The Original Journey
The captivating original trip was a remarkable expedition led by the two friends Westwood and Davies. Through their gripping Mission Reports, we dive into the extraordinary adventures and triumphs of these intrepid explorers and their remarkable car. So, brace yourself for a captivating exploration of the human spirit and the indomitable will of Westwood and Davis in their pursuit and trip around the Australian Outback.
The Men – Nevill Westwood and Greg Davis
Nevill Westwood and Greg Davies were remarkable young Christian missionaries and adventurers. In 1925, at ages 22 and around 24, they set out from Bickley, near Perth, Western Australia, on a missionary journey in a tiny second-hand 1923 Citroën 5CV nicknamed “Bubsie.”
Their initial plan was to drive north to Darwin, sharing the gospel and distributing religious literature in remote outback communities. What began as a modest trip grew into the first-ever car circumnavigation of Australia. Facing extreme heat, rough tracks, breakdowns, and scarce supplies, they relied on the kindness of station owners, Indigenous people, and fellow Australians.
Their route expanded through Brisbane and Sydney, then back across the Nullarbor, covering roughly 17,000 km in about 148 days. They returned to Perth in late December 1925 to public acclaim, becoming national pioneers in motoring history.
The journey showcased their deep passion for connecting with Australians, sharing faith, stories, and encouragement, along with extraordinary resilience and ingenuity.
Courtesy of the National Museum of Australia
The Citroën 5CV played a central role in their journey. It’s a remarkable automobile known for its exceptional features and reliability. Throughout their trip, the Citroën 5CV proved to be a reliable companion, enabling Nevill Westwood and Greg Davies to traverse the diverse landscapes of Australia with ease and excitement.
Today, the original “Bubsie” is preserved in the National Museum of Australia as a symbol of pioneering endurance.
Courtesy of the National Museum of Australia
Their experience during the Right Around Australia trip was nothing short of extraordinary. Nevill Westwood and Greg Davies were able to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Australia, from its stunning coastlines to its breathtaking outback. Along the way, they encountered friendly locals, experienced the helpful spirit of the people that made their journey truly memorable.
They relied heavily on the kindness of outback station owners, stockmen, and Indigenous communities who provided essential assistance, hauling the car across swollen rivers like the Fitzroy with ropes and manpower, sharing water and supplies in isolated areas, and offering guidance through unmapped tracks. These genuine acts of generosity, from pulling them out of bogs to padding tyres with bullock hide, turned potential disasters into triumphs and deepened their appreciation for the diverse people who call Australia’s remote regions home.
