September 3, 2026

The Road to Mundi Mundi: Red Dirt, Big Skies and a Bigger Purpose

The Shaky Wheels Rally finally headed west — a journey through wide-open country, roadside icons and unforgettable outback skies, all carrying one simple message: Parkinson’s won’t stop the adventure.

There is a special feeling when the gear is packed, the rooftop tent is strapped down and the road ahead starts stretching towards the horizon. For Shaky Wheels, this trip was about much more than reaching a destination. It was a chance to get out there, put the setup to work and keep the conversation about Parkinson’s moving.

West through country NSW

The landscape changed with every kilometre. Towns grew further apart, the roads grew longer and the horizon seemed to get bigger. Nyngan gave us a classic outback photo stop with the Big Bogan, before Cobar’s mining history marked another milestone on the journey west.

Every fuel stop, camp setup and roadside pause was part of the experience. Travelling with Parkinson’s can mean allowing extra time, listening to your body and adapting when you need to. But it also reinforces why this rally matters: a diagnosis can change the road, but it does not have to end the journey.

Camped beneath a million stars

When daylight disappeared, the outback put on its own show. With the camp set up and the Navara glowing beneath the Milky Way, the noise of the day gave way to something quieter. Moments like this are a reminder to slow down, look up and appreciate exactly where the road has taken you.

Silverton and the final run

Silverton delivered everything you hope for from an outback town: red dirt, plenty of character and the historic Silverton Hotel. From there, the road led towards the Mundi Mundi Bash, joining a long line of travellers all heading for the same patch of desert.

Rolling through the gates made every kilometre worthwhile. The dust, the distance and the preparation had all led here — Shaky Wheels on the red dirt at Mundi Mundi, surrounded by travellers from across Australia.

Why we keep moving

Shaky Wheels exists to show that life with Parkinson’s can still be bold, funny, challenging and full of possibility. Every person who sees the ute, asks a question or shares the story helps build awareness. Every donation helps fund research through Shake It Up Australia.

This trip gave us memories we will carry for a long time — but it also strengthened the purpose behind the next one. There are more roads ahead, more stories to tell and plenty more awareness to raise.