Back in the eighties, that’s the 1980’s, we often took what we called frolics – a day out in the hinterland, through the State Forest or along dirt roads in the bush armed with a picnic, a map and a sense of adventure. The frolics developed into extended holidays and we started our love of touring with a Ford Telstar and a 10 foot caravan.
When we moved to the North Coast of NSW in the late nineties we found ourselves in 4 wheel drive and camping heaven. Five minutes up the road, the tar turned to gravel and we were in the rainforest or on a deserted beach with no phone coverage and each other for company. Joining the local 4 wheel drive club gave us the local knowledge to find some amazing waterfalls, camping spots, challenging drives and historical locations. I also learnt to drive the 4 wheel drive with the Driver Trainer who did raise his voice and repeat his directions several times on one particularly steep hill but it was better than your husband shouting in panic! My husband David still offers “suggestions” when I drive but he’s become more comfortable in the passenger seat. At least that’s what I think!
We’ve already done some exciting touring with club members who became good friends and share our love of the bush and the road less travelled. We’ve shared the experience of The Telegraph Track on Cape York, the sand tracks of Fraser Island, the dunes of the Simpson Desert and the wild, west coast of the Tasmanian wilderness. BUT….. we were always on a tight schedule so there are many places that need a return visit and just as many we’ve never seen.
Now that I’m retiring and we’re well practiced in the bush the schedule is far more flexible and the pace more relaxed so we’re ready to travel Australia’s south-east coast, visit the Victorian High Country, travel outback 4wd tracks and the old Kidman droving routes from Ceduna to Kalumburu then across the Kimberley along the Gibb River Road. So after 10 years of dreaming and reading and pouring over maps we’re ready to give it a go hoping to be on the eastern edge of the Kimberley by June. Just the start of an epic touring adventure.
Our 2012 Pajero and MK III Tvan Murranji are ready to take us along Blue Rag in The Victorian Alps, up Goog’s Track in South Australia, along Binn’s Track and the Buchanan Highway and of course the Murranji Track in the Northern Territory. Where else would you take your Murranji? We’re sure there’ll be thousands of interesting places, people and sights in between as well.
When we visited the Frank Murray Art Gallery in Lightning Ridge I kept going back to these three emu stickers that just longed to be on the side of our Tvan and travel with us. I think the one with the long eye lashes is just like me! So with the help of Mark from TJM Coffs Harbour our Pajero has been set up as a reliable tourer, the Tvan’s sturdy build and the emus in place we’re ready to hit the road to travel “On The Emu Track”.
Launch date, Australia Day 2016! Say hello if you see us On The Emu Track.
Cheryl and David
