Ronny Dahl: Australian Off-Road Adventurer

Published May 2026

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For many Australians, a road trip is about more than reaching a destination. It’s the freedom to drive down an unfamiliar track, camp beneath the stars, and discover places far beyond mobile reception and crowded tourist hotspots. Few people understand that better than Ronny Dahl, creator of 4 Wheeling Australia.

On this episode of the Horizons by RAC podcast, Ronny joins Myke Barlett to talk about a lifetime spent exploring some of Australia’s most remote landscapes, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From crossing deserts and navigating treacherous salt lakes to recovering bogged vehicles in the middle of nowhere, Ronny shares the realities of off-road travel beyond the highlight reels.

What began as childhood curiosity during family road trips, eventually became a career built around adventure and education. Today, Ronny’s YouTube channel has become one of Australia’s most recognised four-wheel-driving platforms, helping drivers understand not just where to go, but how to do it safely.

Ronny discusses common mistakes inexperienced drivers make, from poor planning to underestimating conditions, and explains why preparation matters just as much as the vehicle itself. He also reflects on the mental side of remote travel, including the importance of slowing down, staying calm and thinking clearly when things go wrong.

Beyond the technical advice, the episode explores why so many Australians are drawn to the bush in the first place. For Ronny, it comes back to freedom and disconnecting from everyday distractions.

Listen to the full episode of the Horizons by RAC podcast to hear Ronny’s stories from the road and his advice for anyone planning their own off-road adventure on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Chapters

(0:00) Ronny on freedom, isolation, and the lure of the open road
(1:23) Ronny Dahl, creator of 4 Wheeling Australia
(2:10) Road trips with dad and the XD Falcon adventure to Tom Price
(5:26) Getting bogged at Lancelin and discovering tyre pressures
(7:32) How the YouTube channel started in 2011 and grew to nearly 600k subscribers
(12:30) Tag-along tours and the leap to full-time content creator
(14:08) Going off-grid
(17:50) Planning the Canning Stock Route — 1,850km of remote track with one fuel stop
(19:44) The overconfidence trap
(24:00) Salt lake incident
(29:22) Simpson Desert
(33:00) Caught in a lightning storm on Connie Sue Highway
(35:51) Recovery safety
(39:07) Mindset in a crisis
(45:28) Essential gear for your first 4WD trip
(53:19) Responsibility as an influencer
(1:03:16) Must-visit WA destination

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Chapters