The largest Jeep gathering in the Southern Hemisphere will take place in Marysville, 90 minutes north-east of Melbourne, from 1st-4th October, 2004. Over 500 Jeep enthusiasts and 250 Jeep vehicles from around Australia will come together for the first National Jeep Jamboree, a celebration of Jeep – the brand, the vehicles and the lifestyle.

The Jamboree is an exclusive event for Jeep enthusiasts, which allows them to explore a full range of 4x4 activities and share their experiences with fellow Jeep fans in a friendly, family-oriented environment.

Owners will participate in 4x4 clinics, a Jeep Expo where owners can learn more about their vehicle, and various drives throughout the weekend. Some of the major highlights of the event include a spectacular Show 'n' Shine at Galipoli Park, Marysville, in the morning of Saturday 2nd October. A 'fancy dress for Jeeps' competition will be held later that night, where passionate owners will decorate their vehicles with lights and accessories for a shot at a $25,000 prize pool.

Being held at the scenic Valley Farm in Narbethong, just outside of Marysville, this will be the first Jamboree in Victoria and the first hosted by the Melbourne Jeep Owners Club.

A wide variety of Jeep vehicles will be in attendance, ranging from WWII Jeeps, some with their original machine guns, communication equipment and armoury in place, through to a display of the current Jeep range, courtesy of Chrysler Jeep Australia, who are a key partner in staging the event.

"Jeeps are real four wheel drives and are very capable out on the trails" says Melbourne Jeep Owners Club President John Jefferies. "The Jeep Jamboree is for all Jeep owners from the novice through to the hard core Jeeper.”

Arguably one of the most recognised brands worldwide, the Jeep brand has often been referred to as a ‘lifestyle’ rather than simply an array of highly capable vehicles.

Managing Director, for Chrysler Jeep Australia, Gerry Jenkins said, "The Jamboree provides the perfect setting to experience and test Jeep’s Legendary 4x4 capability in a unique and scenic environment. The fact that customers budget their time and money to attend the Jeep Jamboree is testimony to their passion for the Jeep brand and what it represents.”

Similar to the large-scale Jeep Jamboree events held in the USA each year this Australian version is proving to be a real hit with Australian Jeep owners, with the event having filled quickly and only limited weekend places left.

"As well as your true Jeep enthusiast many people who have registered are families keen to enjoy their Jeep in a safe and responsible manner in the great Victorian outdoors," said Ian Fletcher who will be coordinating the trips that take place over the weekend.

In excess of 50 volunteers have been mobilised from the Melbourne Jeep Owners Club and the Jeep Owners Club of Victoria to ensure the event is a success.

Since then thousands of owners and enthusiasts have experienced the fun-filled Jeep Jamborees around the world, providing unprecedented opportunities to discover stunning backcountry, challenge their vehicle, and meet friendly people who are as genuine as the Jeep vehicle itself. In over 50 years, some things never change.