TRAVEL BULLETIN
ALL THE LATEST 4X4 NEWS AND EVENTS
RED CENTRE IN SEASON? (NT)
Central Australia in summer? The folk at Tourism NT reckon so, stating “the waterholes are full and ready to be plunged into, nighttime events light up the mountains … and the warm summer nights are ready to be enjoyed”. Their suggested itinerary includes bush tucker at Voyages, a sunrise camel ride at Uluru, a predawn Kings Canyon rim walk and more. See northernterritory.com/ itineraries/summer-inthe-red-centre-7-dayitinerary
BRIGHT ADVENTURE TRAVEL FILM FESTIVAL (VIC)
The 2020 Adventure Travel Film Festival will take place in Bright from February 14-16. As well as screenings of adventure travel films from the 1920s to the present day, the festival offers the chance to hear from inspiring speakers and authors. The line-up of films includes Broken Roads to Siberia, in which two Finnish motorcyclists tackle the Russian wilderness, Altai Mountains, Mongolian deserts and more; and The Passage, in which adventurers paddle vintage canoes from Washington to Alaska up the Inside Passage. See www. adventuretravelfilmfestival. com for more information and a full list of films.
GEELONG OUTDOOR LIVING SHOW (VIC)
If you’re after a new caravan, camper or motorhome, head down to the Geelong Outdoor Living Show at the Geelong Showgrounds from January 17-19 and check out what’s on offer. As well as all the mobile accommodation options, the show will have plenty of other stuff on display, including camping gear, accessories, gadgets, four-wheel drive equipment and boats. There will be kids’ rides, a gourmet food area, and wine and beer refreshments. Dogs are also allowed in, so long as they’re on a leash. Adults: $15; concession: $12; kids: free. See www. outdoorlivingshow.com.au for more details.
NAMADGI NP & VISITOR CENTRE (ACT)
There’s more to see in the ACT than Parliament House, the Museum and the Zoo; take a drive out of Canberra and check out the Namadgi National Park and Visitor Centre. Learn about the area’s Aboriginal heritage, admire the birdlife and enjoy the picnic areas and camping spots, or partake in ranger-guided walks or a self-guided walk along the Bendora Arboretum heritage track through conifer and deciduous forests. It’s a great place to visit in summer and the Visitor Centre is open 9am-4pm weekdays and 9am-4.30pm weekends, except Christmas Day. See visitcanberra.com.au
EUROBODALLA AGRICULTURAL SHOW (NSW)
If you’re touring around the South Coast of NSW on the Australia Day long weekend, check out the Eurobodalla Agricultural Show at the Moruya Showground on January 25-26. The theme is “Footsteps through time – 1872-2020”, and highlights include a history of the district, arts and crafts, cookery and more. There will be loads of farm produce, horse events, a dog show, a vintage and veteran vehicle show, live entertainment, food and drinks, a sideshow alley, rides and showbags. Adults: $12; children: $6; pre-schoolers: free; and families: $35. Check out eurobodallashow.org.au
STREAKY BAY FAMILY FISH DAY (SA)
Hook a fish and score some cash at the Streaky Bay Family Fish Day on January 4 from 8-11am. Prizes include $100 for the heaviest scale fish caught, $50 for the heaviest scale fish runner-up, $10 for the heaviest fish caught for each category, and $5 to participants who catch three different species of fish. Registered anglers 18 years and under will receive a prize bag, while a rod and reel will be awarded to the unluckiest angler. There will be a sausage sizzle from 10am and bait will be available. More info at streakybay.com.au
ALPINE SUMMER (VIC/NSW)
You won’t find any snow but there’s still plenty to do in the Vic High Country and Alpine NSW in summer. One of our favourite drives starts in the Nariel Valley and heads east to the lofty heights of Mt Pinnibar before descending to a great campsite at Dogman Hut near Tom Groggin Station on the Murray River. Check conditions at www.parks.vic.gov.au or www.nationalparks. nsw.gov.au, and carry plenty of fuel and supplies.