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Bubsie and the Boys

The First Journey Around Australia by Car

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Bubsie and the Boys

By: David Riley
Narrated by: David Riley
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About this listen

In the winter of 1925, a pair of 21-year-old men drove out of Perth in a small second-hand Citroen nicknamed “Bubsie” headed for Darwin. At the time, no motor vehicle had ever drive to Darwin from Perth and their borrowed Citroen had less horsepower than a modern-day lawn mower. There were no serviced roads north of Meekatharra and few petrol stations. With most of the routes north unmapped cattle station tracks, the boys—Nevill Westwood and Greg Davies—would need to rely on the generosity of cattle station managers for food and fuel.

Getting to Darwin was adventure enough, but their journey took an unexpected turn when a car dealer encouraged them to keep driving to the east coast instead of returning to Perth via steam ship. It was a journey that would make Australian motoring history—the first car to drive around Australia—and the original vehicle is now housed at the National Museum as a vehicle of national significance.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Signs Publishing (P)2025 Signs Publishing Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Australia, New Zealand & Oceania
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This is undoubtedly a compelling recount of a significant chapter of Australian motoring history. It is a remarkable story of pushing the limits.

This is a travelogue that will not grow old.

The author offers numerous insights of interest about many of the destinations.

How is it that I’ve been to Broome, more than once, and did not know how Cable Beach got its name?!

Earlier this year had the opportunity to connect with a replica ‘Bubsie’ ... another tiny 5CV of the same vintage as it toured the country in this centenary year.

The story got me hooked!

I bought David Riley’s book two months ago, but didn’t get started.

A 1000km road trip in the last 24 hours gave me the opportunity to download the audio.

Gotta say it was the perfect companion for this road trip!

The author’s narration is infused with originality and passion.

Very easy listening!

Thanks David!!

Outstanding!!

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Riley manages to capture the essence of adventure in his storytelling, blending humour, heart, and a vibrant sense of place throughout Bubsie and the Boys. His characters feel real and relatable, each bringing their own spark to a narrative that moves with energy and warmth. The writing is engaging without ever trying too hard, drawing readers into a world that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Riley delivers a tale that is uplifting, thoroughly enjoyable, and perfect for readers who love a story with genuine charm.
I thoroughly loved listening to this adventure on a journey of my own and can highly recommend this audiobook.

If you love epic adventures, then this is for you!

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Sit inside a tiny Citroen car as, against all odds, a couple of 21-year-olds in a borrowed city car match up against well funded teams to be the first around Australia.

A day by day narrative of how these two young church boys did the seemingly impossible.
The story really comes to life as it’s author David Riley, a gifted storyteller in his own right, narrates “Bubsie and the Boys“.

A well told pioneering story

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I really enjoyed Bubsie and the Boys. Knowing it’s a true story made it all the more fascinating — it took me right back to Australia in 1925 and gave such a great sense of what life was like back then. I loved the historical details and the way David Riley brought the story to life.

I found it especially touching that the two young missionaries set out mainly to spread the word of God through book sales, and that the race around Australia was really a secondary goal. It’s a wonderful mix of faith, adventure, and history.

Beautifully written and great to listen to on Audible — I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.

An inspiring true story of faith, adventure and 1920’s Australia

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Absolutely incredible! "Bubsie and the Boys" captivated our entire family from start to finish! We found ourselves reminiscing about our own lap and miracles we experienced. The storytelling is so engaging that we genuinely couldn't stop listening - it had us completely hooked. We especially loved the layered history lessons woven throughout about Aboriginal Australians and early Australian history. It's deeply saddening to confront some aspects of our past, but this book handles it with sensitivity and honesty. We appreciate the both the beauty and the painful truths.

Whole family completely hooked!!!

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.