The road is technically ‘closed’ but people continue to use it. I would say it’s likely you would be warned or fined if caught using it. It’s a shame the track is no longer open, but at least you can still get to Wedge Island via Indian Ocean Drive.

Cheers
Aaron

I believe all space cab (or extra cab) hilux’s that were made before 1997 were independent front suspension. How serious is your four wheel driving going to be? If you don’t plan on running huge tyres and a big lift kit, independent front suspension (IFS) is fine. If you want a solid axle and diesel, it really only leaves you with the 2.8 litre engine, which is one of the most reliable engines put in Hilux’s. Finding one in good condition is difficult these days, especially one with a turbo. You can put a turbo on, but a lot of people don’t recommend it if the engine has done a few kays. The 2.8 isn’t a power house in stock form, so don’t expect to win any drag races! You could look at transplanting the engines, although I don’t know if this is a feasible option.

If you don’t mind going IFS, you can get a decent 3.0 litre diesel and modify it to an extent that it will easily handle desert trips.

Troopies are great vehicles too, but they aren’t cheap for something with lower kilometres. They are also a bit top heavy, but I guess there are advantages and disadvantages of both vehicles.

I have similar hobbies to you, and if I had to do it again I would probably look for a tidy 2.8 diesel hilux dual cab, with the basic mods already done (bull bar, spotlights, turbo, side steps, canopy, rear bar etc) and purchase it. You don’t need anything too over the top for long trips, but you want something that is going to be reliable. I’d set it up with a rear drawer system in the back, roof racks, rear lighting, 2 inch lift, some decent all terrains and a long range tank, and you would be fairly well set unp to tackle almost anything. Take your time and do a heap of research, and you will eventually come across a great car. If you aren’t in a hurry, you will save the most money. Shaun from 4×4 Action spent nearly 3 months looking for his dream 60 series, because of all the ‘junk’ that exists.

Hopefully that is a bit of a help!

Let me know how you go
Aaron

Great website you have.
My current vehicle is a petrol engined 1990 Hilux 4×4 ute with a 3″ lift kit (so I was told by the previous owner), she has done about 345,000k’s. The reason I bought it was I had just moved from sunny Melbourne to Perth looking for work and I wanted a cheap reliable 4×4. At the time the Hilux I bought was the only one around at the price I could afford.
My main complaint with the single cab is finding somewhere to hid the street directory and other bits and pieces (call this lack of internal space) and the noise.
I need a tray or ute to carry my tools around as I’m a contract fitter.
I’m considering buying a early to mid 1990′s dual cab or space cab body, possibly with a diesel engine (turbo’d?) and solid axles, this will be a project vehicle as I also want to fit it out for some long range desert trips……..maybe the Simpson?? I’m also into sailing and scuba diving so I need carrying capacity for my gear at different times.
The only other alternative I can think of is a Troopy.
I’d like to swap ideas around before I committ to starting this project and would appreciate any help or tips you can give me.
Kind regards,
Kevin

Dwellingup is an amazing place – you will have a great trip down there. I only really know of the camping in the national park. The facilities are limited to a drop toilet in most. If you want anything above that you would have to camp closer in to town. What sort of set up do you have? Baden Powel is probably the most used camp site, but Yarragil is my favourite if you can get it. I believe you have to pre book (and it costs a few dollars each night to camp there), but any of the major campsites in Dwellingup are close to the river. Fishing is good almost anywhere, but island pools and just below Bobs crossing is good. You need a fresh water license to fish in Dwellingup though. Fires are permitted at most camp sites, and if there isn’t a designated fire place if you ask the ranger they will usually give permission to make your own up, providing you do it sensibly.

Have a look at http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/content/view/397/96/#top for some more information.

Have a great trip
Aaron

i been looking around for a place to camp an i spotted your page .. i was hoping you could give me some tips/info/advice on camp areas around Dwellingup .. i got 6 people who wanna go camping but half haven’t gone before wanted to find a place where yu could still sleep in a tent an cook over a fire an not feel out of place being surrounded by people wit their tvs an huge caravans.. so i wanted to know are there goods spots around that arent extreme camping .. but still allow camp fires an have showers an toilets, has activities specially good fishing. but arent like some others ive seen that have full golf courses or tv connections, movie rooms or 4 star cabins to stay in….. wanted to spend 2-3 days camping out .. Thankyou

I am disappointed to hear about this. It sounds just like Wedge Island (with people doing things they shouldn’t, which eventually led to camping being banned) ! I will modify the post to include portable toilets – people need to take a bit of responsibility for their actions. As for jet ski’s and that, people need to ride sensibly too – there are a lot of people that snorkel around the reef and I would hate to hear of an accident.

Please look after what we have to enjoy!

Aaron

There are a number of places around Perth – Mundaring Powerlines Track, Julimar, Brunswick Junction, Wedge Island, Wilbinga and Dwellingup. Have a read of the posts. Mundaring and Brunswick have some serious four wheel driving where you will damage your vehicle if you don’t have some solid modifications. Let me know how you go!

Aaron