Important Announcement
PubHTML5 Scheduled Server Maintenance on (GMT) Sunday, June 26th, 2:00 am - 8:00 am.
PubHTML5 site will be inoperative during the times indicated!

Home Explore Ebook 105

Ebook 105

Published by gavinbenson1, 2018-11-20 23:13:34

Description: Which Fridge? - best suits your touring set-up, Gawler Ranges - ancient and intriguing, Do Gnaraloo - up the Quobba Coast, Landcruiser v Patrol, Disco 5, Explore the Upper Gascoyne, Roof Racks - the highs and lows and much more!

Search

Read the Text Version

neighbouring motorist was startled by *T&C Apply. See website for details PIONEERINGthe speed of the Bentayga away fromthe traffic lights! PSREAOTTECTIONThe steering feel is well balanced,changing from parking speeds where it Demand only the best:is not very communicative to on-road • 100% protection from dust, dirt andconditions where it firms up and feelslike a capable sports car. grimeOn soft surfaces - sorry, this one stayed • Black Duck superior fit and qualitypretty close to firm ground - it showed • Tried and tested for over 25 yearsits body weight but the all-wheel drive • Air Bag tested and certifiedand the selectivity of the driving modes • Water resistant*appeared to make it easy. • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee*Bentley doesn’t warn owners of • Australian owned and madeimpending doom when chasing sanddunes but you get the feeling that this Hit theis an off-roader that may need some website forfriends close by with a snatch strap seat coversor two. to suit yourIs this the future? I hope not. It is awagon that has some non-bitumen vehicle.ability rather than a competitor to theToyota Land Cruiser Sahara. BLACKDUCK.COM.AUThe boot is huge and there’s a seven-seat option ($7515) so it’s suitable for 1800 803 825the whole family. Entry fee? $335,000. Western 4W Driver #105 49 Continued page 129

The Ancient and Intriguing GAWLERWe came around the final bend and there shewas – a lone, rogue, wolf-pack-type U-boatsubmarine straight out of German navalhistory from World War II. With its manneddeck gun gleaming in the morning sunlight,we had no other manner of defence but togo head-to-head with the sleek, black subto try to ram it with our trusty Nissan 4WD.Fortunately, the epic battle was over inminutes with no further loss to our convoy. Campfire at Lake Gairdner.50 Western 4W Driver #105

RANGESby Lyn Mitchell.Pics by Lyn andRon Mitchell In fact, the midget sub was the most unique letterbox (RMB 16) we have ever come across! It marks the turnoff to the privately-owned Mt Ive Station, a working pastoral sheep station located in the Gawler Ranges, 247km west of Port Augusta in South Australia. And, as it turns out, the sub wasn’t a real sub at all. In September 2007, the Mt Ive Station owners Len and Joy Newton, together with their ‘submarine construction crew’ spent a week refurbishing an old boiler tank. With a bit of ingenuity, a coat of matt black paint and a pile of local helpers, the unique sub became a reality. Following our trusty trip leaders we, all from Western Australia, were keen to see and experience the beauty of the Western 4W Driver #105 51

Gawler Ranges, so named in 1839 by that welcomes guests. All tracks andEdward John Eyre after the Governor roads on the Station are privatelyof South Australia, George Gawler. owned and you require a permit and aWe started our exploration of the gate key (for a fee) to be able to accessarea coming in from the south from the area. As there are no shops withinPort Augusta via Iron Knob and then a bull’s roar of Mt Ive, visitors shouldon to Mt Ive Station, which was first arrive fully self-sufficient with food andestablished in 1864 by Price Maurice. water on board.Today, its 250,000 acres or just under The station has some emergency900 square kilometres are managed provisions available, such as frozenby the Newton Family, with the station bread but not much else. They do sellusually carrying around 7,000 sheep. fuel, as well as beer and soft drinks,The Newtons also grow wheat, barley, and they have a fun, quirky littleoats and merino sheep at Larne outback bar that opens most evenings.Station, located 250kms south and The tracks on the station are unsealedregularly move their sheep from gravel, sand or rocks and conditionsMt Ive to Larne or bring hay and oats can change quickly, depending onfrom Larne to Mt Ive to supplementthe stock.Mt Ive Station is the onlyproperty in the Gawler RangesWe checked out the old stonedam wall.An old wagon highlights thehistory of Mt Ive Station.

GEAR UP FOR INCREDIBLEFUEL ECONOMY.Owners of the pre November 2016 Toyota LandCruiser VDJ7# vehiclescan now get the benefits of a taller 5th gear that is enjoyed by currentmodel drivers.At speeds of 110km/hr, there is an approximate 20% reduction in RPM,taking the dial down to 2000. Such a substantial reduction provides asmoother, quieter ride and up to 17% less fuel consumption.Manufactured in Japan using Terrain Tamer’s own tooling and made from62 strength Rockwell Steel, this simple modification is Design Protectedand can be purchased from Terrain Tamer stockists.For more information visit terraintamer.com or call 1300 888 444.

What makes an exceptional 4WD experience? 30OYverears All 4WD Servicing and RepairsKNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND PREPARATION.4WD Servicing and 4WD All Custom Work 4WD Tyres and Rims 2” & All CompetitionRepairs Power Chips Diff Locks Suspension Upgrades3” Exhaust Systems Competition Bars Nudge Bars AirbagsBullbars Side Steps Cargo Barriers Scrub BarsRock Sliders Canopies Lights Long Range Fuel TanksTow Bars Drawer Systems Awnings Dual Battery SystemsUHF Communication Winches Compressors Roof Top Tents & SwagsAll Recovery Gear Roof Racks “healthcare for your 4wd”

the weather. The station provides the Gulf of Carpentaria. What makes ita variety of accommodation frombasic unpowered camping through so beautiful are the red pindan foothills surrounding it and the glistening whiteto caravans and camper trailers and salt surface, sometimes covered in aeven fully appointed stone rooms andshearing quarters. There are clean layer of water after rain. Along with the smaller nearby lakes of Everard andtoilets, nice hot showers (providing you Harris, they form the Lake Gairdnerstoke up the old ‘donkey’ hot water National Park.system with the fire wood provided)and plenty of great hospitality. The Governor of South Australia, Richard MacDonnell, named LakeThe station has an amazing array of Gairdner in October 1857 after Gordon4WD tracks available for the basic Gairdner, a Chief Clerk of the Australian4WDriver through to the most intrepid Department in the Colonial Office. When we visited it in May 2017, there had been recent rains followed by sunshine and it was picture postcard perfect with the red foothills reflected in the silvery blue still waters of the lake. Each year at Lake Gairdner around February and March, more than a thousand people rock upMt Ive Station has unpowered sites through to rooms and for the Annualshearer’s quarters. Speed Weekoff-roader. Visitors are issued with a competitions on the hard salt surface.ring-binder covering the track details,which include mud-maps and trip While Aussies and international competitors arrive with specially-builtinformation of places to visit around cars and motorbikes, some crazythe station for day trips, such as theOrgan Pipes (formed through the records have also been attempted, including an attempt to set a record forweathering of the rocks over the eons), a highly modified ‘old people’s’ gopher.Billy Can Drive, the Flight Path Track, Earlier this year, an attempt was alsoHorse Shoe Loop, the Lookout and MtScott to name a few. made to break the World Record for a blindfolded motorcycle rider. AlthoughHowever, the biggest drawcard of Mt they completed several passes of theIve Station is the very beautiful LakeGairdner. It stretches over 160km long set course, they were not successful in breaking the record.and 48km across, and in places, its salt Speed Week 2017 saw 20 existingis over a metre thick. Six creeks feed records broken, 45 new records set,the lake, which was once part of an and three people achieving the 200inland sea that stretched all the way to miles per hour for the first time – that’s Western 4W Driver #105 55

more than 320 kilometres per hour. The water ran clear at theOur visit was far more sedate, and Waltumba Tank.we were delighted to see plenty of Yandinga Falls.beautiful white and apricot-feathered After camping two nightsMajor Mitchell cockatoos around the at Mt Ive Station andarea (probably not named by a relation exploring the area, weof ours but we’ll claim a link anyhow), headed around the westernand heaps of emus, red and grey edge of Lake Gairdner andkangaroos and even an endangered camped near Waltumbayellow-footed rock wallaby at nearby Tank in the free campingA picturesque corner of Lake Gairdner. ground right at the edge of the lake. Waltumba Tank has a low corrugated iron roof with underground tanks to collect the water run-off. It was refurbished in 1931 and again in 2002 by the Gawler Ranges Progress Association. When we pumped the water, it was a dirty brown colour but after a short while of pumping, it ran clear. Next day, we continued northwards towards Lake Everard and came across the Pondanna ruins of a shearing shed, quarters and cook house, which were constructed around 1880.56 Western 4W Driver #105

While fossicking in the Exploring the dry Kolay Mirica Falls onruins, Ron discovered a the LP Track.geocache tube hangingdown from some Everard on the Yardea Road, wetwitching wire inside the entered the Gawler Ranges Nationalold stone fireplace. Park. While the Gawlers today are moreThe geocache was first of a series of rolling, rocky hills, theyput there in 2006 and have a unique history of their ownits notepad and tube dating back 1,592 million years.container have heaps Back then, there was widespreadof great messages and explosive activity in the area and it istrinkets from visitors believed that the resulting deposit ofwho have also found rock, ash and gas was at least 1,500mit. We added some thick. This material spread over themessages and a couple landscape and formed solid rock as itof baubles of our own cooled and consolidated.and replaced it for the The cooling surface developed right-next travellers to find. angle fractures and formed features,Heading further north, such as the unique ‘organ pipe’ rockwe stopped at Skull formations you see everywhere on theCamp Tanks, which was hillsides today.one of 11 watering points established We were astonished to read on parkalong Stock Route No 15. It’s named signage, that it is estimated thatafter the discovery of human remains the volume of material spewed outnearby in the late nineteenth century back then was around 37,500 cubicbut unfortunately, the tank and roofing kilometres. This is an amazing amount,is now in disarray from vandalism. especially when you consider that theFinally, turning south from Lake 1980 Mount St Helens eruption in the USA spewed out 1.2 cubic kilometres. In other words, the birth of the Gawler’s was more than 37,000 times bigger than the Mount St Helens eruption. Western 4W Driver #105 57

The Gawler Ranges National Park dam walls, outstations and oldcontains a variety of tracks, such as the shearer’s huts, as well as waterfalls,Old Paney Scenic Route, the Turkey Flat such as the Kolay Mirica Falls, andTrack, the Mattera Track, the LP Track interesting rock formations andand Yardea Road. These tracks provide other great scenery.a variety of terrain from flat, grassy Old Paney Homestead has beenplains to steep, challenging, restored and is well worth a visit.rocky inclines. Although it was established as aWe did an anti-clockwise circuit of the pastoral station in the 1850s, it wasn’tarea and the tracks we encountered viable until a good supply of water waswere in good nick but as always with discovered nearly 15 years later. Today,outback tracks, surfaces can change you can walk through the tiny four-rapidly. Visitors should keep an eye out roomed homestead where the stationfor changing soil types, topography, manager, William McKenzie, lived intricky creek crossings, corrugations and very close quarters with his wife Jessiethe occasional bull-dust hole and and their 11 children.drive accordingly. Pondanna Outstation on the LP TrackThe whole park contains a wonderful is also a must see. In 2002, the formerarray of scattered remnants of its Wudinna and Districts Kiwanis Clubpastoral history, including old stone restored the machinery shed and it now includes a Shearer Combine, a David Shearer Stripper, a heavy grader and a Sunshine binder and chaff cutter, as well as old cultivators, single furrow ploughs, dam scoops and hay rakes. The Friends of Gawler Ranges National Park also worked hard to ensure that the Pondanna Homestead, built in 1916 toA bush fix keepsthe Pondannaouthouse uprightand in business.The old Paneyscenic routetrack snakesacross thevalley floor.58 Western 4W Driver #105



One of several campsites at Pildappa Rock - S.A’s equivalent of Wave Rock.replace the original pine building, did historical panelsnot become a ruin. They spent six years outlining its past,repairing and refurnishing the building the old machineryand continue to maintain it today. and other relics helpTheir work is a credit to the volunteers bring the old daysinvolved and, together with many back to life. Having had a good look at the many sights in the Gawler Ranges, it was time to head south towards the Eyre Highway but first, we had an overnight stop at possibly South Australia’s best kept secret - Pildappa Rock. The Rock is just like our Wave Rock at Hyden in WA only far more accessible. It has several free campsites right60 Western 4W Driver #105

near the base of the rock. Facilities can easily climb the rock forinclude a couple of long drop loos, gas outstanding views of the localbarbeques and picnic tables. farmlands and to the magnificentThere are no fees to visit and you Gawlers in the far distance. Excerpt from Hema’s SA State map.Mt Ive Station – $10 per vehicle plus a dogs allowed. There are no facilities incamping fee of $8 per night per vehicle. the park. Visitors should be fully self-The station provides powered and contained and carry sufficient foodunpowered camping sites and has a and water for the duration of your visit.communal kitchen, dining/recreation Telephone (08) 8648 1883 forroom and a BBQ area. Suitable for further information.caravans and camper trailers plus stone Gawler Ranges National Park –room cottages or the shearer’s quarters Vehicle entry fees of $10 or $8 withare available. Telephone (08) 8648 1817, concession is payable. No dogs arecheck out their website at www.mtive. allowed in the national park. Therecom.au or email for further information are numerous camping spots and allto [email protected] charge $12 per night. Payments forLake Gairdner National Park – Free entry camping and the vehicle entry feesto the park and camping is free. No should be made before you leave home. Online bookings can be made at [email protected] For road conditions, check out Outback Roads South Australia or call 1300 361 033 before you go. Western 4W Driver #105 61



Alex Garner heads down a TESTINGstoney creek to find a ........NUGGET WITH A HEART OF GOLDWestern 4W Driver #105 63

auling a camper trailer around the bush requires an adjustment to the wayHyou drive, often ruling outnarrow tracks and steep or trickyhill climbs as a viable means ofreaching your preferred campsite.There are some trailers on themarket however, that seem to havethis type of adventuring in mind.They are compact units with asmall footprint and tiny tare weight;barely noticeable behind mostvehicles. Nugget sized if you wish; adescription which lends its name tothe Stoney Creek ‘Nugget’camper trailer.Positioned comfortably behindthe wheel of a 2017 NissanNavara D23, I cruise up to meet Smaller footprint makes the Nugget more of a two person camper. Corey at the brand new Stoney Creek Campers warehouse in Wangara. The Nugget is the newest model in their range, and Corey is dead keen for it to be tested out at my favourite testing ground in Lane Pool reserve near Dwellingup. United with the rear of the Navara, the Nugget can barely be felt. That’s to be expected with a Tare weight of

Tropical roof is a good idea. Cover and awning zips were sub-standard. Snap lock poles worked a treat.only 955kg, coming in at just over a Clearance was only an issue on the towtonne with the 100 litres of water vehicle, anywhere the Navara wouldon board. go the trailer followed easily. HighwayCruising the winding hill up to terrain tyres on the Navara meant thatDwellingup is always an excellent test much of the time I was at the mercy ofof the way the camper behaves behind the camper trailer on steep gravel hillsthe vehicle, and how the camper and – thankfully the Nugget is equippedtow vehicle interact as a whole. With with electric brakes to save the day!Nick behind me, the first observation Okay, so it’s great to have a camperwas that the soft cover of the camper that tows nicely, follows you anywhereflaps around a lot at highway speed. and doesn’t fall apart at the first signThis flapping meant the tie downs for of a bump – but none of that meansthe cover were constantly being tugged anything if it’s too hard to set up at theat, and as a result – one tore free from end of the day. With that in mind, Nickthe camper body. Nick and I both vote and I head to the Nanga camp groundthat the cover needs a little nip and and unhitch the trailer. The first steptuck to prevent this in the future. Aside is to drop the stabiliser legs, of whichfrom this, the camper was very stable there are four. An unusual choice Ibehind the Navara; displaying no signs thought, as just the two on the backof sway through the bumpy sections of and the jockey wheel should suffice.bitumen, or when emerging from But hey, at least you can be sure ittight cornering. won’t move! Next I pull off the coverMuch the same was the case off and fold out the soft floor living space.road, due in equal parts to the decent I’m impressed by how easy this is tosuspension setup under there, and thehefty mud terrain tyres that come as Western 4W Driver #105 65standard fitment (on some pretty flashyrims too I might add!). Connectionbetween the vehicle and the trailer iscourtesy of a good old poly block hitch– a solid design that’s flexible off road.

When it comes to seatingwe’ve got you COVERED MMT supply and fit heavy duty canvas and denim seat covers to fit a range of vehicles and trucks. Popular 4WD models we manufacture covers for include, the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mazda, Holden and Mitsubishi range, all of which are airbag certified and tested and available in either canvas or denim. Our canvas seat covers are recognised throughout the industry as premium quality and are made using a heavy duty canvas that offers your seat maximum protection with no sacrifice for comfort. Our full range of covers are “Australian Made” and produced at our workshop in Welshpool, Perth. We use a variety of tested materials including: • Canvas • Ripstop fire retardant canvas ** • UV treated heavy duty foam backed denim Custom embroidery is available upon request; so why not customise your covers with a corporate logo. ** (complies with AS1530-1 & AS1530-2.) Unit 2, 12 Adrian St, Welshpool WA 6106 PH: 08 9361 7646 Web: www.mmtisri.com.au

Bed area with good midge-proof Fridge slide underneath will take a BIG ventilation makes for a good fridge accessible with the camper up night’s sleep. or down.set up. Inside there are four poles to Twin battery set-up is a bonus.be extended for maximum tension onthe canvas; with large, easy to operate PVC bucket and the bed, while notlatches locking them in place. Those innerspring – is still a comfortablefew simple steps out the way, and it’s foam mattress.ready for sleeping! The kitchen makes the most of whatIf you fancy a bit more shelter for a little space is available on such a smalllonger stop, Stoney Creek Campers trailer. The two burner gas cook topinclude the awning, annexe walls, and kitchen sink with a fold down tapflooring, poles, ropes and pegs in the use up all of the space, while a drawerpackage! Not bad hey? What is bad slides out from underneath the burnerthough, is the zippers. Stamped with which could be used to store cutlery.the letters SBS, the entity I first thinkof is regarded for its fine television Western 4W Driver #105 67programming – not the manufacturingof zippers. Whether it’s the samecompany or not, SBS zippers seemto be a bad choice. For starters, thezipper on the cover of the tent wasmissing two sections of teeth about 5centimetres wide.The same type of zip was used wherethe annexe attaches to the tent andsimply would not align properly. Wegave up after a solid 15 minutes.Really though, that is my only gripe!The canvas is top notch 14 ounce,mesh is midgee proof, floor is

A stainless steel panel can be slottedinto here to use the drawer as benchspace, but I reckon you’ll want to carrya fold out table to supplement this.Food storage is probably most suitedto the compartment next to the kitchenabove the wheel arch.While we are talking compartments,let’s take a look at what they house.The next one along towards the backcontains two drawers. Head aroundthe back and the large door opens Plenty of storage near the kitchen. Workspace is a compromise on drawer top. Storage on drawbar well protected behind spare and stoneguard.up to a massive fridge slide, you the retail price may be. I was VERYcould fit just about any fridge you surprised when, at the time of writing;like in there! Power options for the Corey informed me that in the fitout Ifridge include an Anderson plug tested it was only $15,990 drive away!and accessory socket. Oh, and a few At that price I’ve gotta say this trailer isLED lights illuminate this space very a gem for adventurous couples wherenicely. Along the driver’s side of the the small size won’t be an issue. Withtrailer is the battery and charging a few tweaks to the cover and zips itcompartment housing two deep would be pretty hard to fault the Stoneycycle batteries with a little extra Creek Nugget.space to poke a few nick-knacks.The annexe and its associated partsfit great in the long and deep storagecompartment opposite the kitchen,while along the front of the trailer youhave twin jerry can holders, a storagebin, and a 9 kilo gas bottle holder. Comemorning time after a few ports and agood night’s sleep, the camper packedup very nicely. For the entire time I hadthe Stoney Creek Campers ‘Nugget’out in the bush, I hadn’t a clue what68 Western 4W Driver #105

EFNOGRINPEREORTEEDCT ION Family Owned Australian Company DESIGNED FOR SAFETYSince1958 SUSPENSION KIT From $1406 INSTANT AWNING (2 x 2.5m) $270 $650 REAR PROTECTION TOW BAR $975 ea SIDE STEPS ALLOY TRADE RACK (1.4m) $740 CANOPY (INC COLOUR CODING) $3150 LONG RANGE FUEL TANK $885 DRAWERS AND WING KIT $1620W4WDFP(4)051017 Prices do not include freight, fitting or colour coding and are subject to change without notice. Find u SAFER, STRONGER, SMARTER facebook Family OwnedSiAncues1Ft9ro5a8rliaynoCuormnpeaanryest distributor call 1300 731 137, or visit www.ironman4x4.com

Nuts ‘n’ bolts 3X 265/75 R16STONEY CREEK - NUGGET Wheels: 12 inch electric &Price: $15990 Brakes: handbrakeBody Length: 1850mmOverall Length: 4250mmExternal Width: 1800 GAS, WATER & ELECTRICITYHeight (closed): 1600 Water: 100L stainless steel tank, 2 taps & pressure pumpTare Weight: 955kgAggregate Trailer Mass: 1400kg Gas: single 9KG gas bottle with bayonet for stoveCHASSIS & RUNNING GEARHot dipped galvanised chassis Power: 12V deep cycle batteries X2, Anderson plug from vehicle,ADR approved poly block coupling optional solarSuspension: Independent with single shock absorbers Lighting: Portable strip lighting & coil springs includedHow did the Navara tow? road a little when a camper is hitched up. The leaf sprung version is quiteFor this camper trailer test I’m once the opposite - the ride is a little harshagain using Nissan’s D23 Navara twin but very controlled. The Stoney Creekturbo diesel. Like the previous test, this Nugget weighing just over a tonne,model features the 6 speed manual with weight well balanced over thegearbox. However, rather than the five axle and a decent suspension setup,link coil rear suspension, this is the struggles to upset the Navara both onleaf sprung model. Previously I have and off the road. That is, until it comesfound the coil sprung model is smooth to steep gravel hill climbs where theand comfortable, but wanders the highway terrain tyres are its downfall.70 Western 4W Driver #105



APPY DAYZ Send us a happy snap Simply email us a happy snap* with no more than 50 words telling us where you were and what you were up to and you’re in the running to win one of ten Hema HX-1 Navigators. YWOIUN’RNEERA!Jack NoordzyHere is one of my favorite places in WA, hopefully I may score a new Hema so I can find my way around a lot more. Life is good, can’t think of a better way to enjoy my first week of retirement than a play in theBilbunya Dunes in WA.72 Western 4W Driver #105

WITHand you couldWIN!Nail a 1of 10 Navigator in each editionor a 2 yearsubscription: Explore a new frontier2 Year Sub! Ben & Lea Hrabar A few minor adjustments and we should have it going by this afternoon. We found this great spot for a cup of tea on the way to Old Onslow last month.*email your entries to: [email protected] Western 4W Driver #105 73

2 Year Sub! Laurie GallowayLinda MacPherson I am now on my second editionTaken at Mount Dale on a lovely, sunny, of Western 4W Driver and reallywinter’s day. The sausages are cooking enjoying the articles and adverts.and my crazy grandson Jaxon, always the My photo is captioned “Justcomedian, doing his little dance on the log another day on the track”. Thisfor Mum and Nanna. is a photo from our last trip driving the Oombulgurri Track between Home Valley Station and Kalumburu. 2 Year Sub! Isobel and Ken Burchell We don’t usually do “Happy Snaps” but on looking at the photos I downloaded after our recent trip to the East Pilbara, thought you might like this one of Ella, taken at a favourite waterhole near Nullagine. 2 Year Sub! 1 MORE HEMAKEEP ‘EM COMING TO WIN!FOLKS 74 Western 4W Driver #105



SNHOOWWOPERNOINOWMASC-WT SC-FF6SC-FF LIMITED EDITION SC-FFDESIGNED BY CAMPERS — FOR CAMPERSWith a sensational range of camper trailers on offer, Stoney CONTACT DETAILSCreek Campers has the perfect camper for you! Over30 years of experience have gone into building a camper Corey: 0426 954 194specifically designed for your convenience and comfort. Address: 2 Boom Street, Wangara WAA quick and easy setup, hot-dipped galvanised chassis F/book: Stoney Creek Campersand suspension components, independent coil spring E: [email protected] with 12 inch brakes, heavy duty bearings and W: www.stoneycreekcampers.com.autwin shock absorbers make Stoney Creek Campers readyto take you anywhere! Check out the full range of forward Designed & Engineeredfolding 4 berth and 6 berth family sized, rear folding andwalk through models today! FOR THE HARSH AUSSIE ENVIRONMENT

WHAT’S IN entertaining for the listener who isA NAME? familiar with the way the name is pronounced by locals.(With apologies to Traumatic events and foreign place names that imprinted theirIan Elliot.)his is a question that you may consequences deeply upon someone have asked yourself – but what have provided many station names and is a name? Statistics are around even names of towns across Australia. More than one station is namedTthat indicate that family history after a First World War battle-ground near a town along the Somme Riverresearch is the most popular area or elsewhere on the Western Front.of research on the internet and that The biggest irony here is the namefamily name searches are the most ‘Somme’ is derived from an old Celticcommon searches made by Aussie word that means ‘tranquillity’ – tell thatinternet users. When you think of the to a Digger or war historian! A numbernumber of surnames, particularly from of Australian towns are ‘twinned’ withGreat Britain that reflect ancestral French towns that saw battles betweenoccupations, like Archer, Baker and Allied and Axis forces in that grotesqueso on, it becomes clear that there war – there are also some twinnedis a lot in a name. And it is amazing with towns in Japan, but perhaps thathow many variations you can find for is an effort to close out some of theyour own surname if only you look. nastiness that ensued in the war withOver the years, I have collected five that nation. The conflicts that followedor six variations on ‘Bindon’ which in Europe, Korea, Malaya, Vietnamis the spelling our family uses, but and other places added a few moreonce I arrived in Western Australia I place names to Australian maps too.was invariably ‘Bindoon!’ Well that is These places of suffering and tragedyunderstandable I guess. commemorate aspects of history that are in our collective national psyche.Names can have their funny side, But there are also place names that areespecially names of places and less sombre in their meaning.geographic features that are not known Extremely interesting, but sometimesto the speaker. News readers based in contentious names are derived from oreastern Australia often make a hash are actual Australian Aboriginal namesof place names in Western Australia, for places. Some Aboriginal peopleusually getting the emphasis on claim that the continued use of theirthe wrong syllable in the word, and names is symbolic of the Europeancoming out with something almost mapmaker’s capacity to retain or tounintelligible even if you lived in choose any name they wish for athe town they were reporting about.Of course, the geographic opposite Western 4W Driver #104 77situation also exists and how newsreaders from other states respondto place names in Queensland likeBarcaldine, Thulimbah, Ormeau andother more difficult ones for minisculepopulation centres is usually greatly

particular geographic feature. This is Some years ago, I was involved witha discussion that I don’t wish to have Mr E. in collecting the Aboriginalhere, mainly because most of the names for geographical features in the4WD fanatics who I know have a keen northern deserts of Western Australia.appreciation of the Aboriginal people’s It was a fascinating task because I wasuse of the landscape that they are re-visiting areas previously subject toexploring and secondly, I don’t know European exploration and verifying thehow widespread this opinion might be names collected a century beforeamongst all Indigenous Australians. my visit.Personally, I feel that many of these I was in a position to take Aboriginalnames are a fitting reminder that Elders back into their clan territorieslong before Europeans built roads or to visit places that in some cases theytracks and arranged access to most of had not seen since their departurethis fascinating continent, Aboriginal from their desert homelands in thepeople had already explored it and 1960s. How delighted I was to discovergiven many features a name redolent that the same names recorded bywith their own mythological and David Carnegie were still in use by thesocial meaning. Aboriginal owners of the places thatIt is also true, that in many large were being visited.areas of Western Australia particularly, But even more exciting was that theyAboriginal people control access and were in many cases, prepared toare still using the names of many explain the mythology that had givenfeatures that ages ago and long before rise to the name. Not only that, butEuropean settlement, were bestowed they were delighted to think that theiron the land by their ancestors. traditional names would be featured on maps made by the Australian Camping & 4WD Government because, by using their traditional names, the ancient Drifta Offroad Tourer occupation of the land by Aboriginal 6x4 offroad trailer, people would be confirmed. 2.0 RTT that lifts on They were amused in another way too. electric actuators. It is hard to forget my embarrassment and their amusement at my attempts to Small footprint, quick pronounce unfamiliar words with five setup, the ultimate or six syllables. touring camper. The dilemma of the radio announcers who failed to come up with the correct Stainless Steel pronunciation for a place name was Folding Fire Pit nothing compared to mine. After all, This is a compact, I was right there with the people who contained, folding fire were very familiar with the name and what’s more, they were using it pit. Lots of every day. accessories and new Kulkullupillingunta was one that gear on our website! provides a memorable example. It is the traditional name for a small hill GLOUCESTER, NSW (02) 6558 2328 north of Lake Way near Wiluna close to the geographic centre of Western Have a look at our comprehensive website for all details Australia. I have to admit that it took www.drifta.com.au78 Western 4W Driver #105

me many more than a single attempt launched themselves into the heavens.to get this name correct when it was We had previously been shown thefirst told to me and I was trying to lair occupied by the two dingos in antranscribe it into my notebook. abrupt bluff along the edge of LakeAnd after the drama and hilarity had Way where an eagle from the westdied down, I swore to myself that I had forced the dogs to shelter when itwould never forget that name. I have was seen preparing to attack the litterrelated this story more than once of pups that were just beginning tobefore, showing what an impact it had venture beyond the mouth of the lowon me. I must admit not having had to cave that the dingos inhabited.use that name a lot, except to explain This part of the Aboriginal story did notthat it is the name of the feature from seem to have a parallel in the Greekwhich the earthly women who became myth, but this is understandable whenknown as the Seven Sisters fled into we consider that the localities arethe sky to escape from the hunter and always going to be culturally specific.his two dogs that were in pursuit I have mentioned in a previous essayof them. What I still find most amazing in Western 4WD that having ais that the Aboriginal story explained knowledge of the Aboriginalto me about the Seven Sisters stellar explanations of the countrysideconstellation, known to the Ancient through which I am travelling enhancesGreeks as the Pleiades, is an almost the experience considerably.exact parallel to the Greek story in I am sure that many other readers havewhich a hunter, Orion, and his two the same opinion.dogs pursue the women across the I would be delighted to see a map onland until they finally flee into the sky which the Aboriginal explanation foronly to be chased perpetually by Orion the occurrence of various features wasand his dogs. explained for travellers - it might evenMy interest in the story related by both be a commercial success.Aboriginal people and the Ancient There are maps that explain aGreeks grew as I discovered that considerable amount of historynot only was a similar story related about place names that have beenabout this group of very obvious stars given to landscape features bycommon among many other Aboriginal European explorers.Australian traditions, it was also related I remember that certain featuresto very similar stories told by other in Western Australia were namedgroups like Polynesians, Chinese, after waitresses in various PerthPersians and American Indians. Establishments by at least oneWhat I called ‘the saucepan’ as a youth prominent European explorer, and thehas a handle that in mythology is names of the camels in his team wereOrion’s sword to the Greeks and the given by another to a string ofhandle of the Hunter’s stone axe to water-holes.the Matudjara. The death of a person by accidentThe two main stars that make up Canis or some other misadventure and theMajor and Canis Minor, Orion’s two welcome discovery of a tiny waterdogs in the Greek story, are the two source that has saved a life have leddingos in the Aboriginal story that to very British surnames appearing onaccompanied the Hunter on his chase our maps. All things considered, theand then on his journey in the sky after answer to the question, “What’s in athey all ran up the side of the hill and name?” is “Plenty.” Western 4W Driver #105 79

Visit your local retailer today.If you knew, you’d drive a Subaru1.Compatible Apple or Android device required.

BLAZIN’ BRAZIERTESTINGThe days of carting half a 44 (gallon drum) or an old truck rim to camp At one point we (with the aid of handles to use as a fire pit are well and on the pit and a pair of welder’s gloves) truly behind us. carried the whole kit-and-kaboodle toBy comparison modern day fire pits our main group to cook up chorizo andare positively hi-tech. olives for the masses.This mobility isTake the latest (as we did) from Red handy for moving the fire out of rainRoads for example.The Blaze-n-BBQ comes flat-packed at or a changed wind direction.just 60mm thick in its own well made We found the heightcanvas carry bag and expands to adjustment on the grill470x470x430mm high in use. a real benefit as it’sDesigned to leave no trace, the more economicalfolded-out stainless steel pit clamps to lower the grillonto a steel base plate so ash is to the coatscollected and no cinders reach the than constantlyground. A stainless steel grid sits loading thenear the base of the pit to spread the fire up to acoals and improve airflow while above fixed level.the pit a raised grill (304 stainless)can be set at three different heightsaccording to how burnt you wantyour bangers.Out in the Goldfields wherewe tried it out on along weekend the pitworked well. As anopen fire you needto break firewoodinto workablelengths to keepthe fire in the pit. Western 4W Driver #105 81

The grill section itself is portable and naturel when conditions allow but oncomes with a set of legs allowing it to the pit the cooking area is bigger andstraddle a ground fire for cooking au will take a couple of pots, frypan or billy. As an off-ground, environmentally friendly alternative the Blaze-n-BBQ is a pearler.The flat-pack concept is great for transporting although it does weigh 12 Kgs (smaller version 9 Kg) and I’d strongly recommend the aforementioned welder’s gloves. Check the Blaze-n-BBQ out on the Red Roads website.LET’S MEATAT YOUR CAMPSITE PLACE OYRODUERR Select from our extensive menu Get all your trip meat from the little and we will: butcher with the big reputation. • Vacuum pack your meat by the meal. • Tag each pack by contents and day. Eg: breakfast - bacon & sausages, day 4. • Freeze for your convenience. 354 MARMION ST. MELVILLE (P0h8o)n9e3/F3a0x 3o8rd6e3rs:82 Western 4W Driver #105

21 years down the track,Rob Robson confirms there’s ...NO SHOW LIKEVARIETY Famed for its motoring events Variety has been raising funds for sick, disadvantaged and disabled children here in Western Australia since the nineteen eighties. Western 4W Driver #105 83

riginally established in 1928 by Challenge, or as it was known back a group of show business men then,The Variety Club 4wd Adventure. who met each week at a social It was the first of its kind in Australia for Variety and has since seen mostOvenue named the ‘Variety Club’ Branches follow WA’s lead and include a 4wd event on their calendar.Thein Pittsburgh USA, they adopted an inaugural Variety WA 4wd Challengeabandoned child who had been left on was sponsored by Ian Diffen who wasthe doorstep of the club by a mother also a participant and a driving force inwho could not afford to care for her getting the event off the ground.newborn. The men went on to pay for 21 years later the Variety 4wdthe child’s education and upbringing. Challenge is still raising funds forThis prompted the club to start raising sick, disadvantaged and disabledfunds for other disadvantaged children children in WA.and so Variety - the children’s charity Entrants in this year’s event werewas born. required to raise a minimum donation of $6000 per vehicle if the crew wasIn 1975 Variety Australia was founded new to the event or $8000 if returning.in Sydney and in 1984-85The Variety All teams are asked to raise as muchBash was born thanks to Dick Smith as they can - this year Miles and Janwho took a group of intrepid motorists Kennedy received the award as thefrom Bourke NSW to Bourketown highest fundraisers with a total ofQueensland in old cars, raising $33,589.90. When this was added to all$250,000 along the way.The Bash has the other teams’ fund raising efforts,become an iconic event for Variety the total raised was $180,833.63.raising millions of dollars Australia An incredible amount of time andwide including here in WA where the effort goes into organising each oneBash has been raising funds since of these events.The organisers planthe early 90’s.In 1996, Variety embarked on anew fund raising platform, the 4wd84 Western 4W Driver #105

While they’re doing their I was lucky enough to be invited tobit for the kids, participants provide mechanical support on thatalso know how to enjoy very first 4wd Adventure. It sparkedthemselves. a 12 year connection for me with Variety WA and in particular the 4wdand survey the route a Challenge. Unfortunately in 2008minimum of three times, business commitments made itarranging accommodation, impossible for me to continue.Thesecatering, entertainment and days I am able to help again and wasa myriad of other details to pleased to be able to say yes when Billhelp the event run smoothly asked if I could give a hand.and ensure participantsare rewarded for theirfundraising efforts with afun-filled and exciting 4wdchallenge. In addition thewhole route is trip notedto within metres, adding anotherdimension for participantsto find their own way along thecourse each day.All up there were 17 support crew innine Official Vehicles (OV’s) for thisyear’s event, many of them volunteers,all there to make sure the participantsare looked after, entertained andkept safe on a fun-filled adventureof a lifetime. Western 4W Driver #105 85

Together with long time Variety be welcomed by Prince Graeme andsupporter Geoff Robb from RM Surveys his family. After setting up camp wewe took on the role as the forward regrouped in the dining room and werescouts or Route Rats as the job is better greeted by medieval re-enactmentknown. Our job is to travel ahead of the group,Twin River Guard, who donatedgroup marking the route, making sure their services providing an entertainingit is passable and ensuring that all is in and hilarious night of sword fights,place as the participants arrive at beheadings and a visit to the stocks fortheir destination. any minor misdemeanour. MembersThe 21st Variety 4wd Challenge – ‘Dirk of Mid-West Variety took care of theHartog 400’ began with the opening catering, serving up lamb shanks on tinnight dinner atThe Priory Hotel in plates to complement theDongara. We were joined by the Elmer- medieval theme. Tracks along the Murchison led us to the coast and north to the vermin proof fence.Gray family and got to meet four year Next day, after a bit of sandold Karter, who is living with cerebral driving on the outskirtspalsy and global development delay. He of Port Gregory, we weregets around in a self-propelled wheel treated to a memorablechair but transporting the wheel chair morning tea provided by thewas another burden the family have ladies from the Northamptonhad to deal with.Through the grants Squash Club, hosted byprogram Variety WA were able to help Tim and Sam at their Portby funding vehicle modifications to the Gregory Caravan Park.Timfamily’s van. It was really nice to get to and Sam also pledged asee how some of the funds raised on donation of $500 to Varietythese events are used to help families WA – how good is that?like the Elmer-Grays. We left Port Gregory andThe next morning our 4wd Challenge meandered our way through the dunesbegan in earnest. Overnight rain and along the edge of the Pink Lakemade for some slippery conditions as until we reached Lucky Bay, best knownwe meandered our way through the for its beautiful, protected beach ofwheat growing areas east of Geraldton fine soft sand and some impressiveto the Principality of Hutt River to sand dunes. We passed through the new camping area, over the dunes and86 Western 4W Driver #105 onto the beach for the 15km drive to Wagoe Station. Access to Wagoe from the beach is not usually allowed but we were an exception to the rule this time. A blast on the quad bikes at Wagoe got everyone revved up and then it was on to the Kalbarri Palms Resort for our second overnight stay. The following day we visited the Kalbarri District High School, here Libby Hammer (OV7) performed songs for the students from her award winning

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

show ‘Crazy Hat Day’ beforewe joined Callum and Belindaat their awesome MurchisonHouse Station.The rain had cleared and weenjoyed a brilliant drive alongthe Murchison River and overthe coast to White’s camp fora lunch break before bouncingour way over the cap-rock tothe Vermin Proof fence.Permit in hand we made ourway along the 60km or so ofthe fence to the Highway.TL(turn left) and in 104.57kmanotherTL onto the World Blow holes were smokin’ before we made for camp at Shelter Bay.Heritage Drive had us headingto Nanga Bay Resort. Again the boysfrom Mid-West Variety took care of thecatering with support from Shauna and families with accommodation, a shop, community hall and a tavern. Withthe staff at Nanga. An ‘open mic’ night world class fishing, the marine parkon the stage with the 4wd Challenge on their door stepBand at the Bull Pit and Denham 10went on until the minutes awayearly hours of “(At Useless Loop) .. thethe morning. across the bayEveryone was mine manager and some of the - no wondergetting into residents rolled out the red jobs on thethe spirit of the carpet for us.” mine are inevent - it was a high demand.real hoot, just as I Mineremembered it from the early days. management also gave us permissionTravelling to Useless Loop is not to travel the length of the Clough Barnormally possible – it’s a closed mining Causeway. It is a man -made wall extending across a salt evaporatortown but with a couple of the Mid- pond at the bottom of the Useless Inlet.West boys able to pull a few strings It is a couple of kilometres long and iswe were not only able to gain access a great alternative to going back to thebut Mike McKeogh, the mine manager Steep Point Road and having to sufferand some of the residents rolled out 20 kilometres or more of corrugations.the red carpet for us. Libby put on her‘Crazy Hat Day’ show for the 16 primary Long-time resident at Steep Point and now DBCA Ranger ‘Dicko’ Dicksonschool kids and their families before escorted us across the bar then lead uswe were ushered around to the deck on a guided tour to the Blowholes andoverlooking the bay for lunch and to onto Shelter Bay where we set up campsoak up the view – pretty special. for the night.Useless Loop was truly a surprise. An early start the following morningPerched on the western side of theHeirisson Prong with spectacular views had all 23 vehicles on the island by 11.30 thanks to Nick Wardle whoover the World Heritage area, the shuttled the barge back and forth takingtown supports 70 employees and their88 Western 4W Driver #105

one vehicle on board at a time from of the island. After stopping off at‘Blackies’ to the island. Sandy Point, Dampier’s Landing andDirk Hartog Island has been destocked Turtle Bay they all stopped for lunchof all sheep and goats and DBCA are and champagne cocktails at the Capemanaging a major effort to eradicate Inscription Lighthouse.Then it wasferal animals and return the island to down the west coast to Mystery Beachthe way it was when Dirk first landed. and along the spectacular cliffs toThe Dirk Hartog National Park was Quoin Head before heading through thecreated in 2009 sand dunes back to the Homestead.In 1968 SirThomas Wardle (of After what turned out to be a big but‘Tom the Cheap’ fame) bought the exhilarating drive the day before mostisland’s pastoral lease and now his of us were happy to have a day ofgrandson Kieran along with his wife relaxing and soaking up theTorie are running a successful Eco- ambience around the Homestead ortourism venture based at the wetting a line.Wardle’s homestead. That evening, under a perfect nightOnce off the barge each of the teams sky Libby entertained us for the lastwere greeted at Cape Ransonnet time with an awesome Jazz set,by the Variety 4wd Challenge this was followed by presentationswelcoming committee before getting - some serious, some not quite sotheir trip notes for the 20km drive to and announcements of the highestthe homestead. fund raisers and the fundraising totalThe following day armed with their – it was a fitting way to wind up antrip notes everyone departed for the epic adventure for all involved and a180km drive around the northern part recognition for those who had workedLight your fire with the Blaze-n-BBQFOLDING FIRE PIT AND GRILL • Folding Design - Packs down flat for easy transporting. • Clamped legs and carry handles enable the unit to be moved if conditions change. • Height Adjustable Grilling - 3 levels enabling perfect cooking.• Bradmill Canvas, Custom Designed, Heavy Duty, Carry Bag.Red Roads are locally owned and operated - for the Blaze-n-BBQ and more innovative products, visit: redroads.com.au or PH Aaron 0413 995 889 Western 4W Driver #105 89

A great bunch of people with their hearts firmly in the right place.so hard to raise a fantastic total for a and then drove to Cape Ransonnet towonderful cause. A better bunch of meet Nick who ferried the vehiclespeople would be hard to find, long time back to the mainland.friendships had been rekindled and For more information about the Varietynew ones made. 4wd Challenge orNext day it was an early start for some any of the other events that Varietywho needed to make tracks for home, organises or just to get involved go towhile others made a leisurely pack up www.varietywa.org.au.GET SOMDEONTR’TAIGNEINTGSIUDNEDWERAYYSOUR BELTDownload Our >New App NOW! smartphone“Eureka 4WD Training App”CourRseecsrefartoiomnajlu&stCo$m22m0erpceiarl day90 Western 4W Driver #105

A BRIEF JOURNEY OF Off-Road DISCOVERY5RwRioothbbsonRecently the Ed andI were lucky enoughto get our hands on anew Series 5 Land RoverDiscovery, albeit only for abit more than 24 hours! So,considering time was tight, Lancelin seemedlike the best option for us to give it a blast onthe open road and to see if it could cut themustard in the soft sand and on the dunes. Western 4W Driver #105 91

he 2017 Disco is, pretty much, a of room for both passengers and complete departure from what has cargo. Driver and front passenger been on offer from Land Rover in are separated by a wide console that comes down from the dash andTprevious Discoverys. The squaredoff and chiselled lines of the Disco 4, (in houses the gear selector dial, terrainfact of all Discos that have come alongsince they were launched in 1989), have response dial and switches for thebeen replaced with smooth rounded long list of functions on offer.There arecorners - a Range Rover lookalike also an amazing amount of innovativefront plus a rear end that has a bit of a compartments for storage both in the console and in the doors.Three adultsmfwMLlls‘DDTgDRIubnUaoheeoranoeenhoiiiniaoaeeiosssntmwgdoitevsdtcckthlsccndhdeko.utooeaaeiItolheennrohovRlrbb’slTscteoxcrpttnheoehioooeehohstowiarakqoveuinrngaqhynaktnviueunedt’etrniuoisfsdegnraegiiswosiCierggtnboatgsiiahebshsevchutwnbgeisoieadedettoraeeohifelatrdttlnbnudhBteenshtaa,tyisyeonogooimape.nfgdniunnTstblvle?ayoeecseyhleo’r‘nehanf.weF‘n-htrtafHrtlyasioaltytltuohtsmo?aehrhmoeafeea’seakfdlsiplln-oficiunsrtcihfaucekohLaaepmmttas!aeortnsie,hnunidvLsennmiadoehneuidanRws soDvneiooavsObdFastodnefoerhothlcuddwd!drailiae”ocint1osnnvsgl2fedvgpieicc!vnaredeataooTHhdsricrvrldhgee.SotiayeoOadmsEIsrsmoemeuseVfgsccsopr6ekaopaaraoDenrtnr3cn.eti2tendessilaoactimett–adnolrosnaeeipaot5tdpwcthrrtbrreouerwoeeittoeowlthnwphahrultasfb2bwylioareonosssetr1yoorhuerdduiritodtabemtohas1ghdlasrftdl.etuiFhtIeehio4prsoenppptuggmdewrewUssm’raljeheateoaeeirrSostcsaWbtoetcalsash,sceBintoewtniaerboehabvdnetansutriieodtstasdte.,materials throughoutand although it doesn’tfeel massive there isa deceiving amount92 Western 4W Driver #105

Electronic air suspension can be adjusted inside the rear tailgate for easier access.cons on our little jaunt up the coast let Td4 engine or ifme try – try being the operative word it’s the S model- to explain the models and options without therange that is on offer from Land Rover. transfer case or airThere are four model variants - S, SE, suspension!HSE and HSE Luxury - and all come Confused yet?with the choice of 3 different diesel It gets worseengines, 2 litre single turboTd4, 2 litre when you starttwin turbo Sd4 and 3 litre V6 single to investigateturboTd6. All models are fitted with the availabilityZF’s 8 speed automatic transmission of some of thebut here is when it starts to get a little technology andbit complicated. The S doesn’t have other features, but to be fair to Landa transfer case as standard but it can Rover it does mean that you can havebe added as an option for $920. It is most of the stuff you want withoutalso the only model with coil springs the need to be saddled with stuffbut you can get it with Electronic Air you don’t and it does mean that it isSuspension as an option for an extra possible to customise your Disco to$2,060.You also can’t have the option how you intend using it. For example,ofTerrain Response 2 in the S but you if you were in the market for a luxurycan’t have it in the other models either people mover then you may opt for aif the vehicle is fitted with theTd4 V6 powered SE with options such asengine. (Terrain Response 2 monitors seven seats, metallic paint, sun roof,driving conditions and automatically 20” rims and adaptive cruise control.selects the driving mode that is most On the other hand, diff lock,Terrainappropriate.) But wait there’s more, so Response 2 and roof bars could beyou want a locking diff - no problem, the ticket if 4wd adventures are on thethat’s available across all models - agenda.The 30 page ‘Specification andexcept if the vehicle is fitted with the Price Guide’ comprehensively details all the standard and optional features available across the board. Our drive up the freeway, and particularly the new extension north Western 4W Driver #105 93

MAXTRAX.COM.AU

of Joondalup and then northalong Indian Ocean Drive toLancelin, showcased just howgood the Discovery is on theopen road. It is quiet, refinedand for me it is a pleasureto be behind the wheel.TheV6 diesel and 8 speed autocombined seamlessly andalthough it is far from being afire breather, the performance Lots of wizardry in the captain’s chair. Driving position is excellent but the presentation of so much technology in one area takes a bit of working through.from the 3 litre V6 is adequate.The air changing on the freeway.suspension provided a plush ride but, On arrival in Lancelin we let some airas is typical of air suspension, did tend out of the tyres and headed for theto wallow just a tad. dunes. I tuned theTerrain ResponseI really liked the commanding driving knob to the sand icon and followed theposition but I’m not too sure about Ed in his 70 series to a sand bowl awaythe steering wheel and dash layout - from the crowds. Anyone who has beenit seems to be quite cluttered but on to the dunes at Lancelin will know howthe other hand very functional.The rough the cap rock in the car park andinfotainment touch screen is easy to on some of the tracks can be - the wayaccess and use and provides heaps of the Disco’s suspension soaked it up wasoptions. How did we ever get along superb. Nick wanted some shots ofwithout Cruise Control?The Disco’s set driving up a dune so I pointed the discoup is excellent, even if our HSV hadn’t at one close by. Halfway up the Discobeen optioned up with the Adaptive started to dig in and there was no moreversion, which amongst other thingswill reduce speed as you approach a Western 4W Driver #105 95vehicle going at a slower pace. Lanedeparture warning is standard acrossall models - it sends a rumble throughthe steering wheel when the vehiclewanders across the white line - whichwas a bit disconcerting until I realisedwhat was causing it! I also appreciatedthe blind spot warning in the exteriormirrors - it makes for confident lane

Plenty of room on RHS By this stage the track was getting front for a second battery. pretty soft and the Disco began to struggle getting back up the track,forward momentum - what’s going on, which was by no means steep, just a bitsurely it can do better than this? Back soft. Next thing a warning appears ondown and another go - same thing. the dash ‘gearbox overheating’. WithThen the penny dropped -Traction that I rolled down onto the beach andControl was still active. I found the shut the engine down to let the transdeactivate button and “Robert’s your cool off.mother’s brother”, the Disco Is making Ten minutes later we decided to see iflight work of whatever I steer it at - in the warning was still active. I startedfact it was very impressive! the engine - no warning displayed soJust as I was starting to really enjoy I thought we should move it off thethe Disco in the dunes Nick decided he beach and head for home but to ourneeded some footage on the beach so dismay the gear selector dial would notwe packed up and relocated. The tide turn out of Park.was on the way in which meant there Over the next half hour of reading thewasn’t a lot of beach to be seen below owner’s manual and trying a couplethe high tide mark so some footage of different scenarios we could notcoming down one of the tracks onto the persuade the dial to move out of Parkbeach would have to suffice. - just as well we were above the highThere was a track close by that lookedgood so Nick asked me to drive up it,turn around and come back down whenhe called up on the UHF. Long storyshort, the track was blown out near thetop so I had to back my way out. Wethen decided to reverse the Disco upthe track, around the corner and thendrive down onto the beach for the shot.The first take wasn’t the best so we didit again.Take two was a bit better butnot perfect so third time lucky!96 Western 4W Driver #105

United Fuel Injection - The Specialists in... VEHICLE SERVICING - HEAVY DIESELPERFORMANCE - FUEL INJECTION - DIAGNOSTICS - TURBOCHARGERS Upgrade and Upgrade and Upgrade andExchange Injectors Exchange Turbos Exchange Fuel PumpsState of the Art Diagnostic Aftermarket Intercoolers ECU Remapping & 4WDand Test Equipment & Exhaust Systems DynoPh:(08) 9259 3000 www.unitedfuel.com.au479 Great Eastern Hwy, Redcliffe, WA 6104


Ebook 105

The book owner has disabled this books.

Explore Others

Like this book? You can publish your book online for free in a few minutes!
Create your own flipbook