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]
My impact
So far, my fundraising could help…
Provide a full range of life saving medication such as sedatives, pain relief and antibiotics so the Flying Doctor can be ready for 416 emergency situations.
Send 214 life saving-medical chest to remote communities
Provide one on one counselling to 134 outback Australians during a difficult time
Purchase 88 pieces of equipment that could include ventilators, defibrillators and infusion pumps which are used on board flights
Thank you to my supporters
$5.04k
Tony Lowe
$1.03k
Simon Linke
We saw you at Farina bakery. Well done, great fundraiser.
$1.02k
Anonymous
Happy Travels
$1.02k
Anonymous
$529
Anonymous
Good Luck & Well Done (to both the travelling party and RFDS.)
$316.50
Andrew Applebee
$267.25
Geoff & Ronni Wood
Happy trails guys.
$267.25
Anne And Austin Taylor
What a terrific experience and with so many memories.
$267.25
Kym Osborn
Congratulations. Great adventure
$215
Richard H
Amazing adventure, and great photos. Can't wait to hear about it in person.
$215
Maurice Kennedy
Nice to have met you guys and great to watch the movie good luck with the rest of your trip Maurice & Vicki Merc Truck
$215
Suzanne & Tom
Go team!!
$200
Pink Roadhouse
It was great having you stop for a couple of days and share the history of this journey, good luck with the rest of the adventure!
$169.07
June Gosden
Well done guys. My birthday wish is that you raise heaps of cash for such a worthy cause.
$169.07
Lindsay Stenniken
Keep up the good work, this is one event we can’t beat you. Have fun
$108.24
Otto
Well done
$108.24
Frank Mercuri
Good luck guys. Hope you raise a motza of cash
$108.24
Fiona Campbell
$108.24
Cathy Lagnado And Lindsay Richards
Hope it is going well. From Cathy Lagnado and Lindsay Richards
$108.24
Bill Macallister
$108.24
Tim & Chris Grant
Have a great trip. We are enjoying the daily updates and the spectacular scenery. I don't think our 1929 DeSoto Tourer would make the distance without a lot of work. Keep up the good work for the RFDS
$108.24
Ann Forbes
How exciting. The very best of luck and look forward to hearing all about it over our squashies coffee
$108.24
Tb. And Ab Gawler Sa
To Phil and crew, enjoy the drive was great to catchup on the Proud Mary Cruise
$108.24
Bronwyn Brooks
What a fantastic tribute to your great grandfather, Brenton and such a worthy service to fundraise for.
$108.24
Ian Turvey
$108.24
Wendy Bell
Congratulations on putting together this amazing experience. Have fun.
$106.12
Ray And Linda Burgess
Well done Guys following the path of your great grandfather. Getting the Stude name out there and fundraising. We enjoy following your travels. great pics. Ray and Linda Studebaker Club SA
$106.12
Michelle Kiley
All the best Brenton, a wonderful endeavour! All the best Michelle
$106.12
Meredith R
Hi I’m Bruce W sister & excited to read your daily updates. Travel well.
$102.95
Debra
Have a great trip. Wishing you good weather and no breakdowns!
$102
Andrew
$100
Janine And Puzzle Higgins
What an amazing effort by you all. Such a memorable trip for each and every one of you. Hope all goes well for the rest of your venture. Congratulations and best wishes from Janine and Puzzle Higgins
$100
Anonymous
$100
Anonymous
$69.58
R Alcock
$69.58
Josh Hornbuckle
Good to chat at Marree Safe travels
$54.84
Glenn Plymin
Awesome job of fundraiser for an iconic & uniquely Australian service.
$54.84
David Van Der Jeugd
Good work Brenton. I enjoyed you Oodnadatta photos. I spent Xmas & New Year 2013/14 working there.
$54.84
Michael Schell
$54.84
Anonymous
$54.84
Graeme
Great work team.
$54.84
Jann Taylor & John Taylor
Love that your following you grandfather’s footsteps
$54.84
Lyndal Ashley
So fabulous to see you guys at Coward Springs today ! I even got to sit in the car ! Good luck with the rest of this amazing journey .. Lyndal and Rob
$54.84
Robyn Dennard
Happy to donate and promote your fabulous trip. We have had to use RFD and could never thank them enough for their care.
$54.84
Angus Russell
$37.15
S & S Hurle
$37.15
Di Smith
What a challenge. And what a ride. Saw you in Marree.
$33
Anonymous
Good luck
$23.50
Ballsrolling Ball
Great job, bumped into you guys on the 23rd on our way to Farina 👍
$23.50
Audrey D
Best of luck. We followed the Shanghai to Paris years!! ago
$11.80
Anonymous
$11.80
Judy Hayter
Best wishes for a safe trip. May it be one free from mechanical problems.
