- Australian Jeep Jamboree 2004
- Approximately 500 Jeep enthusiasts to take part
- Jeep historic vehicles showcased
The largest Jeep® gathering in the Southern Hemisphere will take place in
Marysville, 90 minutes North East of Melbourne, from 1-4 October. Over 500 Jeep
enthusiasts and 250 Jeep vehicles from around Australia will come together for
the first National Jeep Jamboree, a celebration of Jeep – the brand, the
vehicles and the lifestyle.
The Jamboree is an exclusive event for Jeep aficionados, which allows them to
explore a full range of 4x4 activities and share their experiences with fellow
Jeep fans in a friendly, family-oriented environment.
Owners will participate in 4X4 clinics, a Jeep Expo where owners can learn
more about their vehicle, and various drives throughout the weekend. Some of the
major highlights of the event include a spectacular Show 'n' Shine at Galipoli
Park, Marysville, in the morning of Saturday 2 October. A 'fancy dress for
Jeeps' competition will be held later that night, where passionate owners will
decorate their vehicles with lights and accessories for a shot at a $25,000
prize pool.
Being held at the scenic Valley Farm in Narbethong, just outside of
Marysville, this will be the first Jamboree in Victoria and the first hosted by
the Melbourne Jeep Owners Club.
A wide variety of Jeep vehicles will be in attendance, ranging from WWII
Jeeps, some with their original machine guns, communication equipment and
armoury in place, through to a display of the current Jeep range, courtesy of
Chrysler Jeep Australia, who are a key partner in staging the event.
"Jeeps are real four wheel drives and are very capable out on the trails"
says Melbourne Jeep Owners Club President John Jefferies. "The Jeep Jamboree is
for all Jeep owners from the novice through to the hard core Jeeper.”
Arguably one of the most recognised brands worldwide, the Jeep brand has
often been referred to as a ‘lifestyle’ rather than simply an array of highly
capable vehicles. Organiser Paul Kelly recently told the Herald-Sun “I reckon
Jeeps are a bit like Harley-Davidsons. There’s a whole culture there.”
Managing Director, for Chrysler Jeep Australia, Gerry Jenkins said, "The
Jamboree provides the perfect setting to experience and test Jeep’s Legendary
4x4 capability in a unique and scenic environment. The fact that customers
budget their time and money to attend the Jeep Jamboree is testimony to their
passion for the Jeep brand and what it represents.”
Similar to the large-scale Jeep Jamboree events held in the USA each year
this Australian version is proving to be a real hit with Australian Jeep owners,
with the event having filled quickly and only limited weekend places left.
"As well as your true Jeep enthusiast many people who have registered are
families keen to enjoy their Jeep in a safe and responsible manner in the great
Victorian outdoors," said Ian Fletcher who will be coordinating the trips that
take place over the weekend.
In excess of 50 volunteers have been mobilised from the Melbourne Jeep Owners
Club and the Jeep Owners Club of Victoria to ensure the event is a success.
There are still a few day and session passes available for the weekend with
entry starting from $50.00 per person. Further information on the event can be
viewed at www.jeepjamboree.com.au.
Jeep Jamboree History
In 1952, Mark A. Smith and a small group of
Rotarians and friends figured out a way to boost the economy of Georgetown,
California: Stage an annual Jeep vehicle trek across the Sierra Nevada Mountains
by way of the old Rubicon Trail. The first Jeep Jamboree saw 155 people take on
the Rubicon Trail.
Since then thousands of owners and enthusiasts have experienced the
fun-filled Jeep Jamborees around the world, providing unprecedented
opportunities to discover stunning backcountry, challenge their vehicle, and
meet friendly people who are as genuine as the Jeep vehicle itself. In over 50
years, some things never change.
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