2009 Spirit of Adventure Awardee: Andrew Hughes

In 2007 Andrew spent three months paddling 2300 km along the coastline of Papua New Guinea – a world-first achievement – educating schoolchildren via daily webcasts about the effects of climate change.

Tasmanian Andrew Hughes has been awarded the Australian Geographic Society Spirit of Adventure Award for 2009.

Andrew is currently completing his “8 in 8 in 8” expedition: travelling to the highest point in each Australian State and Territory in less than eight months using only human-powered transport.

He will be climbing Mt Bogong, Victoria; Mt Kosciuszko, NSW; Mt Bimberi, ACT; Mt Bartle Frere, Queensland; Mt Meharry, WA; Mt Zeil, NT; Mt Woodroffe, SA; and Mt Ossa, Tasmania.

“As an adventurer I seek places and people that stretch my own understanding and abilities,” Andrew says.

After working as a bushwalking guide for many years, Andrew decided to return to university and study teaching. It was here that he also cooked up the idea for his first great adventure.

In 2007 Andrew spent three months paddling 2300 km along the coastline of Papua New Guinea – a world-first achievement – educating schoolchildren via daily webcasts about the effects of climate change.

During the 8 in 8 in 8 expedition, Andrew has once again gained a following of school students from around the country, who watch online as he traverses Australia.

With his intense love of the outdoors and passion for exploration it’s no wonder Andrew has received the 2009 Australian Geographic Society Spirit of Adventure Award.

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The AG Awards