Mal Leyland to Retrace Historic Journey 60 Years On
Mal Leyland, 81, diagnosed with Alzheimer's two years ago, is planning a significant final cross-Australia trip. He will retrace the "Wheels Across a Wilderness" journey he and his late brother Mike completed six decades ago, accompanied by his daughter Carmen and son-in-law Jon Evans, alongside Leyland Brothers enthusiasts. Leyland views this adventure as potentially his last major outback exploration.
A Legacy of Australian Exploration
The Leyland Brothers became household names in the 1970s and 1980s through popular television programs such as "Off the Beaten Track" and "Ask the Leyland Brothers," which captivated audiences with their showcases of remote Australia. Before their television success, the brothers produced four impactful documentaries.
Their 1966 "Wheels Across a Wilderness" trip was groundbreaking. It saw them become the first to cross Australia by vehicle from Steep Point to Cape Byron, a remarkable feat that included crossing the challenging Simpson Desert. During this journey, they also captured the first film and photographs of Uluru's stunning waterfalls during the wet season.
A Life of Adventures and Challenges
Mal Leyland's late wife, Laraine, who passed away in 2018, was an integral part of his life and extensive travels. Her death profoundly affected Mal, leading to a period of deep depression.
In the mid-1980s, the brothers ventured into tourism with "Leyland Brothers World," featuring a giant replica of Uluru. This ambitious project, taking seven years to build, ultimately faced financial collapse in the early 1990s, largely due to high interest rates.
Mal Leyland's decision to persuade Laraine to sign over their house as security for the venture became a major regret.
The collapse also caused a permanent estrangement between Mal and Mike Leyland, after Mike accused Mal of financial impropriety. Mal and Laraine subsequently rebuilt their lives in Glen Innes, NSW. Mal later reconnected with Mike, who had Parkinson's disease, shortly before Mike's death in 2009.
The Journey Ahead: Preserving a Legacy
Leyland's daughter Carmen notes her father's increasing forgetfulness due to Alzheimer's, but emphasizes his enduring positive outlook. He frequently relies on photographs to aid his memory, keeping his past adventures alive.
The upcoming 60th-anniversary trip will diligently follow the original "Wheels Across a Wilderness" route, traveling with a convoy of supportive vehicles. Funds generated from this significant adventure will be dedicated to establishing the Mal Leyland Museum and Photographic Gallery in Cairns. This future cultural hub will feature a cafeteria named Lara's Café, a poignant tribute to his late wife, Laraine, and will proudly showcase Mal's extensive photographic work.
Mal Leyland expresses a desire to be remembered as a traveler, photographer, and lover of life, acknowledging his influence on encouraging others to explore Australia's vast landscapes.