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“Coolangatta's Bigfoot” is back!
After a break of several years “Coolangatta's Bigfoot” is back in operation at Coolangatta Estate near Shoalhaven Heads.
The original Bigfoot started at Coolangatta in the early 1980's and became a well - known local tourism icon. The new Bigfoot is a huge 4WD open sided tractor-bus that carries tourists on a one-hour tour of the historic property.
The tour highlight is definitely an adventurous climb up Mt Coolangatta from where some of the best views of the South Coast can be enjoyed.
A ride on Bigfoot is a great way to see the convict built village dating from 1822 and to drive amongst the vineyards that produce many award winning wines.
Bigfoot appeals to people of all ages and enables them to enjoy the adventurous experience as well as have access to sections of the historic property that is otherwise not possible.
The building of the new Bigfoot machine has taken 18 months with much of the work being done by local tradesmen. The machine is based on a German built M.A.N. 18 tonne 4WD heavy -duty chassis. It has massive 8” full air ABS service brakes and an exhaust valve engine compression brake to make operation on the steep grades of the mountain easy and safe. The turbo charged, inter-cooled diesel engine is a clean burning Euro 3 emissions rated unit that produces 1100NM of torque at just 1400 revs. The 36 passengers are seated in coach type seats with seatbelts and the public address system provides clear, audible driver commentary that is so much a part of the one- hour ride.
Passenger safety has been foremost in the design of the new Bigfoot machine. It has been fully engineered to meet all the relevant safety standards that are equivalent to a modern tour coach plus other requirements that are unique to this machine's specific operation on Mt Coolangatta.
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