TRAVEL BULLETIN
ALL THE LATEST 4X4 NEWS AND EVENTS
AS SOME state borders open while others close, events that were postponed or in doubt are coming back online, so it’s time to get out and about to enjoy the great land and support the communities. The situation is still fluid and things are changing all the time, so please check with event organisers before locking in your plans. ARB EASTER IN OCTOBER
THE ARB Easter Festival at Eldee Station, NSW, has become a highlight of the calendar and it’s back with a difference this year. After being called off from its usual Easter dates it will now happen from October 2 to 6.
Eldee Station, north-west of Silverton, is a working property with miles of 4x4 tracks and accommodation for a true outback experience. October 2 is scheduled as a public holiday in Victoria for the AFL Grand Final but that could yet change, while Monday October 6 is a holiday in NSW, SA and Qld, so the new date should suit all. More info at www.eldeestation.com/ easter-event.html
OUTBACK CHALLENGE
THE iconic Outback Challenge is another event that’s had to change to stay active in these tough times. Undoubtedly one of the country’s toughest offroad events, the competitive stages have been cut back to just two days on September 26 and 27, and will comprise the epic Mad Max gorge run on each day before finishing up with a party back at base camp.
In something new, the spectator element of the OBC will be taken on a tagalongstyle tour of Broken Hill, Menindee, White Cliffs, Silverton and then finish by following the competition stages on Saturday and Sunday. See www.outbackchallenge. com.au/2020-spectator-itinerary
MELBOURNE 4X4 SHOW POSTPONED
IF YOU’RE getting excited about the annual National 4x4 Outdoors Show, Fishing & Boating Expo in Melbourne on its usual August date, you might want to cool your heels. The 2020 show has been cancelled due to the virus and all the joy it has brought us this year.
The organisers have announced dates for the 2021 shows to be held in Brisbane on March 19 to 21 with Melbourne to follow on August 20 to 22.
Keep an eye on www.4x4show.com.au for 2021 show updates, and with an extra year to prepare we’re promised the next shows will be bigger and better than ever.
DRIVE 4 LIFE
DRIVE 4 Life is another group that has had to change its plans in 2020, cancelling a planned 2020 tour as the travel bans prevented it passing through aboriginal communities. But the team has had the maps out and planned a fresh trip which will take in some iconic outback locations and stop in at some wellknown bush pubs.
The revised 2020 tour will start and finish in Broken Hill, NSW, and will run over the week from Saturday September 26 to October 3.
The tour will visit Blinman, Maree and Mungerannie in South Australia; duck in to Queensland for Birdsville, Big Red and Betoota; back to SA for Innamincka and Cameron Corner; before returning to NSW to visit Tibooburra, Milparinka, Packsaddle and Silverton.
This is not a difficult 4x4 trip but your vehicle will need to be well-maintained and properly equipped, as would any trailers and caravans which are suitable for the tour.
Participant numbers will be limited to 40 vehicles and will be split in to four groups, with one going clockwise and the others anti-clockwise around the same route.
As with all Drive 4 Life tours, entry is via a $1000 tax deductible donation to Northcott Disability Services (www.northcott.com.au). Tour logistics and operating costs are covered by longtime Drive 4 Life partners ARB 4x4 Accessories, IGA Supermarkets and 4X4 Australia magazine.
These tours are always a lot of fun, with a great crew along to take in the awesome tracks and, in this case, visit some top Aussie pubs.
Of course, this trip will be subject to interstate travel being allowed by the end of September. If restrictions or any other reason prevents the trip going ahead, the donation is fully refundable.
The guys tell us spots are filling fast for this trip, so get on to the website at www. drive4life.com.au for all the details and the registration form so you don’t miss out.