4x4 news and activities: Travel Bulletin, July 2017

We take a look at the upcoming track closures, outback events and station stays.

TRACKS TO CLOSE (VIC)

MANY tracks in the forest and parks of Victoria are set to close for the annual winter season. These generally close from just after the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June to the weekend before the Melbourne Cup in November. However, weather can alter these dates.
For the latest updates, go to: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

LASSETERS CAMEL CUP (NT)

The Camel Cup in Alice Springs is an amazing, iconic and quirky race, with a reputation that extends beyond Northern Territory soil. The annual event will be held on July 15 at Blatherskite Park. This family and fundraising event is well-known for its unpredictable and entertaining camels, as well as for the brave and crazy riders.

Entertainment is assured, with nine unique races scheduled throughout the day, as well as belly dancers, rickshaw races, hobby camel races and rides. Food stalls and bars will add to the carnival atmosphere.
For more info: www.camelcup.com.au

OUTBACK CAMPING (QLD)

Located 50km east of Cunnamulla in Queensland’s outback, Charlotte Plains is a 29,000ha working sheep property that offers great camping, a range of accommodation, history tours, bird watching, wildlife viewing, yabby catching and plenty more.
For more info: www.charlotteplains.com.au

DERBY CUP (WA)

If you’re up in the Kimberley this July, the 2017 XXXX Gold Derby Cup will be a bit of fun on July 1. The race will be bigger than ever, with top quality racehorses from across WA battling it out for prize money and handsome trophies. It’ll be a great day with a variety of food available, live entertainment, and an on-course TAB and full bar.

THREE CREEKS STATION (SA)

Three Creeks Station is a working sheep property in SA’s magnificent Flinders Ranges. The property offers private bush camping at a number of pleasant and isolated sites. There’s also a 4WD station track that is challenging in parts and will take at least three hours to complete. A couple of walking trails provide a closer look at the surrounding country.
For more info: www.flindersrangesthreecreeksstation.com

LIGHTNING RIDGE OPAL FESTIVAL (NSW)

The Lightning Ridge Opal Festival includes the Opal & Gem Expo, an opal jewellery design trade show, a host of entertainment, and the Opal Queen Ball.

Held this year from July 27-30, jewellers, buyers, wholesalers, miners, rock hounds, lapidary enthusiasts and tourists are invited to experience the best Lightning Ridge has to offer. The Opal & Gem Expo boasts more than 120 stalls, with a huge range of products including gemstones, tools, lapidary supplies and lifestyle products.
For more info: www.lightningridgeopalfestival.com.au

GUIDE FALLS FARM (TAS)

Nestled above the picturesque Guide Falls south-west of Burnie is the 64-acre Guide Falls Farm. You can camp or park near their facilities (kitchen and toilets) or really rough it down beside the stunning Guide River. The farm is home to more than 250 animals including emus, giant rainbow trout, pigs, goat, sheep, deer, rabbits, guinea pigs, and lots of chickens and birds.
For more info: www.guidefallsfarm.com