The Great Southern Country: Lachlan Morton’s Around Australia Record and Single-Day NZ Ultra
Join Lachlan Morton on his ambitious 14,200 km ride around Australia—raising funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation—before embarking on a record-setting single-day ultra distance ride in New Zealand.
Last September, as the Southern Hemisphere shook off winter’s chill, pro cyclist Lachlan Morton launched an epic mission: ride a full loop around Australia, covering a staggering 14,200 kilometers in a single push. Averaging nearly 460 kilometers per day, Lachlan and his dedicated support crew managed to eclipse the previous Fastest Known Time (FKT) by nearly a week. His official Around Australia Record stands at an awe-inspiring 30 days, 9 hours, and 59 minutes.
The journey was more than a personal challenge—it was also a way to give back. Lachlan partnered with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, raising around $140,000 AUD. The funds support the Foundation’s mission to provide books and vital educational resources to Indigenous children in remote communities. Even though Lachlan has wrapped up his ride, donations remain open to bolster this important cause.
A Glimpse into the Adventure
In the first film below, The Great Southern Country, Lachlan’s brother Gus captures the highs and lows of this extraordinary trek—from punishing early-morning starts along isolated Outback roads to the warmth of curious locals and the camaraderie that emerges when the entire cycling community rallies around a shared dream. You’ll see Lachlan battling everything from searing heat to relentless rain, finding solace in scenic sunrises, and even braving a few encounters with kangaroos and particularly territorial magpies.
“You need to really pull yourself into it to do it justice. It’s supposed to be hard and uncomfortable.”
Riding for up to 16 or 17 hours a day, Lachlan strategically avoided peak traffic times and scorching midday sun, often starting near midnight and rolling late into the afternoon. By the time he returned to his hometown of Port Macquarie, he’d crisscrossed Australia’s most iconic cities, from Perth to Brisbane, Darwin to Adelaide—pushing his physical and mental limits in a way few cyclists ever have.
Beyond the Record
Although the road was lonely at times, Lachlan was never truly alone. A core team of family and friends handled everything from meal prep and bike maintenance to navigation and medical support. Meanwhile, fans and curious onlookers cheered him on, reminding him of the broader purpose behind each pedal stroke.
“Being able to use something that’s a passion for me to help people’s lives in some way is always special.”
With his record in the books, Lachlan returned home ready for rest and reflection. But his passion for endurance cycling didn’t end there. Hot on the heels of this Australian success, he took on another feat: breaking the single-day ultra distance record from Auckland to Wellington in New Zealand.
In the short feature below, you’ll glimpse Lachlan’s latest adventure, complete with breathtaking landscapes, quiet moments of resolve, and that same unbreakable spirit he demonstrated in his cross-continental ride.
