Explore your Great Outdoors March 2026

MORE than just a well-earned break, the Easter extra-long weekend is Australia's favourite time to hit the road, set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors. And when it comes to gearing up for the trip, nobody does it better than Trelly's Outdoor, thanks to its huge range of stock at competitive prices.

Whether you're heading out for a fishing trip, planning a camping escape or for the duck season, now is the perfect time to stock up. Trelly's Outdoor has released its latest catalogue, packed with big savings on trusted brands and must-have outdoor gear.

Fishing fans can snap up great deals on popular Shimano equipment, including the Shimano Caius 150HG Baitcaster. Known for its comfortable design and reliable performance, this reel is perfect for everyday fishing.

Normally valued at $193.99, it’s now just $99 and comes with a free Buku Reel Case. Other bargains include the Shimano 2500 Series 662 Spin Rod with a Shimano Catana C3000H Reel for $99, a saving of $110. Anglers can also celebrate Ugly Stik's 50th anniversary with 40 per cent off all rods, making it a great time to upgrade your fishing setup. With the Victorian duck hunting season now underway, hunters can pick up a wide range of gear at discounted prices. Trelly's Outdoor stocks

everything from ammunition and duck decoys to Haydel's game callers and waders, with neoprene or PVC chest and thigh options starting from $89.99. Shotgun and rifle bags are also available from $59.99. Trelly's Outdoor is also home to an impressive range of YETI products, with thousands of items available in popular colours you won't find anywhere else.

Customers can visit Trelly's Outdoor at 209 Corio Street, Shepparton. Phone (03) 5821 6572.

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XPLORING the great outdoors is the great Australian pastime. Whether it is skimming the great waterways in your own boat, cruising to that spot off the beaten track with your caravan in tow, Solar City Marine and Caravans have got what you need.

They have a range of Quintrex boats with Yamaha outboard motors in stock and ready to help you enjoy the waterways. For the entire month of March, Yamaha

City Marine and Caravans have an extensive range of iTechworld gear to keep you out on the water for longer and nights in the caravan filled with all your comforts. Their high-performance lithium batteries, portable power stations, and solar panels are just what you need for hassle-free camping. Get a head start on your next adventure at Solar City Marine & Caravans, 195 Numurkah Road, North Shepparton. Phone 5831 6388.

IT

To swag or not to swag

WHEN it comes down to it, you either love a swag or you don't.

For many, these portable sleeping units are a must-have, prized for their quick set-up and the chance to sleep as close to nature as possible. For others, however, swags can feel claustrophobic, with limited ventilation and restricted movement.

Whether you love the simplicity of a swag, admiring its warmth, durability and ironclad waterproof credentials, or prefer the space and comfort of a tent in its many forms, the decision often comes down to personal comfort and camping style. Below, we take a look at the pros and cons of both swags and tents for those still deciding whether to swag or not to swag.

SWAGS

Pros: Very fast setup/pack–down (2–5 mins)

Built–in mattress

Highly durable canvas

Excellent insulation in cold weather

Cons: Low headroom

Heavy and bulky

Limited gear space

Hard to get dressed inside

Best for: Solo campers, 4WD trips, short stays, cold weather

TENTS

Pros: More space and headroom

Better ventilation

Room for gear

Lighter options for hiking

Better for wet weather and long stays

Cons: Longer setup

Requires separate mattress

Less insulated than canvas

Best for: Families, groups, extended trips, warm or wet climates

NATURE is the soul’s antidote to work, schedules and stress. Whether it’s an offline breather by the coast, a gathering of family and friends around the campfire, or a high–energy adventure in the bush, the lure of the great outdoors is not only a tourist trend on the rise, but a necessary getaway, restoring a sense of self, peace and wellbeing.

According to Tourism Research Australia, demand for nature–based activities among Australians has seen overall growth of close to 50 per cent over the past decade, with some activities, such as visiting botanic or public gardens, growing by a whopping 85 per cent.

While the research shows more Australians are heading to the great outdoors than ever before, nature–based activities across the board have also, not surprisingly, flourished.

From 2014 to 2024, the number of intrepid bushwalkers grew by an impressive 81 per cent. And as more people pulled on bucket hats to breathe in fresh air, visits to national and state parks also rose by 73 per cent.

For those wanting to linger longer in nature, caravanning and camping surged by 40 per cent, while wildlife parks, zoos and aquariums welcomed 46 per cent more animal lovers.

And when it comes to all things aquatic, the beach remains a beloved Aussie pastime, but activities beneath and beyond the waves grew too. Snorkelling increased by 38 per cent, dolphin watching by 26 per cent, surfing by 9 per cent and fishing by 8 per cent.

This remarkable growth in nature–based experiences reflects not only our deep–rooted love of the outdoors, but also a desire for balance in an increasingly hyper–connected world, a much–needed counterweight to lives so often lived online.

When it comes down to it it’s pretty simple – you just take care of people, offer a great product and sound advice, and you make sure that they want

Tyres for anything camping season throws at you

With camping season in full swing, the last thing you need on your mind is car troubles. 74 years of experience, a great team of talented mechanics, and an investment in all the best of modern technology should be more than enough to put your mind at ease.

Rod Poliness and Tim Webb understand what makes a business tick and have the experience to prove it. In fact, the two directors at Central Tyre Service have six decades of experience between them. On his 25 years with the local business, Tim said, “When it comes down to it it’s

pretty simple – you just take care of people, offer a great product and sound advice, and you make sure that they want to come back.”

Central Tyre Service has operated in Shepparton since 1952. “One of the advantages of having a business run by family is that we don’t have those changes – you get to see the same faces,” said Tim.

At Central Tyre Service, quality customer care doesn't stop at the ground level. A high standard of workmanship is at the core of the business, with the experienced team of mechanics all having years of tenure behind them. Central Tyre Service offers everything from batteries and wheel alignments to full mechanical services and repairs.

This time of year brings the perfect weather for travel. Whether it's a camping trip, a day drip, or cross country, you’ll need to know that your tyres can handle rough terrain and a lot of kilometres. New diagnostic and scanning technology and state of the art wheel alignment services means your four-wheel drive will be ready to handle anything your Easter getaway throws at it.

Book your car in with a team you can trust, for an outcome that speaks for itself. Find the iconic Shepparton business at their central location 117 Welsford St, or call ahead at (03) 5821 9555 to see what the team can do for you this holiday season.

IT goes without saying that when it comes to hitting the open road, it’s important to make sure all your bells and whistles are in order on your four–wheel drive.

Whether you’re heading to your favourite peaceful fishing spot, camping with the family or off–roading with your mates, preparing for a 4WD road trip should always begin with a quick once–over to ensure your vehicle is tip–top, including checking that all recovery gear is in good working condition.

Below is a simple inspection checklist to help you out:

• Check tyres air

•

Epic to the sedate: Victoria’s best treks

VICTORIA is home to some of the most stunning and diverse hiking trails in Australia. From challenging multi-day treks to shorter, scenic walks, the state’s breathtaking landscape offers something for every type of hiker. Whether you’re looking for panoramic mountain views, scenic coastlines or lush fern forests, these trails will lead you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

MULTI-DAY & EPIC HIKES

• Grampians Peaks Trail (Grampians/Gariwerd): A challenging 160km, 13-day hike featuring rugged sandstone peaks and spectacular views.

• Great Ocean Walk (Great Otway National Park): Over 100km of trail passing through tall forests, sandy beaches, and shipwreck coastlines.

• Bogong High Plains Traverse (Alpine National Park): A 75km loop taking in Victoria's highest points and snow gums.

• Wilsons Promontory Northern Circuit: Known as a challenging 4-day hike in a remote, rugged area.

• Buller Huts Trail (Alpine National Park): A 7-day circuit taking in historic high-country huts.

DAY HIKES & SCENIC WALKS

• Mount Oberon Summit (Wilsons Promontory): A 3.4km walk providing 360-degree coastal views.

A campfire winner

BOUND to more than satisfy the ravenous appetites of family and friends around the campfire this Easter, Campfire Nachos are a winner through and through, and

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INGREDIENTS

• The Pinnacle Walk (Grampians): A popular hike offering dramatic cliff-side views.

• Mount Stirling Loop: A 14km, moderate walk with panoramic mountain views.

• Point Cook to Blowhards (High Country): An 8km loop near Lake Eildon.

• Mait’s Rest (Great Otway National Park): An easy, short boardwalk through ancient rainforest.

• Two Bays Walking Trail (Mornington Peninsula): A scenic hike through bushland and coastal scenery.

KEY REGIONAL LOCATIONS

• Yarra Ranges National Park: Features lush fern forests and shorter, beginner-friendly paths.

• Barmah National Park: Home to the world's largest river red gum forest.

• Walhalla: Known for the Great Walhalla Alpine Trail.

• Heavy vehicle maintenance • Personalised maintenance programs

• Fully equipped workshop including 30m service pit

• Minor to major repairs

• On-site servicing and repairs

• Pre purchase inspections • Locally owned and operated

Granting the great outdoors for future generations

ENJOYING the great outdoors means caring for it so that you and future generations can continue to get away and experience all the wonder nature has to offer.

To ensure that future Australians can enjoy the great outdoors, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is inviting applications for the Victorian Government Landcare Grants to fund projects to enhance and protect Victoria’s great outdoors. Landcare and environmental volunteer groups can apply for grants of up to $20,000 for projects and $500 for support, from now until Thursday, April 23.

“It is so important that we support the significant contribution that Landcare and environmental volunteer groups make to our communities, managing projects that restore and enhance our parks, coastlines, nature reserves and waterways,” said DEECA Director of Environmental Investment and Programs, Lorna Mathieson.

“These grants continue to be of incredible value to Victoria and we’re proud to support the work of Landcare and environmental volunteers to protect our environment for generations to come.”

Last year, 509 Landcare and environmental groups across the state shared in $3.56M in grants, helping fund on-ground works, community

education and engagement activities, group development and small grants supporting administrative functions, including insurance, incorporation and operational costs.

Grants are available to all Victorian Landcare and environmental volunteer groups, including Landcare and Friends groups, Conservation Management Networks, Committees of Management, Coastcare groups and Traditional Owner or Aboriginal groups and organisations working on Country. For more information, visit www.environment.vic.gov.au/grants/ victorian-landcare-grants.

The most important part of your next adventure

FOR ALL YOUR CARAVAN & CANVAS NEEDS!

IF you love to spend the warmer months adventuring, you know the

of a

service for your trailer, Ute or toolbox. Wear and tear from a well-used set up needs to be dealt with to ensure each trip you make is an easy one.At Tip 'N' Go trailers, with 30 years of experience under their belt, they have not only the know-how, but the backing of the extensive team at Goodfellows and Trek Hardware 4x4 Superstore.

Whilst the store has welcomed new owners Mandy and Andrew Hodges from the seasoned Goodfellows Team, the customer service and dedication to quality remains unchanged.Offering inspections and services of all components and framework, the Tip 'N' Go Team leaves no job half-done when making your trailer or Ute the best it can be.

Nature throws a lot of challenges at your gear –rough terrain, relentless weather, and unexpected snags. But if your Easter plans involve spending quality time with your family in the great outdoors, you don't need to worry about whether your trailer or Ute can handle it. Just visit the experienced, local team at Tip 'N' Go to book in your service today and find all the parts you need for your next adventure, at their hard to miss location on 8018 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Shepparton VIC 3631, where they share a store front with Trek Hardware 4x4. Call ahead at (03)