Articles Index

National Fuel Prices
Nationwide fuel prices are shown in tables by state name. [Feature Story]

Buying a Camper Trailer
For many campers the decision over the 'living quarters' poses the greatest quandary in the pre-trip planning.

About Membership
Become a Member of ExplorOz and you’ll enjoy enhanced usage of the website with access to various tools in each section of the site that are unavailable to those with free registration.

Members Discount Card - Rewards
This page of specials and discounts is available only to ExplorOz Members. These discounts are from our advertisers so please take advantage of these great deals right around Australia.

EPIRB
In this article, we discuss what EPIRBs are, the various types including PLBs and their role in Search and Rescue. There is also an important upgrade notice to owners of 121.5/243 MHz beacons.

Caravan Antenna
As all antenna designs are a compromise at some frequency, the trick is to work out what will give you the least compromise.

Live Weather
The ExplorOz Live Weather system shows Live Rain Radars, Satellite images and 7 days forecasts for hundreds of towns and cities around Australia.

Blogs
Do you enjoy keeping a diary? What about writing travel journals? ExplorOz has a whole new system for Members to share information, thoughts, experiences, photos and more!

Caravan & Camper Battery Charging
Our modern lifestyle and need for electric and electronic products to accompany us on holidays and on our travels has brought us to have independent power in our caravans and campers when away from mains supply

Battery Power
In this article we explain why you might need an additional power source independent of the starting battery installed into your vehicle and we look in detail at types of batteries, how and where to mount them,

Trek Search
ExplorOz Trek Notes are detailed, factual reviews of destinations in Australia to which you can plan a self-drive camping trip.

Tyre Size Calculator
Use this page to work out the radius, circumference and diameter of any size tyre. You can also run comparisons between different tyres and work out the differences in size and odometer corrections.

Permits for New South Wales
The following information is provided to assist you in gaining the right permits to lawfully travel through or access specified regional and outback areas.

Permits for Victoria
The following information is provided to assist you in gaining the right permits to lawfully travel through or access specified regional and outback areas.

Permits for Tasmania
The following information is provided to assist you in gaining the right permits to lawfully travel through or access specified regional and outback areas.

Permits for Queensland
The following information is provided to assist you in gaining the right permits to lawfully travel through or access specified regional and outback areas.

Permits for South Australia
The following information is provided to assist you in gaining the right permits to lawfully travel through or access specified regional and outback areas.

Permits for Western Australia
The following information is provided to assist you in gaining the right permits to lawfully travel through or access specified regional and outback areas.

Permits for Northern Territory
The following information is provided to assist you in gaining the right permits to lawfully travel through or access specified regional and outback areas.

Communications Equipment Review
Communications equipment is especially handy whilst travelling and often essential.

Portable Fridges
The debate over which fridge is the best on the market is one of the most contested discussions in the camping recreation.

Members List
Use this page to view a state based members list or find a specific member.

Suspension
There is an unfortunate but realistic fact about purchasing a new 4WD - it won't come fitted with a suspension system designed to carry the kind of load you'll pack for a serious outback trip.

Road Conditions Index
ExplorOz has access to main roads, shire council and national parks road condition reporting facilities and compiles this information into an easy to read report.

PlotSwap Home
PlotSwap is an interactive area of the ExplorOz website where people who use mapping software can share plot files.

Satellite Phone
With the evolution of satellite technology to deliver phone, television, radio, internet connectivity and many other services, travellers today are now capable of sending and receiving fast and reliable video,

Holiday Dates
You may want to plan your holiday to avoid school holidays or to coincide with the school break.

How to Submit a Trek Note
Trek Notes are a vital part of ExplorOz where people can read and even print driving notes to destinations within Australia.

Accessories
Detailed articles on the complete list of vehicle accessories and equipment on today's market - includes basic essentials for weekend camping and must-have gear for setting up a 4WD for serious offroad use.

Servicing
This topic contains detailed articles related to vehicle servicing, and general vehicle care.

Boating
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages about Boating - including boat trailers and boating accessories.

Staying in Touch when Travelling
With today's technology, it is no longer a valid notion to assume that you will have limited access to modern communication methods whilst you are away from home.

How to Plan a Trip
Getting ready for the road, be it a three week trip or a three year trip might seem something of a daunting task, whether you are a 4WDriver, tow a camper trailer or caravan or drive a luxurious motorhome.

Bike Carriers
Using a recreational vehicle such as a 4WD is all about exploring places and enjoying yourself.

Australia
Select a State to access a list of Regions or go direct to a Region to access detailed destination information consisting of Trek Notes, up-to-date road condition reports, fuel prices, downloadable digital iMap

Finding Wildflowers in WA
Many people stumble across wildflowers in their travels and then wonder how they can find more.

What to Take
In this article, we discuss how to work out what you need to take on your trip. Includes a checklist of items for bush camping in remote areas and also a check list of personal items to suit any trip.

Cooking
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages about Cooking, focussing on camp cooking.

First Aid
First Aid is what you can do to assist an injured person at the scene using only what is available under the prevailing circumstances.

Accommodation
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages we have on Accommodation. We focus specifically on caravan parks, camp grounds, farm and station stays, homesteads and bush camps.

Cargo Drawers
This Article looks at gearing up for a 4WD camping trip and the need to find a sturdy, compact storage solution that won't rattle, break or allow loose items to fly around the cabin.

Caravan Park Search
Find all the Caravan Parks in the ExplorOz Australia-wide Places database.

Food,Shopping Search
Find all the Food,Shoppings in the ExplorOz Australia-wide Places database.

Preparing a Vehicle for Towing
Everyone who intends to tow a caravan, or indeed any sort of trailer, needs to be aware that various tow vehicle and trailer combinations can behave in slightly different ways and certainly different from just

Satellite TV
Satellite TV systems enable viewers to receive free to air and/or pay TV channels in remote locations where land-based television reception is either poor, or non-existent.

GPS Units
GPS technology is improving all the time and brings both safety and navigational benefits to the recreational traveller.

Camping Lights
In this article we list and describe the diverse range of lights available today and the options you might consider before embarking on your camping trip.

Outback Survival
One thing you soon realise as you travel the more remote roads around and through Australia, is that if there is an emergency, you're more or less on your own.

Travelling with Toddlers 1 - 4 Years
This article follows in the same format as the other articles for the younger age-group and provides checklists and tips for travelling with kids from age 1- 4.

Travelling with Babies 0 - 12 Months
This article focuses on planning a long road trip with a baby between 0 - 12 months.

Travelling with Kids 5 - 12 Years
Older kids don't have the same special planning needs as for babies and young toddlers however they are easily bored.

How to Tow a Trailer
Many people either tow trailers, campers, boats or caravans when they travel. When it comes to towing a trailer or camper on the trip, the traveller will now have much more storage space.

Trader - Wheels & Tyres
Browse, buy, or sell wheels and tyres, and associated equipment.

Adventure Trader Results
Browse, buy or sell Parts & Spares related to 4WDs, Caravans, and Camping equipment.

Trader - Accessories
Browse, buy or sell vehicle accessory products (see other categories for communications and navigation equipment).

Trader - Boats
Browse, buy or sell power boats, sail boats and personal watercraft.

Trader - Campers & Trailers
Browse, buy or sell trailers, and camper trailers.

Trader - Camping Gear
Browse, buy, or sell camping gear - including tents, swags, cooking equipment etc. Note that fridges, iceboxes and eskies have their own category.

Trader - Caravans & MotorHomes
Browse, buy, or sell Caravans, Motorhomes, and RVs.

Trader - Fishing Gear
Browse, buy or sell fishing gear - rods, reels, etc. Note that boats are found in a separate category.

Trader - Fridges & IceBoxes
Browse, buy or sell fridges, iceboxes and eskies.

Trader - Miscellaneous
Browse, buy or sell general items that are not related to vehicles or touring. Open to all industries and products.

Trader - Mobiles & Satellite Phone/TV
Browse, buy or sell mobile & satellite phones and television systems.

Trader - Radios & GPS
Browse, buy or sell communications and navigation equipment - includes uhf, hf, epirb, GPS, and satellite navigation systems. Use another category for Mobile and Satellite Phones.

Trader - Vehicles
Browse, buy or sell 4WD and 2WD. For motorhomes, or motorbikes, please use other categories.

Prospecting for Gold
Gold has always generated excitement and anticipation amongst prospectors all over the world. Its whereabouts can be a mystery, yet anyone has the potential to find valueable gold nuggets.

Tyres
This pages provides an index of all content on the site related to Tyres and Rims with thumbnails and summaries of each article, along with links to distributers and manufacturers appearing in our Directory, li

Spare Parts and Tools
Knowing what to take on a trip must firstly begin with specific requirements to keep your vehicle running and how to conduct roadside service if the vehicle breaks down.

Recovery Gear
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages on Recovery Gear - the range of equipment and how to use it.

4WDriving
This topic contains detaled articles related to buying, hiring, learning to drive and where to go with your four wheel drive vehicle in Australia.

Recovery Gear Needs
The majority of situations that will stop a 4WD from moving are tyre punctures or getting yourself bogged in mud or sand - and these can happen in the simplest of situations, and for no real fault of the driver

Winches
All travellers should be capable and equipped for winching so in this article we will discuss the various winching methods and equipment on the market.

Off Road Caravans
Similar to the question you may have asked yourself when considering a 4WD vehicle could also be raised when considering an off road caravan – “Will I be going off road?

Roof Toppers
Thinking of putting a boat on top of the 4WD for your travels so you can do some fishing on your next trip?

Using Digital Maps & Mapping Software
Most people understand the safety and basic navigational features that make GPS systems an important tool for travellers.

GPS for Laptops and PDAs
Laptops and PDAs are very popular devices and it’s great to know that you can power them with GPS equipment.

Permits
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages regarding permits, access and restrictions and includes some important information a traveller should know before embarking through Australian lands and

Access, Restrictions & Permits
If any decent road map of outback Australia is examined, numerous tracks will be marked as “Permit Required”.

Tag Along Tours
If you have ever wondered what happens on a Tag Along Tour, then this article has all the answers. There are tons of options, and surprisingly, they are not all geared towards the first time 4WD traveller.

Directory - Accessories & Parts
This is an advertiser’s directory containing contact details and links for manufacturers & retailers of vehicle accessories & parts Australia-wide.

Directory - Accommodation
This is an advertiser’s directory containing contact details and links for station stays, caravan parks, and other regional accommodation options Australia-wide.

Directory - Attractions
This is an advertiser’s directory containing contact details and links for theme parks, galleries, museums, and commercial tourist attractions Australia-wide.

Directory - Campers & Trailers
This is an advertiser’s directory containing contact details and links for manufacturers, retailers and places to hire camper trailers and general purpose trailers Australia-wide.

Directory - Camping Equipment
This is an advertiser’s directory containing contact details and links for manufacturers, retailers and places to hire camping equipment.

Directory - Caravans & Motorhomes
This is an advertiser’s directory containing contact details and links for manufacturers, retailers and hire outlets for all models of caravans, fifth wheelers, campervans, motorhomes, and RVs.

Directory - Clubs
This is a special directory containing contact details and links for bondafide clubs in the 4WD, Caravan, Motorhome/RV and Camping industry Australia-wide.

Directory - Communications
This is an advertiser’s directory containing contact details and links for manufacturers, retailers and places to hire outback communications equipment Australia-wide.

Directory - Driver Training
This is an advertiser’s directory containing contact details and links for companies that offer Driver Training courses, including 4WD and Towing education Australia-wide.

Directory - References
This is an advertiser’s directory containing contact details and links for publishers that provide online services, books or map products.

Directory - Servicing
This is an advertiser’s directory containing contact details and links for manufacturers, retailers and service outlets specifically for Touring & 4WD vehicles.

Directory - Tours
This is an advertiser’s directory containing contact details and links for tour operators - including private charter by 4WD, Tag Alongs, Safaris and Bus Tours.

Directory - Tyres & Rims
This is an advertiser’s directory containing contact details and links for manufacturers & retailers of vehicle tyres, and rims, especially those designed for 4WDs, and trailers.

Directory - Vehicles
This is an advertiser’s directory containing contact details and links for vehicle manufacturers, vehicle dealerships, and car-finding services Australia-wide.

Types of Tours
This article lists the different sorts of 4WD Tours on offer by commercial operators in Australia and defines the differences between each.

Caravan Interior
The interior of a caravan can provide a feeling of comfort and satisfaction as long as this space is utilised wisely.

Compact Caravans
Caravans come in many styles, shapes and sizes but have you ever wondered how compact a caravan can get?

Fifth Wheel Caravans
The concept for using a fifth wheel hitch for a road-based semi trailer has been around for nearly a century.

Pop-Top Caravans
The next time you are on your travels, take a look at the types of caravans being towed and you will soon notice how popular the pop-top caravan really is.

Buying a Motorhome
Motorhomes combine living accommodations and travel in the one package and the options are endless. The amount to learn can be quite overwhelming to the newbie.

Buying a Caravan
If you're considering taking your time exploring what Australia has to offer, then taking a caravan with you is great option.

Technical
This topic contains detailed articles related to engine modifications.

Itineraries & Planning
Australia is a complex country in which to travel.

Membership Statistics
This page gives a quick snapshot of information specifically about our Member base, including the current status and distribution of these financial members.

Diesel Fuel Injection Systems
For drivers of petrol/gasoline-engined vehicles, fuel injection is a relatively new innovation.

Survival
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages discussing Outback Safety and Survival.

Visit Australia
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages for the foreign traveller coming to Australia.

Vehicle Choices
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages about Vehicles, in particular how to choose the right vehicle for your trip.

Travelling With Kids
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages about Travelling with Kids.

Trek Notes
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages on the huge range of Destinations in Australia.

Tours
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages about Tours - focussing on tours of the outback including 4WD Tag-along tours, guided tours etc.

Things To Do
From hiking to sightseeing, photography to looking for wildflowers, bush walking to mountain trekking, wild animal spotting to adventure seeking, there is always things to do when you put your mind to it.

Navigation
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages about navigation - available equipment and how to use it.

Motorhomes
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages about motorhomes.

Power & Electrics
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages about vehicle Power and Electrics as it relates to setting up your vehicle and staying powered whilst on the road travelling, or stationary at a campsit

Caravanning
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages about caravans, motorhomes and RVs.

Campers & Trailers
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages about Trailers - including camper trailers, boat trailers and other trailer related accessories.

Communications
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages about communications equipment.

Camping
This page gives you access to all the relevant site pages about camping.

4WD Driving Skills & Rules
4WD vehicles are designed to drive through obstacles that conventional (2WD) vehicles would not be able to overcome.

4WD Treks
ExplorOz Trek Notes are detailed, factual reviews of destinations in Australia to which you can plan a self-drive camping trip.

Aftermarket Seats
Unfortunately, car manufacturers don't always expect us to actually take our vehicles offroad - so when it comes to fitting out your vehicle for a major trip you replace your suspension to improve the ride so .

All Terrain (AT) Tyres
When you are looking for a compromise between off-road capability and good on-road manners, an All-Terrain (AT) tyre is the way to go.

Bull Bars, Rails & Steps
A vehicle's bull bar, sides steps and rails are known as its "bar work".

Buying a 4WD
This article focuses on the major considerations when choosing a 4WD vehicle for the purpose of travelling and camping.

Camp Cooking
Whether it's cooking a stir fry on a gas powered fry-pan or brewing up a hot stew in a camp oven over hot coals - this article will provide you with some great outback cooking tips.

Camp Tables
One of the most obvious camping equipment purchases we all make and hope will be our last – is the table.

Camper & Trailer Treks
ExplorOz Trek Notes are detailed, factual reviews of destinations in Australia to which you can plan a self-drive camping trip.

Camper Trailer Hire
With the range and quality of camper trailers available for hire, exploring those once hard to get to places is now a reality.

Caravan Treks
ExplorOz Trek Notes are detailed, factual reviews of destinations in Australia to which you can plan a self-drive camping trip.

Care for the Environment
How much thought have you given to how you can minimise the impact you and your family make upon the environment when you head off on a trip?

Driver Training
A lot of new four wheel drivers have instantly recognised the need for the acquisition of new skills in the use of their four wheel drive.

Driving Lights
If you plan to do any night driving in the outback then a strong reliable light source is a must.

Engine Performance
Having a vehicle that is performing well is important for reasons other than just speed and power.

ExplorOz Membership Application
Benefits and Payment Information

Food & Water
One of the most important considerations when planning an outback trip is the selection of foods to take and the amount needed to keep everyone healthy and happy.

Generator Power
The generator, which was discovered by Michael Faraday, is an ingenious device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

HF Radio
HF Radios are a wise consideration if you intend to travel throughout remote regions of Australia.

Highway Terrain (HT) Tyres
Highway Terrain tyres are designed to offer the best in road travel conditions with good ride comfort, low noise and freeway speed durability and road handling.

Hiring a 4WD or Campervan
This article is intended to help the international visitor to Australia who is trying to work out the best way to choose a vehicle for a self-drive trip.

Intercoolers for Diesels
“Intercooled” - it’s a pretty “cool” looking decal to have along the side of your vehicle but what does it mean? And more importantly, what does it do?

Inverters
This article discusses how Inverters work and why they are so desirable to many travellers.

Long Range Fuel Tanks
A large number of outback treks involve long distances between fuel outlets. Jerry cans are dangerous, difficult to store and not as convenient as a long range fuel tank.

Making Your Itinerary
Before you embark upon the logistics of planning for your trip (vehicle setup, camping gear) it is essential that you have made some sort of an itinerary.

Members FileSwap
This area is designed to allow ExplorOz members to exchange files and utilities.

Members Trips & Gatherings
This is a dedicated Trip System for Members to organise group Trips/Gatherings that are open to all.

Motorhome Treks
ExplorOz Trek Notes are detailed, factual reviews of destinations in Australia to which you can plan a self-drive camping trip.

Mud Terrain (MT) Tyres
Mud Terrain tyres are not just for hard-core 4WD enthusiats but are generally recommended for drivers who spend at least 80% of their time off-road.

Oils and Lubes
Whether you drive an old or a new vehicle, oils and lubricants for your engine, diff and gearbox are critical factors affecting performance and also your running costs.

Outback Phenomena
In this article, we talk about two natural wonders that you may encounter on your travels. Willy Willies, also known as dust devils can spring up from nowhere and are an amazing sight to witness.

Roof Racks, Luggage Trays & Boxes
In this article we look at the pros and cons of using the roof of your vehicle for storage when travelling; discuss what not to carry on your roof; provide some helpful packing hints and finally some useful buy

Snorkel
Although significantly different, both petrol and diesel engines require a steady flow of air to operate.

Solar Power
This article is aimed towards the motorhome/caravan traveller, but is equally relevant to anyone trying to make use of solar energy to power devices whilst on-the-road.

Taking Great Photos
Photography is a way some people record the places they've been, special moments in life, or is a way to express creativity.

The RV Lifestyle
What is it that attracts so many people to the Recreational Vehicle (RV) lifestyle?

Travel Etiquette
Etiquette is a word describing the norms that we as society should adhere to, in regards to consideration and respect.

Trip Journal Index
The ExplorOz Team started writing trip journals in 1998 and have recorded every day of their travels right up to today.

Turbos and Super Chargers
This article uses terminology that is explained in our Why Diesels are Different article and discusses the application of forced induction in regards to diesels.

UHF Radio
If you are considering a trip into Australia’s vast outback, then a UHF Radio is an important communications device to have.

UHF Repeaters Index
We have provided a list of repeaters as a guide showing you the location and frequency of UHF repeaters across Australia.

Vehicle Care
This article outlines options for prolonging the life and looks of your vehicle - especially one that is used for outback travelling where it is subjected to temperature extremes, excessive dust, dirt, mud and

Vehicle Shower
Water is the single most precious commodity you need to carry for your trip. Although heavy, we need to carry it for drinking, cooking and washing.

Water Tank
Water storage is a critical issue for all four wheel drivers. Not only do you need to carry large amounts of fresh water, you also need 2 alternate supplies in case of contamination from one source.

Why Diesels are Different
The diesel engine, named after the German engineer Rudolf Diesel, is a type of internal combustion engine that is somewhat different to a petrol engine.