Imagine tackling Australia’s rugged landscapes with no GPS, modern highways, or roadside assistance. Just a worn map, determination, and a tiny yellow car nicknamed “Bubsie.”
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This remarkable feat happened exactly 100 years ago when 22-year-old Nevill Westwood and his companion Greg Davies embarked on what would become the first automobile circumnavigation of the Australian continent. Their vehicle of choice? A humble second-hand 1923 Citroen 5CV purchased in Perth.
The year 2025 marks the centennial of this extraordinary journey, and history enthusiasts across Australia are witnessing this pioneering achievement brought back to life through a meticulous recreation by The Incredible Journey team.
The Original Expedition: Courage on Four Wheels
On August 4, 1925, Westwood and Davies departed from Perth with ambitious dreams and limited resources. Their bright yellow Citroen, affectionately dubbed “Bubsie,” faced challenges modern drivers could scarcely imagine.
The pair traversed nearly 18,000 kilometers over 148 grueling days, navigating vast stretches of unmapped territory with nothing but determination and mechanical ingenuity. Westwood’s diary reveals the sheer difficulty of their undertaking: “One day, it took them 16 hours to travel just 19 kilometers because they were constantly puncturing tires or crossing treacherous streams,” shares Kevin Amos, a volunteer with The Incredible Journey Ministries.
While Davies concluded his participation at Albury on the New South Wales-Victorian border, Westwood persevered alone. On December 31, 1925, he triumphantly drove back into Perth, claiming his place in Australian automotive history.
Resurrecting “Bubsie” for a New Generation
The 2025 commemorative journey hasn’t been assembled overnight. Following two years of careful planning and coordination with Citroen Australia and the National Museum in Canberra (where the original “Bubsie” is displayed), The Incredible Journey team acquired and restored a matching 1923 Citroen 5CV.
“When we purchased this car, it was a complete wreck,” explains George Vella, who oversaw much of the restoration process. “The mudguards were rusty, the wheels were absolutely shot, and the upholstery was cracked throughout.”
The resurrection of this vintage beauty required over 600 hours of painstaking craftsmanship. Every component received meticulous attention—from reconditioning the temperamental carburettor to crafting replacement gaskets no longer manufactured.
Centennial Celebration: Route and Events
The commemorative journey officially kicks off on August 4, 2025—exactly 100 years after Westwood’s departure—and follows a carefully mapped route retracing the original expedition.
Unlike their predecessors, however, today’s team isn’t subjecting their restored treasure to constant punishment. “When we’re putting on display, we drive the car and let people see it running,” notes Amos. “But for longer distances, we transport it safely in a trailer.”
Throughout 2025, the restored “Bubsie” is making appearances across Australia. Communities from Galston to the Central Coast have already welcomed this rolling piece of history with enthusiastic crowds and classic car displays.
Capturing the Spirit of Adventure
What makes this centennial particularly fascinating is how it highlights the stark contrast between early 20th-century travel and our modern conveniences.
“Westwood and Davies would often walk upwards of 20 kilometers just to find petrol,” Amos remarks. “They navigated by traveling from station to neighboring station across the outback.”
For modern Australians accustomed to GPS-guided journeys and roadside service, it’s almost impossible to comprehend the challenges these pioneers faced. No roadside cafes, no mobile phones to call for help, and certainly no air conditioning during the scorching outback summer.
More Than Just a Car Journey
Interestingly, Westwood wasn’t simply seeking adventure. As a young Seventh-day Adventist missionary from Carmel College in Western Australia, his journey combined exploration with purpose.
The Incredible Journey team embraces this multi-faceted heritage, presenting not just automotive history but the human story behind it. “It’s about celebrating the pioneering spirit that helped shape Australian identity,” says Gary Kent, host of The Incredible Journey.
Public Engagement and Educational Impact
Communities nationwide are embracing this rolling history lesson. Local classic car clubs have organized gatherings to welcome “Bubsie” during its tour stops. Schools are incorporating visits into their curriculum, giving students tangible connections to Australian exploration history.
“Seeing children’s eyes light up when they realize this tiny vehicle traveled around our entire continent without modern roads is priceless,” shares a team member. “It sparks conversations about determination, problem-solving, and how dramatically technology has evolved.”
Legacy and Inspiration
As “Bubsie” makes its way around Australia once more, it’s not merely commemorating history—it’s inspiring new generations to appreciate both technological progress and timeless human qualities.
The journey reminds us that before high-speed internet and satellite navigation, exploration required courage, perseverance, and adaptability. In our age of instant gratification, there’s something profoundly moving about celebrating an achievement that unfolded over nearly five months of daily challenges and victories.
For car enthusiasts, history buffs, and adventure lovers alike, the 2025 recreation offers a rare opportunity to connect with a pivotal moment in Australian automotive heritage.
While the original “Bubsie” rests in the National Museum, its spirit lives on in this lovingly restored twin—a vibrant yellow testament to what determined Australians could accomplish a century ago with minimal resources but unlimited resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Nevill Westwood?
A 22-year-old Seventh-day Adventist missionary from Western Australia who became the first person to circumnavigate Australia by automobile in 1925.
What kind of car was “Bubsie”?
A 1923 Citroen 5CV, a small yellow vehicle purchased second-hand in Perth.
How long did the original journey take? The journey lasted 148 days, covering nearly 18,000 kilometers of challenging terrain.
Where is the original “Bubsie” now?
The original vehicle is permanently displayed at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.
How can I see the recreated “Bubsie” in 2025? The commemorative journey includes stops in major cities and regional centers throughout Australia, with a complete itinerary available on the Right Around Australia website.
Who is organizing the 2025 recreation?
The Incredible Journey team, after two years of planning in collaboration with Citroen Australia and the National Museum.
Was Westwood alone for the entire journey?
No, he started with companion Greg Davies, who traveled until reaching Albury before Westwood continued alone.
How accurate is the recreated vehicle?
The team acquired and restored an authentic 1923 Citroen 5CV, matching the specifications of Westwood’s original “Bubsie.”
What were the biggest challenges of the 1925 journey?
Lack of roads, difficult river crossings, mechanical breakdowns, and the isolation of traveling through remote areas without modern communications.
Is the recreated “Bubsie” driving the entire route?
For preservation purposes, the restored vehicle is displayed and driven at events but transported between locations in a trailer.