Graham Cahill is one of Australia’s best known 4WDers and photojournalists. One half of the duo that brings you 4WD 24/7, he’s a proud West Australian who loves a good photo, and getting out and travelling remotely (and we mean remotely!).
I recently got the chance to ask him a few questions away from the camera.
How did you get into 4WDing?
Growing up in a farming community, 4WDs were pretty commonplace. Of course this was long before the extensive list of modifications became the norm, instead these were basic workhorses used to make a living midweek then taken out on the weekend to fish and surf the south coast. As such, 4WDs have simply been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
How many 4X4’s have you owned?
Over the years we’ve had several 4WDs in the family but personally I’ve owned a 75 series toyota, a side door opening troop carrier (which I wish I’d never sold), a TB42 SWB GQ, a TD42 SWB GQ and a GU. Currently I own a SWB GQ and a heavily modified GU, and of course there’s the D-Max which gets put to work all year too.
What’s your favourite thing to do when you aren’t busy filming or wheeling for work? I’m lucky to live in the country with access to a huge network of bush tracks and beach runs so there’s nothing I like better than combining all of my hobbies into days away; be they bowhunting, mountain biking, fishing and camping. If I can fill a week with all of those activities and no cameras in sight, I’m a happy bloke!
What’s your hidden talent?
I’m a bit of a closet camp cook. I love cooking over fire and experimenting with different techniques and ingredients while out bush. I recon camping is the perfect opportunity to really get into cooking and coming up with meals you might not do at home.
What are you the worst at?
I have a terrible sense of direction. For someone that spends a substantial proportion of time in the bush, I am easily discombobulated. I used to be a bit embarrassed by this but these days, I simply make sure I have numerous methods of keeping track with where I am. The truth is though, I could get lost in my own home….
What do you think has made 4WD 24/7 so successful?
Without a doubt it is the team of hard working individuals behind the scenes who don’t get the on camera recognition but without whom the whole show wouldn’t be a fraction of what it is currently.
Where haven’t you been yet, but are keen to explore?
Very keen to do some ultra remote, off track desert exploration into the center of Western Australia. This is the sort of trip that requires a great deal of mechanically preparation and a keen knowledge of remote area travel. This excites the heck out of me and is right up my alley.
Favourite 4X4 destination?
I’m lucky to say that I live in what I consider my style of 4WD paradise. Untouched beaches and forest tracks with a huge number of secluded campsites both coastal and besides rivers; as such, I have to say that south west WA is my favourite 4×4 destination.
Most useful 4X4 accessory you’ve ever owned?
As dull as it sounds, a tyre deflator and air compressor are the handiest bits of 4×4 kit you can own. I sound like a broken record but tyre pressures are everything when it comes to off road driving and being able to deflate then re-inflate easily makes the task so much simpler.
Least useful 4X4 accessory you’ve ever owned?
I once owned a fancy looking, complicated little gadget that was supposed to toast bread over any heat source while camping. In reality it burns the bottom of your bread, takes up a heap of space and really doesn’t do much at all, much less make toast. It is now on my scrap metal pile at home!
Most epic trip you’ve ever done and why?
I’ve been very fortunate to have done dozens of epic trips over the years all around the country but I think the one that has been the most recent and sticks out in my mind was the month I spent solo filming along the mid north coast of WA. It’s not for everyone but it was the sort of adventure that I find truly epic.
What’s the best thing about being insured with Club 4X4?
They cover you anywhere off road which, given the fact I travel remote and a long way from civilization is great peace of mind.
