ABOUT US
ON THE DIRT was created as a YouTube channel back in the first year that YouTube came into being, 2007. In those days, it was the personal YouTube account of John McCredie with a few little videos of some 4WD trips he had done with family and friends. John had always had a passion for gravel rallying and even won the Australian Rally Championship for pocket rockets in the front wheel drive 0-1300cc category. From there, this passion extended to four-wheel-driving and in 2009 John and his two sons Nathan and Jacob filmed their first 4WD Winch Comp.
The YouTube Channel soon started to grow in both popularity and size (number of videos) and was changed from the name OHM26 to ON THE DIRT. With more videos being produced and more 4wd and rally content being uploaded, the channel now has over 14,000 subscribers and almost 5 million views.
Fun New 4WD Park in Australia
This Central West 4WD Park in NSW is a short drive from Mudgee and this video gives us the low-down on the fun and activities on offer. Finding quiet undiscovered bush camping sites can be quite a challenge. And when it comes to long weekends, especially Easter, it might just be impossible to find that hidden gem. But we were recently invited to come and check out Jamie Smiths Central West 4WD Park, just south [...]
Championship Battle Heats Up in the Barossa: Price vs Brinkman Set for Showdown
The gravel roads of the iconic Barossa Valley are set to rumble once again as the 2025 MSS Safety Rally Barossa brings South Australia's premier gravel competitors together for Round 2 of the South Australian Rally Championship (SARC). After a thrilling season opener at the Shannons Rally SA – Rally of the Heartland, all eyes now turn to the vineyards and valleys of Rowland Flat, where an epic battle is brewing. This night–day format rally, known for its mix [...]
Middle of the Road – Hyundai Tucson Active 2.0 litre Auto
By Jon Thomson At some point in our evolutionary history our DNA was corrupted and as a race we decided that SUVs were a better proposition for personal transport than small hatches or wagons. It must have been a quirk of evolution, because, if you apply logic, there could be no reason why we would swap smaller more efficient cars with ones that are heavier, offer no more space internally and have a higher centre of [...]
Mitsubishi Pajero NP 2002 Review
The Mitsubishi Pajero is a very popular four-wheel drive in Australia, and whilst many of them are just glorified wagons to pick up the kids from school, as an off roader, they go alright. Today, we’re going to take a look at the very first NP model Pajero as a second-hand buy. And the model we’re reviewing is a 3.5 litre, Petrol, top of the Range, very late 2002, Exceed. Mitsubishi designed a monocoque body for [...]
2014 Nissan Xtrail – Review
I recently had the opportunity to hire a car for a trip around Queensland so I asked for a Midsize SUV. I was given a Nissan Xtrail and I was quite impressed with it so I thought I’d provide a quick review of the car for those who might be looking to get one. First off, I didn’t really take a lot of notice of the version I was given, but I’m pretty sure it was the [...]
Henry and Buccini Set for QRC Battle at Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland
Queensland pairing Cameron Henry and Claire Buccini are primed for a strong showing this weekend as they tackle the 2025 Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland, entering in the Queensland Rally Championship (QRC) section behind the wheel of their proven 2015 Subaru WRX. Backed by Virtual Security Guard and Buccini Transport, the experienced duo are focused on delivering a competitive result on the fast, flowing roads around Gympie. Henry, who returned to rallying in 2024 after a 15-month break to grow [...]
Need a Rally Fix? Here Are the Events Left for 2025!
If you’re a rally tragic, you’re in luck... there’s still plenty of high-octane action left before the year wraps up. From iconic coastal stages and flat-out forestry sprints, to multi-day endurance marathons and grassroots club challenges, the rest of 2025 is packed with unmissable events. You can expect: Sweeping forest stages that demand precision and bravery. Fast, flowing gravel roads where commitment pays off. Technical mountain climbs that test both driver and machine. Coastal blasts [...]
Rally NSW Introduces Fast Track Documentation
Rally NSW is proud to unveil Fast Track Documentation, an innovative and near-contactless documentation checking process aimed at improving safety and efficiency for both competitors and event organisers. The Rally NSW Fast Track Documentation system has been under development for some time, with Rally NSW volunteers tasking themselves with developing a system that makes life easier for competitors entering events and reduces event organisers’ workloads. The scheme is voluntary. Competitors who choose to use the scheme [...]
Team Ranga – Nissan Patrol Winch Truck
They say only a "Ranga" can call another red head a Ranga, but when your team name is Team Ranga, we may need to make an exception for these two blokes in their Nissan Patrol GU. Paul Semmens and Nathan Mills have had a few thrills and spills in their 4.8 inter-cooled turbo Patrol, sporting a few different coloured panels after repairs from previous winch events that didn't go according to plan. The truck features [...]
