Brothers Barrie and Greg Bryan, who for 20 years have lived in different continents, retraced the footsteps of Henry Lawson’s 1893 trek from Bourke in outback NSW, to Hungerford on the Queensland border.

Long, straight stretches are typical of the Bourke to Hungerford Road. This sandy stretch leads into Fords Bridge, about 70 km north-west of Bourke.

Barrie and Greg certainly believe these sentiments of Lawson’s are true. They now have an even greater appreciation for the Australian outback and for the wonderful people who call the outback home.

A combination of quirky outback humour and the indomitable spirit of the people who call the outback home. This sign outside of Brindingabba Station was typical of the local farmers’ efforts to remind others of the importance of Christmas cheer.

Remains of the deserted township of Yantabulla. Originally called Yanda Bullen Bullen, the local Aboriginal phrase for “plenty to eat”, Yantabulla was once a thriving community of nine houses, a hotel, school, police station and a cordial factory.

One of Barrie and Greg’s favourite photos highlights the stunning colours of the Australian outback, along the 450km return trek from Bourke to Hungerford.

A beautiful sunrise at Kia-Ora Station, about 70km south of Hungerford.

The Royal Mail Hotel at Hungerford, once a station for Cobb and Co coaches, now provides comfortable accommodation and a watering hole for hungry, thirsty and weary locals, tourists and Lawson enthusiasts. Owners Sheree and Moc Parker are the perfect hosts and welcomed Barrie and Greg with open arms.

The abundant water from the Queensland rains means that wildlife, particularly birds, are flourishing. Sightings of egrets, ibis, brolgas, water fowls, ducks, herons and pelicans were common.

Barrie and Greg would hear the roaring noise of distant semi-trailers approaching from miles away and when they thundered past, they were left walking in a dust storm.

A typical, unmarked grave at Yantabulla Cemetery provides a poignant reminder of the life and death struggle faced by the district’s early pioneers.

The relaxed pose and smiling faces indicate that the halfway point of the trek: the Queensland border. The township of Hungerford (and a rest day at The Royal Mail Hotel) are not far away.

Barrie using a stick to gauge water depth and stable footing, during one of the many water crossings the pair had to make whilst trekking from Bourke to Hungerford and back.

Barrie striding out on the rocky road towards Yantabulla, surrounded by picturesque, green countryside.