TRAVEL BULLETIN
ALL THE LATEST 4X4 NEWS AND EVENTS
TRACK DANGER (AUS)
Before Christmas we were spruiking Alpine NSW and the Vic High Country as ideal summer 4x4 destinations, but then the terrible fires hit the region, along with many other parts of the country. Bearing this in mind, many 4x4 tracks are closed, either due to continued fire danger or because of fallen trees and other debris. And if rain falls in fire-affected areas, conditions can deteriorate quickly, with severe track erosion the result. Before you jump in your 4x4 to head bush, check the status of any 4x4 tracks via your state fire service, state forest management or national parks, and always abide by fire bans.
HELPING FIRE-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES (AUS)
The recent bushfires have had a huge impact on many communities across Australia in many different ways and, as well as the loss of life and property, several regional towns have suffered from a huge loss in business as a result. You can help these communities by simply getting out there in your fourwheel drive and spending some money at local service stations, local shops, local cafes and eateries, local pubs and local motels. Make sure you research your intended destination before departing home to ensure that the roads are open and you’ll be able to access these services.
ILLAWARRA CARAVAN CAMPING LIFESTYLE EXPO (NSW)
Those chasing a home on the road could do worse than check out all that’s on offer at the Illawarra Caravan Camping Lifestyle Expo from February 14-16. Held at Kembla Grange Racecourse, the event showcases more than 100 exhibitors of caravans, campers and associated equipment. There will also be holiday park and destination exhibitors, free parking and free kids entertainment … and you can even bring your dog. The gates are open 9.30am-5pm Friday and Saturday and 9.30am-4pm Sunday. See www. caravanexpo.com/illawarra/ for ticket prices and information.
VARIETY 4WD ADVENTURE (SA)
The 2020 Variety SA 4WD Adventure (Between a Rock and a Hard Place) is sold out, but you can register your interest in the 2021 edition on the event’s website. For the record, the 2020 route kicks off on March 28 at Kulgera and takes in Uluru-kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Boggy Hole, Hermannsburg, Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve, Lambert Centre of Australia, Mount Dare, Old Dalhousie Ruins, Oodnadatta and Arckaringa Station, finishing up on April 3. The main sponsor of the event is Jarvis Toyota and funds raised go to Variety the Children’s Charity. See: variety.org.au/sa/ events/4wd-adventure-2020
DLRA SPEED WEEK, LAKE GAIRDNER (SA)
The 30th Annual Speed Week will take place at Lake Gairdner from March 23-27. Hosted by Dry Lake Racers Australia (DLRA), this spectacular and unique event is all about straightline speed. It’s sometimes referred to as “the big white dyno”, on which competitors simply go as fast as they can in cars, on motorcycles and in trucks dating from the turn of the century to the modern day. For more information, on this super-fast event check out: www.dlra.org.au