When you gather a convoy of vehicles that ranges from Landrovers to a Troopy, a Jeep, a Prado and even an Amarok, you know you’re in for an adventure. 10 vehicles, 11 people and 12 days.

Led by our trip leader, Michelle, the Landrover Owners Club of WA set its sights on Queen Victoria Springs Nature Reserve, the legendary “oasis in the desert” that saved Ernest Giles and his team in September 1875 after suffering 17 days without water. For many in our group, it was their first time venturing that far east, and the anticipation was high. Our route was to be Merredin, north at Bodallin and onto the Evanston Rd, across to Menzies and up to Laverton, following Lake Rason and through Plumridge Lakes Nature Reserve, dropping into Queen Victoria Springs Nature Reserve, through the abandoned Cundeelee onto some exploring in the Emu Flats area and finally returning to Perth.