4x4 Travel Bulletin: What to do in March

Ron and Viv Moon’s latest news and info from Australia’s treks and tracks

BIG BILLY BORE CAMPING AREA (VIC)
The area around this historic bore and watering place has been made into a pleasant remote camping area by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). Located on Nhill-Murrayville Road in the Big Desert State Forest, it’s a great spot for an overnight camp or as a base to explore the many 4WD tracks in the area. More info can be found at www.depi.vic.gov.au

THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER FESTIVAL (VIC)
Held on the edge of the Australian Alps in Corryong, the Man from Snowy River Festival is a fantastic few days celebrating everything High Country. There will be plenty of horse-riding action, with cross-country races commemorating ‘The Man’. There will also be an action-packed rodeo on the Saturday night and a heap more entertainment including bush poetry, dog high-jump events and a ute muster. Held from March 30 to April 2, you can find out more at www.bushfestival.com.au

SIMPSON DESERT RE-OPENS (SA/QLD)
The Simpson Desert will re-open to travellers on March 15 at 6pm. All vehicles crossing the desert must be fitted with a safety flag. It is mandatory to purchase a Desert Parks Pass to enter and camp in the Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Simpson Desert Regional Reserve. For permits go to www.environment.sa.gov.au

DEVONPORT MOTOR SHOW (TAS)
Want to check out some nice cars in Tassie? Then visit the Devonport Motor Show, where a wide range of vehicles will be on display. The event will showcase hot rods, vintage and classic cars, modern and modified vehicles, and motorbikes. The show will be held on the foreshore of the Mersey River on March 26.

SAVE NINGALOO STATION (WA)
The property owners who have been managing camping at Ningaloo Station for decades are still fighting with the Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW), who wish to take over management of camping and implement significant changes including a very big resort-type development. To find out what is happening on this great piece of coast, go to www.facebook.com/ningaloostation

ST PATRICK’S RACES (NSW)
One of the biggest and richest outback racing meets on the calendar, the St Patrick’s Day races in Broken Hill is an event you should experience at least once. This year the races will be held on March 18, but there will be plenty of fun and activities in this charismatic outback town throughout the entire week. For more details visit www.stpatricks.org.au

BURKETOWN BARRA FISHING COMPETITION (QLD)
With more than $20,000 in cash, prizes and trophies up for grabs, the Burketown Barra Fishing Championships is one of the most popular in Australia, and this year’s event is the 39th annual running of the competition. Held on the Easter weekend (April 14-17) the not-to-be-missed competition will feature nice fishing and great prizes. For more details visit www.burke.qld.gov.au