Two Australians have set out to recreate a historic drive from London to Melbourne. Almost a century after adventurer Francis Birtles completed the feat, Warren Brown and Matthew Benns are doing it again for charity.
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00Two men on a mission to recreate an epic expedition.
00:07Warren Brown and Matthew Benz setting off from Australia House in London.
00:16Bye bye Matthew, bye Warren.
00:18Just as adventurer Francis Birtles did almost 100 years ago.
00:23Francis Birtles was an amazing guy, I mean no one seems to remember him at all.
00:27But there were no roads and no maps and all sorts of things.
00:30So I always say he makes Indiana Jones look like a wallflower, this Australian hero.
00:34In 1927, Birtles drove a British Beane 14 motor car across deserts, through jungles and over snow-capped mountains.
00:42All the way from London to Melbourne to highlight Australia's potential to the world.
00:48In the same car and clothing, these intrepid travellers are attempting the same feat.
00:55This time to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
00:59King Charles is patron of the charity and wished them well in a letter.
01:03On this historic occasion, I send my warmest good wishes to all those assembled for a most enjoyable and successful event.
01:12The pair have now officially set off on their adventure and like many Aussies in London, they're hoping to be home by Christmas.
01:20We don't know which Christmas, we're not really sure yet.
01:22But we know when we're leaving, we're not quite sure when we're hitting terra firma in Australia, but we'll be there.
01:27An ambitious attempt, paying homage to history.