Track closures, locked gates and restricted access to public land have become one of the biggest talking points in the Australian 4WD community.

In this episode of the Off Grid Down Under podcast, we sit down with Tony Crooke from GME and the Outer Side podcast to discuss why more off-road tracks are being shut down across Australia — and what it means for the future of touring and recreation in Australia.

We talk about:
• Why tracks are being closed
• The impact on the 4WD community and regional tourism
• Tony’s NSW Parliament submission
• The petition calling for greater transparency in National Parks management
• Whether governments are listening to the off-road community
• How responsible recreation can help protect access

This is a passionate and important conversation about the future of public land access in Australia.

🎙 Guest: Tony Crooke – GME / Outer Side Podcast

If you care about the future of 4WDing, camping and touring in Australia, this is an episode you need to hear.

#4wdaustralia #nationalparks #offroad #4x4 #trackclosures #campingaustralia #touringaustralia #offgriddownunder

Escape with Confidence

Fifteen years is a long time in any industry — so what does it take to keep a partnership that strong?

In this episode of the Off Grid Down Under Podcast, we sit down with Shane Easton from Projecta to unpack the relationship that powers every MDC caravan.

From the early days of basic battery chargers to the brand new Intelli-GRID Gen3 system rolling out in the Forté SR Series 2, we break down why integrated electrical systems matter, what 300Ah as standard really means for on-road caravanning, and the one thing every new caravan owner should do before they ever leave the driveway.

If you own an MDC or you're thinking about one, this is essential listening.

Explore the full MDC range at https://www.marketdirect.com.au — and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Escape with Confidence

In this episode of the Off Grid Down Under Podcast, we sit down with Stuart Lamont, CEO of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA), to unpack the standards shaping the Australian caravan industry.

We dive deep into RVMAP (Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Accreditation Program), salesperson accreditation, and what these actually mean for everyday buyers. If you’re thinking about buying a caravan—or already own one—this conversation could save you from making costly mistakes.

We also explore the future of the industry, the post-COVID boom, and why Stuart believes the caravan sector remains “remarkably resilient.”

MDC is proudly RVMAP accredited, and in this episode, we break down why that matters when comparing brands.

In this episode, we cover:

– What the CIAA actually does

– The truth about RVMAP and why it matters

– Risks of buying a non-accredited caravan

– Salesperson accreditation and raising industry standards

– Common mistakes caravan buyers make

– Where the Australian caravan industry is heading

If you’re serious about caravanning, this is a must-watch.

🔗 Consumer & Industry Websites

Let’s Go Caravan & Camping (consumer site)

https://www.letsgocaravanandcamping.com.au

– Tips, safety info, travel inspiration, competitions, and general consumer resources

Caravan Industry Statistics (data & research library)

https://www.caravanstats.com.au

– Industry data, research, and reports (some content subscription-based)

Escape with Confidence