Two Australians recreate historic drive from London to Melbourne

ABC NEWS (Australia)

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.

Transcript

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.

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