Scott's Big Road Trip

From Sunshine Coast to the Kimberley — Our 32,000 km Adventure with the Hilux

Initially, I was a little concerned about towing our semi-off-road caravan, loaded to around three tonnes, across the country. But the Hilux soon proved itself. Cruising comfortably at up to 100 km/h, merging onto highways, climbing mountain ranges, and navigating sandy tracks, it handled everything we threw at it. We were careful not to tackle very soft sand, seeing even larger rigs stuck with their shovels and recovery boards out, but that’s all part of the adventure — and, luckily, the 4WD community is always ready to lend a hand. Sports mode made holding gears easy, power delivery to the ground was excellent, and across the 32,000 km journey, the Hilux never missed a beat. Fuel consumption ranged from around 15 L/100 km on flat highways to 25 L/100 km on the windy Nullarbor. And despite a few close encounters with feral goats, stray cattle, and the odd kangaroo, we didn’t have a single animal strike — or puncture — with factory tyres lasting until Perth before swapping for BFG KO3s.

The east coast leg of the trip was a perfect start. Surfing at Scotts Head, relaxing at Evans Head, visiting family and friends in Canberra — it was a gentle introduction to life on the road. South coast and eastern Victoria delivered wildlife and scenery at every stop — Pambula Beach, Cape Conran, and Wilsons Promontory were highlights, with kangaroos, wombats, and goannas visiting our campsites.

Tasmania was seven weeks of wonder. From the Bay of Fires and Coles Bay to little-known Lake Leake, Cradle Mountain, Mt Field, and Hastings Caves, every day offered something new. The wild west coast treated us to seals, dolphins, and whales — plus wild weather to match.

Back on the mainland, we visited friends on the Mornington Peninsula before journeying down the Great Ocean Road into South Australia. From Robe to Rapid Bay, Adelaide (for a service stop), and the Eyre Peninsula with Coffin Bay oysters and Perlubie Beach camping, the scenery and seafood didn’t disappoint.

The Nullarbor was challenging, with 60 km/h headwinds testing both patience and fuel economy, but spotting Southern Right Whales at sunrise at the Bunda Cliffs made it all worth it.

Western Australia offered a mix of adventure and relaxation. From Esperance, Albany, and Margaret River (surfing, wineries, and all) to Kalbarri, where we pulled lobster pots in the morning and enjoyed the catch for dinner, the highlights were endless. The Ningaloo Coast rewarded us with snorkelling, fishing, and pristine beaches, while Karijini provided breathtaking gorges, hikes, and icy water-filled adventures.

The Kimberley was a trip highlight — Broome, Cape Leveque, Sacred Heart Church at Beagle Bay, and camps along the Dampier Peninsula, some with resident crocodiles, all left us in awe. Kununurra, Lake Argyle, and free camping at the Pentecost River led to more rivers, rock pools, gorges, and waterfalls.

Heading east, we explored Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks, where Susie caught her first legal barramundi! We took in ancient rock art and learned about Thylacines roaming northern Australia 2,000 years ago. Stops in Katherine, Daly Waters (iconic pub included!), and free camps near Mt Isa helped break up the longer drives before arriving back on the Sunshine Coast in early October — just in time for school and work.

Throughout it all, the Hilux 48V impressed. For anyone towing a caravan in this weight range, needing versatility, reliability, and comfort, it’s hard to beat. This was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and I couldn’t have asked for a better vehicle to make it happen.

If you want tips, tricks, or just a yarn about the journey, don’t hesitate to get in touch — I’d love to share the road-tested insights!