inaccessible, with high water levels across the causeway. The river is being monitored and the route will reopen once it’s safe.
The Hall Peaks Picnic Area and Campground has been closed since May 21 and is expected to remain shut until at least May 29. Persistent rain has made access roads unsafe for vehicles.
In the state’s south, Morton and Budawang national parks have seen road closures due to flooding in the Clyde and Yadboro river systems. Several tracks and campgrounds in those areas are unreachable.
Barrington Tops National Park has been fully closed since May 20. Landslips and a damaged bridge have cut off access from the east via Gloucester. The southern section of the park is also closed due to storm damage. The situation is being reviewed daily.
In the Northern Tablelands, parts of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park are shut, including the Wollomombi walking track, Eagle View lookout, Wollomombi Falls lookout and Chandler Falls lookout. These areas are expected to remain closed until May 28. Other nearby sites such as the Wollomombi picnic area and Chandler walk are still open.
Further east, Tapin Tops National Park and nearby reserves in the Manning Great Lakes region are also closed. Flooding has made many trails and creek crossings unsafe. The closures are expected to remain in place until at least May 30.
Watagans National Park in the Hunter has closed several key visitor areas including Gap Creek Falls walking track, Gap Creek Forest walking track, Boarding House Dam, and Bangalow picnic and camping areas. Roads and tracks in the area have been affected by heavy rain and tree falls.
The Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve remains closed for repairs after earlier flooding. It’s not expected to reopen before late September.
National Parks staff are assessing conditions daily. Many of the closures will remain in place until damage can be repaired and safety risks have been addressed. Visitors are urged not to enter closed areas, and to avoid driving or walking through floodwaters.
A full list of alerts can be found here: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list
For four years, a 2017 MQ Triton served as the foundation for Cassie’s off-road adventures.
The vehicle proved its reliability across a range of terrains – including the Simpson Desert, K’gari (Fraser Island), and the Finke Desert – with minimal issues and impressive consistency.
“I owned a 2017 MQ Triton for four years and loved it,” Cassie said. “I took it to Finke, on the Simpson Desert, up to Fraser and took it on so many trips all around home and never had a problem!”
Despite being a modest build, the Triton was well thought-out. With help from her father and partner, Cassie removed the rear seats and installed a functional plywood storage system. The layout formed a simple but efficient touring setup that supported numerous long-distance trips.
Eventually, the desire for greater space, payload and capability led her and her partner Alex to upgrade to a Toyota LandCruiser TroopCarrier. Known for its durability and popularity among remote travellers, the Troopy offered the potential for a complete touring platform – and it has since become the backbone of a long-term lap around Australia.
Prior to departing for a lap of the map, Cassie used the Troopy for local camping trips and one major run to the 2023 Finke Desert Race, returning via the Oodnadatta Track. “I haven’t done many big trips in the Troopy before going on our lap except for one mid last year,” she explained. “We went to watch Finke and did the Oodnadatta Track on the way back home.”
Now two months into the national journey, the vehicle is performing as expected and has already covered a broad range of conditions. Among the highlights so far has been the Victorian High Country. “We loved the Blue Rag Track,” she said. “It had amazing views of the mountains, which is something we don’t get to see at home.”
The build includes an Alu-Cab roof conversion, offering a comfortable sleeping setup, and a comprehensive rear interior fitout designed for full-time travel. Cassie notes that the vehicle tows extremely well – a key factor, given the trailer in tow – and says it handles the weight with ease. “We barely notice the trailer is there (except going up hills),” she laughed.
Future modifications will include a replacement rear bar, performance tune and exhaust, and a rear interior redesign to accommodate a crate for her dog. Cassie also wants to reorganise the rear fitout so that she can have a crate fit in for her dog.
The camper trailer was constructed in-house over a two-month period leading up to the trip. It features a leaf-over axle conversion, significantly increasing ground clearance and making it better suited to rugged tracks. “Our favourite thing about it is that it has heaps of clearance with the leaf over conversion so that we can take it on every track with us,” Cassie explained.
The build focused on maximising every bit of usable space, with careful attention paid to accessibility and storage layout. “The biggest challenge when building it was making sure that everything was easily accessible but that there was no wasted space. We really made sure that we used every inch of the trailer.”
Cassie’s connection to the off-road community also extends into competitive motorsport. In 2023, her father and brother raced a 76 Series LandCruiser in Class 7 of the Finke Desert Race and the broader Australian Off Road Championship.
She also supports mental health initiatives in the 4×4 space through her work with Saving True Blues. She was approached in early 2024 to act as an ambassador for the organisation, which focuses on building a community of support within the off-road industry.
“Lucy (the owner of Saving True Blues) contacted me about becoming an ambassador at the start of 2024 and I loved what she had created so I said yes!” Cassie said. “So many people struggle with having a positive mental health, so Saving True Blues are working on creating a community where anyone can speak up and feel supported.”
Saving True Blue hosts camps and events around the country and uses sales from merchandise to fund their mental health outreach. “I’ve gone to the camps that STB have hosted and met some amazing, like-minded people that are into four wheel drives! Anyone can attend their camps that they host and purchase any of their clothing items.”
With thousands of kilometres still to cover, the combination of a capable vehicle, a well-planned trailer, and a strong support network gives Cassie everything she needs to complete the journey.
Kenny Signs is an all-Australian, family-run business that has been in operation since 1993, originating like many local businesses do in Australia, in the family home’s garage.
“It all started out in the recession we had to have back in 1993,” Brett Kenny, managing director at Kenny Signs, told 4X4 Australia. “After bouncing from job to job with businesses closing down due to the poor economy, I had a few small clients, so I started working from my parent’s garage two to three days a week and built it up from there.
“I slowly increased my clientele by word of mouth, being on time, polite and producing good quality signage with competitive pricing as my overheads were low.”
The thriving business is now based in Revesby, in south-western Sydney, with the expert team not only servicing the wider Sydney region, but its handiwork extends to regional towns and even nationwide. Still, it remains family-oriented, with Brett’s eldest son, Cameron, running the graphic design side of the business, and his youngest son, Daniel, the head vehicle wrapper now with more than 10 years of experience behind him.
The company has been wrapping vehicles for more than 15 years, but it also specialises in providing full aluminium composite signage for building exteriors, interior wall wraps and reception signage. Plus, Brett is also a traditional signwriter, so Kenny Signs also does painted wall signage for a lot of shopping centre car parks.
Vehicles remain a key focus of the brand, though, with some of its bigger jobs including wrapping the Australian Idol buses; the Rapisarda Top Fuel team; Jim Read racing trucks; Santos Cranes cranes; and more than 20 top fuel dragsters. Plus its handiwork can be seen on a number of company fleets such as Total Tools; Penske Australia; Sydney Water; Fulton Hogan; and Return and Earn. The team also does a tonne of work for private tradie vans and utes, just like the epic wrap seen on our Ford Everest build.
“We offer a full design, print and application service,” Brett told us. “Customers are welcome to bring in their own artwork provided it has been professionally done by a qualified graphic designer. We don’t really recommend DIY as the material and print combined is expensive and we hate to see the customer have to have it reprinted and be out of pocket just to try and save a few bucks.
“We can virtually meet any brief provided by the client. All we need is a good brief on what they require. We offer full wraps, half wraps, or just a set of door logos if that’s all they need.”
Customers can expect to pay approximately $5000 to $6000 for a full wrap, $3000 for a half wrap, $1000 for ute doors and tray, and $400 for a set of door logos – plus artwork design if required.
Brett told us a full wrap will last about four to five years, but it all depends on usage and where you park the vehicle.
“You don’t want to let it go too long as it can be hard to remove after five years if the car is parked outside. We also recommend replacing bonnet, roof and horizontal wraps every two years. In saying that, the Rapisarda race team trailers we did 10 years ago are still in great condition as they are inside a workshop 95 per cent of the time.”
Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure the wrap looks just as good as the day it leaves the factory floor. Washing it weekly will keep it looking schmick, but always ensure you keep the pressure washer more than one metre away so as not to blast the edges of the wrap.
Removing a wrap within its lifespan actually helps to protect the car’s original paint, but leaving it too long leads to a detrimental ‘crow’s feet’ effect – “so it’s always a good idea to drop into your sign shop to have it inspected if you’re worried,” Brett advises.
The June 2025 issue of 4X4 Australia is officially OUT now! Here’s a sneak peek of what’s inside 👇
Kia’s first-ever ute, the Tasman, is nearly here – and we’ve just had a taste of what the top-spec X-Pro can do off-road. Ahead of its July launch, Kia let us loose in pre-production models on a muddy NSW farm course, where the X-Pro’s 252mm ground clearance, all-terrain tyres, and locking rear diff got put to the test. It held its own through boggy paddocks, offset mounds, and steep gravel climbs, showing real promise as a capable off-roader. A few bugs to iron out, but it’s clear Kia’s done their homework and taken Aussie conditions seriously.
The GMC Yukon Denali has officially landed in Australia, marking the brand’s local debut with a full-size, V8-powered luxury wagon. And we’ve driven one! With a 6.2L V8, 10-speed auto, proper low-range 4×4, and a massive 3628kg towing capacity, it’s the highest-rated tow wagon in the country. Loaded with premium gear and converted to RHD by Walkinshaw, the Yukon isn’t cheap – but if you’re hauling big loads in comfort and want something different from the usual Patrol or Cruiser, it might just be worth a look.
The diesel-powered Tank 300 is a refreshing reminder that value still exists. For just over $50K, you get twin lockers, low-range, a comfy cabin, and a serious off-road platform that’s begging to be built upon. In our full review this issue, we dig into where it punches above its weight – and where it comes up short. It’s not perfect, but if you’re after a mod-ready, affordable 4×4 with real trail chops, the Tank 300 might just be the underdog worth backing.
The Land Rover Defender might’ve slipped off the radar for 4×4 fans, but don’t count it out just yet. In this article, Matt puts the D350 X-Dynamic SE through its paces across South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, where it proved it’s more than just a stylish SUV. With 700Nm from its inline-six diesel, air suspension and factory-backed off-road packs, this Defender blends serious capability with comfort and tech. If you’re eyeing a new LandCruiser or Patrol, don’t forget to add the Defender to the shortlist.
Our drive of the Defender was part of the Defender Experience at Arkaba Station, Land Rover Australia’s four-day adventure set against the stunning backdrop of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges. From rooftop tents under the stars to remote tracks in Defender D350s, this trip blends serious 4×4 action with luxury lodge living and a crash course in outback conservation.
On the custom front: In a world where tourers are getting heavier and overbuilt, Mandurah local Bo Clayton has gone the other way. Starting with the 2024 Ranger Raptor, Bo built a super tourer that combines serious off-road cred, power and comfort without tipping the scales. Featuring a featherweight Mode 4×4 canopy, Baja-ready suspension, and a 480hp tune, this Raptor isn’t just tough, it’s meticulously balanced. In this feature, we dive deep into how Bo pulled it off, what he’d do differently, and what’s next!
What else?
- Touring Garig Gunak Barlu National Park in the NT
- The ultimate Top End adventure
- Exploring Albany in WA
- How to survive in the bush
- ScanGauge 3 & Stov portable gas BBQ tested
- Mazda BT-50 GT long-term update
- New products, news and more!!
The June 2025 issue of 4X4 Australia magazine is out now!
Ford Australia has ripped the covers off a limited-run Everest variant – the Black Edition – with the first customer deliveries of the seven-seater expected to start rolling out from July 2025.
The Everest Black Edition is listed with a driveaway price of $69,000, with order books now open and stock limited to just 750 units.
This $69K price tag makes the Black Edition approximately $2000 dearer than the Everest Trend on which it is based on, which is currently listed at $67,040. The Black Edition sits below the V6-powered Sport ($74,640), Tremor ($76,590), and Wildtrak ($76,950) on the model hierarchy.
Like the Everest Trend, the Black Edition is powered by the 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine, which produces 154kW and 500Nm. It’s paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system complemented by a locking rear diff.
The Black Edition stands out from the Trend courtesy of the inclusion of black aesthetics: roof rails; side steps; front grille; ‘EVEREST’ hood lettering; ‘EVEREST’ interior door sill plates; side mirrors; and door handles. It’s also equipped with black 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/65R18 all-terrain tyres, as well as a black 18-inch spare alloy wheel.
“Packed with family-favourite features and full-time 4WD, Everest Black Edition builds on the proven strengths of the Everest, adding a distinctive blacked-out appearance that underscores the suite of interior and advanced driver-assist features that has made the Everest the pick of the segment,” said Ambrose Henderson, Director of Marketing, Ford Australia.
| Wading Depth | 800mm |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 229mm |
| Approach Angle | 30.4 |
| Ramp-over Angle | 22.2 |
| Departure Angle | 25.3 |
“The Black Edition is the seventh variant of the Everest family – giving motorists more choice to suit their needs—and with a $69,000 drive away price , it delivers outstanding value for Australians who demand more from their SUV.”
Three optional packs are also available upon purchase: the Premium Seat pack ($1200), the Towing pack ($1950) and the Touring pack ($2900). The Premium Seat pack adds heated and ventilated front driver (10-way power adjustment) and passenger (8-way power adjustment) seats. The Towing pack adds a tow bar and hitch, an integrated electric trailer brake controller, and a 12-pin wiring harness. The Touring pack adds a 360-degree camera and Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist.
The Everest Black Edition is available to order now.
Everest Black Edition: Features list
- 154kW/500Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Full-time 4WD with selectable 2H, 4A, 4H, and 4L
- Locking rear differential
- Selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand
- Intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop & go
- Traffic sign recognition and lane centering
- Blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert and trailer coverage
- Lane keeping aid with lane departure warning
- Pre-collision assist with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and intersection assist
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Reverse brake assist
- Electronic parking brake
- Rear view camera – integrated digital
- Electrochromatic rear view mirror
- 12-inch multi-function touch screen display
- 8-inch colour digital instrument cluster with configurable display
- SYNC® 4 with voice-activated controls
- 8-speaker sound system
- Embedded modem compatible with FordPass Connect
- Built-in satellite navigation with one year of connected navigation services included
- Wireless Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™
- Wireless charging
- 5x USB ports
- 3x 12-volt power outlets (centre console, 3rd row, rear cargo)
- 400W power outlet (centre console – 240-volt household power socket)
- 7-seat configuration, with 2nd row 60/40 split and 3rd row 50/50 split
- 5x upper child seat anchorage points
- 2x ISOFIX child seat anchorage points
- Leather-accented seat trim (excludes 3rd row)
- Driver seat – 8-way power adjustment including lumbar adjustment
- Climate control – dual zone
- 3rd row air vents with rear fan control
- Smart keyless entry with push-button start
- Automatic dusk-sensing LED headlights
- Automatic high beam control
- Zone lighting
- Power adjustable & folding side mirrors with puddle lamps
- Black roof rails
- Black side steps
- Black 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/65R18 all-terrain tyres
- Black 18-inch spare alloy wheel
- Black front grille
- Black ‘EVEREST’ hood lettering
- Black ‘EVEREST’ interior door sill plates
- Black side mirrors
- Black door handles
Victoria’s free camping scheme will come to an end on July 1, 2025.
Introduced in late 2024 to help ease cost-of-living pressures and boost regional tourism, the initiative offered free access to a range of public campgrounds across the state. However, it was quickly inundated by ghost bookings, overcrowding, and increased rubbish and site damage.
“From 1 July 2025, the Victorian Government is investing $10.5 million to keep camping fees at half price at Parks Victoria campgrounds across the state for another two years” – Parks Victoria
A main issue for its closure has been a rise in campsite bookings that were never used, leading to empty sites despite full reservation lists. This problem, referred to as “ghost camping,” has meant 4x4ers and campers have been turned away despite many sites being empty. This lack of accountability in the booking system has drawn criticism from users and highlighted the need for better management practices.
The scheme also created pressure on local tourism infrastructure. It was designed to encourage travel to regional areas, but it placed strain on nearby services and businesses competing with government-funded options. Additionally, maintaining the campgrounds and managing the increased usage required significant public funding.
The Victorian Government allocated $9 million to support the scheme, including funds for site maintenance and operations. Despite the investment, the long-term sustainability of free access has come into question, particularly as demand increased without adequate systems in place to manage bookings and usage.
Reports indicate the government is considering new measures to address these concerns, including introducing refundable booking deposits, applying peak season fees, and penalising no-shows. These steps aim to make the system more efficient while still supporting accessible camping.
For 4×4 adventurers who rely on public campsites as staging points for off-road travel, the end of the free camping trial means a return to paid bookings and more structured trip planning. Updates to booking policies and site fees will be available through Parks Victoria.
Let’s get a few of my personal bones to pick with the Prado out of the way first. One: It’s effectively useless as a seven-seater. Two: The 48V hybrid system is essentially a waste of GVM. Three: It is spendy for what you get. Four: Bring back the twin fuel tanks!
Now, with that out of the way I will say it’s still a fantastic vehicle that can be turned into an Australia-wide tourer with little issue. It’s comfy both on and off-road (seriously, a four-hour drive feels like a quick trip to the shops), and the electric steering is nothing short of excellent, making traversing tight tracks a breeze.
I’d go for the twenty-grand-more-expensive (over the base model GX) Altitude, which has a rear diff locker and more ground clearance than the other options. I’d opt for the five-seater for the reason stated above. In fact, I’d tick none of the optional upgrades boxes. Anything I want I can add myself, probably for less money.
I’d buy a Prado not for hardcore wheeling or heavy-duty towing (not to say it couldn’t do those things, just not without a lot of work), but more as a daily and family wagon that doubles up as the school-holidays adventure bus – roles that it’s pretty much perfect for.
The usual barwork (front bar and sliders, call it $5000) would be the first additions, though I wouldn’t bother with a winch. Partly because mud-plugging and rock-crawling aren’t on the cards for this steed, and partly because if I get bogged on the sand, that’s why I brought the kids and long-handled shovel along.
The Altitude already comes with Toyo Open Country rubber, so I’d leave those things alone, but I would get a decent lithium set-up with as big a battery I could afford, overseen by a quality BMS, like the Redarc or Victron products (roughly $4500). I’d also add an Evakool 110L dual-zone fridge-freezer ($2000), which should just be enough to keep any omnivorous teenagers fed.
From there I’d turn my attention to the engine and get it breathing with a Safari snorkel and a three-inch DPF-back exhaust (call it $2000), plus an ECU Tune ($1500) that’ll get us roughly 550Nm to the ground (stock power figures are measured at the flywheel in case you’re wondering why it’s not a massive improvement over the standard 500Nm). From there I’d probably throw on some roof bars and a 270-degree awning ($1600-ish for both) and call it good.
Is it going to set the world on fire with its capability and never-seen-before power? No, not even close, but that’s not really what owning a Prado is about. It’s about owning a capable and comfortable rig without the ostentation of an Ineos Grenadier or decked-out dual-cab 79, but with 95 per cent of the off-road ability.
BLUETTI, a global leader in portable power and clean energy, has officially launched its most versatile portable power station to date – the Apex 300 – on Indiegogo.
Tailored for modern Australian lifestyles, it bridges the gap between emergency home backup, off-grid living, and mobile power for vans, campers, and remote work setups.
All-in-one power that grows with you
At the heart of the Apex 300 is a massive 2764.8Wh capacity and 3840W output, enough to run power-hungry appliances like air conditioners, microwaves or fridges with ease. Need more juice? Link up to three units in parallel and expand capacity to a staggering 58,000Wh with 18 B300K batteries, perfect for extended blackouts or full-time off-grid setups.
Whether you’re braving power outages, heading off-grid, or living the van life, the Apex 300 grows and adapts to meet your energy needs.
Built for efficiency: Save smarter, live freer
The Apex 300 leads the class in power efficiency, sipping just 20W in idle mode – ideal for stretching backup runtime. It can power a refrigerator up to 24 extra hours, run CPAP machines longer, and extend air conditioner standby time significantly.
Even better, it works with SolarX 4K, the world’s first 500V/4000W solar charge controller, slashing payback time to just two years. In a market like Australia, where power bills spike during winter, the Apex 300 offers a high ROI for families looking to reduce electricity costs.
Add BLUETTI’s Peak Load Shifting via the app, and the system automatically charges with cheap off-peak power or solar, then powers your home during peak-rate periods. It’s like having a smart energy assistant that quietly cuts your power bill.
Solar superpower: Up to 19.2kW solar input
Australians love solar, and the Apex 300 doesn’t disappoint. Connect three units via the Hub A1 Parallel Box with three SolarX 4K chargers, and enjoy a combined 19.2kW solar input – ideal for full off-grid solar setups. Each unit features dual MPPT solar inputs and TurboBoost tech, enabling up to 2400W solar input and an 80-per-cent charge in just 40 minutes.
You’ve also got options: up to seven charging methods, including wall outlets, solar panels, car alternators, gas generators and more. Indoors, a 3450W AC charge takes it from flat to full in about 70 minutes, perfect for quick turnarounds.
DIY-ready for vanlifers and tiny homeowners
With the Hub D1, BLUETTI caters to DIY power setups. This accessory includes a rugged 12V/50A Anderson port, letting you connect 12V appliances like camping fridges, Starlink, Wi-Fi routers, and lights, ideal for van builds, tiny homes, or outback cabins.
For long-haul adventures or remote travel, the Car DC to DC Alternator Charger 1 reclaims power from your vehicle while driving, delivering up to 560W for charging on the move.
Compact and transportable – with hot-swap freedom
Thanks to BLUETTI’s UltraCell tech, the Apex 300 boasts 40-per-cent more energy density, giving you more power in less space. Need to take part of the system outdoors? Hot-Swap Technology 2.0 lets you pull out a battery module for camping while the system keeps running.
A foldable trolley makes transporting the unit from your home to your caravan or tent simple and stress-free. maximising the value of a backup power system.
Last for over 17 years with safer cells
Durability is a standout feature. With 6,000+ charge cycles, the Apex 300 promises up to 17 years of daily use, retaining 80-per-cent capacity even after long-term operation. Built with second-gen automotive-grade LiFePO₄ cells and passing 33 CNAS-certified safety tests, it’s one of the safest energy storage units on the market.
That long lifespan means less battery waste and more peace of mind, aligning with BLUETTI’s focus on sustainability and long-term value.
Pricing and availability
The BLUETTI Apex 300 is now available for early backers on Indiegogo. It will soon be available via Amazon Australia and the official BLUETTI website.
About BLUETTI
As a technology pioneer in clean energy, BLUETTI provides affordable clean energy storage solutions for both indoor and outdoor use. Through initiatives like the LAAF (Lighting An African Family) program, BLUETTI aims to power 1 million African families in off-grid areas. Focusing on innovation and customer needs, BLUETTI has become a trusted industry leader in over 110 countries and regions.
An important piece of equipment for the upcoming Nissan Y63 Patrol will be built in Australia at the brand’s Nissan Casting Australia Plant.
The Australian factory based in Dandenong South, Victoria, will manufacture the final drive differential housing that will feature in every single Y63 Patrol produced.
A key component of a vehicle’s drivetrain, the housing is a metal casing that protects the gears responsible for transferring power from the driveshaft to the wheels. This housing plays a vital role in ensuring smooth power delivery and protecting internal components from damage.
The housing holds the final drive and differential gears that reduce speed and allow the wheels to turn at different rates – crucial when crawling over rocks or cornering off-road. Found in both front and rear axles of 4WD setups, it’s key to smooth, reliable power delivery.
“We are proud to announce that the Nissan Casting Australia Plant is producing crucial parts for the brand’s 4WD flagship, the Y63 Nissan Patrol, which is currently sold in left-hand drive global markets and will be available to order in Australia in 2026” said Andrew Humberstone, Managing Director of Nissan Oceania.
“It means that the Y63 Nissan Patrol isn’t just made for Australia, but partly made in Australia as well.”
The Nissan Casting Australia Plant currently employs around 200 staff, who work to produce 1.2 million examples of 25 different components for Nissan markets around the world every year.
“Nissan Casting Australia Plant is a success story for the Australian automotive manufacturing space,” said Markus Spindler, the Plant Manager for Nissan Casting Australia Plant. “But it’s not all about global output. The Nissan Casting Australia Plant team is also responsible for producing some 16,000 Nissan Genuine Accessory tow bars for Australia and New Zealand.”
The Y63 Nissan Patrol will be powered by a V6 twin-turbo engine paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission, and it will feature customisable adaptive air suspension.