What do you get when you cross a HiLux with a Tonka?

Thirty grand can go a long way on a 4X4, if you spend it in the right places. From protection and recovery gear to storage, suspension, lighting and 12V power, this is one practical take on turning a bog stock 4X4 into a comfortable, capable touring setup built for proper Australian travel.

Crossing Australia isn’t just a drive, but something that sticks with you. From the wide-open Nullarbor to the red dirt backbone of the Outback Way and the tropical sweep of the Savannah Way, these are the routes that define the country. This is part one of your guide to crossing the continent—where to go, what to see, and why it’s worth every kilometre.

There’s nothing quite like reversing into a caravan park with a full crowd watching. Some pretend not to stare, others make it obvious, but everyone’s waiting to see how it plays out. If you’d rather not be the evening entertainment, here’s how to reverse your setup cleanly, calmly and without the chaos.