Customer Adventure Series: The Beauty of Unguided Exploration

A guided tour is nice but being able to turn away from the group and explore wherever you want is how Rhino-Rack likes to adventure. There’s more magic in using your own senses to spot the dolphins in the waves or the dingo in the bush than having it pointed out to you. Rhino-Rack spoke to Nick Kapitz, a weekend adventure warrior, about a recent trip to Fraser Island and how exploring 4x4 style let him see more wildlife!

Vehicle on the beach

For more great photography and adventure head to Nick Kapitz Facebook page HERE or his Instagram HERE.

Where: Fraser Island, Qld
When: Easter Long Weekend
Vehicle: Nissan Navara

Rhino-Rack Products:

Rhino-Rack: What is it about exploring the outdoors you like?

Nick Kapitz: It’s the escape from the stress and pressures of the city life. Getting away from work and study and just enjoying the simple life. Whether it be beach or bush, my Nissan Navara and I will go anywhere. There’s nothing better than exploring what this beautiful country has to offer.

Rhino-Rack: What other passions or hobbies do you have?

Nick Kapitz: I’m an absolute die-hard fisherman, and thankfully having a four wheel drive allows me to explore and seek those incredible fishing spots that only a four wheel drive can allow you do, such as Fraser Island!

Rhino-Rack: Speaking of four wheel drive access allowing you to explore more, what’s the benefits when fish aren’t biting?

Nick Kapitz: When visiting Fraser it's common to see dingoes all over the Island. Throughout the later months of the year, you can see whales doing their annual migration up the east coast. There's also Dolphins, turtles, stingrays and plenty of fish to see on the Island as well.

Rhino-Rack: Why does exploring off-road allow you to see more wildlife?

Nick Kapitz: Getting away from civilisation allows you to go to those remote locations that only a 4wd allows. Some of these locations are untouched or rarely have visitors. It's these spots that get you an awesome, first-hand view of nature.

Rhino-Rack: Do you have any tips for seeing more wildlife on your adventures?

Nick Kapitz: Get away from the city smoke, go as remote as you feel comfortable and take a camera to capture these incredible memories. Make sure when you go to these beautiful and wild locations that you can be self-sufficient, especially on Fraser Island. Whether you go right up to Sandy Cape or on the Western and Eastern beaches. When you go to Fraser Island you don't have to go far to find the wildlife, you'll soon notice that it will find you!

Rhino-Rack: How did you prepare for the trip? What are the important steps to take?

Nick Kapitz: In the days leading up to the trip it was pretty much preparing the mighty Navara, making sure that everything mechanical was running well. A lap around the vehicle and making sure all bolts were tight was critical to ensure nothing was going to come loose. Grocery shopping and buying any last minute fishing gear that I needed as well as packing the usual essentials and the all necessary recovery equipment.

Rhino-Rack: What are the weather and terrain conditions like?

Nick Kapitz: Superb! We had clear skies and beautiful temperatures for most of the trip. We only had light rain on one of the mornings, so we couldn’t really complain! Usually, around Easter, the sand can be churned up from vehicles and if there hasn’t been any rain for a while the sand can be really fine like a powder and make those tracks difficult even for the most experienced driver. Luckily we all had no issues as there was quite a bit of traffic and a little drizzle making the tracks compact and an easy drive.

Rhino-Rack: What was it you intended to do/see/experience there?

Nick Kapitz: This trip was just an excuse to get away from work and studies. Relaxing with our mates and taking in th natural beauty that Fraser Island has to offer is all the reason we needed! One of our goals this trip was to explore the western side of the island to Wathumba Creek, as well as seeing a couple of our favourite sites such as Eli Creek, The Maheno, Central Station, Lake McKenzie and the Champagne Pools. We also wanted to try and catch a beast of a Spanish Mackerel, Giant Trevally and Mulloway off the Eastern beaches.

Rhino-Rack: Did you accomplish that?

Nick Kapitz: Unfortunately the fish didn’t want to play the game as we got busted off by a number of big fish! We travelled to Wathumba Creek and it was everything I heard it was. Bright white sands, and gin clear waters, with lush rainforest in the background, it doesn’t get any better than that. The usual stops were incredible and as always they never disappoint!

Rhino-Rack: How did Rhino-Rack products help to facilitate your adventure?

Nick Kapitz: My Rhino-Rack setup is vital for all my off-road travels. I have the Rhino-Rack HD Roof Racks and attached to that are my Rhino-Rack Brackets, both the Shovel Holder and Led Light Bar Brackets which hold all my gear neatly and easily. Not only does the Rhino-Rack gear look great, but they’re tough stuff! I still think they’re one of the best modifications I’ve made to my vehicle. If I didn’t have a Rhino-Rack there’s no way I’d be able to fit my swag and all my storage boxes which contain the essentials such as tools, cooking equipment, clothes and recovery gear.

Rhino-Rack: What is it about the destination or the journey of your adventure that makes the trip worthwhile?

Nick Kapitz: Fraser Island is one of those incredible places that’s right on Brisbane’s door step. It’s only a few hours from the busy CBD to the relaxing shores of Fraser Island. The scenery changes in minutes when you’re driving on the inland tracks. It’s awesome how you can go from driving on the beach to driving through a tropical rainforest so quickly. It’s not just the scenery though it’s the animals as well, from seeing dingoes playing on the beach to fishing on the eastern beach and seeing a number of whales, dolphins and even sharks cruising past in the back breakers.

Rhino-Rack: What’s the logistics of the adventure that other thrill seekers can follow?

Nick Kapitz: Anyone can go to Fraser Island. That’s the best part about the place! If you have a four-wheel drive and it’s stock as a rock you can still go over and enjoy the place. If you don’t have a four-wheel drive, there’s plenty of places to hire one at the rainbow beach township. All you need is a plan for the adventure, like a tent, food and mates. Fraser Island will take care of the rest. I guarantee you’ll be impressed and be back for more.

Customer Adventure Series

We'll be posting stories taken directly from Rhino-Rack Customers. Adventurers who want to share their explorations around Australia and the world. If you'd like to get involved in the Rhino-Rack Adventure Series please contact Rhino-Rack through any of our social media platforms below.

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