The National Jeep Jamboree 2010 was officially the largest Jeep owner’s event to ever be held in Australia, with a record 347 Jeep vehicles and over 960 people attending the bi-annual event near Warragul, Victoria this week.

Jeep enthusiasts travelled from all corners of the continent to show off their own pride and joy, eye-off everyone else’s and ‘have fun out there’ during the 66 professionally-run trips in nearby forests. From ‘Willys’ and Wranglers, to Patriots and Grand Cherokees, all seven decades of Jeep models were welcomed, admired and put through their paces.

With a range of activities on offer to keep the whole family entertained, a sunny Lardner Park and surrounding 4WD tracks provided the perfect backdrop for an action packed weekend for the ‘Jeepers’ attendance.

But the real action happened when the Jeeps got out in their element, doing what they were designed to do - go off road. After four days of uphills and downhills, ruts and bogs, recoveries and camaraderie, hundreds of weary Jeeps headed home with mud splattered badges of honour. Matching the slogan of the MJOC, they did indeed ‘get ‘em dirty’.

The 2010 Jamboree was the second ‘Jambo’ to be organised and run by the Melbourne Jeep Owner’s Club (MJOC) volunteers who donated tens of thousands of hours toward the iconic event. MJOC Event Director, Brett Dashwood, was delighted with the success of this year’s Jamboree, which was over two years in the making.

“I am so happy and proud of the event that we were able to pull together, and the Jeep owners of Australia should also be proud of the way they handled themselves,” said Dashwood.

“The sheer number of 4WD trips, the variety of on-site 4WD activities, the evening entertainment, even the family activities, all helped to create an event that was a resounding success according to all participants. But it would not have been possible without the Sponsors, Supporters, and of course the Key Partner, Jeep”.

Dean Bonthorne, Senior Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications for Chrysler Australia, said what a great opportunity it was to share peoples’ sheer passion and loyalty for their Jeep brand.

“We were thrilled to be Key Partner for the National Jeep Jamboree 2010. The bond between Jeep owners, and staff alike, is remarkable and throughout the whole event, you really felt part of something special. It’s events like this that remind you what owning a Jeep is all about – enjoying the freedom and adventure these vehicles truly offer.”

Jeep Jamboree is a tradition that goes back 57 years, originating in the USA in 1953 when 155 Californians held the first Jeep vehicle trek along the Rubicon Trail, arguably one of the toughest 4WD tracks in the world. There are now more than 30 Jeep Jamborees held each year throughout America, and one held every two years in Australia.

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