Great Southern Land: one man, one bike, one midlife crisis, the outback

In this captivating memoir, Mark, in the throes of a mid-life crisis, embarks on a solo cycling odyssey across Australia’s vast and unforgiving outback. Newly emigrated from the UK, he sets out to discover where this new life should begin.

Navigating barren landscapes, he confronts the harsh realities of the Australian wilderness while reflecting on life and the challenges of adapting to the environment. His journey unveils a profound appreciation of Aboriginal Australian culture and the struggles of early European settlers.

Through on-the-road philosophising, Mark contemplates the life he has left behind in England with the daunting task of starting anew in an unknown land. Music becomes his emotional anchor, providing solace during the most demanding stretches.

As he battles extreme heat, sleep deprivation, aloneness, and countless other dangers, his journey develops into a spiritual pilgrimage. Grappling with the monotony of modern life, the allure of the open road, and the elusive concept of freedom, Mark seeks direction and healing from his mid-life crisis.

As his funds dwindle, the journey culminates in hard-won insights, until Mark must make a final decision on where and how to begin his new life in Australia.

© 2025 Mark DK Berry (Audiobook): 9780648619796

Release date

Audiobook: 25 March 2025