Sandy Cape is accessible for a 2WD, and it isn’t quite a caravan park. Other than that, there really isn’t much near Perth, as everything from Lancelin through to Jurien is banned. Going south everything I can think of within a few hours would require a four wheel drive.

Best of luck
Aaron

I don’t think there are any signs – its just a clearing where people drop their motorbikes off and deflate/pump their tyres up.

It isn’t where you camp – most people camp on the beach or just behind the first dune, which is at least 1km away. I wouldn’t go in there with a 2WD; its too easy to get stuck.

Aaron

Have a look around for some four wheel drive clubs in Perth – there are a few. The http://www.perth4x4.net/forum/ forum is a good place to meet people with the same interests. I’d jump on http://www.4wdaction.com.au/forum first – there are some great guys on there from Perth who would love to meet some new members.

We are very lucky in Australia to be so safe. In the bush you won’t have any issues with safety, but its always better to go with friends and people that share the same interest.

I am sure you wont have a problem meeting some awesome people who share the same love of travelling in WA

Take care
Aaron

Cool website you have.

Just wondering if you organize a camping trip, or form a camping club, esp for family with kids. I’ve been camping all around place, but in a Caravan Park…just to be sure it is safe. but always want to camp at the national park as it close to nature and more adventurous I guess. But, main problem is, I don’t have any other family who share the same interest, as well as I am concerned on the safety issues.

So, can you let me know if you or anyone you know organizing this kind of trip…esp next coming Easter.

Cheers.

Zac.

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