TRAVEL BULLETIN
ALL THE LATEST 4X4 NEWS AND EVENTS
NATIONAL 4X4 OUTDOORS SHOW, FISHING AND BOATING EXPO (VIC)
The Melbourne Showgrounds transforms into a 4x4 touring, camping, boating and fishing heaven-on-earth from August 16-18. More than 200 exhibitors will showcase new 4x4s, aftermarket accessories, camper trailers and boats. Info sessions include the VW Amarok Proving Ground, the CFX Outback Stage and the Catch and Cook stage. See www.4x4show.com. au/melbourne for info.
REDARC 4WD OCTOBERFEST (SA)
The 4WD Octoberfest is a brilliant 4x4 escape, where off-roading clubs converge on the Merna Mora Station from October 4-7. The weekend comprises tagalong tours, camp-cooking competitions, Sunday night kids’ movies, a night navigation event, and a 4WDSA Big Brekky on the Monday morning aimed at raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.vehicle numbers are limited and the costs vary according to how many trips per vehicle/ weekend you undertake (includes camping and track fees). A great event for a great cause. For info, go to: www. mountloftyrangers.com.au
LAKE MOONDARRA FISHING CLASSIC (QLD)
Bring your fishing gear for the chance to snare a barra or cod during this event, held 17km north of Mount Isa, October 25-27. Besides the great fishing and casting comps, there will be a dragon boat regatta, a beach volleyball event and yabby races. The lake is surrounded by plenty of shady trees, with a number of picnic/barbecue areas dotted around it, making it the ideal family event. The lake is a goldmine for birdwatchers; pelicans, cormorants and other native and introduced birds can be spotted in this area all the time. See www. lakemoondarrafishingclassic. com.au for more info.
MILDURA MUSIC FESTIVAL (VIC)
The 2019 Mildura Country Music Festival will be held from Friday September 27 to Sunday October 6. The major difference between the other two Australian country music festivals and the annual Mildura Country Music Festival is that Mildura has Australia’s biggest showcase of independent entertainers such as Lance Birrell, Connie Kis Andersen, Owen Blundell, Rob Breese, Jeff Brown and Sharon Benjamin, among a host of others. The 10-day event will be held at various locations around the city. For more information, check out: www.milduracountrymusic. com.au
BALRANALD 5 RIVERS OUTBACK FESTIVAL (NSW)
This festival, held October 11-13, promises three exciting days of fun, music, great food and fabulous entertainment at picturesque Balranald, on the banks of the mighty Murrumbidgee River and not too far from spectacular Mungo National Park. There’s plenty to see and do, with activities and events including market stalls, a fishing competition, a 4WD muster, a camp oven cooking competition and much more, including live music featuring Australian band Thirsty Merc. Log on to www.5riversoutbackfestival. com.au for more info.
CARAVAN CAMPING OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE EXPO (NSW)
Head to Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park, from September 20-22, and check out (or buy) the latest caravans, camper trailers, camping equipment, boating and fishing gear. Plus, there’ll be some new 4x4s to gawk at, along with associated accessories. There’ll be plenty of experts on-site, along with daily demonstrations and free kids’ entertainment. There’s even the chance to win an Isuzu MU-X or D-MAX. See www. caravanexpo.com for info.
WINTON OUTBACK FESTIVAL (QLD)
The outback Qld town of Winton is holding its biennial Outback Festival from Sept 24-28. Cool things to see and do include the Outback Iron Man and Woman, the Australian Dunny Derby, and the Century Outback Cycle challenge. There’s also the Bush Poets’ Breakfast, music concerts, the Teddy Bear’s Picnic for the kids, and more. See outbackfestival. com.au for info.