The Campfire

With fuel prices biting hard, the petrol versus diesel debate is firing up again among Australian tourers. From towing performance and fuel economy to remote fuel availability and long-distance costs, here’s how the two stack up for real-world touring.

Not sure where to start with 4WD modifications for a big trip? This guide cuts through the noise and focuses on the upgrades that actually matter, from maintenance and recovery gear to tyres, storage, power and suspension.

Out in the Australian bush, experience is everything, and mistakes can quickly turn into serious problems when you’re far from help. From pushing too hard on dirt roads to relying too heavily on recovery gear, even seasoned 4WDers have learned lessons the hard way. Drawing on years of remote travel and hard-earned experience, here are five of the most common 4WD mistakes and why avoiding them could make all the difference on your next adventure.

When you're travelling far beyond powered campsites, a reliable off-grid power setup isn’t a luxury, but an essential. From battery capacity and solar charging to monitoring and redundancy, here’s how to design a 12-volt system that keeps your fridge cold, your lights on and your trip running smoothly in remote Australia.

Off-road towing puts big loads through every part of your vehicle, and if the setup isn’t right, things can unravel quickly. Broken components, poor control, and near-miss moments usually come back to the same few fundamentals. Get those right, and towing in the bush becomes predictable, controlled, and far more enjoyable.

Fuel planning for remote travel doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be conservative. It’s about understanding your real-world consumption, knowing how far you can comfortably travel, allowing a buffer, and choosing fuel-carrying solutions that are simple and easy to live with.

One of the biggest misconceptions about travelling Australia is that confident people are somehow more capable, more prepared, or more suited to life on the road.

Discover six underrated 4WD accessories that make your off‑road adventures easier and safer without blowing your budget. Practical gear every explorer should carry.

Planning your 2026 adventures? Here are Australia’s biggest 4WD, caravan and camping shows, state by state, with dates, locations and ticket links so you can plan ahead.

From the Hummer in the ’80s to the Porsche 911 AWD winning the Paris-Dakar in ’84, the way 4WDs drive has come a long way.

In today’s tech-heavy 4WDs, something as simple as a brake light switch or a dirty wheel speed sensor can shut down your entire system. And when you are hundreds of kilometres from the nearest workshop, that’s more than frustrating.

There’s a fine line between a family adventure and a stress-induced breakdown. Usually, that line comes down to having the right gear and a bit of planning.