Phase 1 - Australia: Brisbane to Darwin Overland

The Phase One "General Plan"

The journey starts in Brisbane at the Brisbane sign with the city skyline in the background. From there, we reset the odometer and head off no later than April 2027.

For Phase One, we’re treating the entire Australian continent as one massive shakedown track for our newly restored Land Rover—taking full advantage of our roadside assistance and insurance while we still have them!.

Departing Brisbane, we'll forge inland into New South Wales via Moree to uncover the legendary opal fields of Lightning Ridge. From there, we navigate cross-country into South Australia for our first real taste of desert driving, endless dust, and brutal Outback corrugations—a trial by fire to see if the Landy holds together or shakes itself to pieces.

Next, we tackle Central Australia and the iconic Oodnadatta Track, tracing the historic Old Ghan railway line through breathtaking desert scenery and glowing Outback sunsets. It’s the ultimate test of endurance for the rig. After surviving the track, we'll roll into Coober Pedy to experience underground life before cutting north into the Northern Territory and the heart of the Red Centre.

Continuing our trek north, we'll take a detour to the awe-inspiring "Rock" (Uluru) and explore the Henbury Meteorite Craters—a bucket-list stop for us—before pushing through Alice Springs and Tennant Creek (and a romote engine oil change!). The mission? Reach Darwin at the peak of the tropical dry season in August. Reaching Alice Springs gives us the time window needed to finalise international shipping logistics and Carnet de Passages paperwork before before reaching Darwin and shipping the vehicle across the Timor Sea to Dili, Timor-Leste.

Will the Landy make it? Absolutely.
Will she break down along the way? Almost certainly.

Army Registration Number 111-387 was built in 1960 for the world's toughest conditions. Having survived service in the Vietnam War, decades of farm duty, and 15 years rusting away in a Queensland paddock, she’s ready for her greatest adventure yet.

How We Navigate

The 'Tortoise' Strategy

Capping speed at 85km/h respects 1960s metallurgy. Slow and steady wins the race.

Weight vs. Wattage

We installed a 12V solar plant, roof top tent, and kitchenette setup into the vehicle frame.

How long will Phase 1 take?

Timing is key due to Australia's seasonal climate shifts. Strategic timing prevents being caught in desert summer heat or entering the northern wet season in a vintage vehicle.

Landy Rover 8 Rules of the Road:

1 Go easy on the old girl. No more than 90Km/h
2 If we like somewhere, we stay for a bit. If we don't like it, we move on.
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!

Vehicle Preparation

The 6,000km+ Transcontinental Challenge

Status: Almost Ready

Preparing ARN 111-387 for Phase 1 required focusing on three critical mechanical areas:

Drivetrain & Power

2.25L Petrol Engine: Rebuilt to military specs for simple field repairs.
3.54 Differentials: Installed to improve cruising speeds across long flats.
Heavy Duty Cooling: Upgraded radiator and tropical fan for high temperatures.

The Camper Setup

Dual Battery System: Custom 12V wiring powering refrigeration, lighting, and water pumping.
Roof Top Tent: Provides off-grid accommodation across remote sectors.
Onboard Sanitation: Integrated toilet and shower system for remote camping.

Note for car fans: The core design principle of classic Series Land Rovers is field serviceability using basic tools.

Expedition Home

Back to the Mission Overview

Full Trip Planning

See the Global Logistics & Route

The 2027 Timeline

Phase 1: The Long Road to Darwin.

April 2027	Brisbane Departure
Apr - May	VIC / SA
May - Jun	The West Coast
Jun - Jul	The Kimberley / NT
Aug 2027	Darwin Arrival
Sept 2027	INTL Timor-Leste

Current Plan: Departure April 2027

Navigator's Note

Scouring maps for points of interest along the Australian route.

Rough Route Planning Video - Phase 1!

Phase 1 Planned Route - 2027

Peanut's Perspective

"Peanut says 'bring it on'. After sitting in a house for too long, it is time to hit the road and see the world. Keep me out of direct sunlight please!"

Meet Peanut!

Expedition Essentials

Quick access to our build specs, spare parts list, and vehicle history:

Carnet de Passages (Car Passport) Shipping A Car - Darwin to Dili Spare Parts Carried Breakdown Log Camper Build Details The Restoration Process Vehicle History (ARN 111-387) AN-KPQ-1 Radar Info Frequently Asked Questions

After spending 3 years restoring a Series Land Rover, and then spending one year converting her and building a 4WD campervan, we are now going on the ultimate adventure and driving from Australia to the UK. Join us as we drive a Series 2, ex-army Land Rover across the globe. Our first challenge is getting from Brisbane to Darwin. The second challenge is paying for a Carnet de Passages, followed by shipping the car from Darwin to Dili!

The Australian Odyssey: Driving Brisbane to Darwin via Perth

Driving Australia to England
- The Australian Odyssey -