The Basics: Preparing for Your First 4x4 Touring Adventure
There’s something uniquely satisfying about packing up the rig, turning off the bitumen, and heading into the wild. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a months-long lap around Australia, 4x4 touring offers a kind of freedom that’s hard to beat. But as any seasoned traveller will tell you, that freedom is earned—through preparation, planning, and respect for the road less travelled.
If you're just starting out, here’s a no-fuss guide to the basics of getting yourself and your vehicle adventure-ready.
1. Know Your Vehicle
Before you worry about mods and accessories, get to know your 4WD inside and out. Learn how to engage 4WD and low range, check your fluids, and change a tyre. Understand your clearance, your fuel range, and what your rig can (and can’t) handle.
Not sure where to start? Practice driving on different terrains—sand, gravel, mud—in a controlled setting before you take on anything remote.
2. Pack Smart, Not Heavy
When it comes to gear, more isn’t always better. You’ll need:
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Recovery gear: A quality snatch strap, shackles, tyre deflator and compressor, and recovery tracks.
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Basic tools and spares: Fuses, fluids, zip ties, spare belts, and hoses.
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Tyre repair kit: Punctures happen. Be ready to plug a hole on the fly.
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Navigation tools: Paper maps, HEMA or Gaia GPS apps, and a PLB or sat phone if heading remote.
Weight adds up fast—especially when you factor in water, food, fuel, and passengers. Distribute weight evenly and keep heavy items low, and secure. It's very easy to go overboard on rarely used items.
3. Camp Setup Essentials
Comfort counts when you’re days from anywhere. A reliable swag or rooftop tent, awning, camp chairs, and a simple cooking setup can make all the difference.
A dual battery system or portable power pack will keep your fridge and lights running without flattening your starter battery. Solar panels or a DC-DC charger are a great addition if you plan to be off-grid for longer stretches.
4. Plan, Then Be Flexible
Always let someone know where you’re going, and have a rough plan—even if the beauty of touring lies in its spontaneity. Check weather, road conditions, and local permits. If you’re heading into national parks or Aboriginal land, make sure to organise any required passes ahead of time.
But also, be ready to change your route. Wet season flash floods, road closures, or a flat battery in a roadhouse car park can all shift your plans in a heartbeat.
5. Respect the Land, and Locals
Leave no trace. Camp only where allowed, pack out what you pack in, and drive responsibly. 4WD tracks aren’t playgrounds—they’re access roads, cattle stations, and sacred land.
Chat with locals, support roadhouses and small-town businesses, and take the time to learn the stories behind the places you visit.
You don’t need the flashiest setup or thousands of dollars of gear to start 4x4 touring. You need a reliable vehicle, some basic knowledge, and a genuine curiosity for what’s out there. Start small. Build experience. The rest will come.
The tracks are calling. We'll see ya out there.