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Vinnie, Thanks. I imagine I'll be doing all sorts of camping. I intend to set up my vehicle so that all gear is stored in it so all I 'll need in the tent is my sleeping gear and clothes for the next day. I can see no point in carrying gear in my vehicle, making camp and putting gear in the tent and then putting it in my vehicle the next day. I'll have all food, cooking equipment, clothing etc in the vehicle at all times. Where do I find the Sportiva tent you describe? Is it quick to erect and pack? Is it strom proof? Thanks for your help Vinnie - I'll find them and check them out to see if they might meet my requirements.

Thanks Greyemu for your reply. What brand was the tent and what features lead you to choose it? I'm not familiar with kangaroo tent city but we have a number of branches of another tent city in my area. I've looked at their range and it seems to me that they are aimed at the tourist market and the bottom end of the price market. I'm really after quality and am quite prepared to pay for it - it's worth it to be dry when there's a deluge in some far flung corner of this great country of ours! I can't wait to "hit the tracks"!!! Perhaps kangaroo tent city stock a range more suited to the rugged demands of the four wheel driver though. Where are they to be found - I assume that they are interstate and not in Victoria as i would have heard of them. If they have something suitable I'm sure I could negotiate an arrangement with them.

Thanks Crackles I have checked both of your suggestions on the Internet and they look like qualty products. They look like what I'm after!

Welcome to 4WDing & touring Bob
As said above Freedom & Southern Cross would be the best IMHO
Center pole, quick and easy , great when you are on the move every day.
There is some differences between the 2,, SC door hinges from top Freedom door hinges from the left side which I find better for us.
Freedom center pole is spring loaded (great), SC is adjustable with screw lock.
They both make a cheaper no fuss Bus type or the dearer range.
Size would depend on No of occupants to sleep.

Best bet is to visit there stores & check them out well before you make the decision, ie actual size erected, maybe an awning over the door, size & weight when packed.

Tents are not something to rush into for the $$$ you pay.
Lots of nylon type tents about very compact to carry, but can be a PITA to erect.

Hope this helps you
Cheers

Thanks for the encouragement Jim. Do you have any specific recommendations on quality tent makers?

Sorry Bob,

I can't help you with that, I've gone down the camper track.

Cheers,

Jim.

Thanks Jim. I considered a camper but decided that I wanted to go to the "out of the way" and difficult areas as well as just off the bitumen. I've read for example that the Simpson Desert management discourage trying to drag a camper as they cause considerable environmental damage and increase the chances of needing assistance.

Oztent for me too.

Just spent the weekend in it waiting for the rain to stop. Bucketed down all weekend and we stayed comfortable and dry. We barely got damp putting it up in the rain Friday night.

But it's horses for courses.

Major drawback is the size when packed.

Good luck in finding the right tent.

Thanks Browny and Andrew. I saw the tent you refer to today and with respect it seemed very flimsy. It must have loads of water proofing on it if it doesn't leak as the material is very light weight. I'm leaning towards the centre pole tents made from a good strong waterproof canvas suggested in an earlier post. Thanks for your help and your tents certainly go up quickly!