have fun off road with a wide range of 4WD adventures

1 Day Fraser Island Tour

Departing from Brisbane, we travel north past the Glasshouse Mountains to the Noosa River ferry and Cooloola Coast Beach (tides permitting). There will be photo opportunities of the Cherry Venture Ship Wreck and Rainbow Beach coloured sands before we cruise by ferry to Fraser Island. We will then 4WD across Fraser Island's 75 Mile Beach and return to Fraser Island Resort for a delicious lunch. Our next stop is to a World Heritage Rainforest before visiting Lake Mckenzie. Here there will be time to swim, take a hike and photograph these unique Lakes. Take the rainforest walk at central station along the boardwalk , to the rare giant King Fern. Finally we return to 75 Mile Beach and Rainbow Beach, via Noosa to Brisbane.

1 Day Moreton Island 4WD Day Tour

A fully guided adventure from Brisbane. Includes experienced eco guide driver and all equipment. Includes luxury bay cruise, arrive Moreton Island white beach for Eco Experience. 4WD to the Desert for sandboarding - great fun! Return to the fresh waters of Blue Lagoon for a swim and snorkel, before a great fresh lunch, cold drinks, fresh fruits followed by an afternoon beach walk. Then visit Cape Moreton lighthouse and lookout. Spot whales (in season), dolphins, turtles, sharks. We thenreturn across the bay with the sun-setting.

1 Day Moreton Island Extreme Day Tour ex BNE

***** 4WD EXPERIENCE + BAY CRUISE + SAND SURFING + SNORKEL THE TANGALOOMA WRECKS ***** Our EXTREME day tour to Moreton Island has been designed to get the most of your day and experience some of the best adventures Moreton Island is famous for. Moreton is a true wilderness destination, 98% National Park, and with no formed roads on the Island, we will be using bush tracks and the beach to get you around. Moreton - a true paradise with the whitest of beaches with clear blue waters. * Luxury cruise including Brisbane River, Moreton Bay, and Moreton Island Marine Park. Relax in the comfortable lounge with café / bar facilities. A great opportunity to spot dolphin, dugong and turtle from the viewing deck. * 4WD fully-guided eco-tour across the Island through the eucalypt forest to the Eastern Beach. Your guide will give you an insight into bush tucker and the history of the Island along the way. * Want to try sand boarding? We give you the opportunity to sand board or toboggan down some of the World's largest sand dunes. We only use professional equipment and are the Island's original sand boarding company (no flat boards). Or simply just watch the action and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the ?Desert?. * Guided Snorkelling: Near the beach at Tangalooma are 15 scuttled wrecks providing an artificial reef system rich in a diverse range of tropical and sub-tropical fish, invertebrates and coral - fish tame enough to eat out of your hand! An ideal place for snorkelling with easy access and is World renowned. Professional guide to provide instruction. Personal flotation devices, snorkels, fins, masks, rash shirts provided. (Shirts and wetsuits provided winter only.) * All transport, National Park fees, etc included. * Picnic lunch provided. * Free pickup from your Hostel / Hotel.

1 Day Palm Valley Safari by 4WD A5

Highlights * 4WD Safari * Palm Valley * Hermannsburg This one-day 4WD safari travels through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Hermannsburg, an Aboriginal community and historic precinct that is renowned for its Aboriginal art collection and the works of Albert Namatjira. Travel down the bed of the Finke River, one of the oldest watercourses in the world, into Palm Valley. See spectacular rock formations, white sands and an oasis of rock pools and palm trees. On the return journey, relax and enjoy the changing colours of the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges in the afternoon light. (L) Note: Access to Hermannsburg may be restricted during the Christmas and New Year period Supplied by: AAT Kings

1 Day Tour to Fraser Island

Our fleet of six seater luxury Landcruiser avail the ultimate in comfort and safety whilst offering an extreme 4 wheel drive adventure. These top quality vehicles give us the edge, greater access to remote beach stretches, faster through even the most rugged terrain. Our team of highly experienced driver guides boast extensive resumes in touring with unparalleled knowledge and a dedicated focus on making yours a most magical day. The worlds largest sand island Fraser Island is undoubltably a natural wonderland. Featuring the Coloured Sands of the Coloola region Central Station, Wangoobla Creek, Lake McKenzie, Pile Valley and the Cherry Venture ship wreck. Add to this outstanding freshly prepared catering throughout the day; small exclusive groups; champagne on the beach in celebration of your adventure; convenient complimentary pick up at your accommodation and you have the makings of a truly memorable occasion.

13 Day Kimberley Discovery

DAY 1: Depart Broome and head to the Derby Prison Tree. We now leave the bitumen behind as we enter the Gibb River Road! A walk up Windjana Gorge this afternoon is sure to impress. L.D DAY 2: This morning we're off to Tunnel Creek, have your bathers and torches ready. Afternoon sees us off to Bells Gorge. Camping Bells Gorge. B.L.D DAY 3: This morning we travel via the King Leopold Ranges,to Galvans Gorge. For those feeling like a walk, a visit to Manning Gorge this afternoon is recommended. B.L.D DAY 4: Today we leave the Gibb River Road, and travel to Kalumburu Road to Mitchell Plateau.We camp on the banks of the river. This afternoon have a dip here, and explore the area. Camping King Edward River.B.L.D DAY 5: We make full use of our 4WD capacity today, to take us to the Mitchell Falls. An optional helicopter flight is a must, you can see most of the remotest country in the world.Camping King Edward River. B.L.D DAY 6: This morning explore aboriginal art in the area, before we rejoin the Gibb River Road. Camping Home Valley Station.B.L.D DAY 7: Today we have the chance to explore the vibrant Home Valley Station . B.D. DAY 8: Our journey continues along the Cockburn Ranges. Camping overnight at Kunurra. B.L.D DAY 9: Free day in Kununurra. B DAY 10: Early start for a scenic drive through to Turkey Creek, heading in to the Bungle Bungles.B.L.D. DAY 11: Optional extra to do a flight over the Bungle Bungles, visit Echidna Chasm. Camping overnight Bungle Bunge National Park. B.L.D. DAY 12: Visit Halls Creek and then on to Fitzroy Crossing!B.L.D DAY 13: Pack up camp travel towards Geiki Gorge for a morning visit. Optional boat cruise on the Fitzroy River and Geike Gorge. We then make our way back to broome. B.L.

13 Day Pearls of the Kimberley Tour 2009

This tour incorporates all of the major icons of the Kimberley that are the real pearls. Starting in Broome we traverse the sandy track to the stunning and remote Cape Leveque. On arrival we will have the opportunity to take a walk along the beach, swim or relax by the ocean an watch the sandstone cliffs change as the sun sets over the ocean. We make our way across the mighty Fitzroy River, visit the Prison Tree then on to the Gibb River Road. We will explore the magnificent gorges of this area, including Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Manning Gorge and Galvins Gorge. We also visit Drysdale Station and experience a real working cattle property. Experience the spectacular Mitchell Falls, before arriving at El Questro. Spending two nights at El Questro, with time to explore scenic gorges and relaxing in thermal hot springs. Onto Kununurra, with a free day to explore the town, take a cruise or enjoy an optional flight. Travel to the world-renowned Purnululu National Park, where we will enjoy short walks while camping inside the National Park. Some may choose to take an optional helicopter flight over this natural wonder. Tour finishes in Broome The tour includes: -Travel by 4WD vehicle; -All meals provided unless specified; -All National Park Entrance Fees; -All Camping Fees; -All camping gear including two-person tents; foam sleep mats, tables and chairs; -Any additional flights, cruises and side excursions are optional extras.

2 Day 1 Night Fraser Island

Explore Fraser Island on a two day 4WD adventure with your friendly eco-guides who have a passion for our natural treasurers and a wealth of knowledge to pass onto all our guests. Day 1 - (departure 6am Surfers - 7am Brisbane) Travelling north we pass the Glass House Mountains and Sunshine Coast before arriving at Rainbow Beach. From here we take the 4WD onto the beach to meet our ferry at Inskip Point, where a short ferry ride will take us to the southern tip of Fraser Island. We head for 75 Mile Beach and find ourselves a nice spot to enjoy a fresh picnic lunch. Travelling north up the eastern beach of Fraser Island we head for Eli Creek. Eli Creek is a fast flowing fresh water stream. Take the beautiful board walk to the top of the creek and let your self relax and float down this picturesque stream. Our next stop is Lake Wabby. We park our 4WD at the start of the 20 minute walking track, taking us through lush coastal heath and thick eucalypt forest which opens out to the deepest lake on Fraser Island, the famous Lake Wabby. The return walk takes us through the Hammerstone Sandblow. At the end of the day we travel to Eurong Beach Resort to check into our accommodation and enjoy a hot Buffet Dinner in the Resort Restaurant. Day 2 - With an early start for breakfast at 7.00am, we check out and get out on tour by 8.00am. We head to Central Station today to visit Fraser islands lush subtropical rainforests. We take a fantastic 1 hour walk along the clear flowing waters of Wanggoolba Creek and learn about Fraser Islands Timber History. Next we are off to Lake Birrabean, one of Fraser Islands Beautiful crystal clear lakes. We have plenty of time here to swim relax, sunbathe and have a buffet style lunch. After lunch we head through the forest roads back to the Southern end of Fraser Island. Mid afternoon we depart Rainbow beach to Head back to Brisbane, with the tour finishing around 6.00pm. (Surfers 7.00pm)

2 Day Cooktown Explorer

Your trip will be as follows. Day 1 - You will be collected by our air-conditioned four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle. Travel north along one of Australia's most scenic coastal routes towards the World Heritage Listed area - The Daintree Rainforest - Cape Tribulation. Cross the mighty Daintree River by cable ferry. Journey through this spectacular example of Mother Nature, which contains the highest number of plant and animal species that are rare, or threatened by extinction. Your experienced guide will enlighten your journey with incredible stories and history as you continue on the 4WD only -Bloomfield Track. This will take you through some of the most amazing terrain in the country. Cross rivers and mountain ranges with spectacular views. We stop for Lunch at the famous Lion's Den Hotel (EST 1875) North Queensland's oldest running Bush Pub. See the unique geological oddity, which is Black Mountain, surrounded in mystery and spoken of in ancient Aboriginal legend. We arrive in Cooktown where you will have fantstic vies of Cooktown, The Endeavour River and the Coral Sea from Grassy Hill before being taken to your overnight accommodation. Day 2 - Enjoy the day at your leisure to explore Cooktown or take the optional Aboriginal Rock Art Tour. Visit the World Class James Cook Museum, stroll along the shores of the Endeavour River. The main street has a charm and historical atmosphere, which still prevails. You can experience the unspoilt beauty of the area, which remains much the same as Captain Cook knew it in 1770. Walking trails surround Cooktown Heritage and scenic rim with most attractions within easy walking distance. Return journey is via the inland road, The Mulligan Highway-the outback of Far North Queensland. Travel will be through a diverse landscape of cattle stations and the goldfield region, which is the Outback of Far North Queensland. Arriving at your accommodation in Cairns approx 9.30pm.

2 Day Fraser Island - 4WD Adventure Fully Guided

Travel north past the Glasshouse Mountains to Noosa River Ferry and Cooloola Coast Beach (tides permitting). Arrive Rainbow Beach for early lunch (own cost) overlooking the coloured sands and surf. Ferry cruise to Fraser Island. DAY 1: 4WD Fraser Island's Eastern Surf Beach to Lake Wabby, and famous Sand Dune - Swim, Hike, Turtle watch. Return to Eurong Beach resort or Dilli Village for dinner, and then relax at pool, spa or afternoon beach walk. Walk along 75 Mile Beach, stargaze, relax or hit the night scene. DAY 2: A drive through Fraser's magical rainforest before a relaxing morning at Lake McKenzie. Swim, snorkel and photograph this unique lake. In the cool of the rainforest take the boardwalk at Central Station. Enjoy a fresh picnic lunch, cold drinks and tropical fruits, before seeing the rare giant King Fern, world heritage satinay forest, and crystal clear waters of Wanggoolba Creek and Central Station. OR 4WD to Eli Creek, Cathedral Beach and Indian Head (tides permitting). Return to 75 Mile Beach - 4WD to Rainbow Beach and on to Noosa and Brisbane (itinerary subject to tides).

The History of the 4WD

Nobody seems to know exactly who invented the four wheel drive (4WD) mechanism for vehicles.

However, Ferdinand Porsche designed a 4WD for an Austrian truck manufacturer in 1900. The vehicle had electric hub motors on each wheel that were powered by a generator. The concept of the electric hub motor was used by NASA on various projects.

In 1902, a Dutch company, Jacobus Spyker, was the first to manufacture a vehicle that encompassed the mechanical four wheel drive. The use of a transfer case and drive shafts differed significantly from the electric hub motors, and as such the Spyker design is considered to be the first real 4WD.

In 1911, the first US 4WD was produced by the Four Wheel Drive auto company. They supplied 4WD vehicles to the American and British armies during the first World War.

It was not until all-terrain vehicles were needed for the military that 4WD's found their place .The Jeep was originally developed by American Bantam but mass produced by Willys and Ford. It became the best known four-wheel drive vehicle in the world during World War II.

It was in 1948 that the vehicle whose name is synonymous with Four Wheel Drive in many countries was introduced. The Land Rover appeared at the Amsterdam Motor Show, originally conceived as a stop-gap product for the struggling Rover car company, and despite chronic under-investment succeeded far better than the passenger cars. Land Rover also had a luxury 4WD with the Range Rover in the 1970s, which unlike most subsequent offerings from other manufacturers, was capable of serious off-road use. The inspiration was from a Willys MB that was frequently offroaded on the farm belonging to chief engineer Maurice Wilks, and was felt that it needed some refinement.

Today, 4WD are as popular four their prestige as their capability. Many families use the vehicles to accommodate childen and the extra storage space is a seen as an advantage to smaller cars.

With modern 4WD vehicles being very reliable, an interest recreational use has increased. 4WD clubs can be found across the globe. People test their vehicles for leisure in some of the toughest terain accessible.   © MAS 2007

About The 4WD Obsession

Australia has one of the highest rates of vehicle ownership per capita in the world. In the Census of March 2006, participants told the Australian Bureau of Stats that there were 14.4 million vehicles registered in Australia. This included motorcycles and trucks. This represented a 12% increase from 2002.

A big proportion of the 14.4million vehicles were four wheel drives.

Australians' love four wheel driving. There are national 4WD clubs, state based 4WD clubs, regional 4WD clubs, model specific clubs and general appreciation clubs. There are also numerous magazines that have all of the latest information on four wheel driving available.

When you combine this love with an obsession of the outdoors, thousands of Aussies hit the beaten track to see some of the most brilliant sights in the country and test their vehicles against some of the toughest terrain in the world.

The excitement of four wheel driving is rubbing off on some of the city dwellers in Australia. There are many driver training centres opening to cater for those in the cities that have 4WDs and want to experience their full potential without traveling too far.

From Fraser Island in the east, to central Australia, to the Kimberley's in the west, you can find 4WD tours, clubs and adventure trips.

Mad About Sports can point you in the right direction for all your 4WD adventure needs across Australia.   © MAS 2007