WEDNESDAY WRITE-UP: Matt, Explore 4×4 #11
If you’re a die-hard four-wheel driver and spend your days scrolling through Instagram checking out ‘big rigs’ and truck setups, then chances are you follow, Explore 4×4. Have you ever wondered who the guy behind the business was? Matt Baker is his name, and this week we’ve snatched him from behind the booming brand he is working hard to create and feature him in our Write-Up.
Matt and his team have built an online community with over forty-eight thousand (and growing daily) keen off-road followers. His sense of adventure and passion for the Australian outdoors is obvious when you meet him, and there’s this genuine, ‘blokey’ spark that instantly makes you feel like a mate and
want to pack your truck and meet him out on the tracks and start living #TheExploreLife. Enjoy Matts story.
Name: Matt Baker
City and State you live in? Brisbane, QUEENSLANDERRR
Describe yourself in 5 words. Adventurous, driven, outgoing, determined and stubborn.
How old were you when you started your 4WD adventures?
When I turned 17, I bought my first 4WD, a MK Triton and have never looked back.
Who inspired you into this ‘adventurous’ lifestyle?
I’m not sure really. I have just always loved getting out and exploring new places.
What is your current off-road vehicle including your set-up/living arrangements?
I am currently running a 76 series Landcruiser with Alucab Rooftop and Awning from Heist.
What are you up to right now?
We’re currently planning our trip to the Birdsville races and out to Uluru in September along. Next year we have a six-month lap around Australia starting in February.
What’s your all-time favourite 4WD track in Australia and why?
It would have to be the OTT just because it was my first real big adventure. I was only 19 when we packed up and headed north to Cape York for five weeks with a couple of mates, and I was hooked.
The most bizarre experience you’ve encountered on your travels?
Being bogged in the middle of nowhere along the Jardine River for hours when an old, long white haired man popped out of the bush to say G’day. It turned out he lives on the side of the Jardine River for a couple of months of the year, and we just happened to get stuck in his back yard. It was just him and his Cattle dog, and it just happened to be his birthday, so we shouted him a beer had a good yarn and away we went.
Fondest memory of exploring Australian tracks?
I did a second trip back to the Cape in 2014 with the Maxtrax Army, and my old man came along in my Patrol. Being able to stand at the tip of Australia with the old man would have to be my fondest memory.
Describe your ideal campsite.
Marloo beach campground on Fraser Island. Love beach camping close to a fresh water swimming hole and a massive island to explore during the day, chuck in a group of good mates and a couple of cold beers and I am one happy man.
Australian Tracks are on your bucket list?
It’s a long list haha! I will drive Big Red and tick off a few Simpson Desert tracks in September and then in February next year me and the missus will tick off a lot of bucket list tracks. The Creb track has always been high on my list just because it’s never bloody open.
Advice to new 4WD enthusiasts?
It doesn’t matter what 4wd you own or what mods you have just get out and explore!
One product you wouldn’t leave home without.
My fridge!
Tell us something that most people wouldn’t know about you.
I am a mad keen bare footer and anything else behind a boat for that matter.
What was the motivation behind starting Explore 4×4?
I have always loved exploring, and I grew up watching every single piece of 4wd content that I could get my hands on and eventually decided I had had enough of watching everybody else having the fun and decided I would get out and give it ago.
Have you enjoyed the process?
It’s been a lot of fun and a very big learning curve. I completely underestimated how hard I would have to work but it’s worth every second.
The best thing about running the Explore 4×4 business?
The best thing about starting a 4wd business is that the missus can’t get up me for going camping all the time because it’s now work!
Are there any exciting plans for the future of Explore 4×4 that you can share with us?
Explore 4×4 is releasing a new online series and we can’t wait. We will be doing our best to motivate as many people as we can to get out and live The Explore Life.
Connect with Matt and Explore 4×4 Community
Instagram @Explore_4x4
Facebook: Explore 4×4
Website www.explore4x4.net
