Douglas Draeger, Tennant & District Times

In 2021 Spirits are high for those who made it across the borders in to the Northern Territory.

More than 140 genuine World War II vehicles and over 15 post war support vehicles would normally be making their way to Alice Springs from all over Australia for the official start of Back to the Track on 1 August.

This commemorative wartime journey follows the “Track” now known as the Stuart Highway from Alice Springs to Darwin re-acting the journey taken by military supply convoys heading North towards fortress Darwin in 1943.

Whilst the number of participating vehicles has reduced, participants are in high spirits and enjoying the many activities planned for 2021.

This overland supply route was the vital link in Australia’s defence strategy and a remarkable feat of engineering and sheer determination to turn a dusty track that followed the overland telegraph line, into a sealed road which became the critical link to the top end and saw an extraordinary amount of activity taking men and supplies north and brought back the wounded.

Postponed in 2020 due to COIVD, this historic gathering of restored WWII allied military vehicles builds on the hugely successful Back To The Track 1995, held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of WWII.

In 2021 participants will travel along this same track to Darwin to commemorate the Battle for Australia, the 76th anniversary of VJ Day and the end of the Second World War in the Pacific. Evidence of the many hours of blood, sweat, tears and dollars that have been spent preserving these WWII Military Vehicles by collectors and restorers will be proudly on display.

Over 50 1942-1945 Jeeps, a 1944 Studebaker US6 G.S Truck, motorcycles, a 1943 Diamond T 969 Tank Transporter and Dodge Weapons Carriers are just some of the official WWII vehicles joining this year’s convoy.

BTTT HQ is based at The National Road Transport Hall of Fame, one of Alice Springs’ most popular tourist attractions. Vehicles and participants have the option to camp here and in return volunteer their time working on the museum’s extension project.

It will not all be hard work as there are many tours planned to explore the history and heritage of Alice Springs and surrounds before the journey begins up the “Track” to Darwin over two weeks.

Vehicles depart from ANZAC Oval with an official send-off at 8.30am, Sunday travelling the 194 kms for the first night at Ti-Tree.

There are 12 overnight stays in destinations that include Tennant Creek, Daly Waters and Katherine.

Travellers will participate in various community and commemorative events including nightly searchlights at dusk, school visits and cricket matches on WWII airstrips.

Tours of RAAF Tindall Base and Robertson Barracks Base along with a Dawn Service at the Adelaide River War cemetery will no doubt be popular activities.

After 1600kms the road trip ends in Darwin with VJ Day Commemorations and Remembrance Services followed by the Military Muster Family Day on the 14 August.

The last event day will see a display of WWII vehicles under the wings of WWII aircrafts on the Darwin Aviation Museum tarmac.

This epic journey will end with a Kangaroo court and charity fund raising auction at the Darwin Aviation Museum raising funds for the Australian Red Cross and Mates4Mates.

Back to the Track wishes to acknowledge event sponsors, Military Vehicles Spares, NT Airports, Shannon’s Insurance and Northline Transport for their support.

Drop in and have a yarn at any of the community events planned for this commemorative event saluting the service of all who served in the NT in Australia’s defence during WWII.

Overnight stops in the Barkly

Day 1 Sunday 1 August
Depart Alice Springs ANZAC Oval for Ti Tree

Day 2 Mon 2 August
Depart Ti Tree Oval for Devils Marbles Hotel

Day 3 Tuesday 3 August
Depart Devils Marbles Hotel cricket ground for Tennant Creek

Day 4 Wednesday 4 August
Depart Tennant Creek Show Grounds for Renner Springs

Day 5 Thursday 5 August
Depart Renner Springs Roadhouse for Daly Waters

Day 6 Friday 6 August
Depart Daly Waters Rodeo Grounds for Larrimah