We are planning a commemorative re-enactment of the 75th Anniversary of Les Taylor and Dick Rendle’s historic Darwin–Alice Springs run.
Those interested in participating are invited to register their interest by emailing owner@xkejaguar.com.
My parents, David and Edna Laird, proudly took part in the 2001 run, with David serving on the organising committee. Now aged 93, they are no longer able to undertake the journey. In their place, I—Bruce Laird—will be making the run this year alongside my son Thomas, continuing the family connection to this remarkable event.
We will depart Darwin on 2 August, driving a 1951 Jaguar, which for many represents a rare opportunity to commemorate this iconic journey. Preparations include experienced mechanical support (formerly with Bib Stillwell), Whitworth tooling, spare tyres, a dedicated support camper vehicle, and a drone operator to document the run.
We welcome all enthusiasts who wish to join us in marking this significant chapter of Australian motoring history.
COMMEMORATIVE RUN 2026
DARWIN TO ALICE SPRINGS
Itinerary: 2–5 August 2025
Saturday 1 August
Muster day and dinner briefing (details TBA). Fuel up.
Sunday 2 August
08:00 – Vehicles marshalled
09:00 – Depart Darwin
Travel 190 km
Arrive Katherine – overnight stay. Fuel up.
Monday 3 August
08:00 – Vehicles marshalled for display
09:00 – Depart
Morning cruise of Katherine Gorge
14:30 – Depart Katherine (110 km)
16:00 – Arrive Mataranka – overnight stay. Fuel up.
Tuesday 4 August
09:00 – Vehicles marshalled
09:30 – Depart Mataranka (170 km)
11:30 – Arrive Daly Waters Pub for lunch
13:00 – Depart Daly Waters (150 km)
14:30 – Stop Elliott for fuel and refreshments
15:00 – Depart Elliott (250 km)
17:30 – Arrive Tennant Creek – overnight stay. Fuel up.
Evening meal at Tennant Creek RSL.
Wednesday 5 August
08:00 – Vehicles marshalled
08:30 – Depart Tennant Creek (300 km)
12:15 – Arrive Ti Tree for lunch and fuel
13:45 – Depart Ti Tree (200 km)
16:00 – Arrive Alice Springs – overnight stay.
What to Bring
Walking shoes, sun hat, swimsuit, sunscreen, camera.
Driver Notes
