The Master Plan
The 30,000km+ Journey Retracing the Landy Rover's History
Driving Australia to England
After three years of relentless sweat, a few choice words, and a complete rebuild, The Landy (ARN 111-387) is finally ready to return to her roots. We are not just driving from Australia to her birthplace in Birmingham, UK; we are embarking on a seven-phase geopolitical odyssey. This journey will take this ex-Army workhorse (and our inflatable pet cat called Peanut), through the rugged mountains and dense jungles of the very regions she was built to navigate, and most significantly, we're taking her back to Vietnam to retrace her historic steps on the ground where she served during the war.
The Seven Phases of Adventure
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Phase 1: The Australian Odyssey
Brisbane to Darwin - Dust, Roos, and Red Dirt
The ultimate shakedown. Before we leave the safety of Aussie breakdown recovery service, we are taking the long way round and from Brisbane to Perth and on to Darwin. This 10,000km+ leg will test every nut and bolt on the Landy and ensure the 2.25L new(old) engine, and 3.55 diffs are ready for the world stage. If anything breaks, I can fix it. After all, I rebuilt it all in the first place.
Explore the Australian Odyssey2
Phase 2: Island Hopping, volcanoes & Jungle Tracks
Darwin to Malaysia - Ferries, Forests, and Frequent Stop
Crossing the Timor Sea by ship to Dili, traversing the volcanic spine of Indonesia and driving past active volcanoes and Dragons. Then on to the dense jungles of Kalimantan in search of orangutans in their natural habitat and some wonderful creepy-crawlies. From there, we cross into Sarawak and Brunei, continuing through Sabah to face our toughest climb yet: the steep, high-altitude tracks of Mount Kinabalu
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Phase 3: South East Asian Adventure
SE Asia - Tropical Humidity, Monsoon Rain and Leaking Doors
Jump on a ship to 'mainland' Malaysia, down to Singapore (to take a photo of the Landy and the Singapore Lion fountain) and up then north again. We will be navigating Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia and the roads and the heat both thrown at the Landy. We will be facing government regulations, multiple borders, amazing food and quite a large amount of time in air-conditioned hotels.
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Phase 4: Back to Nam!
Vietnam - History Lesson
One of the goals for this entire journey is to take ARN 111-387 back to the regions where she served, honoring her history as an Army radar support vehicle in Nui Dat. Vietnam will also be the first time driving on the right hand side of the road and a real test of the cooling system (car and human). We will visit Nui Dat, Long Tan and Vietnam War sites to learn more about Aussie Land Rovers in Vietnam. We will then continue our journey north up the Vietnam coast line.
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Phase 5: Doing the Chinese CONGA Dance, plus the Great Wall
China - In a convoy from the south to the North West. Nearly 5000km, in one time zone
After pausing in Vietnam, it is now time to enter China, which has its own rules and challenges. For one, we need Chinese license plates, a roadworthy inspection, and a government-approved guide. To help manage the huge costs, we will need to join a convoy and dance the CONGA through the length and breadth of China.
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Phase 6: Central Asia and The-Stans
The Great Stans-Slam
Central Asia and 'The Stans', is our next stop, followed by a ferry across the Caspian Sea and then on into Europe. From Silk Road and high-altitude mountain passes to the historic streets of Türkiye, this is the push to get the Landy back into a Europe. By now she would either be mechanically perfect or been in hospital a few times. My money is on the latter.
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Phase 7: Europe and into the UK.
Europe to the UK - Paved Roads & Fish & Chips
The final stretch through Europe and across the English Channel and finally back to driving on the left hand side again. Multiple countries, multiple languages and all in km/h until reaching the UK and then our Speedo will be useless. A quick stop in London (to say we have driven Brisbane to London) and then up to the Land Rover factory in Birmingham for the ultimate homecoming.
How long will it take?
Basically, as long as it takes. Maybe two years, may be longer. Who knows! We can't rush the Landy Rover; she goes at her own pace, she is stroppy and she is very temperamental. Us humans (and Peanut the cat) will also be delicate to some of the harsh weather, so timing is the key. A happy Land Rover (and happy humans + cat), will be a happy trip.
Landy Rover 8 Rules of the Road:
- 1 Go easy on the old girl.
- 2 If I like somewhere, I stay for a bit.
- 3 No more than 300 or 400km per day.
- 4 Check the engine oil every day.
- 5 Change the engine oil every 5000km.
- 6 Investigate weird noises.
- 7 No driving at night (you can't see anything anyway).
- 8 Have a fun time!
Back to the Mission Overview
Navigator's Note
Peanut the cat is the official navigator for this trip and is currently scouring maps and forums to find the best tracks across the world. Sadly, however, quite a few countries that were open in 1960 are currently off limits due to war, sanctions and general dislike of people and inflatable cats in old green cars. Luckily, it looks like there is a small green sliver of green hope through Central Asia.
Global Planning Constraints:
Note: This map highlights regions currently restricted due to government regulations or local conflict. Luckily there is a small sliver of green!
Rough Route Planning Video - Through the green zone!:
Peanut's Perspective
"So many countries to visit and I am looking forward to going back to China, where I was made!"
Expedition Essentials
Quick access to our build specs, spare parts list, and vehicle history: