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Emprise Posted on October 12 2022

Been There, Still Doing That. 4WD Industry Legend Vic Widman

Vic Widman is the owner of Great Divide Tours and has been in the 4WD industry for 44 years.

Identifying a need, Vic started a 4WD tagalong and driver training business, Great Divide Tours, in 1990. In 2003, Vic built a 240-acre dedicated 4WD training facility near Braidwood in southern NSW. Check it out here http://www.4wd.net.au/ Vic has personally driven virtually every 4WD track in Australia and has led 26 tours across the Simpson Desert.

Where’s the remotest place you’ve been to?

I was granted permission to drive cross country from the Hay River Track to Queensland. However, I have also driven an artic truck on a glacier in Iceland, and that was rather remote.

What's the best trip you have ever done?

To the church to get married to my beautiful wife, Julie.

Okay, she probably won’t read this so let’s say there are many starting with Karijini NP, Arnhem Land, Iceland, New Zealand Southern Alps, and my all-time favourite location/trip is a cruise off the Kimberley coast.

What’s one of the hairiest moments on a trip?

Being stuck at the bottom of a very steep hill in the Victorian High Country with two tagalong groups using this location as a base camp. We needed to get 16 vehicles up a very slippery hill after it rained all night on us. I managed to drive straight up in my 80 Series but it took 7 hours to get the remainder up. Eventually, we arrived home 21 hours after we started.

Have you ever been ridiculously lost?

Of course not! Well ok, maybe once! In the heavy fog, I led a group away from Wheelers Hut in the Victorian High Country and we drove for one hour and then passed Wheeler’s hut again! We had a morning tea break an hour after breaking camp from there!

What has changed how you travel?

When I started exploring in 4WDs in 1978 there were no maps or GPS or satellite gadgets. Travel then was much more challenging and unknown. The vehicles too were far simpler. The advent of electronic traction aids can make bad drivers look good but if you get stuck with traction controls engaged, you can get really stuck!

Also, there’s been many track closures for political reasons and an inability by the National Parks and Wildlife Services to acknowledge tourism as a legitimate use of our land. Aboriginal land closures have changed the face of touring in Australia now.

Due to the rising popularity of 4WD touring, it has become hard to find solitude in some areas. This popularity has also led to tracks becoming damaged by overuse. This then leads to more track closures, it’s a terrible cycle. The economic on-flow of 4WD Driving and touring needs consideration before separate groups make decisions impacting the industry.

Favourite touring vehicle?

200 series Landcruiser I now own three of them!

What's the one piece of advice you’ve treasured?

The late Adam Plate, formally from the Pink Roadhouse at Oodnadatta, told me to drop my tyre pressures when off the highway. Funnily enough, it works! Better traction, better rise and less track damage!

What is one piece of advice you would like to pass on to the readers?

Never, ever use a tow ball in a recovery. They can, and have killed people, unfortunately.

What is the biggest misconception people have when people attend a training program?

We still get males that think they know it all and they are only there for their partners. Generally, we are always proved right and they realise they have a lot to learn. You never stop learning when four-wheel driving and if you think you know everything, you don’t!

“The advent of electronic traction aids can make bad drivers look good but if you get stuck with traction controls engaged, you can get really stuck!”

Vic, can you elaborate on the second half of that statement please? Thanks

My wife Nancye and I have travelled with Vic and GDT for over 10 years and would heartily endorse their professional and supportive approach for 4WD touring. We have seen some of the most remote parts of Australia and have always felt safe when travelling and camping. All participants on Vic’s tours are looked after and breakdowns etc are catered for, nobody gets left behind.

Could not agree more. I started in a similar vein to Vic, beginning in 1976 in very basic Nissan Patrols. Driver training was none existent, I saw the need and started the original program in the Nissan 4×4 club. Recently retired as an Instructor in Victoria’s Country Fire Authority, but still getting out there and doing it. Just returned from the Simpson Desert myself, but my first crossing was back in 1983.

Great to hear Vic is still at doing a great job very professionally. i had the pleasure of experiencing Vic’s skills in learning to drive 4WD and traveling Vic High Country in late ‘80s with Vic’s team. Well done Vic, i am very disappointed i don’t a 4 WD to do the long routes with you. Regards Bruce Napthali

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2 Day Introductory 4WD Driver Training
VW 4Motion 4WD Driver Training
Advanced 4WD Driver Training
4WD & Camper Trailer Towing Programme
Individual 4WD Training
Heavy Vehicle Off Road Training
Great Divide Tours 4WD Training Centre – Castle View
Accredited Training
Brindabella Ranges (1 Day)
Gold Rush Tour (1 Day)
Stockton Beach (1 Day)
Turon River (1 Day)
Abercrombie / Hill End (2 Days)
Autumn in the Snowies Tour (3 Days)
Beach Safari Tour (2 days)
Christmas in August Snow Tour (3 Days)
Man from Snowy River (4 Days)
Ridges & Rivers (3 Days)
Summer in the Snowies Tour (3 Days)
Victorian High Country (7 days)
Victorian High Country Camper(7 days)
Victorian High Country Accommodated (7 days/8 nights)
VW 4Motion Weekend Escape Tour (2 days)
VW 4Motion Stockton Beach Tour (1 day)
Along the Murray Accommodated Tour (8 days/nights)
Arnhem Land 4WD Tours (20 days )
Birdsville Big Red Bash Tour (12 days)
Canning Stock Route 4WD Tour(26 days)
Cape York Safari (20 Days)
Cruise the Kimberley Coast with Vic Widman (13 days)
Explore the Flinders Ranges (12 Days)
Exploring Len Beadell's Tracks Tour (18 days)
Follow the Fence Tour (12 days)
Iceland 4WD Tagalong Adventure (14 days)
Kimberley Explorer 4WD Tour (26 Days)
Maralinga & Beyond (19 days)
Namibia by 4x4 Accommodated Tour (21 days)
New Zealand tour with Vic Widman
Outback Icons Tour (9 days)
Simpson Desert Safari (14 Days)
Simpson Desert Double Crossing (18 days)
Touring Tassie (20 days)
Follow us on our trips
Watch our current trip videos
The GDT Team
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Newsletter Registration

Explore Iceland by 4x4 Adventure (14 days)

In 2024 we plan to visit Iceland once again, by 4WD! We have teamed up again with Self Drive Adventures who have previously conducted this type of 4x4 tagalong in Iceland, and have arranged a local guide plus the hire of the 4WD's for our 14 day tour.

We will explore the amazing landscape that makes up this tiny country. This is the land of the Vikings, with its towering mountains, tundra style plains, hugh gorges and innumerable waterfalls. But it also the land of active volcanoes, where the ground hisses and heaves sending steaming water hundreds of feet into the air. We will visit all of the best known scenic wonders along with some very remote locations that few people ever get to see. Each night accommodation is provided from shared dormitory style rooms through to private hotel rooms. Most meals are included along with the hire of your own 4WD ready to explore this incredible and seldom seen landscape. Contact us at [email protected] to receive the full itinerary.

Basic Requirements for this Tour

Accommodation Hotels, guest houses, hostal and huts will be used. In the mountain huts (2 nights) you will be in very close quarters in bunk room style accommodation with shared kitchen. You will have your own bunk, not shared. There will often be shared amenities in all mountain huts and the hostel accommodation.

Driving Ability

Skills required are a drivers licence and a good dollopof common sense. Some 4x4 experience would be recommended. You might consider attending our driver training course - Do you require Driver Training?

Terrain The route is planned largely avoiding main roads with extensive travel off road and on remote tracks, trails and through river beds.

Vehicles We will be usng Landcruiser Prados. Fuel is not included in the tour fee, budget approx. USD 750 per 4x4.

Food Breakfast will be provided daily. Picnic lunches will be supplied in the cars for the days we are on the road. Other meals will be in restaurants, cafes, guest houses, hotels or mountain huts. Some dinners are included.

Weather/Season The joke is "if you dont like the weather, just wait five minutes". Due to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool temperate maritime climate, refreshing summers and fairly mild winters. The weather is also affected by the East Greenland polar current curving south-eastwards round the north & east coasts. As a result, sudden weather changes are common, and travellers should prepare accordingly. Temperatures should range between 7-15 degrees C. There is a chance of rain. We will supply a packing list to help you pack the correct clothing for the weather you will encounter. The days will be very long at this time of year maximising the amount of time you can spend exploring.

Refund Policy Deposits are non-refundable once the minimum number of bookings is reached. The full tour fee is payable 8 weeks prior to the tour and is not refundable after this time. Full terms & conditions will be provided upon application.

17 - 30 July 2024

Note - a minimum of five bookings is required

Cost Prices are assuming 2 people per 4x4

USD 14,990 per person, double or twin rooms where available. Price to be confirmed by October 2023.

Single supplement: we can provide pricing for when single rooms available

3rd & 4th passengers: we can provide pricing if you have more than 2 people in the 4x4

Holding Deposit $500 AUD per person Terms & conditions apply (will be provided upon booking)

Accommodation as per the itinerary including, combination of accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, hostals & sleeping bags in remote huts (bed/bunk bed & shared facilities) pick up & drop off at accommodation in Reykjavik for vehicle hire, 1 car x local guide/assistant, Great Divide Tours escorts, Toyota Landcruiser Prado or similar with standard vehicle insurance (note: Arctic trucks pictured are not included). Meals included: all breakfasts for 14 days, 11 picnic lunches, 4 dinners (includes welcome & farewell dinner). EXCLUDED Airfares, arrival/departure transfers, fuel, meals or beverages other than stated in the above inclusions, optional tours & activites, travel insurance (highly recommended), visas (if required), vaccinations (if required), vehicle excess, local tips, any service not specifically listed under "included".

Contact Vic at [email protected] for more details

ABN 11 092 849 780

PO Box 5020, Elanora Heights 2101

Vic and Julie Widman

Ph - 02 9913 1395 | Fax - 02 9913 1395

e-mail - [email protected]

Site by Divine Branding

2 Day Introductory 4WD Driver Training
VW 4Motion 4WD Driver Training
Advanced 4WD Driver Training
4WD & Camper Trailer Towing Programme
Individual 4WD Training
Heavy Vehicle Off Road Training
Great Divide Tours 4WD Training Centre – Castle View
Accredited Training
Brindabella Ranges (1 Day)
Gold Rush Tour (1 Day)
Stockton Beach (1 Day)
Turon River (1 Day)
Abercrombie / Hill End (2 Days)
Autumn in the Snowies Tour (3 Days)
Beach Safari Tour (2 days)
Christmas in August Snow Tour (3 Days)
Man from Snowy River (4 Days)
Ridges & Rivers (3 Days)
Summer in the Snowies Tour (3 Days)

Victorian High Country (7 days)

Victorian High Country Camper(7 days)
Victorian High Country Accommodated (7 days/8 nights)
VW 4Motion Weekend Escape Tour (2 days)
VW 4Motion Stockton Beach Tour (1 day)
Along the Murray Accommodated Tour (8 days/nights)
Arnhem Land 4WD Tours (20 days )
Birdsville Big Red Bash Tour (12 days)
Canning Stock Route 4WD Tour(26 days)
Cape York Safari (20 Days)
Cruise the Kimberley Coast with Vic Widman (13 days)
Explore the Flinders Ranges (12 Days)
Exploring Len Beadell's Tracks Tour (18 days)
Follow the Fence Tour (12 days)
Iceland 4WD Tagalong Adventure (14 days)
Kimberley Explorer 4WD Tour (26 Days)
Maralinga & Beyond (19 days)
Namibia by 4x4 Accommodated Tour (21 days)
New Zealand tour with Vic Widman
Outback Icons Tour (9 days)
Simpson Desert Safari (14 Days)
Simpson Desert Double Crossing (18 days)
Touring Tassie (20 days)
Follow us on our trips
Watch our current trip videos
The GDT Team
Offset Your Emmissions
Newsletter Registration

I have visited this area for over 25 years and have put together a trip that includes the magic and splendour of this great land.

You will see Lake Cobbler, King River, the Man From Snowy River Hut, Lovick's Hut, Howitt High plains, Wonnangatta Valley, Historic Grant, the incredible Pinnacle Lookout and the most fabulous 4WD track in Australia (our secret destination).

Steep climbs, over 40 river crossings and the incredible scenery are features of this trip.

The itinerary includes two base camps beside beautiful mountain streams and a camp high amongst the snow gums.

This is the BEST 4Wdrive adventure in the land. Call Vic for an itinerary.

Basic Requirements For This Tour

Fuel Fuel requirements for this trip are:- Diesel = 120 litres 4 and V6 petrol = 125 litres Straight 6 and V8 petrol = 150 litres

These figures include your fuel tank.

Spares/equipment A UHF radio – we can hire you a radio Carry a snatch strap and rated shackles (see our shop if you need recovery equipment) Spare Fan belts, fuel filter, oil and brake fluid

Driver experience Prior experience not necessary as we will assist you as we go or you might consider attending our driver training course. - Do you require Driver Training?

Food This is a self catered tour, bring your own food and drink requirements, we supply a gas BBQ for your use in camp.

Camping gear You need to supply your own camping gear, this is a camping tour there is no accommodation option. Carry warm clothing at all times.

Facilities There are pit toilets at our camp sites.

More Info – will be sent to you once you register with your deposit

No 4WD? We can help with the Hire of a 4WD

Refund Policy

Great Divide Tours reserves the right to cancel or alter any tour or course at any time. Great Divide Tours will determine if any refund is due if this action occurs.

In the event of you canceling a booking the following refund policy applies. Deposits are non refundable. If your booking can be reallocated to another participant then the deposit can be transferred to another tour of your choice which must be taken within 18 months of the original booked tour. The full tour fee is payable 2 weeks prior to the tour and is not refundable after this time. You should consider taking out Travel Insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances including illness, vehicle problems or family matters.

(this is the non trailer trip)

14 - 20 April 2024 - fully booked 10 - 16 November 2024 - fully booked 25 November - 1 December 2024 - new date!

3 - 9 January 2025 13 - 19 April 2025 9 - 15 November 2025

$1,790 per vehicle Deposit $500