4x4 Activities in April/May 2018: Travel Bulletin

Camping, fishing, rodeo, and competition off-roading are some of the 4x4 highlights from April till June this year.

BOGGABRI DROVERS’ CAMPFIRE (NSW)
A great way to celebrate the wandering lifestyle first encompassed by early drovers and now continued by caravanners, off-road tourers and motorhome owners. Run by the Boggabri Lions Club, the event, which runs April 25-30, includes optional tours of the surrounding area (including fishing on the Namoi River and exploring Mount Kaputar NP) and a number of different activities for all ages, including heavy horse displays and damper cooking. Each evening sees everyone come together around a ‘drover’s campfire’ for a yarn and to relive the day’s experiences.

See www.droverscampfire.com.au for more info.

CONDO 750 – 30TH ANNIVERSARY (NSW)

One of Australia’s most famous off-road races – the Condo 750 Navigational Rally – will celebrate its third decade at Easter this year (March 30 to April 1). Saturday will split the field, with bikes and quads tackling a separate course from the cars, ensuring plenty of navigational and driving challenges. The course totals 1050km, with 778km of competitive racing.

Entries are now open, so head to www.condo750.com.au.

OUTBACK STOCKMAN’S SHOW (QLD)
Third-generation stockman, Lachie Cossor, leads the live Outback Stockman’s Show that kicks off at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, in Longreach, from April all the way through to October (Tuesdays to Sundays).

Lachie brings his extensive experience (campdraft winner, state Saddle Bronc title and previous winner of King of the Ranges and Snowy Stockmans challenges) to the stage to showcase the skills and life of the Aussie stockman. Attendees will see a show that encompasses all of the stockman’s life including expert horsemanship, working dogs and even a one-tonne bull to keep everyone on their toes.

ORD VALLEY MUSTER (WA)

One of Australia’s premier outback events is celebrating its 18th year with 30 events over 10 days, from May 11-20. The Ord Valley Muster includes everything from rodeo action and comedy nights, to dining under the outback skies, to the famous Kimberley Moon Experience. This, held on the banks of the Ord River, is a dance/dinner/concert evening showcasing the attractions, personalities and unique foods available in the East Kimberley.

SHARK BAY FISHING FIESTA (WA)
Celebrating 24 years, this festival includes the chance to throw a line in at the World Heritage-listed Shark Bay, with a chance at some of the $10,000-plus in prizemoney, but also to grab a seat for some live entertainment or the cool sponsor’s auction. Run over the week of Friday, May 18, to Friday, May 25, the Fiesta includes family activities, a bar, food outlets as well as art and craft workshops – all at one of the most pristine parts of this country’s coastline.

See www.sharkbayfishingfiesta.com

HAEUSLER’S MALLEE RALLY ARB 400 (VIC)
Round Three of the ARB Australian Off Road Racing Championship (which doubles as Round Five of the Victorian Off Road Club Shield) sees competitors tackling challenging terrain at Sea Lake in northwest Victoria from Friday, June 8, to Sunday, June 10.

The ARB ORRC runs over six hard-fought rounds at six different locations around the country this year. This event location sees drivers and vehicles powering through (and flying over, no doubt) some of Victoria’s famous Mallee country, so expect some fast and spectacular driving during the event.

Check out www.offroadracing.com.au for more information.

EXPERT RED CENTRE GUIDES (NT)

Alice Springs Expeditions, run by experienced off-road tourer John Stafford, offers visitors to the Red Centre capital the chance to get out and see some of the area’s spectacular destinations. The team runs expedition-style jaunts into the more remote locations that surround Alice Springs. You’ll experience fantastic outback landscapes and awesome camping, and be fed top nosh at camp before crashing out in your swag.

Alice Springs Expeditions run a number of set tours to different locations, or you can contact John and design a bespoke adventure. For more info, see www.alicespringsexpeditions.com.au or call 0419 760 795.