On this page we attempt to answer the most commonly asked questions about the club.
What sort of club is it?
The Pathfinders' Club of Australia is principally a family-oriented four-wheel-drive, touring and camping club.
Why is it called the Pathfinders' Club?
The name is derived from the name of the 4WD vehicle owned by the founders of the club - the Nissan Pathfinder.
Is the club exclusively for owners of Pathfinders?
No. While the club name reflects the vehicle of choice of the founding members and we do wish to attract more Pathy owners to the club, the name was also chosen to reflect the recreational activity of 4 wheel driving/touring - or "path-finding". The PCoA is a club formed by and for path-finders. Owners of all makes/models of vehicle are welcome.
Can I be a member even if I don't own a 4 Wheel Drive?
Yes. Although many of the club activities will require a 4WD to reach and explore the destination, we do conduct touring and camping trips that are accessible to AWD "soft-roaders" and even to 2WD vehicles. For example, camping trips to Wollondilly River and Turon River.
We are not "hard-core" four-wheelers whose sole aim is to see how far up a sheer cliff we can drive. We like to go places and see things. However, we do enjoy a moderate challenge from time to time challenging ourselves and our vehicles on the rocks and through the "puddles", effectively ensuring there is "something for everyone".
Membership is open to all who are interested in the objects (objectives) of the club.
So, what are the objects of the club?
The club's objects (its "modus operandi") are designed to provide an overview of the club's aims and a guide to the behaviour expected of its members.
You can read the club's objects on page 2 of the club's constitution, or in extract here.
Describe a typical PCoA member.
PCoA members will be camping enthusiasts who like (or would like) to use their 4WD to get away for a weekend, a month, or a lifetime either in a group of like-minded folk, or alone knowing they have a support network of club members. PCoA members enjoy touring and camping for the purpose of quietly appreciating our magnificent environment. Members are likely to be family groups but need not be and will most likely own a standard, or only slightly modified, 4WD vehicle.
How many members does the club have?
As at 31 October 2006, we had 24 members (23 in NSW and 1 in WA).
What if I've never been 4WDing before?
If you own a 4x4 and have ever thought of going "off-road" but haven't the confidence or desire to tackle it alone, why not join us on one of our trips? You'll be amongst a group of easy-going, relaxed, not-too-serious but experienced four-wheelers. What better way to experience the wonders that surround us?
What activities does the club run?
The club runs a variety of trips - some short get-aways to areas such as Deua National Park in NSW's south coast, Wollondilly River just south of Sydney, Stockton Beach near Newcastle, Newnes near Lithgow, the Watagan ranges and and surrounds north of Sydney (a popular day-trip for Sydney-based members). Popular QLD trips include Landcruiser Mountain Park, Levuka Rainforest Recreation 4WD Park, Rover Park and Glasshouse Mountains.
We also run some mid-length trips for that longer break. For example, a 3 week trip to Mungo, Menindee and Broken Hill or a week at GAR near Albury. You can view some of the trip reports and photos in the PCoA forum.
We plan to run several short trips, one or two mid-length and at least one major trip a year. All the upcoming trips can be reviewed on the Club's trip calendar. The club also holds picnic/barbeque days and other "social" events. Please keep an eye on Coming Events
All those activities are NSW or QLD based. Does the club operate in other states?
Most of the current members do reside in NSW so that is where the activities have been focussed. However, we do have forum members in all states who ocassionally get together. The Club aims to develop a core membership in each state that will conduct club activities locally.
What are the membership requirements?
So, you are interested in becoming a member? We welome new members that share our interests. To find out how to become a member and what's expected of members, you can read the entire constitution, or you can view the key bits of information in the Membership Requirements summary.
What are the membership fees?
As at 1 July 2006, the individual ordinary member joining fee is $35 and the annual membership fee is $40. These may vary depending on membership class and time of joining. The full details can be found in section 10 of the club's Constitution.
Where and when does the club meet?
The club does not currently hold regular, formal monthly meetings. For the time being, we hold meetings either in the club's on-line forum or on club outings or at other times and places as agreed by the members on an ad-hoc basis.
Can I participate on-line if I am not a member?
Yes, you may register on the PCoA sponsored forum. Entry to the forum's public domain is free and open to anyone with a genuine interest in our activities. Registration on the forum does not constitute membership of the PCoA. Participation merely requires registration providing a valid email address. Access to the PCoA Club Only Area requires PCoA membership.
What are the benefits of becoming a member?
Find out here