Long before the Great Northern Highway was paved and roadhouses dotted the map, two intrepid Australians embarked on what many considered impossible - the first complete circumnavigation of the continent by motor vehicle.
The Unlikely Adventurers and Their Trusty Steed
In 1925, Francis Birtles and Alex 'Jock' Menzies set out from Perth in a car affectionately named 'Bubsie,' a vehicle that would become legendary in Australian motoring history. Their journey wasn't just a pleasure cruise - it was a grueling test of endurance against some of the world's most unforgiving terrain.
Confronting Nature's Wrath
The expedition faced challenges that would make modern adventurers shudder. From navigating crocodile-infested river crossings in the north to traversing vast, waterless deserts, Birtles and Menzies encountered every obstacle the Australian landscape could throw at them.
The mechanical struggles were constant - Bubsie battled broken springs, tyre punctures (with primitive repair tools), and engine troubles in remote locations where help was nonexistent. Their journey became a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.
Mapping the Unknown
Beyond the adventure, their expedition served a crucial purpose - mapping routes that would eventually become part of Australia's national highway system. They documented tracks and conditions that helped future travellers and played a vital role in connecting the isolated communities they encountered.
A Legacy Carved in Dust and Determination
When Bubsie finally rolled back into Perth after completing the historic lap, the achievement was more than just a motoring milestone. It demonstrated that Australia could be connected by road, inspiring future generations of adventurers and contributing to the nation's growing identity.
Their story remains one of Australia's greatest untold adventures - a testament to the pioneering spirit that defined early 20th century exploration and helped shape the nation's transportation future.
