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BENEATH THE BRIM WITH
Shaun "Shauno" Whale
4WD Adventurer
For Shaun “Shauno” Whale, adventure starts where the bitumen ends. After more than 20 years exploring Australia’s toughest tracks and most remote country, he’s become a familiar face in the Australian 4WD community and a passionate advocate for getting outdoors.
Through 4WD 24/7, Shauno has inspired countless adventurers to explore further, take on new challenges and experience the freedom of the open road.
Beyond The Bitumen
YOU’VE SPENT MORE THAN 20 YEARS EXPLORING AUSTRALIA BY 4WD. WHAT IS IT ABOUT FOUR-WHEEL DRIVING AND GETTING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK THAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
For me, it has to be the freedom and exploring the unknown, the excitement of adventure. We live in such a vast and beautiful country where some of the best places take a bit of effort to get to. I also love getting as remote and far from civilisation as possible and being completely immersed in the Aussie bush. It’s a bit of a reset for me!
I’ve been travelling through some of the wildest parts of Australia for 20 years and it still feels like I’ve only just scraped the surface.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT 4WD ADVENTURE IN AUSTRALIA? IS IT THE TRACK, THE DESTINATION, THE CHALLENGE OR SOMETHING ELSE?
I think it’s all those aspects and more. I love the feeling of travelling far off the beaten track, tackling obstacles, overcoming challenges and enjoying great campsites, but the number one thing is creating great memories with the people who you share it with. There’s nothing like sitting around a campfire at the end of a big day of 4WDing, beer in hand and laughing with your mates.
The driving is only one small part of the adventure. It’s what I get to experience along the way. Seeing amazing wildlife, fishing in untouched waterways and along remote coastlines is what does it for me.
The Road Less Travelled
IS THERE A TRACK OR DESTINATION THAT YOU THINK EVERY OFF-ROAD ENTHUSIAST SHOULD EXPERIENCE AT LEAST ONCE?
It’s so hard to narrow it down to one destination, but I’d have to say Cape York is right up there. Every part of a trip like that is an adventure, especially when you start tackling iconic tracks like the Old Tele, Frenchmans and little unknown side tracks.
From deep water crossings, amazing fishing and the most scenic campsites you’ll ever roll some canvas out at, the Cape is one place every Aussie should visit at least once.
YOU’VE DRIVEN THROUGH SOME SERIOUSLY CHALLENGING TERRAIN. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST LESSON THE OUTDOORS HAS TAUGHT YOU ABOUT DEALING WITH THE AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPE?
No matter how prepared you might think you are, things can go wrong. Whether it’s mechanical failures or simply Mother Nature throwing a curve ball, you always need to expect the unexpected.
We’ve had holes in radiators in the most remote reaches of the country, dry deserts that have turned into flood zones, tracks that have become so wild we’ve had to turn back, but sometimes that can be half the fun. No good off-road story has ever started off with, “It was easy and we got to the campsite.”
Preparing For The Unexpected
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN PREPARING A 4WD FOR A REMOTE TRIP, PARTICULARLY WHEN YOU KNOW YOU COULD BE DAYS FROM THE NEAREST TOWN?
The number one rule is making sure your vehicle is mechanically up for the challenge. It’s nice to have all the you-beaut accessories, but the lack of modifications should never stop you from going on the next adventure.
For me, some decent tyres, a second battery, a well-stocked fridge and a winch is everything I could ever need to visit the best places in Australia.
IF YOU COULD ONLY PACK FIVE THINGS FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
That’s a tough one, but here it is: a waterproof swag, too much fishing gear, a range of spares and tools, a good hat and, most important, a good attitude!
FOR SOMEONE WANTING TO GET INTO 4WD ADVENTURES, WHERE WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THEY START?
You don’t need a hugely modified rig or travel to the wildest places in the country to begin with. Choose a local campsite, bring some good mates and simply enjoy getting out under the stars and around a campfire.
Before you know it, you’ll be absolutely obsessed with the off-road lifestyle and will be planning trips to places like Cape York, the Kimberley, the Victorian High Country and the Simpson Desert!
SHOP NEW ARRIVALS
FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
New
NEXT TRAVELLER FERN
Sale price$340.00
New
NEXT TRAVELLER MOOSE
Sale price$340.00
New
NEXT TRAVELLER SAND
Sale price$340.00
