If there are two things I love about this line of work, is travelling to remote locations, and testing the new crop of 4x4s. When Isuzu Ute Australia extended an invitation to join them and other media representatives on an I-Venture Club trip through the Flinders Ranges… we’ll, it’s safe to say I jumped on the first flight to Adelaide I could.
What’s the story?
The mission, which I clearly chose to accept, was to spend a week in the Flinders. I’d be driving the camera crew’s vehicle for most of the trip. A 1.9L powered Isuzu MU-X. But I’d also be jumping into the new 2024 Isuzu D-Max, which I’ve reviewed previously. I came away impressed with the 2024 model from the launch event. It really feels like Isuzu has ironed out the niggles, and made the 2024 D-Max a properly good ute. But that’s easy to say from a launch event. I wanted to live with this vehicle in the rugged Flinders Ranges, and use it how you would at home.
Here’s a bit of a recap of the trip, some memorable places I feel you should visit in the Flinders, some info about the I-Venture Club and my thoughts on the 2024 model range of 4x4s from Isuzu.
The fun begins
The first day of proper action after our commute to the starting location, saw our convoy of Isuzu MU-X and D-MAX 4x4s, including the new 1.9L powered Isuzu MU-X and 2024 updated Isuzu D-MAX with Rough Terrain Mode (my favourite button) meet up in Hawker for lunch at the Flinders Food Co, this is the official meeting point and where we introduced ourselves to everyone, following a safety briefing. With the meet and greet and training out of the way, it was time to select low-range 4×4, deploy diff-locks, and those with newer models, Rough Terrain Mode activated. Our first off-road loop was Merna Mora Station where we would experience the challenging and suitably named Wowee Track. The drive lasted a few magical hours as we weren’t in a rush. And some of us had to work (yeah if you can call it that) taking images and shooting videos in the glorious lighting the Flinders is famous for.
Flinders travel tip number one – Put the Wowee Track on your itinerary if like us you love 4x4ing and photography.
Get ready for adventurous dining experiences
The red sand dunes of Nilpena Station were calling, and I was super keen to have a play on red sand dunes for the first time. The entire group was also keen to test the 1.9L-powered Isuzu MU-X on dunes. And to be honest, I walked away impressed with the performance of the 1.9L, when in low-range 4×4.
Driving on red sand is an awesome experience. Something I’ll never forget, and something I’d absolutely recommend you try if visiting the Flinders. It was challenging driving in the soft powdery sand, but with a little momentum most made it through unscathed. For others, it was a lesson in how to safely and correctly use recovery techniques, such as recovery boards. If the red sands of Nilpena Station weren’t exciting enough, lunch at the Prairie Hotel certainly was. You gotta love a country pub, and these guys were really pushing local produce. I’m talking Emu Liver Pate, Camel Salami, Kangaroo Jerky and smoked ham. My late grandmother once told me, you never say no to a free feed. So while there were some nerves, I have to say the interesting food on offer was first class. Definitely give it a go.
Tip number two – stop for a feed at the Prairie Hotel.
Time to engage low-range 4×4
It’s always amazing to see people come out of their shells on these trips. Once they see just how capable their vehicles are, and how capable the instructors are, they become experts in a few days. Today would test these newfound skills. Starting with a leisurely drive up to Stokes Hill Lookout, we witnessed Wilpena Pound from elevation. Things were about to get much much more challenging though, and those skills acquired over the last few days were really put to test.
As a group, we successfully climbed Angorichina Trail and the Carey Hill Summit. This saw vehicles lifting wheels, testing out traction control systems, and punters smiling like lunatics. This is what I-Venture Club trips are all about. Safety in numbers. And excellent guidance from Lead Instructor David Wilson. If at any stage you need a hand, be that changing a spare tyre, or navigating through tough terrain, you’ll never go it alone on an I-Venture Club trip.
With tyres pumped back up to placard pressures, it was time to vehture back to Wilpena pound. Here we were greeted with a fantastic meal, which provided fuel to spend the next few hours swapping stories around the inviting glow of a perfect campfire. A Welcome To Country ceremony was performed, followed by a star gazing session from two local Adnyamathanha Aboriginal guides.A humbling, entertaining and educational experience I’d recommend to everyone.
Tip number three: Wilpena Pound offers many experiences, it’s not just a place to park up
Getting there
Located in South Australia, the Flinders Ranges is a stunning four-wheel drive destination popular with tourers and caravan owners approximately 14 14-hour drive from NSW. Using Adelaide as a starting point, to get to Wilpena Pound, take either the Inland Road through Clare Valley or stop off at Port Augusta for supplies (last major stop). The journey to Wilpena Pound, from Adelaide will take roughly five hours. Take your time though, as there is loads of wildlife on the roads.
Where we stayed
We stayed at Wilpena Pound which was an excellent base camp with top-shelf amenities. On-site you’ll experience camping options as well as glamping tents and permanent accommodation – there’s also a swimming pool, which is a welcome sight after a long hot day on the tracks. From Wilpena Pound, you can easily do day trips to popular locations along the way.
Best time of year?
The Flinders Ranges is open all year round, but I will say it’s best to avoid the summer months as it gets very hot and the flies are the size of dinner plates. Staff at Wilpena Pound recommended the best time to travel the Flinmders is between April and October. We visited in early May, and found the days warm, and evenings cool
I-Venture Club
If you own an Isuzu 4×4, you’re a member of a 4×4 club essentially. The I-Venture Club takes Isuzu fans all around the country on off-road adventures. These include driver training, day trips and extended adventures such as this Flinders Ranges trip. From the second you meet up, you are taken care of. Be that a simple bottle of water, help to change a tyre, or driver instructions from lead trainer David Wilson. It’s a unique program, and one that I feel is a positive thing for four-wheel drivers and Isuzu owners. Check out what they are getting up to, see past events and future trips coming up at the I-Venture Club website.
Five things to bring on a Flinders adventure
- Tyre deflator
- Air compressor
- A snorkel
- Good quality light truck tyres
- Bull bar
Watch the adventure here
