Bush Pubs & Outback Icons

Dear Marian and Bob.

Just a quick note to say THANKS for a great time that we had on the Bush Pubs Tag a long tour.We really enjoyed our selves and are still laughing at some of the things that happened and were said. It was so much out of our square and how glad we have been that we stepped out of that square.We can not speak high enough of the company that was on the trip, we have not laughed so much for a while even though sometimes I did not know what I was really laughing at...to me this shows a really good time and great company.
Thanks again Regards

Dianne and Harry.
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Mt Mee 1 day tag along tour

Hello Marian and Bob

Thank you for a most enjoyable, fun, interesting and exciting day trip yesterday. It was a pleasure to meet you both after a few emails beforehand, and I was impressed at the way you conducted the day run, your professionalism and the way you made us all feel comfortable and part of the experience. A sign of the fun we all had could be seen by the way in which we all played off each other (although in time I WILL get over all the jibes about my dirty Pajero !!!) and how the trip was time for both vehicle occupants only, as well as all participants interaction.
Thanks again for the day out. I hope to get along for more in the future.
Cheers

Peter & Pam.

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Mt Mee 1 day tag along tour

Hi Bob and Marian,

Just had to say thank you for a great day last Sunday. As absolute newcomers to the 4WD scene we approached the day rather nervously as our vehicle was only a week old and we had never been 4w driving before. All our fears were soon forgotten because right from the meeeting point we were totally aware of the professionalism that was about to take care of us all for the day. It was with great relief that I made it through the rather daunting bog hole in one piece, mainly to the expert guidance offered by Bob. If you happen to know anyone that filmed the blue Navara going through I would like to get hold of a copy as my camera went dead right at the crucial time LOL (isn't that always the way)
We would recommend your trips to anyone especially newbies like us. Again thanks heaps for the experience and congratulations on the way you handled the day especially the two difficult sections we came across.
We WILL be back
Kindset Regards

Rick and Bronwynne
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4wd bush driving course

Hi Bob, Marian & Derek!

We just wanted to say a really big thankyou for today (Into to Bush Driving Course). We learnt loads & although I (Rebecca) was slightly apprehensive after the theory session, putting it into action really bought everything home & was so much fun! I honestly thought I would end up wussing out & that Chris would do it all but in the end I think I was fighting him for the wheel! It was also great getting to know our landcruiser! Thanks as well for your calm, laidback, informal approach – made everything so much more enjoyable. And the location was fab! All I can say is that anyone just getting into 4wd-ing should do this course....we can’t wait to get out there & do more....we hope to see you again on one of your trips!

Rebecca & Chris Livesey
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Introductory 4wd training day

Hi Bob and Marian,

Just a quick note to let you know how much we enjoyed the intro 4WD course yesterday. You both should be very proud of yourselves, you are both very professional, very knowledgeable, have great people skills and seem to be doing what you both love doing AND you make people happy!! What a great job you have.
Talking to some of the others yesterday I could tell that they were enjoying themselves and getting a lot from the course.
Keep up the enthusiasm!! Hope to see you soon.

Regards
Julian & Andrea Jakobs
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Northern Rivers Goldfields 4WD tag along tour

Marian and Bob

Would like to say what a fab weekend, it had everything panorama, adventure, good mixture of tracks some with challenge and fun; and postcard views. The most pleasant surprise was the 5 star camping with manicured lawns, hot showers and flush toilets and all in the middle of the bush. Needless to say the BBQ dinner topped the day off nicely. Could do the trip all over again tomorrow. Must admit I'm still thinking about that damn hill and want to get over it - first time next time.
Thank you again
kind regards
B.D
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Sand Driving Course

Good morning Bob and Marian,

Just a quick note to say thanks for such a great time we had on Saturday. The course was informative, fun and above all, gave us a new sense of confidence when using our 4wd on the beach. We know now if we do get into trouble, there are options before we panic! Although we were apprehensive to begin with, your easygoing natures and
focus on safety made us feel more at ease. Thanks again for a great day.
Kind regards
Lisa and Chris Rix
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Northern Rivers Goldfields tag along tour

Hi Bob and Marian,

Just a brief note to say thank you for the wonderful weekend we just had on the Northern Rivers Goldfield trip. The trip was worth every cent (and more) and we absolutely enjoyed the weekend, and will be telling one and all that they should go on one of your trips. I will definitely be booking another trip in the coming months, look forward to bringing my wife and daughter with me. Once again, thank you!
Regards
Alain Blondeau
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Northern Rivers Goldfields 4wd tag along tour

Dear Marian & Bob,

I had an absolutely wonderful weekend with you and your crew. This was more than just a romp through the bush, I experienced a group of great people who shared my enthusiasm for great adventure. Treated to the private places not traveled by common people is an extra pleasure, to meet the property owner at his hut really shows a different world to the city we all came from. I believe it was a perfect mix of experiences from Bobs knowledge of the areas history, to some of the more exhilarating places we got to test our vehicles a bit. And to be served a magnificently hearty meal on Saturday night was further credit to how hard your team works to make everybody full for the weekend in many ways. I look forward to being able to take part in more adventures in the future. The link below is to some photos taken on the tour if people would like to have a peek.
Thanks again for a magnificent weekend.
Shane

http://shane1973.multiply.com/photos/album/50/Northern_Rivers_Goldfields_Tour_8th_9th_September_2007 (copy and paste)

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Red Centre tour (new tour21 days)

Hi Bob & Marian,

Just a short note to say Hi and hope that you had a successful and enjoyable trip to "The Tip".
Both Gary and I had a wonderful time and experience on the recent Red Centre survey tour and personally I found it the trip of a "lifetime".
I am sure this has only wetted my appetite for touring this great land of ours and there will be many more experiences to come.
We thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between the group as a whole and I am sure this also helped to make it an enjoyable trip.
Most of all we would like to pass on to you both our heartfelt thanks for your organisation, concern for all, assistance and advise on mechanical issues and ability to make a great trip even greater . Anyway thanks again and we hope to catch up soon.

Regards,
Greg Payne & Gary Weston ( GG's )

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Introductory 4wd training day

Hi Marian and Bob,

Just wanted to say how fantastic the weekend bush 4x4 course was. As you know i only had an automatic licence and our new jeep was a manual. I was so scared that i would break the car. The night before I had visions of oil going everywhere but the way you explained every task filled me with confidence and now Chris is going to have to share the off road adventuring. We both learnt a lot and have recommended you to all of our friends. To give us more of an all round sense of driving we would like to do the sand driving course in July. Could you please book us in for that.

Can't wait to see you both again.
Beth Cowling

Hi Bob & Marian,

Thank-you so much for a fun and informative day on Satuday at the 4x4 sand course. Lynda and I (in the Nissan Pathfinder) really enjoyed
and learnt a lot. Your pleasant, friendly, straight forward, simple and hands on approach made the day very comfortable and fun.
Lynda especially had never driven on a beach therefore this course built her confidence to no end so we can now both enjoy our future new found adventures even more (if though we almost got bogged) The priorty on saftey was very well received by us and the extra little tips and advice here and there can only be gained by people such as yourself and for that we are even more grateful.
Once again thankyou very very much for all your assistance and expertise that you passed on to us.

kind regards
Sam & Lynda Legione

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Australian X-Trails tag along tour weekend

Marian and Bob,

First of all, thank you for such a great weekend, everyone had a ball and very much appreciated the hard work and effort you put into making the trip fun and exciting. Dinner was superb, the driving exhilarating and the sights were just fantastic, and that is because you guys run a very professional and caring business. You have stamped an impression on all drivers that will last a long long time.

Here is the link to the forum where I have written up the report,
http://com1.runboard.com/baustralianxtrail.f2.t124995 (OR cut and paste this into your web browser)

Once again, thanks for everything
Jamie Manning

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Introductory 4wd training day

Hi Bob & Marian,

What a great day we had today!
Thank you so much for doing such a great job of showing us safely how we can enjoy our Pajero. We are both new to 4WD and complete novices so this course has really served it's purpose and certainly backs up all the feedback we read from previous patrons prior to booking this course. Before doing this course I was quite happy to let my husband have control of the wheel on any four wheel driving but now he's going to have to share in the fun! Even our 2yr old enjoyed the day! Your passion for this past time certainly shows through!
We most definatley will be doing your sand course next.

Regards
Chad, Diane & Jamie Harford

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Introductory 4wd training day

Hi Bob & Marian,

I just wanted to write a quick note to say how much we enjoyed Sundays Bush Training. We had an awesome time and I haven't been able to think or talk about anything else!
I really appreciated the way you guys guided us through step-by-step - very easy to understand, even if I did panic more than once!
Anyhow, I'm so excited about 4WD that I would love to come to your Sand Training in January. Could you please book me in if there are still places free.

Thanks heaps guys - keep up the good work!
Katherine Atkins
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Widgee Wilderness weekend tag along tour

Hello Bob and Marian,

Just writing to thank you for a great week-end on the Widgee trip. We both really enjoyed it and felt very safe with your words of advice on those tricky sections. Taking one vehicle at a time and having you talk us through was great. The bush camp was very relaxing - first time Carolyn has been on one of those since she was a kid.
We are looking forward to the survey trip to the Red Centre next year. Carolyn has changed her leave application to suit the time and as it runs into the school holidays, that works well for us.

Regards
Ivan and Carolyn
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Introductory 4wd training day

Dear Bob and Marian,

Thanks for a great day and we learnt a lot of practical skills and strategies from your "Introductory Bush Driving Course". The way that
Bob delivered the course was easy to understand and you were patient with us and provided excellent instruction to make sure that we had
grasped the concepts. The afternoon tag along tour to put all of our new skills to use was great and provided the opportunity to gain some more "pointers" from you. I throughly recommend your course to anyone from the new 4wd owner
to the "old" hand as a refresh of skills.

Thanks again
Guy Law
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In general

Hi Folks,

Just a short note to say how much Josie and I enjoyed our day with you visiting Mt. Mee last Sunday. As I stated to you both at the conclusion of the day, it is always a pleasure to join you on your trips. The relaxed, but informative style you both display to your clients, never changes and always results in a great trip. Josie thoroughly enjoyed the always safe, but nevertheless exhilarating 4 wheel driving we experienced and is busting at the seams for February to arrive, when we’ll join you on the Victorian High Country Tour.As you know, I used to conduct 4WD training and Tag-Along-Tours down south, albeit some years ago and as a result I have come across and experienced the exploits of many other training and tour operators. Let me say, that never ever have I experienced a more professional operation than Brisbane Hinterland 4WD Tours. The manner used in the conduct of both your training and tours is without question in my mind, the best in the country and your attention to detail and safety is unquestionably, without peer.

Cheers, until we join you again.
Grahame & Josie Maxwell

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New England Ranges tag along tour

Dear Bob and Marian

We are just dropping you this short note to tell you how much we enjoyed the easter weekend.
We have found your company to be very professional without losing the personal touch. Your advice and instructions
proved to be invaluable especially for such novices as ourselves. Obviously a lot of work has gone into finding such wonderful locations
for your campsites and the interesting roads and tracks you take us on to get to these areas.
You both make everybody feel very welcome and the evening get togethers around the camp fire are both very interesting and extremely
good fun. We have no hesitation in recommending you to anybody that crosses our paths that is interested in seeing more of the country
side with an excellent tour operator. In short thankyou for a great weekend and we look forward to participating in more of your
trips throughout the year.
Kindest Regards

Gordon and Barbara

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Extended 4wd tag along tours.

This is a letter we received from Albert & Sandra, a Dutch couple, who love to travel around the world, especially to Australia.

Hello, we are Albert & Sandra and we live in Holland. We went down under for the first time 8 years ago. On a tight budget, we bought a
little 2 wheel drive car and had a great time for 5 months.
After returning home to Holland, we decided we will definitely go back to Australia one day.
That happened in 2002 and this time we decided to see more of the outback so we purchased a 4WD Toyota Troop carrier. We had planned
to travel around Australia on our own but because we live in a flat country with no outback, dirt roads, steep hills, water crossings without a bridge etc we thought it might be a wise idea to get 4WD training.

That's how we met Bob and Marian. Bob is a great and patient instructor and I really got value for my money. Bob had to work really hard
for his money the day we turned up for 4wd driver training. After the course we decided that we would join them on one of their tag along tours to Cape York. That's when we discovered that the 4WD training day really paid off. I'm sure Bob, every now and then got great satisfaction to see me conquer some serious terrain. And it speaks for itself that we had a great time and met some lovely people on the same tag along tour. We made some nice friendships on these tag along tours and enjoyed another side of Australia most of the other tourists will never see.
But even the second time to Australia was not enough. We kept our 4WD and went back last year and joined Bob and Marian again on a
few one day tours before going on the 19 day Channel Country, Simpson Desert and Flinders Ranges tour. This tag along tour was
absolutely fantastic. Camping in the middle of nowhere, enjoying a damper around a campfire and trying to count the stars, beautiful
sunsets and of course great off road driving. We still think back about the great time we had there and even deceided to do it again when
we go back in 2007.
Marian and Bob are a great couple, as easy going as Australians get and their tours are held in a relaxing way with great respect for
everybody and the country that they travel. So if you want to see how beautiful Australia is, get off the beaten track and join Bob and
Marian with one of their for wheel drive tours.

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Introductory 4wd training day

To Bob and Marian

Dave and I just wanted to say thank you for such an awesome time yesterday it was sooooooooooooo much fun.We had the best day and we cant tell you how much we learnt it was just invaluable, we talked about it all the way home. Today I have even recommended you to our friends that have just brought four wheel drives. You guys are just so lovely and patient which made the day not so scary.
Thank you and we will be in touch for a weekend trip sometime soon.

Kind Regards
Tania and Dave

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Dear Marian & Bob

We thought we would send you an email thanking you for a wonderfull 2 days on the sand course and bush driving day. We enjoyed it immensely and learned a great deal. We said on our drive home how much we would like to join you on tagalong to Cape York.
We will have a look at CY for next year.

Kind regards
Yvonne & Ross
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Introductory 4wd training day

Dear Marian & Bob,

Many thanks for a great day. Both Hannah and I enjoyed it very much and learnt a lot not only about our Wrangler, but also our own driving abilities. On the way back to Brisbane in the afternoon, we discussed the day and what we’d learnt, summarizing it as extremely worthwhile and a recommended outing for new, novice and perhaps even more experienced 4wdrivers.

To summarise our key learnings:
1. The stabilizing of the torque converter at low speeds for smooth steady movement at low speed through application of brake and accelerator was the most outstanding learning. We then used this technique later in the day during the forest drive.
2. The capabilities of my Wrangler in terms of understanding clearance, wheel travel and natural weight distribution. (and their implications on decision making whilst out in the bush)
3. The recovery demo.
4. The appropriate use of second gear in an auto versus when to use first. (when in low range)
5. THE BIGGEST LEARNING – Your no nonsense, practical approach to teaching what you know. Nothing speaks for experience, least of all a text book.
Well done and we look forward to the sand training day and many thanks for the photos, they are great.
Best Regards
Gregory K. Worthington-Eyre

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Working with schools

Marian & Bob ,
Firstly could we again thank you both for your presentation at the school . It was presented in a professional manner and very educational. The kids certainly enjoyed the day learnt heaps . We asked them to write a list of all the equipment that they had seen during the display. Most of them got most of it. The dvd and PowerPoint were fantastic. Some of the kids wanted to watch the dvd again.
Thanks again for you professional approach and manner. It was much appreciated.
Yours sincerely
Dan
Patricks road State School

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Introductory 4wd training day

Bob and Marion,
I just wanted to pass on my thanks for all the skills and knowledge learnt on the intro bush driving course the other month.Deanne and I went out west to property near Dirranbandi for Easter and while there we got the opportunity to put the old Patrol through its paces. As it rained while we were there the black soil became particularly slippery and sticking and provided "excellent driving conditions" to test our new found skills.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences and we hope to join
you on some tag along tours in the future.

Joshua Harris

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Victorian High Country tag along tour

Bob & Marian

I am writing just to say what a wonderful trip we had recently with you in the Victorian high country. We have visted a lot of places off road
throughout Australia and the VIC High country is an absolute world of it's own. It was some of the most amazing country we have seen in our 8 years of off road driving. The location was very remote and we only came across a handful of other travelers on our trip. Maybe we were lucky but the weather you provided was also perfect, clear blue days, cool nights.

The trip was challenging, peaceful, fun and relaxing all in one. The evening meal we had at the Dargo pub was a welcome change from our own cooking and the half day off in the middle of the trip at the lake was perfect. Every day had some challenging low range 4WDing (which suits me) and lots o ftime to rest and enjoy the scenery (which suits my wife). There is only one thing that we recommend you change on this trip and that is the long drive to and from Brisbane to get there and back. ( Can you fix that? )

We would highly recommend this trip gets put on people's to do list. We believe it caters for the novice and also for those that like a little bit
more of a challenge. We have even discussed doing the exact same trip again (Very unusual)

Ian & Deb

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Introductory 4WD training day

As newcomers to 4 wheel driving my wife I decided to go on a one day tag along tour with Brisbane Hinterland 4WD
(to find out if she liked it and to make sure our first trip was safe as well as fun). We spent an incredible day enjoying the scenery,
experiencing the realities of 4 wheel driving, benefiting from the camaraderie and knowledge and experience which Bob and Marian
hand out in equal measures. We both had such a great time that we're hooked and will definitely be going on future jaunts with
Brisbane Hinterland 4WD. Thanks Guys.
Kind regards
Greg and Jenny Stachan

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4WD Training week-end

Dear Bob and Marian
Well this past weekend has been one great experience for myself and especially Karen who is always quite nervous whenever I get off
the bitumen. I think that we have both greatly benefited from your expert knowledge Bob and I certainly appreciated the manner of
your presentation which was seemingly informal and un-pressured but certainly imparted many useful techniques and tips. This is a
course that all people who are thinking of going off-road should participate in and I think that it does not matter if it is only for an hour or a month.
I also appreciated the non-pressure when it came to the bush track driving as I'm sure that the others on the weekend would have liked to do more but you catered for us. I think that the difficulty was enough to give Karen much more confidence in me and the Pajero.
Thank you too Marian for the lovely BBQ meal and especially the desert!

Once again - Thank You very much. Regards,
(Pajero) Peter Walsh.

Mt Mee tag along tour

Hi Bob and Marian,
I would like to thank you both for the enjoyable day we had on the Mt Mee tag along tour. Never would I have guessed that there was
so much variation of country so close to home. Tagging along with you, gave me that extra confidence and in knowing I could access
this type of terrain safely along with other people. On my own I wouldn't have tackled any of those tracks, nor would I have gone to any
of those beautiful places you took us. Thanks again to you both. I look forward to joining you soon on one of your longer tag along
tours.
Peter& Sarah McIntosh

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Northern Rivers Goldfields tag along tour

Gidday Bob and Marian|
I was the passenger in Mazda Bravo on the weekend just gone.
I was pretty well a 4WD virgin up until then.| Thank you for a fabulous weekend. Thank you for opening up country that would have
otherwise been inaccessible to me and I would have viewed/pondered/admired it from many miles away, as I have done in the past. I am
amazed at what these vehicles can do and where they can take you. Having your guiding hands and voices up front really gave a feeling|
of "can do" and comfort to me and I know the others felt the same way as well. Listening to your explanations made things very clear for
the unwashed and uneducated like me and your commentary was very informative and interesting. Marian, you can cook my dinner anytime you want - that was an unexpected feast on Saturday night! Good luck in your future ventures in the Northern Rivers region and who knows I
may be lucky enough to tag along again sometime.

P.S. I'm sure I saw Billy Goats!!! sliding down some of those hills. Thanks again!

Graeme.

Introductory 4WD training day

Bob and Marian
Jann and I would like to thank you both for a great day on the 4wd training day. It was very informative and conducted in a very
professional yet friendly and relaxed manner. I personally learned an enormous amount not only about my own skills but also about what
the little Suzuki is capable of - I was impressed. We will definitely be booking in to a couple of Tag along tours in the future and will no
doubt have some questions to ask along the way.Many thanks,

Kevin and Jann Offer

Introductory 4WD training day

Hi Bob and Marian,
Many thanks for the great day on the Introductory 4WD training course. We had a fantastic time and learned lots. After our pathetic
start on driving around the cones' we felt really pleased with ourselves as we successfully accomplished the more difficult obstacles.
We now can't wait to go out and get in some more practice, (although I think we might be fighting over who will drive). Nonetheless with
fortes in different areas, I am sure it'll sort itself out - I wont be letting Chris drive over parallel log bridges, however
he can do all the steep ascents/descents!!! Once again, many thanks for a superb day - we haven't stopped talking about it.
Hopefully we can join you on a tag-along tour in the not so distant future.
Best regards

Julie & Chris Landon

Introductory 4WD training day

Bob, on our training day we couldn't help notice that you obviously have a true passion for 4wd'ing and it shows through in your
bush training course, We had a fantastic day. This one day course was definately a great investment, and an enjoyable day out.
Knowing that we can now venture off road with that confidence is well worth it. I didn't think I was capable of doing half the things
That I learned and I have gained so much more confidence, both in myself and my vehicle.
I personally didn't think I would benefit from 4wd training but I was wrong.
Thanks Bob, we look forward to seeing you soon on one of your tag along tours.

Jack and Vern Newman

Introductory 4WD training day

Thank you for an excellent day. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and discussed what we learnt all evening.
As a teacher I am often critical of others teaching/training but I could not fault the day - explanation, demonstrations and then practice.
The photos are great.
Jason and Vanessa

Our Australian experience.

Hi Bob & Marian,
Thank you for sharing with us your knowledge and expertise of the Australian bush. our stay in Australia The conondale tour was nothing less than fun. The forest walks and scenic views allowed us to get a feel for that part of Australia. We went on two other tours while we were here, and I have to say that yours were the best. You really spoiled us, with your personalized tours and knowledge about Australia. Not to mention the lavish tea breaks and delicious lunches. We saw a part of Australia that you can only see in a need a 4WD.
Thanks again.

K.Flanders - Alabama. USA.

Northern Rivers Goldfields Tag along tour

Bob and Marian,
Thankyou for a good weekend on the Northern Rivers Goldfields Tour, we look forward to more.

Trevor and Chris!

Introductory 4WD training day

My husband and I had just bought our first brand new car - a 4wd (Nissan X-Trail) and were keen to take it off-road.
We were eager to do a tag-a-long tour, however, neither of us had driven a car off-road like this before and we were also a little
worried about the car getting damaged.
We booked in to do a training day with Bob and Marian, and are so glad we did! We had a fantastic time on the day and learnt
so much about our car, its capabilities and different techniques. Throughout the day there was plenty of time for practice
and to ask questions, enjoy lunch in the beautiful surroundings and have fun putting your practice into action with a tag-a-long
in the afternoon.
Bob and Marian have loads of experience and were extremely helpful, particularly for those like myself who needed a little reassurance
and guidance at first! We gained confidence and knowledge of ourcar's capabilities - the X-Trail surprised us all, and the car had not
one scratch on it - just an awful lot ofdust!

We would not hesitate in recommending this course to anyone with a 4wd, and are now more eager than ever to get off-road!

Jane and Angelo Iezzi

All of the above comments were sent to Brisbane Hinterland 4wd Tours. Permission was sought prior to publishing them.