Francis Birtles

A narrative account of the life and times of one of Australia’s most extraordinary adventurers – a man who crossed Australia more than 70 times in the early part of the 20th century – by bicycle and car. In 1927 he acheived the greatest motoring feat of the times, driving a car from London to Melbourne. This story follows his exploits across scorching Arabic deserts, through steamy Indian jungles and mountain snowstorms. In between these journeys he made a collection of documentaries and films of his encounters with the outback. He documented his exploration of Australia in his book, BATTLEFRONTS OF OUTBACK. He eventually travelled to the Northern Territory in search of gold and retired a wealthy man.

Author Biography

Warren Brown is well known as a cartoonist for the Daily Telegraph, and has had regular programs on ABC radio and TV. He writes on Australian war history, and is the regular MC at the ANZAC Day ceremonies at Gallipoli. He is also passionately interested in, and involved with, the restoration of and all things to do with vintage motor vehicles.