Family touring Australia on tandems bikes reach the Riverina

Andrew and Nicola Hughes with their two children, Hope, 5, and Wilfy, 3 set out from their driveway in Flowerpot, Tasmania, on January 7.

"After wobbling down the driveway with loaded panniers and poorly conditioned muscles, our first major challenge was the mountainous terrain of western Tasmania as bush fires raged across the land we clocked up our first 1000 kilometres in under five weeks," Mr Hughes said.

"With no road support crew, we are carrying everything they need to survive the harsh conditions in remote parts of the continent.

"Travelling up to 60 kilometres per day, there are many challenges to overcome."

Mr Hughes said while riding through the Riverina this week, the family were stunned by how dry the land was.

"Coming from Tassie it is quite confronting and locals are saying it's been a tough summer," he said.

"It's good for our kids to see life isn't the same everywhere as it is back home.

"The kids are loving it and it is such a crucial point in their development that we really wanted to do it now."

Mr Hughes said they are seeking out remarkable Australians to share their stories along the way.

"Dodging potholes and hopping kangaroos, we are documenting and sharing this adventure through a dedicated student-centred learning website," he said.

"Students participating in the journey through their classrooms are also using specially written workbooks that align with the Australian Curriculum.

"This unique version of adventure learning is designed to inspire the next generation to explore, ask questions and take healthy risks as they learn more about the geography and deep history of Australia."

Mr Hughes said the family are particularly interested in learning more from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and bring these voices directly into classrooms throughout their travels.

For local schools interested in using the tools, it's free to signup at www.swagfamily.com.au.  

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