Destinations > Across OZ Overlander Readers' Trip, part 1

Marble Bar proved to be a real hit with the small caravan park providing welcome showers and washing machines plus a beautiful sunset at the actual Marble Bar on the Coongan River. From here we diverted from our intended route because I found some quiet back roads that would take us to Newman. This proved to be a highlight as we discovered some amazing land formations and literally stumbled across some ancient Aboriginal rock art.

Newman is a huge mining town and the Whaleback Mine is even bigger. Our group enjoyed a mine tour where we learnt that a flat tyre on these trucks costs thousands of dollars to repair, this made those in our group experiencing tyre problems feel more comfortable about their repair costs. This also marked the end of our predominantly desert travel and from here on we would experience mountains, gorges and coastal scenery that would be stunning. Some of the best sights in Australia awaited our group. Part two of the Across Oz Overlander Readers' Trip will continue next month.

ENGEL fridge
Forty-seven days in the Outback in weather reaching over 36˚C gave the ENGEL fridge a real work-out. Even after the thousands of kilometres of corrugations we crossed, it never missed a beat. With the fridge interior temperature displayed on an exterior screen it's easy to monitor how it's going. For more info visit www.engelaustralia.com.au or phone 1300 302 653.

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4WD Megastores
This company has long been a leader in the aftermarket industry and its co-owner, Craig Ruting from the Blacktown Store, supported the Across OZ trip. Craig completed the double crossing in his fully-kitted Megastore LandCruiser, proving what they sell in the shop has been Outback tested. Visit www.4wdmegastores.com.au for dealer info.

Southern Cross Canvas
Two products tested on the trip were a pull out canvas awning and a centre pole tent, both supplied by Southern Cross Canvas. The easy-to-erect awning, fitted to the roofrack, provided plenty of shade and was rugged enough to last the whole trip. The tent proved its worth after surviving a ferocious electrical and wind storm that ripped through the camp at Kalbarri. For more info visit www.southerncrosscanvas.com.au or phone (03) 9729 5056.

Great Divide Tours
Overlander would like to thank Vic and everyone at Great Divide Tours for helping organise this mammoth trip. Great Divide Tours has been in the business of conducting 4WD tag-along tours and driver training courses for over seventeen years. For more info visit www.4wd.net.au or phone (02) 9913 1395.
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