Off-road training on notorious Gibb River Road

If you’re planning a G-Wagon course, the Gibb River Road, Australia’s most iconic 4WD track, is the obvious location.

CAPTION: 75 Squadron led a 10-day G-Wagon training course along the rugged Gibb River Road. Story by Sergeant Matthew Bickerton. Photos by Leading Aircraftman Lloyd Burbage.

Known for its remoteness, stunning scenery and vehicle-breaking conditions, a 75 Squadron-led course took avionics technicians, security forces, medics, dog handlers and a chef on a 10-day outback adventure.

Course instructor Corporal Brodie Nelson said Gibb River Road allowed them to combine camping with a route that fulfilled all the course’s learning outcomes.

“It’s got everything – river crossings, rocky stretches and plenty of challenges for off-road vehicles,” Corporal Nelson said.

Student Leading Aircraftsman Joshua Tevelen from 75 Squadron said the G-Wagon proved a tough vehicle.

“The first portion of the Gibb was heavily corrugated, and that actually resulted in a few blown tyres and damaged rims on some of the white fleet,” he said.

Halfway down the track they stopped at Mount Elizabeth Station, where a 12km 4WD track leads to a gorge.

“There were steep ascents and descents; the terrain was rocky and covered in boulders, with opposing undulations. Without diff lockers, you’d be left spinning your wheels,” Leading Aircraftsman Tevelen said.

“I don’t think many of our personal 4WDs would have made it up or down that track.”

One G-Wagon developed a serious fuel leak at the bottom of the track, nearly leading to a recovery operation.

However, thanks to a replacement hose clamp from the station owner and some ingenuity, the vehicle was soon back in working order.

Back in Katherine, Corporal Nelson said they were fortunate it rained the night before the final assessment, creating mud for more difficult incline climbs.

For 75 Squadron, the course is part of an upskilling effort to support agile operations.

CAPTION: A 75 Squadron-led course took avionics technicians, security forces, medics, dog handlers and a chef on a 10-day outback adventure on the Gibb River Road.

“The goal is to train more of our technicians and suppliers on these vehicles, so if we need to land on a remote runway, we can access austere environments and deliver capability,” Corporal Nelson said.

For musterings such as security forces and dog handlers, the qualification supports career progression, while medics are required to operate G-Wagon ambulances.

The course participants also visited a Fitzroy Crossing school to promote Defence careers. Corporal Nelson said the students were “thrilled” to see the G-Wagons.

This was the biggest course with ten instructors and 20 students.

Leading Aircraftsman Tevelen said there aren’t many other jobs where you get paid to take a vehicle that’s not your own, run it through its paces, while learning new skills and exploring amazing parts of the country.

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