The Real Fraser Island - Roothy

roothy.com.au
The Real Fraser Island - Roothy
Here's some footage from a Fraser Island trip we made back in the days courtesy of my old boss who's the bloke behind those super popular Supa Centa stores all over the country. I took my Big Red truck, the Chev V8 powered Toyota 47 Series we eventually auctioned off to raise money for the endless track closures battle. Check out the 'step side' tray I made from cut down off-road trailer panels - maybe not the most practical for everybody but it sure suited solo 4wd work.
There's some awesome stuff here and that's because of all my mates who helped out but specifically thanks to the efforts of producer Adam 'Bushman' Boyle, one of the world's best videographers, and Allen Coy, who went on to work with Simon and Jason up north.
My own relationship with Fraser kicked off forty seven years ago when I was working for a water drilling company. One day I’m out in a paddock with the divining wires looking to tap the basin, the next I’m in the office being told to pack a bag and head north. The boss had landed a contract with a mob called Queensland Titanium Mines.
That was around 1973. Tony was a lot older than me and fresh out of the army where he’d spent most of his time blowing up tunnels in Vietnam. He’d seen a lot of bad stuff although his biggest hang-up was coming home and copping abuse from anti-war crowd. I’ve never liked ‘do-gooders’ much since then. Watching Tony - a man who’d fought for his country regardless of whether it was right or wrong - take out his frustrations on a bottle turned me off do-gooders for life. You need to know that now because when it comes to Fraser Island, the city bound greenie do-gooders are always going to cop a bashing from me!
All these thoughts were going through my head as I fiddled with the bonnet clips on Big Red. It was ‘check the new radiator’ time again. The Chevy motor was constantly running hot even with two electric fans sucking through the standard Tojo fins so I’d plucked it and fitted a huge aluminium radiator with a cut down plastic mechanical fan. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s to constantly check the last thing I’ve fixed because that’s where the problems usually surface. Professional mechanics don’t have this problem. First thing I noticed was that the fan had flexed - probably from pulling 110 plus up the motorway from Brisbane - and the blades looked like Jack the Dog had chewed the tips off. Hmm, not a great thing to find when you’re ten metres off a week of soft sand driving!
Shortly after that a V8 79 Series tray back with a covered roof and side flaps and a load of beach rods came plonking around the corner. Nugget and Wazza were here, and in no rush either. I mentioned the ‘running late’ thing but Wazza just pointed at the tide and said ‘no point’.
Time out for another aside. Despite over three decades of Fraser trips, in my ‘city mode’ I’d forgotten to check the tide times! D’oh, and with some huge King tides rolling through that week, the beach would have been impassable a couple of hours either side of high for sure. Remembering to check the tide times before you organise a Fraser trip is just one more way of remembering that Mother Nature rules here, not men.
Music Credited to
- MIDD Day At The Park -Dewey Dellay,
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[@ei4jn]

'If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s to constantly check the last thing I’ve fixed because that’s where the problems usually surface.' LOL Classic.

[@AndyL940]

Thanks so much for posting these old videos John. Personally I think they are far better and more entertaining than the newer versions of 4wd shows which are just one big advertisement. The cost of most battery systems is as much as my old hilux. You don't need 15 grand worth of accessories to have fun in the bush. Cheers mate

[@JOHNROOTHROOTHY]

Andy L too right mate. Keep it Simple and spend the money on fuel and fun.

[@mcseed1]

You mean $120k on some of the 79's getting around

[@4x4CampingandAdventures]

@@mcseed1 250k for the all for adventure truck

[@eaglen00b]

@@4x4CampingandAdventures For that coin, you could have a convoy of 75 series troopies fitted out for simple (reliable) bush trips. Having an espresso machine in the truck is just literally takin' the piss, IMHO.

[@4x4CampingandAdventures]

@@eaglen00b agreed mate way to much and it’s getting out of hand

[@4x4CampingandAdventures]

back in the day when everyone wasn't running 3000w inverters to run there coffee machines true Aussie camping

[@adelarsen9776]

You're supposed to visit monuments, not drive one.

[@colbyau7739]

And they don’t mention a sponsor every five seconds pulling you from the experience

[@harrison_stone]

Why isn’t this on 4wd 24/7?

[@colbyau7739]

@@harrison_stone ha ha ha, because that place is a shadow of this, this is what got me in to 4 wheelin not that driving advertisement

[@eaglen00b]

Or chasing a mobile signal so they can upload glam shots to Instabookfacechat

[@tpv59]

GREAT SAVE Roothy. We ALL THANK YOU. WELL DONE. THANK You. APPRECIATED.

[@atari4x4]

Roothy, can you confirm the story of how the troopy ended up in the ocean? I remember when it blew up on the forum. Word on the tracks was Glenn wasn't happy about the lack of action & basically told the crew to drive the rental camera crew troopy into the ocean, the big pro level suction cup camera mount on the windscreen tells me it wasn't a backpackers troopy. Watching it again, it sure does seem just as suss as when it was released.

[@jtau7588]

Where are all these “backpackers”? Did they throw the troopy in a drink and just run off? Surely a stunt for the show.

[@atari4x4]

@@jtau7588 and I believe it's why Sargent rentals never let them hire another 4wd again.

[@vaughanlynch145]

Lol forgot about that!! Certainly did look like the camera car bahaha. I agree the mount pretty much gives it away. Wow back when TJM had a deal with them too!! How things change lol

[@atari4x4]

@@alexandersupertramp1293 Their rental/sponsorship deal ended after that DVD.

[@cjllllll]

Shauno straight up let that troopy go in the drink. Shitty handbrake. But that is Shaunos troopy

[@Amandaandglenn2023]

On Ya Roothy! I miss the old 'thorough' 4wd Action vids before the send it and bend it crew got it. Great Work!

[@daniel130ify]

Cmon Roothy spill the beans mate, the troopy that got stuck in the ocean was that the camera truck

[@DFRRIDER]

12:45 you can see it sitting up by the dune with the camera crew in the foreground

[@jhowie8340]

Lovein the old episodes rooth!

[@mulishapatrol]

Old nugget looks like he's bloody off his chops and if that's the case I love it!

[@rubiconned]

Love this old content. Miss these old days

[@Yesterdie02]

Hi Roothy...love the show! look at how young Shauno was on the show

[@jdcoverland4173]

Thanks for some wonderful memories.

[@lizbarber3473]

Straight to the auctions with that troopy

[@JOHNROOTHROOTHY]

for some reason they never rented the camera guys another one....

[@lizbarber3473]

😂😂

[@peterb3473]

That brings back some Memories went to Fraser Is late 70’s with my parents in a 55 serious cruiser even got to drive on the island Than with my own 4b late 80s and with the wife mid 90s. After seeing all the wombats driving there now glad I’m in WA , watching all the videos of who goes there.EX qlder now in WA.

[@tpv59]

THANK YOU. That was EXCELLENT Roothy. GREAT video. Thank You.

[@v26224]

18:10, is that a young shauno i spot

[@MRMOPARMAN0426]

Well spotted!

[@greghammond7956]

How quiet was he! Things have changed a bit 😂

[@joelfrancis5391]

Cook roothy under the table now haha

[@greghammond7956]

Joel Francis haha! True but I love these old videos

[@nelsonkaiulo402]

Shauno learnt his cooking techniques under the best

[@conservativesniperhunter7439]

Damn it I didn’t get any notification in my inbox for this video 🤔 . I’m glad I found 😀 .

[@rraybbak1140]

Your a legend mr Rooth love ya content thanks for your tips and advice your a credit to the 4wd community cheers mate from across the ditch in NZ

[@heliarcweldandmachine]

so this is probably what like 10 years ago ? thats when i was a backpacker and on fraser island, but no way any backpackers were affording 70 series troopies then, not a chance !!!

[@MicahBell_1860]

Stingray flaps with a bit of garlic, butter & lemon tastes fantastic

[@OzTrax4X4]

Great video Roothy! Loving these old episodes!

[@Solarlube]

Its been awhile since I have caught up you and the gang Roothy, mate PLATINUM, just like the old days.

[@benfalconer6039]

Gee shauno looks about 17yrs old there!!😂

[@Mojojosie86]

He probably was!

[@kamarulf897]

Now we know where Shauno learnt to cook 😎

[@det7474]

@@kamarulf897 or didn’t learn how to cook 🤣

[@eaglen00b]

I didn't realise Shauno was under the tutelage of Roothy the man himself. Solid foundations right there.

[@nilz6432]

Do you have a time stamp where i can see Shauno? Didnt realize he was in this! Edit: @ 18:10 it is, Thanks @2 Stroke,Running and repair.

[@captmulch1]

Well done on the troopy recovery!

[@realbudgiesmugglertwohatsb2611]

Watching this in my troopy Near Cape Wilouby kangaroo island.... really enjoyed it all good energy to you Roothy..

[@territoryproud2452]

For Sale. TroopCarrier. Never been on beach. Perfect condition. Well looked after.

[@Australian_Outdoor_man]

Love the old videos. So much better.🇦🇺👍🍺

[@justme197511]

Good on ya mate

[@SPL88]

How good is Straya!! Can't wait to visit Fraser again!

[@aussiesam52]

loved this episode

[@elliottg5987]

15:29 does Shauno's dad know he's been in the beer fridge?

[@promenteryrobbins]

Great video - looks like a lot of fun and great eating

[@touretz]

Whats fhe fluorescent jacket and glovs for jesus 10 out of 10 for ppe and slowness I would be fuc$in hopping Always good to be wearing all the proper protective gear as you watch your land cruiser get washed away by the sea

[@Justanotherday2day]

Awesome

[@aqelaali6707]

Fraser island is amazing to camp at it sooooo fun😃 and i slept a lot😴😴😴😴

[@brianboys9015]

Good one

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

I'd have a battered mars bar compared to seafood anyday.. this is real 4wding at its best not damaging tracks so others cant get there, hooning in paddocks or circle work with ya 79 series etc.. and information on how to get out if you do get stuck. Also helping out stranded tourists not once but twice and no sponsorship there ...... Great stuff John.

[@jurassicchrist]

Skip to the end then click restart. No ads.

[@tosgem]

Thumbnail starts around 28:00

[@MattBerrymotorsport]

FOR SALE: Troop carrier, well maintained, never been on the beach, one owner. lol

[@saphserg5221]

Man the red truck, do we know of its current state?, inskip looked so much better compaired to now days with mutiple so called 4wd people not knowing tire pressures ripping up the place.

[@mcchicken9878]

i know it was raffled off a few years back now i believe Roothy seen it at a 4x4 show with some improvements done i would also like to know where she is now i love that truck!

[@JOHNROOTHROOTHY]

@@mcchicken9878 Yeah I don't know either - last time I saw it was up the Sunshine Coast I think - seeing this make me miss that big rumble!

[@saphserg5221]

@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY hmm ill keep a eye out then for it since im up the sunny coast way no doubt have heard it once or twice and not knowen.

[@punk46664]

If anyone knows a way of tracking down old 40s, I’d like my Lucy back again

[@jm6056]

Learnt so much from this vid

[@IanL1]

Lovin the old vids mate, top stuff!

[@peterstaalblauw8965]

When you set the chips in firts make shure the oil is not to hot an wait until they "sing" and are soft inside, 2nd time it needs to be hot for color and crust

[@davidjohn9006]

Damn impressive rescue job there blokes…. Well done

[@AngryTurds]

0:15 it's to watch the sun-burned backpackers frolic in the delightfully clear waters of Eli creek.

[@CamthraXZA]

nice to see Shauno not cooking for once, this time it looks like a plan was had ;D

[@m6sports]

It’s because roothy isn’t drunk 😉

[@gazzafloss]

"No big deal"... That Troopy is now stuffed, hey no big problem.

[@STYLEHUAHINONAIR]

very nice.

[@jase6827]

This Fraser DVD is awesome but not as good as the one before. When glen had the blue Nissan Navara. Its the one when Roothy was service Milo in the intro with lanolin

[@alangrant5278]

Funny to hear about Pipis. A Maori word. 👍 they taste great roasted over a fire too. Sweet as bro.

[@JOHNROOTHROOTHY]

sweet as bro back at ya! Thanks mate - and boiled in a billy with sweet chilli sauce is nice too!

[@gillian4572]

Went there 20 years ago. Most exciting three days of my life! A MUST see in Australia.

[@billytoohey8887]

We love Costasmotsas. See you on Agistri Costas.

[@zacsimpson4913]

Little Shauno, miss these vids 👍

[@frankenbeans1967]

Bloody great clip roothy👍where’d ya bonnet go🤔

[@JOHNROOTHROOTHY]

franken beans runs cooler without it!!

[@juliantoth5873]

Hi John, about over heating, I raised the back of my bonnet 20cm "the old school way" never over heats, the fan pushes the heat out, I got a viscos fan and was gonna swap it for blades, but its not ideal for river crossings so I stick with the viscos fan. I wander what went wrong with yours??

[@JOHNROOTHROOTHY]

It was marginal even with the lid up, turned out eventually there was a hose that kept sucking shut - took ages to find,, kept thinking it was something else because they were new hoses!

[@juliantoth5873]

@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY That's right, new hose's don't have the springs in it.

[@boratborat8045]

For sale: Troop carrier, never been near salt water, only drives on blacktop & has plenty of rootin space. Comes with a stained mattress 😉🤣

[@waynetolver-banks4362]

I hope the troopee owner brought you a case of beer

[@zachdillon275]

Cool stuff, im in florida and qould love to go wheeling, fishing and exploring in Australia

[@zachdillon275]

Keep the videos up man

[@JOHNROOTHROOTHY]

You can do it!

[@iAMxplosiff]

Thought that red sounded a bit more tough than usual. Nothing wrong with a V8! Just need to carry a couple extra jerry cans but its worth it

[@JOHNROOTHROOTHY]

iAMxplosiff 200 k to the tank. Grr at fun but!!!

[@eaglen00b]

@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY Yikes! 😨

[@craigme3014]

Tyre pressure? looked very high. Pointless if you don't drop your pressure to suit conditions.

[@boatmanscotty]

Stingray will taste better than your dart fella 👍 what a ripper of an old vid 🤟

[@ivanolsen8596]

Nothing wrong with ray flaps, just scrub the slime off slice into cutlets and cook, remove the skin and cartledge as you eat, better than most scale fish!!

[@albzist]

Quite possibly the most fun vid ive seen this year. New convert

[@Kevin-oh2je]

Masarap

[@4x4CampingandAdventures]

Old mates troopy going for 30k on gumtree 😂

[@toddrohrlach8336]

No beach work always garaged.

[@zeMasterRuseman]

Fraser Island. Home of the 45psi crew.

[@AntonSunsin]

👍👍👍

[@jasonshep814]

Love the video roothy chasing injectoer lines and clamps for 12ht any leads ? Cheers

[@JOHNROOTHROOTHY]

JasonShep Me LandCruiser Paul Reid on Facebook is your first port of call.

[@jasonshep814]

@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY cheers mate called him said hes got nothing , all gd thought would ask , keep up the good work mate 👌

[@adolfadolfvich3253]

🎥 👍

[@palma8120]

Backpackers were heading home soon and could sell car quickly. Might as well do an insurance job on it hay.... 🌊

[@doubledown9333]

Hey Rooth,what happened to AMT?

[@joelfrancis5391]

22:20 👌 when being hilarious wasnt racist.

[@jahascootsyt4669]

Don’t think that joke would bring up any controversy seeing as it really isn’t harming anyone

[@grancito2]

Land Cruiser for sale, very clean vehicle.

[@m6sports]

The days when 4wd action had a cooking segment and the cooks weren’t 12 beers in before even starting It’s sad to see how it went downhill I vote bring back Roothy

[@sebiandronic1996]

I went to mckanzie with my stock honda crv from 2000 and street tires😐

[@MrProject350]

Hi I would love to see this on a non Big Tech platform. Please.

[@ellieallan9007]

qld rego check on 217LAA....... no surprise that one not rego anymore... what a waste

[@MothershipVideos]

Are Rooth from motorcycle fame?

[@johnw.159]

Amazing ... a whopping 12 you tube advertisement breaks in a 46min show... WAY too many Roothy ... And interesting to watch a 4wd anything: before the days of the incessant drone footage we get doused in now...

[@LazyMrShikamaru]

Geez and here I thought no one wheeled a Jeep in AU

[@vaughanscott7308]

Its the fucking camera truck have a look at the windshield camera mount. Roothy obviously knows that bloke.

[@raffymagaling2516]

are there crocodiles there?

[@petersajkic6749]

No

[@damiangillett6443]

Off pay week. Donated a fiver for the little fellow

[@mrtailwind864]

Wow this guy seems great,actually really like this...(subscribed too) Kinda clear now where 24/7 get all their ideas from🙁 I like this approach better,seems more real.

[@saphserg5221]

24/7 was 4wd action, roothy was with 4wd action/monthly.

[@civilianchris]

wowwww so many ads

[@zeMasterRuseman]

32:34 this is why you always park on dry sand.

[@consaka1]

Getting bogged is easy. Just air up your tires to 60 psi and try to drive anywhere. lol

[@cruellacruella4375]

This looked interesting but not enough to sit through 12 frigging ads 😂

[@Gordon_L]

Salt can be a preservative , unfortunately not for vehicles ...

[@Smash_Moore]

15 ads in an hour.... Too many for me. Looked like a great video though

[@jamesbarry9795]

What ads

[@eaglen00b]

No ads for me either.

[@LW-oh7rc]

The clowns ya see that drive right in the surf must work a car sale yards I reckon! The sand don't get harder the deeper ya go in🥴

[@jamesd4418]

In most cases, I have no sympathy for people that drown their vehicles on the beach or any creek crossing. Lack of awareness or experience is no excuse. It's risk taking. It would be interesting to know what is the actual number lost of the years.

[@toddavis8151]

Totally politically incorrect.. I love it

[@boatmanscotty]

How so mate 🤷‍♂️

[@joeltramacchi6365]

Was this the one where thrifty shit canned you mob for the drowned car incident?

[@shovelrickshovelhead8713]

Your true blew

[@mobyhunr]

Some people need to stay on paved roads.

[@peterjones9629]

Too many ads Roothy

[@MrPepper312]

That salt water is so bad for the under carriage .

[@bobscott3220]

Danger. Dingo. Try. To. Kill. Baby.

[@DuckDonald44]

That was an embarrassing cock-up. Don’t worry about your stupid fluro vest, just make sure you leave the handbrake on next time. Bloody conservation has gone too far with these places, not being able to interact with the water and throwing up barricades and signs is running the experience.