From the red dust of Derby to the rugged ridgelines of El Questro station, a determined team of seven sailors from HMAS Coonawarra have completed the gruelling Gibb River Challenge mountain bike race.
More at home on the waves than land, the sailors pedalled a jaw-dropping 640km over five days through the remote heart of the Kimberley - all in the name of charity and community spirit.
The team, dubbed the Coonawarra Crocs, raised more than $3000 for the Kyle Andrews Foundation, a charity devoted to helping remote children battling serious or life-threatening illnesses.
Commanding Officer Coonawarra Captain David Shirvington said the journey wasn't just about kilometres covered, but about mateship, resilience and giving back to the community that supports the Navy in Northern Australia.
"This was more than a mountain bike race. It was a test of endurance, teamwork and a reminder that the Navy serves the community in more ways than just maritime operational deployments," Captain Shirvington said.
The Gibb River Road is notorious - unsealed, unforgiving and unmatched in natural beauty. From the sundrenched dunes of Cable Beach in Broome - where the Crocs gathered for pre-race festivities - to nightly wilderness camping under Kimberley stars, the riders bonded over sore legs, busted tyres and endless red horizons.
Each evening ended with a team debrief, a rundown of the next day's punishing terrain, and the camaraderie of music and campfire bonding.
Coonawarra dental officer and team rider Lieutenant Commander Anthea Baczkowski said nothing could prepare them for the sheer majesty of the land they crossed.
'Navy serves the community in more ways than just maritime operational deployments.'
"Every turn brought something more spectacular - a gorge deeper than the last, a mountain more striking. It was brutal, but beautiful," Lieutenant Commander Baczkowski said.
The Coonawarra Crocs' Gibb River Challenge covered the following route:
Day One: Derby to Imintji - 228 kilometres of scorching heat and rough track which set the tone early.
Day Two: Imintji to Mount Elizabeth Station - 116 kilometres of gravel and grind.
Day Three: Mount Elizabeth to Ellenbrae - 140 kilometres of heat, dust, and mateship.
Day Four: Ellenbrae to Home Valley - 106 kilometres under the Kimberley sun.
Day Five: Home Valley to El Questro Station - 50 kilometres of emotional, dusty triumph.
Captain Shirvington said Coonawarra had long been recognised for its connection to the Top End community.
"By taking part in the Gibb River Challenge, the Crocs showed that service doesn't end at the dock - it extends to those in need, across the nation," he said.
"The funds raised will help provide uplifting experiences and vital support for children and families doing it tough - ensuring that, just like the Crocs, they never ride alone."
Representing a cross-section of ranks and backgrounds, the Coonawarra Crocs included Captain David Shirvington, Lieutenant Commander Anthea Baczkowski, Lieutenant Aimee Lane, Chief Petty Officer Paul Davies, Chief Petty Officer Shane Murphy, Chief Petty Officer Christian Duncan, and Able Seaman Matthew Tickner.
