Highlights
- 67-year-old cyclist completes gruelling Nullarbor crossing in solo, unsupported 4,000km ride
- More than 2,500km ridden with ~1,500km remaining to Geelong
- Set to pass through Adelaide today before climbing Mount Lofty
- Journey has shifted from remote outback to populated regions
- Encounters powerful community support and spontaneous acts of kindness
- Riding in honour of Callum and Jake Robinson and supporting their Foundation
Damien Kelly’s 4,000km solo, unsupported cycling journey across Australia has reached another major milestone, with Damien safely completing the Nullarbor Plain crossing and now approaching Adelaide as he continues toward Geelong.
Having departed Perth on 16 March 2026, Damien has now spent several weeks on the road, riding an estimated 2,400 to 2,700 kilometres under his own power. With approximately 1,300 to 1,600 kilometres remaining, the journey is now entering its final phases as he progresses through South Australia and into Victoria.
The ride is being undertaken in honour of Callum (32) and Jake (31) Robinson, two Australian brothers who, along with their friend Carter Rhoad (33), were tragically killed while travelling in Mexico in 2024. Damien is raising awareness and support for the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation, a not-for-profit established in their memory to help others “Live Bigger, Shine Brighter and Love Harder”.
Across the Nullarbor
Damien has now successfully navigated one of the most demanding sections of the journey, completing the crossing of the Nullarbor Plain - a stretch defined by vast, treeless landscapes, long distances between stops and exposure to the elements.
“The Nullarbor is everything people say it is - big, open and relentless,” Damien said.
“You’re out there on your own with long stretches of road and plenty of time to think, but there’s something special about that as well.”
The crossing required sustained physical effort and mental resilience, with long, isolated days on the bike and the need to carefully manage supplies, energy and conditions across consecutive stages.
“It’s not just the distance, it’s the consistency,” Damien said. “You wake up, get back on the bike and do it all again. That’s where the real challenge is.”
Having safely made his way across, Damien has emerged from one of the most remote and psychologically challenging parts of the route and is now transitioning into more populated regions.
Changing Conditions
The character of the ride has shifted significantly, moving from remote, desolate highways into more built-up areas as Damien approaches Adelaide.
After weeks of minimal traffic, long straight roads and limited services, the transition brings increased interaction, more infrastructure and a different rhythm to each day on the bike.
“It’s definitely a change coming into busier areas,” Damien said. “After so long out on open roads, you notice the difference straight away.”
While the physical demands remain high, the environment is now less isolated, with more frequent access to towns, services and people along the route.
Through Adelaide and On to Mount Lofty
Damien is expected to pass through Adelaide later today before heading toward Mount Lofty, where he will climb into the Adelaide Hills and stay overnight.
The climb represents a new physical challenge following the flat expanses of the Nullarbor, requiring sustained effort and marking a transition into more varied terrain.
“After all the flat riding, the hills will definitely make you work,” Damien said. “But it’s a good sign that things are changing and that I’m making progress.”
It also signals the progression into the final third of the journey as Damien continues toward Victoria.
Kindness on the Road
Despite the isolation of much of the journey, Damien has experienced strong community support and spontaneous acts of kindness along the way.
From brief roadside conversations to offers of assistance, including places to stay overnight, these interactions have provided both practical support and a powerful reminder of the generosity of people across Australia.
“That’s been one of the highlights,” Damien said. “People you’ve never met offering help, a place to stay or just a bit of encouragement - it really sticks with you.”
“It reminds you that even though you’re riding solo, you’re not really doing it alone.”
A Ride Driven by Purpose
At its core, the journey continues to be driven by purpose, with Damien focused on honouring the memory of Callum and Jake while supporting the work of their Foundation.
Their story continues to resonate across Australia, and Damien’s ride provides a tangible way to keep their legacy alive while contributing to a cause aimed at creating positive change.
“This has always been about something bigger than the ride,” Damien said.
“It’s about doing something meaningful and supporting a Foundation that is making a difference.”
The Road Ahead
From Adelaide, Damien will continue south-east toward Mount Gambier before following the Great Ocean Road into Victoria and ultimately finishing in Geelong.
While the most remote section of the journey is now complete, the ride continues to demand consistency, endurance and focus as Damien works through the final stages of the 4,000km challenge.
“There’s still a fair way to go, but you just keep breaking it down and focusing on the next part,” Damien said.
Journey Progress
- Departed: Perth - 16 March 2026
- Current Location: Adelaide, South Australia
- Distance Completed: ~2,400-2,700km
- Distance Remaining: ~1,300-1,600km
- Total Distance: ~4,000km
- Format: Solo and unsupported
Follow and Support the Ride
Supporters can track Damien’s journey in real time and contribute to the cause via the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation:
- Live Tracking: https://share.garmin.com/Damiensride
- Donations: Supporting the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation, via https://www.cjrfoundation.com/donate
- Damien on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damienkelly79/
About Damien Kelly
Damien Kelly is a 67-year-old retiree from Western Australia undertaking a solo, unsupported cycling journey across Australia. His Perth to Geelong ride reflects a lifelong belief in challenge, resilience and community - and a commitment to using personal endeavour to support meaningful causes.
Contact details:
David Tasker
Chapter One Advisors
T: 61 433 112 936
E: [email protected]
