The Road to Somewhere

All roads lead to a destination. The road to change leads to a new future. It journeys through death, rebirth, the old and the new. Joy and heartbreak are woven into its path. We do not always know what is around the bend in the road. Yet, still we travel.

This week, many Territory roads, including the Barkly Highway and the Sandover Highway, closed due to smoke and flames from bushfires. Our nation also recently burned through a referendum and made a pivotal decision. Some rejoice, others are filled with disappointment. Despite it all, we are walking this road together.

Finke Track, Central Australia  (Photo credit: Alicia Pegram)

Outback roads take us towards the horizon. We see sunrise and sunset, and after dark, distance clings to the sky. These roads are often unsealed yet they are the connection for so many people in isolated locations. They are brutal to the unexperienced and unprepared, yet every year, hundreds traverse them. They pack their vehicles, leave the city, and set out in the direction of their fancy. 

As we shudder over the corrugations on the road, we may not see the end point. Our destination might be hundreds of kilometres away. However, for those who know the landscape, this does not bring fear. We drive on, resting in the faith that the road will end and we will arrive safely. And after we do, rest assured, there are many more roads across Australia to be tried on the next adventure. There is always more to see as, inevitably, outback roads carry us out of the present into tomorrow.