For the outdoors enthusiast the idea of heaven is more than 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools full of camping, fishing and offroad equipment – and that is exactly what will be on offer at the National 4x4 Show, Fishing Show and Outdoors Expo at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from October 23-26 2008.

In its thirteenth year, the Show will be the biggest offroad, touring, towing, sports fishing, kayak fishing, boating and camping expo ever, with 27,000sqm containing hundreds of exhibitors with thousands of show specials and the latest products.

Chris Hill from the National 4x4 Show, Fishing Show and Outdoors Expo said there is something for everybody at this year’s event with not only a range of exhibitors but also activities to keep the whole family amused for hours.

For the hardcore fisho, there will be over 40 live presentations on the fishing stage that will provide detailed demonstrations on the latest techniques for catching popular species such as snapper, whiting and trout. Meanwhile, the Yamaha Supertank will be the site for demonstrations of how lures look and work underwater. Even more importantly, the tank will be filled with live fish so you can see exactly what makes the fish react.

“Everything you need to make your next trip the adventure of a lifetime will be at this year’s show,” Hill said, “The show will have everything from four wheel drive manufacturers and accessories, camper trailers and equipment, along with fishing gear, boats and tinnies.

“The Outback Arena will be back again in 2008 with more than 50 demonstrations by celebrity guests and industry experts covering an array of topics including camp oven cooking, the latest equipment for off-the-beaten-track and travel destinations.

“For the first time ever there will be a jaw dropping interactive zone and an extreme off road demonstration track.There is something for the whole family with a number of children’s activities including an animal display, kids giveaways and amusements.”

Hill also said that the National 4x4 Show, Fishing Show and Outdoors Expo also represents great value with individuals receiving entry into two great shows for the price of one.Ticket prices start from $11.

“The great thing about the National 4x4 Show and Fishing Show and Outdoors Expo is that the two events are being held in the one location at the same time – which is great because often the fishing enthusiast needs four wheel drive equipment to get to those remote fishing holes,” Hill said.

“Adding to the family atmosphere of the show is that all children under the age of 15 will receive free entry into the event to allow them to take advantage of some of the fun activities which will help them to develop a thirst for a healthy and active lifestyle in the great outdoors.”

Tickets for the National 4x4 Show, Fishing Show and Outdoors Expo, along with further information, are now available at www.4x4show.com.au . 

There will be quite a few famous faces in the crowd at the National 4x4 Show, Fishing Show and Outdoors Expo that will take place at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre from October 23-26, 2008.

King of the fishing world, Rex Hunt, will spend the weekend at the event where he will provide event goers with an array of fishing tips and advice on how to enjoy the great outdoors.

“There can be no doubt that the end of the footy season signals the start of the fishing season,” Hunt said, “The Melbourne Fishing show originally started in the early 1990s at the old exhibition buildings in Carlton and it has grown to this massive show we know today.

“I am so looking forward to speaking on centre stage, especially to the newcomers to fishing. Above all the fun and enthusiasm there must be success and I will be passing on to all those in attendance my 50 years experience fishing around Melbourne.”

Individuals will also have the chance to meet the famous AFL player with autograph sessions to be conducted during the course of the event.

“I will also be on the Aussie Disposals stand launching my new range of fishing gear which has been designed for beginners.Balanced outfits and accessories are a low budget entry level for those people wanting to try this fantastic game called fishing,” Hunt added.

“Everywhere I travel I see people making hard work of fishing. That all ends at the show."

Rex Hunt will appear on the Fishing Stage on Saturday and Sunday, which will be MC this year by Paul Worsteling, owner of Paul Worsteling’s Tackle World in Cranbourne and Paul Worsteling’s Shimano World in Berwick.

Aside from being an extremely successful entrepreneur, Paul is first and foremost a passionate fisherman and a favourite with anglers young and old and he’s very excited to represent the Victorian fishing community, with a power packed schedule of celebrities and experts on the Fishing Stage.

No one who’s seen the crowd that Paul and his boat can pull will question his celebrity status, however there’s no doubting his credibility as MC either, holding theAustralian Anglers Association State and National record for a 605lb mako shark and a thresher shark of 165lb, not to mention a state record for a zebrafish.

In recent years Paul has hosted the hugely popular IFISH program, which is also sold overseas. “IFISH is a dream come true,” says Paul. “Every youngster who has sat on the end of a pier watching their float, dreams that one day they will be able to fish their way around the world. If you dare to dream, it may one day turn to reality.”

To compliment the fishing side of the show, co-author of Australia’s number one cookbook 4 Ingredients, Rachael Bermingham, will be hosting cooking demonstrations and signing copies of her books on the Friday and Saturday of the event.

“At the National 4x4 Show, Fishing Show and Outdoors Expo I will be showing people how they can save time and money by putting a few ingredients together and whipping up something that is quick, easy and absolutely delicious – 4 Ingredients is a perfect solution for campers and outdoor adventurers who want to make something wonderful but don’t have a large pantry to house ingredients – it’s smart cooking without compromising on taste,” Ms Bermingham said.

“Cooking at the Expo won’t be a challenge – it’s deciding on which recipes to make as there are so many to chose from. You will be surprised what you can create with a Weber and a handful of ingredients – and best of all you’ll be able to taste test too!”

Just this month Rachael and fellow author, Kim McCosker, released their second book, which is already on course to achieve the same bestselling success as their first instalment. They also had the premier of their TV Show on the LifeStyle Channel (airing Thursday nights).

Other celebrities attending the event include Wes Dening who will take time out from working on a number of new exciting projects in Los Angeles and New York to MC the Outback Arena Stage.

Wes rose to fame as a housemate on the reality TV show that began it all, Big Brother. Since then he’s also appeared on the award winning children’s program, Totally Wild as well as the Saturday morning AFL show, Kick 2 Kick.

With a love of the outdoors, sport and all things adventurous, Wes has embraced his TV roles with a heart felt energy and enthusiasm. He’s also an avid swimmer, wake boarder, touch footballer and Brisbane Lions supporter and loves living life to the extreme and believes that only dead fish go with the flow!

Chris Hill from the National 4x4 Show, Fishing Show and Outdoors Expo said the event will provide the public with the chance to learn from the best.

“We’ve got a number of celebrity guests attending the show and all of them are experts in their particular fields,” Mr Hill said, “The show just isn’t about stocking up on things for your next fishing or camping exhibition but there is the chance to learn how to enjoy it more.”

“On top of this, we have made the entertainment program varied to ensure there is something for everybody.”

As usual, VFM will have a stand at the show. We’d love you to come along to stand 176 on any day and have a yarn with editor, Martin Auldist, and Victorian ad rep Phill Jones. Amongst other things, there’s no better chance for you to give us feedback about the mag. What do you like, and what don’t you like? If you don’t tell us, we’ll never know – and after all, it’s your mag.

We also have a great subscription deal running at the show. If you subscribe for two years, you receive a show bag full of goodies, including a Daiwa reel, Fishing Monthly beanie, lures, Gulp and ruler, absolutely free (see page 37 for details). It’s an offer that is too good to refuse, especially if you were thinking of subscribing anyway. Current subscribers looking to renew their subscription are also eligible for the free show bag.