For great adventures, 4WD Treks of North East NSW: The Best 25 Tours Across The Region is a must have book for 4WD and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a trustworthy guide that tells you where to go on interesting treks – and also where to discover breathtaking views.
This book gives practical advice, whilst enticing us to explore this amazing part of Australia.
It’s great for a virtual adventure too!
Written by the knowledgeable and experienced Yvonne Everett, the book has rigorous attention to detail.
Fast Facts
The ‘Fast Facts’ sections provide concise details on trek distances, distances from the central business districts of Brisbane and Sydney, nearest towns, track standards, recommended locations for acquiring food and supplies, and sources for obtaining up-to-date information on track conditions.
Knowledgeable
Yvonne is generous with sharing her knowledge and research.
She writes in a way that is easy to understand.
Yvonne explores less travelled areas among the 25 treks in the book. Hastings Forest Way and Werrikimbe National Park may be familiar names, but do you know about Cockerambeeba Road, Punchbowl Falls or Mummel Gulf? Yvonne introduces the reader to areas of natural beauty and hidden treasures.
The 232-page thorough book has images that will urge you to explore, and the maps are easy to understand.
Facilties and Activities
Also included in this comprehensive book are its detailed insights into the facilities and activities of campsites.
A quick glance at a map will inform you about such aspects as the possibility of canoeing, bringing your four legged friend, the availability of disabled access, whether trailers are permitted and if there are any costs involved.
From Desk To The Great Outdoors
Meet the author of this well researched book, Yvonne Everett, who has a passion for the outdoors and exploration.
‘After way too many years sitting at a desk staring at a computer screen, I finally made my escape from Sydney to Coffs Harbour. Now I get to spend my time exploring northern NSW on foot or by 4WD. I share my adventures on my website coffstrails.com and have published a walking guidebook and a 4WD book’.
How Long Have You Been 4WD’ing?
Together with my partner, Alan, we did our first 4WD trip in our early twenties, in a rented vehicle, and got stuck on a beach with an incoming tide.
Fortunately a nearby fisherman knew how to get us out! After that, we purchased our own 4WD and have been going on adventures ever since! I learnt early on that Alan is calmer and better at tricky problem solving, but I’m good at doing the research and navigation.
What do you think makes a good 4WD tour?
Everyone loves a good view, rainforests, waterfalls and laughing with your mates around the campfire at the end of the day. Touring new routes is always good, the mystery of what might lie around the next corner. Then there is the adrenaline factor – a rocky hill, a challenging creek crossing, getting stuck in mud or deep sand.
Any tips for someone starting off in 4WD’ing?
Start with an easier tour and tag along with other drivers who are experienced. Know your vehicle, upgrade your skills at a training course, and be cautious the further away you are from help. Always pack recovery gear and your sense of humour!
Secrets?
What are some ‘secrets’ (drives) of the north-east NSW region?
We’re away from the metros of Sydney and Brisbane so our tracks and campsites are uncrowded – well maybe not now that I’ve shared the secrets! Our routes are perfect to string together for a good four to five days chilling out in the bush.
What’s special about that area?
Northern NSW is the most bio-diverse area in Australia offering beaches, high country west of the escarpment, remote deep gorges, wild rivers, and more. There is something for everyone here – from families on a relaxed trip to hard-core adventurers.
Favourite?
Do you have a favourite 4WD tour?.
Naturally we’re biased to the tours close to home – Coffs Harbour is famous for being a 4WD paradise. We love exploring the steep climbs, cool rainforests and pretty creeks in the Orara Valley and Bindarri National Park. There’s gold in these hills!
Thanks Yvonne!
4WD Treks of North East NSW: The Best 25 Tours Across The Region is published by Woods Lane.
Yvonne’s book is available from all good bookstores and online from woodslane.com.au
Front photo: Greg Resenke
Jill Weeks is the author of 21 Ways To Retire and co-author of several editions of Where To Retire In Australia and Retire Bizzi. She is a regular contributor to radio, and has contributed a chapter with Owen in ‘Where To Retire In The World’