4x4 Activities December 2018 to February 2019: Travel Bulletin

Summer time always seems fleeting but only because there are plenty of events and 4x4 activities taking place all throughout Australia to fill your calendars. Here is are some of the events that are set to take place over the next three months.

Tackle Tassie (TAS)

The warmer weather and longer days means it’s time to put the Apple Isle back on the 4x4 adventure calendar. For a small island, Tasmania offers an oversized amount of off-road touring opportunities, whether it’s following tracks down the wild west coast or exploring the mountain regions of the southwest.

Of course, being able to jump on-board the ferry that takes you from Melbourne to Devonport means you can bring your rig and all your gear, meaning you can camp at Tassie’s many beautiful campgrounds and caravan parks.

Head to www.parks.tas.gov.au for all of the information regarding tracks and permits.

Woodford Folk Festival (NSW)

This famous festival has been running for 33 years and is the 24th held at the temporary village of Woodfordia. Running from December 27 to January 1, the festival brings together a mix of cultures through concerts, parades, dance, a film festival, and a fire display that closes the event on New Year’s Day.

The festival also incorporates a separate (and just as big) children’s festival that includes 55 acts dedicated to keeping the little folk entertained while the adults kick back to some cranking music. There are also arts and craft workshops, and many volunteers.

See: woodfordfolkfestival.com

Moruya Rodeo (NSW)

The south coast town of Moruya will be hosting its annual New Year’s Day Rodeo on January 1, 2019. The rodeo has been running for decades and promises plenty of action, with numerous events to challenge the pros and anyone else keen to give it a crack.

Events include the always spectacular bull ride, saddle ride, bareback ride, novice saddle ride, roping events (breakaway, open, team), steer wrestling and barrel races. Plus sideshows, food and refreshments. The action kicks off at midday and runs until 9.30pm, then there’s a DJ on-site until midnight.

See www.rodeoassociationofmoruya.org

Mountain Cattlemen Get Together (VIC)

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The 2019 Mountain Cattlemen Get Together, scheduled for January 11-13, 2019, will be held at the Oxley Recreation Reserve (near Wangaratta), beside the King River. The venue is slightly smaller this year and camping will be restricted, so get in early.

The Get Together will include the usual awesome activities and events including the Cattlemen’s Cup, parades and live music. It’s a great family-friendly event.

For more info: www.mcav.com.au

Bright days ahead (VIC)

The Victorian mountain town of Bright is a brilliant ‘base-camp’ for any number of adventures over spring through to autumn. With close proximity to some of the Victorian High Country’s best 4x4 tracks and campsites, the town is perfectly situated.

Add in mountain bike trails, rail-trail cycle-ways, bushwalking tracks, canoeing opportunities and prime fishing spots, it’s the one-stop town for a fantastic long weekend.

For some great ideas, head to www.visitbright.com.au

Victorian Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow (VIC)

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One of the biggest shows of this kind in Australia, the event runs from Feb 20-25, 2019, and is the place to go to buy or upgrade a new caravan or camper-trailer, or any other camping- and travel-related gear.

As well as plenty of goodies for the big kids to ogle, the little ones will be kept entertained with free rides, activities, face painting, movies and show bags.

Check out to www.caravanshow.com.au

Bushfire season (AUS)

After a very dry year we are now into bushfire season, so keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour when touring and camping. Also ensure you follow fire-safe practices wherever you camp and be aware of all current fire warnings and the seasonal limitations on open fires in some national parks and reserves.

Same goes for households if you’re located near bushland; clearing out gutters, having a fire escape strategy and ensuring there’s some type of firebreak area between your residence and the surrounding bushland is a must.

Check with your relevant state bushfire authorities as to warnings and prevention tips.