New 4x4 show for Melbourne

Off-road enthusiasts in Melbourne will be treated to not one, but two major 4x4 shows this year with the inaugural Explore Australia Expo set to take place at the Melbourne Showgrounds from June 20-22.

Like the well-established Melbourne National 4x4 & Outdoors Show, which runs August 22-24 this year also at the Melbourne Showgrounds, the Explore Australia Expo will have a range of exhibitors from the boating, fishing, RV as well as 4x4 industries.

In fact, organiser Play Hard Media is promising many of the big players in the 4WD accessories business including ARB, Ironman 4x4, Opposite Lock and TJM. There should also be a few caravan/camping specialists among the expected 200 or more exhibitors, including Cub Campers, OzTent, Track Trailer, Ultimate,  Johnno’s Campers and the build-it-yourself Tail Feather.

The ‘face’ of the new show is Simon Christie, who hosts a number of 4x4 TV shows and will demonstrate his custom FJ40 LandCruiser on a specially built Adventure Track during the Expo.

Other off-road entertainment will include demonstrations of recovery and driving techniques, 4WD test rides, as well as more extreme action including monster trucks, ATV, freestyle motocross and remote control off-road scale models.

Other attractions include a Fishing Stage and Young Guns Fishing Adventures Workshop in the Fishing and Marine Hall, while a Seminar Hub will deliver presentations on various topics from experts including 4WD author and trainer Robert Pepper.

Various competitions will also run over the week-end including a show ‘n shine for ‘week-end escape packages’, where a $2000 prize is up for grabs for the best camper, boat or trailer rig.

Like the National 4x4 & Outdoors Show, the Explore Australia Expo is expected to hold events in both Melbourne and Brisbane, although dates and a venue for Queensland are yet to be announced.

For further details visit the Explore Australia Expo website.

Also, check out our 2014 calendar for the full list of upcoming shows in each state.