127th EDITION Spring 2023
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WESTERN 4W DRIVER
127th EDITION
Spring 2023
TACKLING THE CARNEGIE
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S T N E T N CO ADVENTURES
Edition 127 Spring 2023
The Road to Water
Alan searches for water along the old Mount Jackson to Ularring Road ................................................................... 8
Exploring the Wild Side
Rock climbing and 4W driving in Western Australia ................................................................................................................................ 17
Country Connection
Grant and Linda share their cultural tour experiences on a recent Kimberley trip ............................. 38
Jimny in Jarrah Country
Phil ventures through jarrah forests from Jarrahdale to Collie ............................................................................................... 46
Lennard Track — Alive with Wildflowers
Alison introduces us to a 4WD track abundant in vibrant displays of native flora ............................... 52
High Country I-Venture
David travels Victoria's High Country on the cusp of winter's grip ................................................................................... 62
Tackling the Carnegie
Ron and Viv tackle spinifex and scrub as they traverse the David Carnegie Road .............................. 75
Choose Your Route Through the Ancient Pilbara
The Warlu Way ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 95
FEATURES Mitsubishi Triton — A Top All-Rounder Ray Cully reviews the
Mitsubishi Triton GSR Dual Cab .............................................. 24
Back to Basics — Part-Time 4WD Explained David Wilson walks us through the
fundamentals of part-time 4WD systems .............. 31
Gearing Up for Gold, Glory and Gifts of the Past
Which metal detector is best for you? ......................... 57
The RFDS Story — Part 2 The bloke on the twenty dollar note
REGULARS The Front Matter ................................................................................. 6 Country Stargazing ......................................................... 108 The People We Meet ..................................................... 111 Bush Mechanics ......................................................................... 115 What's in a Name .................................................................. 118 The Things You See .......................................................... 124 Fishy Business ................................................................................ 127 Outback Survival .................................................................... 130 Gear to Go Camping ...................................................... 135
and other Australian heroes .......................................................... 81
Clewed Up ................................................................................................. 138
Fit for the Family
Fire Cooking ......................................................................................... 140
Product Review .................................................................................................... 90
Work-life on the Road with Starlink Stay connected while you travel ............................................. 93 Opening Doors to New Opportunities
The hidden benefits of volunteering ............................... 98
Protecting the Kimberley through Citizen Science How we can combat the
impact of Myrtle Rust .......................................................................... 104
Keeping it Cool
Product Review .............................................................................................. 142
4WD Club Focus ........................................................................ 144 Capture the Moment ................................................... 149 Smart Photography ........................................................ 151 Now We're TAWKing! .................................................. 154 The Trusty Toolbox ............................................................ 157 Crossword Puzzle ................................................................. 158 Subscriptions .................................................................................... 160 Supplier Directory .............................................................. 161 Silly Snaps ................................................................................................. 162
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Vanguard Publishing ABN 70 616 133 870 26 John Street, Northbridge WA 6003 PO Box 50, Northbridge WA 6865 Phone: (08) 9422 4330 admin@western4wdriver.com.au www.western4wdriver.com.au EDITION 127: Editor Tori Wilson tori@vanguardpublishing.com.au Graphic Design Karen Morton Content Tori Wilson Michael Collins Advertising Matt Clarke matt@western4wdriver.com.au Natalie Du Preez natalie@vanguardpublishing.com.au Administration Steve Larcombe Sally van Heemst Printing Vanguard Print
Cover image: David Carnegie Road by Ron & Viv Moon
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Vanguard Publishing or the editors but those of the authors who accept sole responsibility and liability for them. While every care is taken with images and photographs, and all other material submitted, Vanguard Publishing accepts no liability for loss or damage. Vanguard Publishing reserves the right to amend publication schedules and frequencies.
C
an you believe it? Spring is upon us once again. I do love this time of year — the days get longer and the temperature rises and everything just comes to life! I look back on this passing year and can't help but wonder where the time has gone. Some parts of the state have seen more than their fair share of rain this year, while some parts have missed out completely. Blue skies have returned to the Kimberley and the mighty Fitzroy River, which had swelled to impassable levels, dropped then swelled again and again has now receded, allowing for a flow of traffic along the iconic Great Northern Highway while the works on the new bridge are well underway. Amidst these trials of excessive rainfall, however, we are reminded that the natural world operates on its own schedule. I guess as the rain-soaked terrain slowly dries, we're reminded of the evertenacious Cane Toad, which persists in its westward march, a testament to nature's persistence and man’s failure to control a cane beetle. A sure sign of the warming weather is that familiar sight of a southbound convoy of vehicles, all adorned with the unmistakable signs of exploration — mud splatters and dust clouds. These adventurers continue their pilgrimage of sorts, their bones warmed by a Kimberly winter are now in pursuit of the sun over southern parts. Many will be side-tracked in pursuit of the remarkable wildflower displays that grace the landscapes just north of Perth this time of the year. The vibrant carpets of colours that emerge
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THE FRONT MATTER with MICHAEL (SPIKE) COLLINS signal the transformation of the outdoors into a living, breathing canvas, inviting us to witness the wonders of renewal and growth. In this edition, our pages are once again graced by the insights and experiences of an exceptional group of contributors. David Wilson takes charge, guiding Isuzu's I-Venture Club through the rugged terrains of the Victorian High Country, he also sheds light on the intricacies of part-time 4WD systems. Ron and Viv Moon embark on a legendary expedition along the David Carnegie Road, while Alan McCall embarks on a historical journey through the Goldfields, tracing the path of the old Mount Jackson to Ularring Road. Diving into the heart of Australian history, John Collins returns with Part 2 of his compelling Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) story. Our dedicated editor, Tori, took the time to engage with one of our subscribers, Les Robinson, and his wife Tracey, capturing their shared tales over a chilled beer in the Goldfields. Geoff Lewis imparts invaluable knowledge on getting out of a jam, and the ever-popular CSR expert Phil Bianchi enlightens us with a piece delving into CSR facts, as well as embarking on a nostalgic adventure through Jarrah Country in a trusty Suzuki Jimny with a long time school friend. A note from us here at the Western 4W Driver magazine, it’s so lovely to read Phil has overcome prostate cancer again, we do wish him well. Grant and Linda report from the Kimberley and share their immersive cultural tour experiences. Encounters
with the rich heritage of Aboriginal culture are a must for any wanderer, and we urge you to explore the Western Australian Indigenous Tour Operators Council (WAITOC) website to uncover the wealth of tour offerings across our vast state. Speaking of cultural experiences, Grant and Linda's excursion to the Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tour brings them in contact with the exceptional Rosanna Angus, an incredibly deserving winner of the 2023 WA Tourism Awards Golden Guide award. Turning our focus to the practical, our great mate Ray Cully puts the latest Mitsi Triton to the test, providing a thorough review. Meanwhile, Jo Clews showcases her culinary prowess with a gluten-free rendition of Chicken Noodle Soup — a testament to the diversity and creativity that defines our community. Speaking of community, mark your calendars for the 4WD and Adventure Show, slated for 10-12 November 2023, at McCallum Park. This premier event promises a vibrant celebration of all things 4WD and adventure, and the Western 4W Driver magazine team will be right at the heart of the action so come and say hello! Thank you once again for being a part of our Western 4W Driver community. We hope you enjoy this edition as much as we enjoyed creating it and may it inspire you to traverse the open road, explore the untamed wilderness, and create memories that will endure for years to come. Happy reading. Cheers, Spike
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EXPLORING THE WILD SIDE Rock Climbing & 4W Driving in Western Australia BY JEFF ROBSON, JIRI STASTNY & ZAK HOGEN-ESCH OF THE CLIMBERS ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (CAWA)
Western Australia, with its vast landscapes and rugged terrains, offers a playground for adventurers seeking the thrill of both rock climbing and 4W driving.
F
rom towering cliffs to hidden boulders, this expansive region presents a variety of locations that are sure to satisfy any enthusiast's craving for excitement and natural beauty. In this article, we will delve into three remarkable sites that blend the joys of rock climbing with the challenges of off-road exploration.
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BOB'S HOLLOW First on our list is Bob's Hollow, situated along the Cape to Cape track between Contos Beach and Redgate Beach near Margaret River. As one of Western Australia's favourite sport climbing destinations, Bob's Hollow offers a unique experience with its steep and overhanging limestone formations. This crag presents climbers with the opportunity for fantastic 3D climbing on stalactites and giant toofas. While most climbs range from grade 18 to 27, there are a couple of easier climbs and a few more challenging ones for the crushers to sink their fingernails into. Climbing highlights here include Puk Puk Sen (18), Mixed Grill (22) and Mixed Grill Direct (23) and Hollow Promises (25). Be prepared to go home with quite a few cuts on your hands, arms and legs as the limestone is sharp! It is important to note that climbing in this area is tolerated but not officially sanctioned. To ensure compliance with park regulations, climbers should
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contact the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPAW) office in Busselton for the latest information on climbing permits and rules. As with any wilderness area, remember to practice responsible climbing by following established paths and refraining from making new ones. Protect the delicate ecosystem by carrying out all waste and respecting the park's regulations.
Getting There Bob's Hollow can be accessed via either a very rough 4WD track (enter opposite Calgardup Cave on Caves Rd) or a 40-minute hike along the stunningly scenic Cape to Cape track, which is the route most climbers take. The 4WD track is not for the faint-hearted, as it is strewn with boulders that will surely test both your driving and your vehicle's capabilities. Be prepared for a very slow, bumpy and scratchy journey, and choose your lines wisely to avoid damaging your 4WD, but please don’t widen the track! However, the picturesque views of the nearby ocean and white sandy beaches, along with the possibility of spotting dolphins and whales, make this destination truly enchanting. The best time to climb is in the morning until around 1pm and be sure to check the weather conditions when planning your visit.
WEST CAPE HOWE Moving further south to the peninsula near Albany, you’ll find West Cape Howe, an absolute paradise for trad climbers. With its awe-inspiring 50–60 metre cliffs and over 300 marked climbing routes, West Cape Howe offers the unique experience of rappelling down to a belay point before embarking on the ascent. The challenge intensifies as you face the crashing waves beneath you and the fierce winds blowing in from the Antarctic. Even in summer, it is advisable
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to bring a jacket due to the unpredictable weather conditions. One of the iconic climbs here is The Climb (18), which takes you up a prominent granite pillar jutting out into the ocean, or Dancing the Deep Blue (26) just to the left of it. Other popular climbs include Vulture Street (17) and Tombstone (20). The climbing possibilities in this region are extensive, ranging from cracks to delicate faces and slabs. However, keep in mind that access to the climbs depends on the swell and weather conditions. Stay vigilant and be prepared for sudden changes, including king waves. Seals, dolphins and whales often grace visitors with their presence, adding to the allure of this location.
KALBARRI JACKPOT Last but not least, we have the Kalbarri Jackpot boulders, a true gem for bouldering enthusiasts. Located along the Murchison River, Jackpot Crag offers a wide range of grades, catering to climbers of all levels. As with all walls in Kalbarri, climbers are advised to use coloured chalk that matches the rock so as to leave as little trace as possible.
Getting There To reach West Cape Howe, you navigate a 4WD track that often varies in condition, so be ready to fill in some holes along the way. If you’re looking for a more energetic approach, take the 1.5 to 2-hour walk from Shelly Beach. Most climbs require abseiling down to a small belay spot above the crashing waves. Make sure to bring a 50–60 metre static rope and sufficient gear to construct belay and rap anchors.
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