In May 1999, Ben Sturt and Steve Macdonald (who is registered blind) aim to navigate their way across Australia via Captain Charles Sturt's route of the Central Australian Expedition 1844 — 1845, by walking from Adelaide to Birdsville on the edge of the Simpson Desert. Having reached the Simpson Desert, final destination of Captain Charles Sturt, they will define their own route on to Darwin, successfully completing the 1999 Trans Australia Outback Expedition.

The amazing but arduous walk is expected to take five months to complete with the aim to be in Darwin by September '99, however this will depend on environmental factors such as extreme heat and difficult terrain. Steve and Ben will walk with camels, which will be carrying their kit for the whole route, with a Land Rover and microlite re-supplying them every few weeks.

Following the exact route of Capt. Charles Sturt's 1844 - 1845 expedition, taken from original maps and illustrations, Steve and Ben will attempt to recreate the original expedition with the aid of mechanical support being the only real difference. As well as the mental and physical duress both expeditioners will encounter, Steve will also experience similar visual problems to Capt. Charles Sturt who almost completely lost his sight during the Central Australian Expedition.

The expedition covers three major climatic zones: Temperate - Adelaide to Broken Hill; Desert - the Simpson, Sturt Stony, Strelecki and Tanami; and Tropical - from the North of the Tanami Desert to Darwin. Steve and Ben will be sharing the responsibilities of leadership, Steve using the latest in Audio GPS (Global Positional Satellite) as his navigational aid. The expedition has been established as a partnership facing the elements and terrain of Australia.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service, is perhaps the singular most important factor for the survival of the population of the Australian Outback and it has been decided that this charity will benefit from any monies raised through the exploits of the amazing journey.

 

Aim
  • To have Ben Sturt and Steve Macdonald walk the complete distance of 4,000km (the majority of which will be off road) from Adelaide to Darwin.
Pre-Expedition Objectives
  • Reconnoitre the entire route / media opportunities over a four week period in October '98.
  • Travel to Australia six weeks prior to expedition to acclimatise and make final preparations
Objectives
  • Section A: Follow route North from Adelaide to Birdsville as defined by Capt. Charles Sturt's Central Australian Expedition 1844 - 1845.
  • Section B: Define a navigable route North from Birdsville to Darwin so completing the Trans-Australia walk as set out in aim.
  • Achieve high level of media support so that sponsors and supporters are rightly rewarded.
  • Involve the indigenous population to further our knowledge of this land and its people.
  • To have the Royal Flying Doctor Service benefit from the expedition (and locally, the Wiltshire Air Ambulance).
Post Expedition Objectives
  • Write a book of the expedition - several approaches have already been made to major literary agents.
  • If not already secured take video and sound recordings with a view to having a documentary commissioned.