Overland to Darwin & Back 1926/2026

Grundy's Shoes and the RFDS, two great South Australian institutions.

In May 1926 adventurous South Australian businessman Clarence Judd, whose direct descendants continue to own and operate his business today, Grundy's Shoes, was one of twelve paying passengers on the first Australian commercial Trans-Continental motor tour driving over 7000 kilometres on rough bush tracks from Adelaide to Darwin and back. Captain Edward Bagot was the leader of the party, and principal of "Bagot's Northern Territory Motor Tours".

The trip in two large Studebaker Duplex Phaeton seven seater cars took six weeks to complete and was recorded on film by Clarence.  A simple YouTube search of "Overland to Darwin" will bring up an abridged version of the original silent film, the full version is available to view through the State Library of SA archives.

On May 18, 2026, one hundred years to the day since that epic journey began, we will set off once again to follow closely in their tracks to celebrate Clarence and his fellow passengers’ pioneering spirit and raise funds that will benefit the communities they relied upon and visited along the way.  Two of the same 1925 Studebaker cars are currently being prepared for the outback journey and will be accompanied by a support team of enthusiastic family and friends.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides essential medical service to outback Australia, and so we are proud to have them as our fundraising partner.  All funds raised through this page go directly to the RFDS.   Costs associated with the re-enactment are being covered by us and the participants with the generous support of Grundy's Shoes.

If you want more information about the trip, or think you can help, please email us at [email protected]