Epic 4,000km Ride Across Australia
Damien Kelly, a 67-year-old cyclist, has successfully crossed the Nullarbor Plain as part of his 4,000km solo cycling journey across Australia, reaching Adelaide on his route from Perth to Geelong. Kelly began this arduous journey on 16 March 2026 in Perth. He has already covered between 2,400 to 2,700 kilometres. With approximately 1,300 to 1,600 kilometres remaining, he is navigating more populated areas as he heads towards Victoria.
His ride is in honour of Callum and Jake Robinson, Australian brothers who lost their lives in 2024. Kelly raises awareness and support for the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation.
Challenges of the Nullarbor
Crossing the Nullarbor Plain required immense physical and mental endurance. Kelly managed long days of isolation and exposure to harsh conditions. “The Nullarbor is everything people say it is – big, open and relentless,” Kelly said.
As he transitions from remote areas to more built-up regions, Kelly noted the shift in his journey’s rhythm. “It’s definitely a change coming into busier areas,” he remarked. Throughout his journey, Kelly has encountered powerful community support and spontaneous acts of kindness, with many offering assistance and encouragement along the way.
Next Steps Toward Geelong
Kelly is set to pass through Adelaide and continue towards Mount Lofty. He faces new challenges as the terrain becomes more varied. His path will then lead through Mount Gambier and along the Great Ocean Road to Geelong. Supporters can track his progress and contribute to the foundation through the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation’s website.
Kelly’s journey has shifted from remote outback regions to more populated areas. This transition brings increased interaction and a different rhythm to each day on the bike. Damien has now spent several weeks on the road, riding under his own power. The journey’s final phases see him progressing through South Australia and into Victoria. The crossing of the Nullarbor Plain, defined by vast, treeless landscapes, was one of the most demanding sections of the journey. It required sustained physical effort and mental resilience.
Kelly’s ride is not just about the distance, but the consistency. “You wake up, get back on the bike, and do it all again. That’s where the real challenge is,” he said.
