2013 Australasian Safari competitors will cover a wide range of terrain on their seven-day journey.

The countdown to the 2013 chapter of the Australasian Safari is well underway, with less than a month until 100 competitors set off on the 3,200 kilometre slog through the Mid-West region of Western Australia.

Considered as Australia’s answer to the epic Dakar Rally, the week-long event covers a broad range of tough terrain from beaches to barren outback.

The course sets off from the sandy beach tracks alongside Jurien Bay’s coastline, before making its way through Northampton, Kalbarri, Gascoyne Junction and Carnarvon. The event concludes at the Geraldton Foreshore.

The long-running event attracts strong international interest, with competitors from the USA, South Africa, Thailand, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Romania and France registering their entries.

Moto category entrants will compete alongside four-whee drives, side-by-sides and quads, with the two-wheel competitors facing the additional challenge of navigating while racing.

The Australasian Safari is a registered Dakar Challenge event, with eight moto category riders nominating themselves to battle for a free entry into the 2014 running of the Dakar Rally.

2012 moto champion Jake Smith will be back in action along with a host of other familiar endure competitors.

Renowned rally driver Alistair McCrae is a name of note taking part in the event. He’ll ride a KTM 500 EXC for the seven-day journey after a solid debut on the bike at the 2013 Australian Four Day Enduro.

The Australasian Safari opens with a public show at the Wanneroo Showgrounds on Thursday, 19 September, from 4.00-9.00pm. The event is free and allows enthusiasts to meet the competitors and see their machinery before the safari kicks off the following day.