The Burke & Wills Historical Drive
This is a unique 4 x 4 travel adventure from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria following the route of Burke & Wills and looking at all aspects of the ill fated journey. You can either Tag along in your own vehicle or let us take care of the whole thing.
Unquestionably … Australia’s most famous white explores would have to have been Burke and Wills, more books have been written, more films have been produced, more controversy and intrigue has been conjured up over these two than James Cook and Ned Kelly combined.
These are the mysteries of our past, a heritage that we seek to understand, what did happen? how does it effect who we are and where does it sit in the development of white/indigenous Australian culture.
The trip must to go down in history as one of the greatest miscalculations and absence of common sense that imperialistic old world of Australia could ever have made. Sheer folly. Out of their depth and out of their minds!! Brave beyond belief.
We as a group of people have a challenge to remember the story and tell the yarn that surrounds these amazingly ill chosen few, for such an incredible adventure.
We must tell of their misfortune, misinformation and lack of understanding to our children and our children’s children. This is our history whether success or failure, we should try and understand what went on when white Australians colonized this land.
The Burke & Wills story was one of the major pivotal points of exploration in this country, one that certainly grabbed the attention of the masses, then and now, debate still rages on just what happened, where did they really go, why could they not have chosen far better people for the job at hand. Or was it all just a bit of bad luck!!
Trip Details:
We depart Melbourne on May 25th 2007 For the next 12 days we travel by back roads and tracks stopping and exploring the many aspects and sites of these infamous explores.
There are two ways to join the trip:
A. Come with your own vehicle and fuel and we supply the rest ... $1,450 per person
B. Come on your own and we supply everything. $2,950 ... 2008
Dates are as follows:
2007.
Depart Melbourne May 25th
Arrive Townsville June 5th.
Cost Per Person. without vehicle gst inc $2,950
Cost Per Person with own vehicle and fuel, gst inc $1,550
2008.
Depart Melbourne May 25th
Arrive Townsville June 5th
Cost Per Person. without vehicle gst inc $3,350
Cost Per Person with own vehicle and fuel, gst inc $1,800
Joining Information. General
The information that follows is designed to answer most of the questions you might have about the trip and how it will be conducted.
- Complete the booking form.
- The cost of the 12 day trip $2,950 inc gst.
- This starts at Melbourne on the 25th May and finishes in Townsville or Cairns 12 days later
Please note that your fees do not include travel to Melbourne and from Townsville but it includes all logistics, meals, trek transport and relevant materials to complete the expedition.
A 25% deposit must accompany the returned Booking form.
Location and Timings
We will arrange a time to get together in Melbourne the night before for drinks and to meet each other and have a chat. If you need advice on what to see and do and places to stay, please contact us and we will be able to advise you on these matters.
The Trek In addition to experiencing the fascination of the Australian Outback Desert, it’s a time to relax, laugh a lot, tell a yarn or two and have a port or 3, sleep under the stars in swags around the fire, a million miles and a trillion stars from anywhere.
All Logistical transport, administrative and medical support is supplied. All you have to do is, enjoy the drive traveling through this fascinating and beautiful country. We start early and with a couple of stops including lunch, complete the day's travel by no later then 3pm.
The food is first class and the crew are there to make this a trip to remember and treasure.
Make sure you bring your camera, as this type of country is a photographer's dream. From massive salt lakes to red sand dunes, all the mysteries of this remote section of the world will unfold in front of your eyes.
General Points:
- All people on the trek must sign the Assumption of Risk/Indemnity Section of the Booking Form.
- There will be limited room for gear, but still come prepared. It will be cold in the evenings and quite warm during the day. If we do get wind it could be very cold.
- Washing of the body will be possible .
- Charging of batteries for cameras will be possible.
- We supply swags and tents - you will need to bring a sleeping bag.
- We have a first class medical kit with well-trained staff. Contact number whilst on trip is 07 4721 6720. This number will be linked into a satellite phone and accessed daily.
- We are always in Telephone contact with Satellite communication and CDMA systems when in range.
What to bring:
- A good pair of boots..
- Thongs or sandals.
- Powder for your feet.
- A torch
- One good warm sleeping bag and pillow.
- One good wind proof coat.
- Gloves.
- One Camel Back [water container] with pouch for gear as well. This is optional.
- A good hat and fly screen if you hate flies.
- Scarf., sunglasses
- Personal toiletries and any personal medicine you may require.
- Towel
- Two pairs of long pants and two pairs of shorts.
- 3cotton shirts, 3flannelette shirts.
- Socks and underwear to suit.
- A bag for dirty clothes.
- Sun and lip cream. Cream for chaffing
AND ABOVE ALL - Come with a smile on your face
To book your trek .. please fill in the BOOKING FORM
Paddy McHugh Tours Treks & Expeditions to Outback Locations in Australia
Phone (07) 4721 6720 ... Mobile: 0427216720 ... Email: paddy@paddymchugh.com |










