In a world where adventure often feels like it belongs to the past, I wanted to celebrate Warren Brown and Matthew Benns known as Birtles and Bean who have proven that the spirit of exploration is very much alive.
Last September, I had the privilege of seeing them off from Australia House in London as they embarked on a journey that would take them across continents, through some of the world’s most challenging landscapes, and into the history books. Their mission? To reenact the legendary 1927 drive of Francis Birtles, a pioneering Australian adventurer who became the first person to drive from England to Australia.
Fast forward to last week, and they’ve done it. Against all odds, after thousands of miles on the road, they arrived in Australia—triumphant, exhausted, and carrying a story that will inspire generations to come.
Retracing Francis Birtles’ footsteps (or tire tracks) wasn’t just about history. It was about pushing the limits of endurance, embracing the unpredictable, and proving that even in today’s world of convenience, real adventure still exists. Their journey took them through deserts, mountain ranges, unpredictable weather, and bureaucratic roadblocks. They crossed through multiple countries, each with its own set of challenges, from securing visas to navigating roads that haven’t changed much since Birtles’ original trek nearly a century ago.
This wasn’t a journey of luxury. There were no five-star hotels or cozy Airbnbs waiting for them at the end of each leg—just the open road, a relentless drive forward, and the camaraderie that develops when two people take on an epic quest together, and all in aid of a worth charity 'The Flying Doctors'.
I remember the excitement in the air at Australia House in London when they set off. As Miss England, it was an honour to be part of that moment. There was something electric about it—the feeling that history was being reignited, that adventure wasn’t just something we read about but something we could still live. Watching Warren and Matthew take that first step (or rather, turn that first ignition) was a powerful reminder that dreams are meant to be chased, no matter how big or impossible they seem.
Why This Journey Matters
In a time when so much of life is digital, pre-planned, and comfortable, Birtles and Bean remind us of the thrill of the unknown. They embody the idea that life isn’t meant to be lived on autopilot—it’s meant to be experienced, explored, and, at times, endured. Their journey is proof that if you have a dream, no matter how ambitious, you should go for it.
This isn’t just about a road trip; it’s about resilience, about saying “yes” to adventure, and about proving that history doesn’t just belong in books. It belongs to those brave enough to chase it.
Welcome home, Birtles and Bean. Your journey is an inspiration to us all.
