THE National 4×4 Outdoors Show, Fishing and Boating Expo has been Brisbane’s leading event for outdoor enthusiasts for over two decades and is back for 2018 this week, bigger and better than ever before.
Beginning this Friday, March 16, through to Sunday, March 18, at the Brisbane Showgrounds, the event will feature thousands of the most exciting 4×4, fishing, boating and outdoor products, as well as a range of demonstrations and access to some of the country’s most well-known experts.
The 2018 event is also set to be bolstered by a new partnership with the Boating Industry Association (BIA). The collaboration will see the BIA and its members take over the John Reid Pavilion with a marine display reminiscent of the old Tinnie and Tackle Show.
The BIA was last involved in the show in 2014, and a demand for exposure in the Brisbane area has led to a new partnership for this year’s event. With Queensland laying claim to more registered boats (256,000) and boat licences (694,000) than any other state in Australia, the partnership makes sense.
Australia’s brightest off-road, adventure and fishing personalities from television and radio will take to the Waeco CFX Outback Stage, presented by Dometic and the Catch and Cook Stage to share tales, tips, advice and demonstrations.
At the top of the line-up Aussie legend, Ernie Dingo, will be joined by LowRange co-hosts Glen Hadden and Kent Hindley, to catch up with Rick O’Brien from the Offroad Adventure Show.
Jase and Simon from Australia’s number one four-wheel-drive and adventure show, All 4 Adventure, will also be making a series of appearances as will Mr 4×4 himself, Pat Callinan.
Also appearing over the weekend, will be “Outside Man” Paul Burt, Graham and Shauno from 4WD Action, expert 4WD builder Glen Hadden, and 4WD legend John “Roothy” Rooth.
For fishing enthusiasts, Kaj “Bushy” Busch will be on hand communicating tales from his famous adventures. Also on the line-up for fishing fans are lure expert Tim Simpson and The Fishing Show host Nige Webster, who will both be hosting shows across the weekend.
The legendary Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt is back again in 2018, and will be whipping up some taste sensations on the Catch and Cook Stage as part of his Stove on the Road show.
If lost treasures take your fancy, David Watters will take to the stage to share his extensive knowledge from over three decades in the goldfields.
Once you have heard from the experts, head over to Base Camp to trial, test and check out all the latest tents, camper trailers, 4WDs, swags and equipment in real-life simulation.
2018 marks the return of Base Camp, first seen last year and now more than doubled in size and featuring displays from more than 15 key show exhibitors including ARB, TJM and Darche.
An interactive campsite designed to give visitors a feel for the best of the outback lifestyle, Base Camp is the ultimate inspiration for both seasoned outback enthusiasts and those considering their first foray into the great outdoors.
From traditional Summer sporting activities, to lazing around enjoying live music and bush tucker, Base Camp simulates the quintessential Australian outdoor experience.
While adults can kick back and enjoy some bush tucker and a drink at the bar, kids will be kept busy with indoor cricket displays courtesy of Nexus Sports.
For the off-roading enthusiast, the Eagers Holden Proving Ground is a must-see, giving visitors the chance to experience the latest Holden vehicles on the purpose-built 4×4 track.
Featuring a variety of surfaces, including a compact rock segment, timber logs and an artificial steep hill, enthusiasts will learn how to maximise the use of their 4×4s with the help of the team at Eagers Holden and Four Wheel Drive Queensland. If you’re lucky you might even get Craig Lowndes to take you for a spin.
For those new to off-roading, the training team from Four Wheel Drive Queensland will be on hand to provide the latest best practice techniques on safety, recovery, hill stall, vehicle preparation and all-terrain driving skills.
Enthusiasts who visit the Eagers Holden stand at the National 4×4 Outdoors Show also have the opportunity to win incredible prizes, such as a luxury weekend escape which includes a loan of the new Holden Equinox.
The Action Arena will also be back in 2018, bringing with it, an incredible range of adrenaline-fuelled entertainment for the whole family. The All4FMX ATV show and Cam White Pro BMX Team will be testing the limits across the weekend in a series of death-defying performances that cannot be missed.
Also part of the Action Arena, at an incredible 100 percent gradient (45 degrees) the Isuzu UTE Iron Summit is the steepest 4WD ramp in the world. See the world from a different angle by taking a free ride up and over the Iron Summit or join the guys at Team D-Max and take a two wheel ride in an Isuzu D-MAX.
From fishing rods, to cargo nets, to headlamps, to caravans, thousands of the latest and greatest 4×4, fishing, boating and outdoor innovations will be on show from over 200 of Australia’s most passionate industry leaders and exhibitors.
To purchase tickets and for further information about the show visit www.4x4show.com.au/brisbane.
