Beyond Hotham

• Participants will get the chance to meet Pat Callinan
• Registrations filling fast

The popularity of Mt Hotham as a four wheel driving destination is set to receive a massive promotional boost with the confirmation today that Pat Callinan, host of Network TEN and One HD's Pat Callinan's 4x4 Adventures, will be attending Beyond Hotham, Mt Hotham Alpine Resort's premier four wheel driving festival, held on April 7-17.

Pat Callinan a.k.a. ‘MR 4X4' is one of Australia's most experienced four-wheel drivers, having edited Australia's top-selling four-wheel drive magazine for eight years and driven on thousands of off-road tracks both in Australia and around the world. His TV show has a reach of more than 600,000 viewers per episode.

Pat attended last year's Beyond Hotham as a special guest and was so impressed with the quality of four wheel driving terrain offered on the event's program that he promised to return for more this year. As part of his appearance at Beyond Hotham, Pat and his film crew plan to cover the very best of Mt Hotham's scenic 4WD tracks for the upcoming series, due to be screened in November 2011.

Beyond Hotham participants have the opportunity to meet with Pat during the event, a very special occasion for both fans and Pat himself, given his demanding schedule doesn't normally allow him to bring viewers on his expeditions.

Mt Hotham Resort Management Board and Beyond Hotham marketing spokesperson Eliza Stokie said that Pat Callinan's attendance at Beyond Hotham is a once in a life time opportunity for 4WD enthusiasts: “This is exciting news for us and registrations will be snapped up in record time this year.”

She is also thrilled that Hotham will be the feature destination in his Victorian high country visit. “Pat has a reputation for featuring the most visually stunning 4WD destinations on his show, and the fact that he selected Hotham as the next filming location really does demonstrate how well he regards the quality of 4WDing we have available at Hotham” she said. “This is why Beyond Hotham has become such an important event on our summer calendar. I encourage all 4WD enthusiasts to come along and register now for their chance to be a part of this experience.”

The Beyond Hotham program offers a range of day and overnight trips, workshops and social activities based around the Mt Hotham village. Participants are guided on graded trip tagalongs with experienced and skilled trip leaders, and it is designed to be a 4WD experience that engages all levels of ability and suitable for all 4WD vehicles. Guest presenters who have specialist knowledge in topics including hut history, gold, pioneering, flora and fauna and navigation compliment the program and add another dimension to these trips. The overnight expeditions on offer are excellent and include four day and three day options to destinations like Wonnangatta, Talbotville, Mayford and Buckland.

Need to know:

Places are available but limited. Persons wanting to meet Pat will need to nominate an overnight trip as part of their registration. View the Beyond Hotham 2011 program schedule and registration details, or phone 03 5759 3550. For more info on Pat Callinan's 4X4 Adventures TV show and DVDs, go to WWW.MR4X4.COM.AU