In what is believed to be a first, father and son Richard and Benjamin Harris have crossed Australia from its furthest points in a 4WD motorhome, departing Australia’s most westerly location, Steep Point, WA, on Saturday April 23, crossing the Simpson Desert and finishing at Byron Bay on Monday May 2
The dates were selected to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first such crossing by The Leyland Brothers and the pair paid tribute to their heroes by following in their footsteps along the desert track.
Unlike Mike and Mal Leyland, however, the Harrises managed to compress the 111 day journey into a staggering 10 days with the help of their state-of-the-art 4WD motor home.
The considerable technological improvements since the era of the Leyland Brothers’ journey seeped into every aspect of the Harris’ journey with drones and the latest video camera systems accompanying the father and son on their trip to document the significant changes in vehicles and road conditions over the past five decades.
After literally travelling all over the countryside, the duo burnt through 1,500 litres of diesel and clocked up over 5,000 kilometres, 3,000 of it across dirt, corrugations, pot holes and sand dunes, which tested these two adventurers and their vehicle.
While their dusty road adventure took them through many iconic towns including Meekatharra, Wiluna, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Birdsville, it was the Simpson Desert that proved to be the real challenge.
Richard said that, just like in 1966, ‘we ended up bogged to the axles and digging through soft sand in 42 degree temperatures.
‘At times the top of the sand dunes were so soft we had to lay traction mats to assist with our ascent to their summit,’ he added.
The famous Gunbarrell Highway also lived up to its formidable reputation as Australia’s toughest road, with ‘continuous corrugation and washed out sections which we hand filled before crossing.’
While inspired by the Leylands, the pair said they were compelled to undertake the motivating journey for a cause close to both their hearts: to raise funds for Lifeline Australia.
Richard and Benjamin hope that their marathon adventure, raises more than $25,000 for Lifeline Australia, in memory of Ben’s cousin, who they sadly lost in 2014.
For Richard, the 10-day journey allowed him and Ben to enjoy quality one-on-one family time, focusing on their relationship and ‘simply talking without outside distractions’.
Donations can be made through their Everyday Hero page.
Lifeline’s 24 hour telephone crisis support line – 13 11 14 – is available to anyone needing crisis
