2022 Drive 4 Life outback pub crawl a stunning success

The 16th Drive4Life (D4L) event, dubbed the Iconic Corner Country Pubs tour, was an overwhelming success, with the touring party travelling on the ‘Great Desert Tracks’ of Outback SA, Qld and NSW, visiting some of the most iconic pubs and historical sights, and indulging in some breathtaking scenery and points of interest along the way.

Starting at Silverton, NSW, all members gathered for orientation, meet-and-greets and vehicle checks, followed by a few beverages around a roaring campfire. The vehicles were then split into groups, departing in staggered starts with 30-minute intervals, allowing for safe travels on corrugated tracks.

On the first day, the convoy travelled from Silverton to Hawker via Holowiliena Homestead, a heritage outback sheep station established in 1852 and now run by the sixth generation. It is carefully preserved with the original general store, blacksmith shop and underground cellar.

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The following day, they left Hawker en route to Farina via Blinman, Parachilna Gorge and Flinders Ranges, visiting the underground copper mine, stunning gorges and Farina historical township ruins.

Day three consisted of a trip from Farina to Mungerannie via Marree, with a 90-minute scenic flight over Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre in Belt Bay, the famous Marree Man and spectacular Willouran Ranges. The day finished with an absolutely entertaining evening at the Mungerannie Hotel, with owners Phil and Deb.

On day four, the convoy left for Birdsville via Clayton’s Artisan Outdoor Spa on the Birdsville Track, with the eager crowd attempting to conquer the Big Red sand dune. Everyone who tried was successful, earning a good meal and many drinks at the Birdsville Hotel. The following morning, they left for Innamincka via the Betoota Hotel for lunch, before settling off the red-dirt track for a night of traditional bush camping with no amenities.

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On day six, the party left for Milparinka and stopped by the largest sheep-shearing shed in Australia, the Burke and Wills Dig Tree and Cameron Corner, which borders SA, Qld and NSW. The day was capped off with a quick ale in Tibooburra, before turning back to Silverton via Packsaddle Roadhouse on the final day.

"With the conclusion of this tour, a total of $943,100 has been raised to date"

Leaving Packsaddle Roadhouse after lunch, they explored Broken Hill/Silverton at leisure before the events that evening. That night consisted of a champagne-and-cheese sunset viewing over the Mundi Mundi Lookout, the infamous awards presentation, and the traditional D4L nightly campfire buzzing with stories, songs, poems, jokes, quizzes and plenty of laughter.

An inaugural ‘BATSY’ award – in honour of D4L advocate Chris Bates, who passed away earlier in 2022 – was won by Nevin Holland, who shares Chris’s enthusiasm in supporting and promoting the cause.

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Drive4Life is a non-profit organisation set up by a group of long-term 4WDers who are like-minded in their objective to raise funds for charitable organisations that require support.

Traditionally, D4L has solely committed its fundraising from 2006 to 2022 to The Northcott Society, which has provided services to people with disabilities, their families and carers for more than 90 years. Drive4Life has now extended its support to additional charities, which are also seeking much-needed funding.

With the conclusion of this tour, a total of $943,100 has been raised to date.

More information: https://drive4life.com.au/