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End of Year Closure Dates
Ironman 4×4 will be closed from Saturday the 23rd of December to Monday 1st January. Regular trading hours will resume on Tuesday 2nd January 8:30am – 5:00pm These trading hours relate to the Ironman 4×4 Head Office and state branches. Ironman 4×4 Head Office 2-8 Bessemer Drive Dandenong South VIC 3175 Newcastle Branch 9 Riverside Drive Mayfield West NSW 2304 Brisbane Branch 79 Kremzow Road Brendale QLD 4500 Adelaide Branch 36-38 Millers Road Wingfield SA 5013 Perth Branch Corner Baile Road and Craft Street Canning Vale WA 6155
Destination – Victorian High Country (Mansfield to Craigs Hut)
The Victorian High Country is a must visit for all four wheel drivers. You will be completely captivated as you explore the area, it’s rich in pioneer history, jampacked with picturesque views and offers an endless amount of 4WD tracks from beginner to advance. You really could spend weeks upon weeks traveling the high country, but one special trip to mention is from Mansfield to Craigs Hut. Starting your journey on the Howqua track into Sheepyard Flat and pull up for a camp at Fry’s hut. Lovely open camp ground where you can set up beside the river. Wake up in the morning and have a fresh dip in the river before setting off for the day ahead. Head out back past Sheedyard Flat along Brocks Road and keep an eye out for Tunnel Bend, where you can go down some steep steps and discover an old gold mining tunnel that is hidden under the road. Continue along to Bluff Link Road and take the turn off to see Bluff hut. An old mustering hut still used by the family today. Head back down to Bluff Link Road and continue on to 16 Mile Jeep Track, stop in at Pikes Flat for morning tea or lunch along the Howqua River. Traveling along the river for a little while you will find Bindaree hut and as you keep going you will come across a small river crossing. As you turn towards the Circuit Road up Bindaree Road you will come to a bridge where you can walk up to and then under Bindaree Falls, a spectacular waterfall. As you continue and reach the Circuit Road, you are faced with a choice of straight over and up the challenging Monument Track, left to go around to the Howqua Hills and Clear Hills Track or right and around to the Craigs hut turn off. Each way will get you to Craigs hut. If you have the time, either go the Clear Hills track that takes you right by Howqua Gap hut and then over the top of Mount stirling (1742m), a stunning drive and well worth it. This continues on down to Craigs hut or take on the challenge of the Monument Track which will be a short cut, meeting up with the Clear Hills track and then down to Craigs hut.
Canberra Caravan and 4×4 Centre Grand Opening
The Caravan and Camping 4×4 Centre Grand Opening is happening on the 14th and 15th of October! They’ll be open Saturday and Sunday 9am-4pm. There will great specials, a jumping castle, show bags, Ironman 4×4 vehicles on display and lots of give-a-ways. So make sure you come on down! 39 Kembla Street, Fyshwick ACT 2609 Post by Canberra Caravan and 4×4 Centre
Destination – Alice Springs to Uluru
Take an unforgettable five or six day journey on the Red Centre Way from Alice Springs to Uluru and revel in the beauty that surrounds you along the way. This 1100km loop will take you from Alice Springs and through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Kings Canyon and eventually to Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, touring through central Australia’s stunning and diverse landscape. First stop along the way from Alice is the West MacDonnell Ranges, where you can visit some of the outback’s most incredible gorges, then quench your thirst at Glen Helen Homestead Lodge. Sit back on the back deck and admire the incredible view of the West Macs, this a great spot to stop for the night. Heading south from Glen Helen, stop at Tylers Pass to take in the amazing view of Gosses Bluff crater. Gosses bluff is a large crater formed by the impact of an asteroid or comet approximately 140 million years ago. Once leaving Tylers pass, make sure you drive into Gosses bluff and have a look around. At the T intersection heading further south it is decision time. Turning right sees you leaving the bitumen and welcoming the gravel road of the Red centre way, depending on the weather conditions this road can be a little rough and some water crossings may lie ahead. Turning Left goes along Larapinta Drive towards Hermannsburg. This is a great way as you can visit Palm valley, Hermannsburg and then head south through Finke Gorge National Park. This drive has to be one of my favourites and it offers vast changes in terrain whilst driving next to towering sandstone cliffs and the Finke River and some great camping spots. During your visit take the time to stop in at the old ruins of the old Illamurta Springs and the Police Camp, that was open between 1893 and 1912. Both ways will have you looping around to Kings Canyon where you can take the challenging 6km rim walk, enjoy a swim in the tropical pools of the Garden of Eden, and explore the sandstone domes of the Lost City. Camping and accommodation options are at Kings Canyon resort or my pick, Kings Creek Station. Head South to the Lasseter Hwy and catch your first sighting of Ayers Rock, but don’t be fooled by the look a-like that is Mt Conner. A free camping area awaits you, approximately 20kms from the entrance of the Uluru National Park along Lasseter Highway. As soon as you reach the unsigned sandy track, it’s a small journey across dunes to this no facilities camp area. Set up and enjoy an evening in camp watching the sun set over Uluru. It’s around a 465km journey back to Uluru from Alice Springs, so stop and revive at the roadhouses that line the Stuart Highway. This trip is best done mid year when the weather is warm and humidity is low, however there are some unique features to each season that is worth keeping in mind when planning your trip to Central Australia. You will need to purchase a permit to travel the section of the Red Centre Way which passes through Aboriginal Land Trusts between Gosse Bluff and Kings Canyon. These can be purchased across the counter at a few locations including the Alice Springs Visitors Centre and Kings Canyon Resort for a mere $5.00.
‘WIN 1 of 5 Ironman 4×4 LED Work Light Combos’ Biggest Ironman 4×4 fan competition
WIN 1 of 5 Ironman 4×4 LED Work Light Combos! Are you our biggest diehard fan? Does your blood run green? We are in search of the biggest Ironman 4×4 fan. Share a photo of your pride and joy kitted out in Ironman 4×4 gear in the comments section below or tag #ironman4x4 in your Instagram post for your chance to WIN 1 of 5 Ironman 4×4 LED Work Light Combos and the title and bragging rights of Ironman 4×4’s biggest fan. Winners will be announced on 25th September and will be contacted via social media. TERMS AND CONDITIONS Ironman 4×4 ‘WIN 1 of 5 Ironman 4×4 LED Work Light Combos’ Biggest Ironman 4×4 fan competition. Promotion Period: 11th September 2017 until 25th September 2017 Commencement Date: 11th September 2017 Closing Date: 25th September 2017 Who can enter? All current Australian residents over the age of 18. Employees, and their immediate families, of the promotor (Ironman 4×4 Pty Ltd), are not eligible to enter this competition. Immediate family means any of the following: spouse, child, parent, grand parent, sibling, uncle, aunt or cousin. How to enter To enter the competition Entrants must post a picture of their Ironman 4×4 kitted out vehicle on the Ironman 4×4 Facebook page, and will be judged by our select Ironman 4×4 panel. Prize Details • 1 of 5 Ironman 4×4 LWD Work Light Combos Prize Selection Method Ironman 4×4 will select the top photo that has been submitted to the correct Facebook post, before 12.00am AEST on the Tuesday 26th September. Selection will take place at 2-8 Bessemer Drive Dandenong South VIC 3175 Australia. The result is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Initial Prize Selection The top photo selected by Ironman 4×4 will then be judged on the following criteria: i. Brand of aftermarket 4×4 accessories/product ii. Number of Ironman 4×4 accessories/product The winner will be published to the Ironman 4×4 Facebook page on Tuesday 26th September by 17:00. The winner will be instructed to private message the Ironman 4×4 Facebook page with their personal details, including Full Name, Contact Number and Email Address. The winner will also be published on the Internet at www.ironman4x4.com and the Ironman 4×4 Facebook Page. Unclaimed Prize Selection If the winner cannot be contacted within 2 weeks of the Initial Prize Selection, an unclaimed prize assessment will be conducted at 2-8 Bessemer Drive Dandenong South VIC 3175 Australia in accordance with any State or Territory Regulations. The result is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The Promoter Ironman 4×4 (ABN 75 005 327 882) 2-8 Bessemer Drive Dandenong South VIC 3175 Australia.
  1. The above forms part of these T&Cs and contain details concerning when, who and how to enter; the time, place & method of prize selection; prize details; and who the promoter is and any permit details. Products required to be purchased for entry will not always be available at every store or via the shop at home service or online store and any rainchecks, or lay by purchases that have not been paid in full will not be counted for entry purposes.
  2. The Promoter, its associated agencies and companies, and employees of the Promoter and its associated agencies and companies and the immediate families of such employees are ineligible to win the prize.
  3. All prize selection/s are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
  4. The winner/s will be notified where possible by telephone on the day of the relevant prize selection, and in writing as far as practicable within two business days and no more than five business days after the date of the prize selection. The name of the winners will be published on the Promoter’s competition website and on the Promoter’s Facebook wall on Tuesday 26th September by 17:00
  5. The winner/s consents to their name, town/suburb of residence and a photo being published by the Promoter including, but not limited to, being published on the Promoter’s Internet site, social media pages, in their stores and in marketing material as a condition of acceptance of the prize. Further information will be published only with the permission of the winner.
  6. The prize/s is not transferrable. The prize/s cannot be exchanged for any other prize and except in the case of cash prizes, cannot be exchanged or refunded for cash. Prizes comprising gift cards/vouchers are subject to any terms and conditions related to those gift cards/vouchers and might have an expiry date or redemption conditions.
  7. All other costs not included in the prize package are the winner’s responsibility. These include without limitation, any and all costs relating to passports, visas, government levies, ground transport other than what is specified, travel insurance, all meals and beverages, additional taxes, all insurance, additional transfers and flights outside of flights from the nearest capital city to Canberra and transfers from Canberra Airport to Perisher and return, all meals and beverages, items of a personal nature (including but not limited to additional room charges such as pay per view movies, laundry, room service, mini-bar, telephone calls), any upgrades, pre-flight or inflight purchases or additional nights, additional lift tickets, ski/board lessons, après ski and all other ancillary costs.
  8. The winner and each of their companions are responsible for ensuring that they have the appropriate travel documentation. It is the responsibility of the winner to enquire about local issues and conditions at destinations prior to travel. The Promoter makes no representation as to the safety, conditions or other issues that may exist at any destination. The Promoter strongly recommends travel insurance valid for the entire duration of the winner’s holiday, to protect against the additional costs incurred in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
  9. If for any reason this competition is not capable of running as planned, subject to the approval of those authorities which have issued permits for the conduct of this competition, the Promoter reserves the right in its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the competition, including to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process.
  10. The Promoter assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorised access to, or alteration of entries. The Promoter is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any equipment, software, failure of any email or entry to be received by the Promoter on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to participants or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participation or downloading any materials in this competition.
  11. The Promoter will take all necessary steps to ensure that entries are properly recorded and stored, but will accept no liability if an entry is not recorded or is lost.
  12. The Promoter will not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss) or personal injury suffered or sustained arising from or in connection with the competition, any omission to enter a person into the competition, acceptance of the prize or the prize itself, except for liability which cannot be excluded by law.
  13. The Promoter collects and uses personal information in accordance with its privacy policy.
Destination – Fraser Island
Fraser Island is a heritage listed island located along the southeastern coast of Queensland, Australia. The island is considered to be the largest sand island in the world at 1840km2 and it’s an absolute must visit for all four-wheel drivers. Once your 4WD and camping permits have been arranged, you and your rig can access Fraser Island by barge from either Inskip Point or Hervey Bay, Queensland, with services running daily. No visit to the island would be complete without a leisurely drive along the full length of 75 Mile Beach. Another great drive is the Southern and Central Lakes circuit driving you through winding, narrow, soft sand tracks, guiding you to the iconic Lake McKenzie. The sand here is pristine white, with the water changing colour from clear glass to deep blue. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic with BBQ and toilet facilities onshore. If you like a bit of a challenge, take a drive to the northern tip of the island, heading out past Orchid Beach. Here you will be removed from the tourist commotion and find yourself on an untouched track with stunning water views.
Destination – Kimberley WA
The Kimberley Australia, is a remote and scenic wilderness region with a sparse population, minimal infrastructures as well as one of Australia’s greatest 4WD road trips. Offering up some of the most breathtaking gorges, freshwater swimming holes, magnificent waterfalls and friendly outback stations. “The Gibb” (The Gibb River Road – Kimberley, Western Australia) as the locals call it, is a 4WD only track, stretching some 660km through the wild heart of the Kimberley. The largely unsealed road is an endless sea of red dirt, big open skies and dramatic terrain. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October, when the weather is pleasantly warm, there is little chance of rain and all the roads should be open. If this trip isn’t on your bucket list it should be! There are so many things to see and do in The Kimberley, grab a Hema Maps and start the adventures.
Managing Your Water
Everyone knows water is essential to life. Even in cold climate areas, you need a minimum of 2 litres of water each day to maintain efficiency. But when touring in your 4×4, you don’t want to JUST be surviving, you want to be enjoying yourself. Here are just some of the things you’ll want water for: This provides you with plenty of backup in case individual bottles do leak/fail. But is generally not as efficient due to the wasted space surrounding storing water bottles. The one nice thing is that you can slip plenty of them in small spaces that mightn’t otherwise be used. They come ready to drink straight from the container and can easily be thrown in a fridge if you like your water cold. The next issue you’ll face when looking to get water on the road is sanitization. The water from your tap at hope is already pre-sanitised and safe to drink, so make sure you fill up before leaving. As you get on the road access to water can become less available. Petrol stations generally offer taps, as do caravan parks and towns. But you’re never 100% sure of the water quality. This becomes worse when you start getting water from rivers and watering holes in the bush. Sanitising your water is a simple way to ensure it’s safe to drink. Here are some great ways to ensure it: Boiling water is the oldest way to ensure your water is sanitized. But bringing it to the boil isn’t enough. It needs to boil for 5-10 minutes to ensure that all bacteria in it is eliminated. Depending on how clean the water is, you may wish to also run it through a filter to get rid of any solids such as dirt, reeds and bugs. Probably the least idea way as it can leave the water with a tainted taste. It again also doesn’t remove any solids, so again it’d be recommended running it through a filter. But it is a proven water to purify water and can be easier to use on large quantities than boiling. Sources:
  • http://www.wilderness-survival.net/chp6.php
  • http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/2011/tn9_how_much_water_en.pdf
Keeping dust out of your 4×4
Dust is an iconic part of the Australian road trip. Coming home to a vehicle covered in red dust is the expectation and usually something that keeps finding its way into cracks months after you’ve finished your trip. But you really don’t want dust inside your vehicle. There are two really simple methods to keeping dust out of your vehicle – new or old.

Pressurising the Inside

New vehicles generally have much better seals than older vehicle, so you’re already ahead if you’ve got a newer vehicle, but in the fight against dust, take every advantage you can get! If you’ve got a ute with a canopy or an older vehicle pressurising your interior space will make a huge difference. Pressurising the interior of your vehicle can be done via a number of ways. Air conditioning Keep all your windows and doors closed and turn your aircon/heat up night and high (fan speed) without re-circulation on. This will force fresh air into your vehicle ensuring positive pressure inside the vehicle which will stop the dust being sucked in. Canopy sliding windows Similar to the interior of your vehicle canopies including those with tubs have sealing issues – especially around the tailgates and hinges. Tub liners and a well fitted canopy will minimise gaps, but it’s important to still positively pressurise the interior. Opening the sliding windows at the rear of the canopy (built into all Ironman 4×4 canopies) by the rear of the cab will ensure fresh air is being sucked into the canopy and creating that positive air pressure that you want. It may seem counter intuitive leaving a window open that can take in dust – but if you’re leaving enough space so you aren’t in the dust cloud of the vehicle in front of you, the window should be high enough to remain dust free and the positive pressure will ensure dust isn’t being sucked in at lower points like the tailgate.

Give some space

Driving in convoy is excellent for safety – but you don’t need to be right up the backside of the vehicle in front. Use your radios to maintain communication and provide plenty of space between vehicles to ensure you aren’t driving through their dust cloud and have plenty of opportunity to stop in case of an emergency. Plus you have the added benefit of avoiding any stray rocks or debris that might be thrown up by their wheels as well!
The First 5 Products You Should Buy for Your New 4×4
Whenever you buy a new 4×4 there is surely a large list of future modifications and improvements you are looking to make. Often these improvements will be based off you immediate needs and funds. But here is a comprehensive list of the first 5 products you should be getting for your 4×4.

1. Suspension

Stock suspension in vehicles is made to a price. That means whilst it might be satisfactory, there is a whole new world you haven’t yet discovered in comfort! Stock or OEM suspension won’t carry load as well as aftermarket suspension, won’t be as smooth or comfortable on the road and will have more body roll. Aftermarket suspension is made for many purposes and choosing the right setup for your vehicle is important in order to achieve the best possible ride and performance. There is a myriad of options to choose from including the appropriate springs for you vehicle, the shock to best suit your needs, your budget, and your intended use. In addition to all that, you’ll also get the bonus of a lift to help improve clearance off-road. Suspension is one modification you’ll notice and use every day so you can appreciate it even when you’re not out on the tracks! Talk to your local suspension specialist/Ironman 4×4 distributor and they can spec out a kit to best suit your needs.

2. Bull Bar

Bull bars aren’t just about protection. Whilst they are a key component in protecting your vehicle – especially against animal strikes you’ll often see in the country. They also provide a myriad of mounting locations for accessories such as light bars, spotlights, UHF antennas, winches etc. A bull bar can also help lift the look and profile of your 4×4, changing its image from a local shopping trolley to outback tourer. Finally bull bars also assist with improving your approach angles helping your 4×4 get further off-road!

3. Roof Racks

  4wds are big! They already have plenty of storage. So why you ask do you need more storage space on the roof? Roof racks are a universal convenience. Whilst they won’t be used all the time, they provide a huge amount of flexibility as far as storage and carrying dirty loads. That occasional trip to the hardware store or the surfboard that won’t fit inside are just a few examples where a roof rack can come in handy. And if that isn’t enough to convince you, then think of the additional flexibility to bolt awnings, swags and shovels outside of the car on your next camping trip!

4. Snorkel

  Most associate the need for a snorkel with deep water crossings. The reality is that a snorkel is working for you, even when you aren’t near water! Have you ever looked where your stock air intake is? If you have the opportunity to, take a look! Often it’s nice and close to your front wheel well, often in a low, dust prone area that heats up. A snorkel relocates your air intake from this low, dusty and hot location to a much higher location that’s clear of dust and generally much cooler. This helps your vehicle perform better with cooler air, and means you’ll get better life out of your air filters as you aren’t sucking in as much dust. Finally you might even get to take advantage of the “ram air effect”.

5. Lights

  Your new vehicle already comes with new fancy lights, so why would you want to bolt some more onto a new vehicle you’ve just purchased? After-market lighting isn’t for around town – your vehicle’s headlights are. Once you hit the open road, you’ll quickly notice that your vehicles headlights are solely focused on the road ahead, and often won’t give you much perspective beyond that. Being able to see the bigger, wider picture, especially wildlife off to the side of the road provides a safer and more relaxing driving experience. LED spotlight and light bars are a great, affordable bolt on that provides a significantly wider perspective of lighting, and will also intensify the road ahead. Halogen and HID spotlights provide an intense and focused throw to be able to see further ahead down the road. Individually or together an after-market lighting option will provide a safer and more comfortable driving experience.
Foam Cell Pro – Post Trip Inspection
We did a post trip inspection on the Foam Cell Pros from our Simpson Desert crossing, including a dyno test and a complete strip and review of the internals. Check out the video of what they’ve endured and how well they’re still performing!
Foam Cell Pro – Post Trip Inspection We did a post trip inspection on the Foam Cell Pros from our Simpson Desert crossing, including a dyno test and a complete strip and review of the internals.Check out the video of what they’ve endured and how well they’re still performing! Posted by Ironman 4X4 on Wednesday, December 2, 2015
The 5 Things You Forget Camping

Toilet Paper

There’s nothing worse than scavenging the campsite for some “kind” tufts of grass or having to sacrifice that favorite, old t-shirt. Make sure you’ve packed some bog roll and check out the great toilet paper hack we have on our Toilets in the Bush article.

Water

Should be pretty obvious, but water is a pretty essential thing to bring, from drinking to washing, and maybe even putting out the occasional camp fire when moving on. It’s recommended that you carry 5-10L per person per day. That adds up to a lot of water! Pack a jerry can for a weekend or even two!

Gas/Fuel for Cooking Gear

The old butane cartridges rolling around under the seat, are they all full and new? The gas bottle you’ve got on the racks, is it full? It’s easy to overlook these things, especially if the cartridges or containers are there, they just aren’t at full capacity.

Lighters/Matches

This is one I’ve been guilty of on a number of occasions. Those cigarette lighters get taken out of the car to be used and not put back, matches forgotten to be packed? Without these you might be left rubbing two sticks together – not an enviable position to be in!

A Torch/Headlamp

Don’t know if you’ve ever tried to camp without a light at night – let me tell you rocking up to camp after day and realizing you don’t have anything to light your way and help you setup is an absolute pain! Sure you probably have your phone, but it’s not ideal! If you don’t already have one check out the Ironman 4×4 LED Sensor Headlamp.