WEDNESDAY WRITE-UP: Craig, Touring Downunder #12

Craig Thornton is one part of ‘Touring Downunder’. He and his good mate Rick (who we feature next week) are two down to earth Aussie blokes making it their mission to get outside as much as they can and tour our great country. If this passionate four-wheel driver and mad fisherman isn’t busy exploring his own ‘backyard’ he’s probably planning his next trip or working on new mods for his big Rig. Enjoy Craig’s story.

Name: Craig Thornton
City and State you live: Newcastle, NSW
Describe yourself in 5 words: Driven, adventurous, hardworking, thrill seeker, ambitious.

What’s keeping you busy now?
Exploring local tracks and camping grounds around our area at the moment and planning a big trip to the West Coast of Australia.

What is your current off-road vehicle/s including your set-up/living arrangements? 2012 dual cab Landcruiser with custom canopy pop up built-in bed powered by REDARC twin ARB fridges, rear TRIGPOINT winch mount, remapped by REMAP SOLUTIONS, and running the hyper drive spotties from LIVIDLIGHTING.

How old were you when you started your 4WD adventures?
Very young as a kid with my dad for as long as I can remember. He has been touring all over Australia and inspired me into this adventurous lifestyle.

What was your first 4WD/touring vehicle?
Holden rodeo at seventeen and had it for three months then brought a Hilux and had Toyotas ever since.

What’s your all-time favourite 4WD track in Australia and why?
The Old Coach Road in North QLD because it’s challenging.

The most bizarre experience you’ve encountered on your travels?
My uncle’s car catching on fire 300km from Weipa rear wheel bearing gave way.

Fondest memory of exploring Australian tracks?
Waking up every morning in a different location with new things to explore!

Describe your ideal campsite.
I can’t go past a good camp on a beach with the fire going and rods in the water food in the camp oven.

Australian Tracks are on your bucket list?
The Gibb River Road in the Kimberley, WA.

Any advice to new 4WD enthusiasts?
Get that 4wd dirty and see places you have only ever heard about!

Name one product you wouldn’t leave home without packing.
My fishing rod! You never know when you may need it.

Tell us something that most people wouldn’t know about you.
I’m very superstitious when it comes to fishing. I’ve always gotta do odd things with my bait to catch fish. For example, I’ve always gotta peel my prawn and when I’m beach fishing I’ve gotta use a squid and pilchard together with the pilchards stuffed in side the squid!!

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