A true story of courage, friendship and Aussie adventure!
Order your copy of BUBSIE AND THE BOYS today!
In the winter of 1925, two young mates—Nevill Westwood and Greg Davies—pointed a second-hand Citroën called “Bubsie” due north from Perth, aiming for Darwin. With the horsepower of a lawn mower, no mapped roads beyond Meekatharra, and the outback rolling endlessly ahead, their trip was as uncertain as it was ambitious.
As the kilometres ticked by, the boys leaned on one another and the unexpected kindness of strangers: station managers, stockmen, and Indigenous families whose local knowledge and practical help often meant the difference between forging ahead and being stranded.
Along the way, Nevill and Greg encountered the generosity and diversity of the people who called the heart of Australia home, learning first-hand about resilience, faith, and what it means to share the road.
Reaching Darwin was a victory few could comprehend, but the road called them further. Spurred on by encouragement and a steadily growing sense of purpose, they set their sights on the east and, ultimately, the first full lap of Australia. Their journey would secure Bubsie’s place in the National Museum and their own names in motoring history.
A true story for classic car fans, believers and travellers of all ages, “Bubsie and the Boys” is a celebration of adventure, friendship, and goodwill across this vast country.
David Riley is a traveller, history enthusiast, husband, father, and pastor from Newcastle. His passion for Australian stories and purpose-driven journeys shines through in every page.
“David has such an engaging and vivid storytelling style, he draws you in from the first line. This is an entertaining tale and also full of heart. Thoroughly enjoyable.”
— Heather Potter
“Wonderfully written account of an extraordinary journey from 100 years ago and the incredible people who have shaped this country we can rightly be proud to call home.”
— John F Lewis
“I appreciated the engaging storytelling, the keen understanding of the story’s historical context, as well as the respect given to First Nations peoples throughout.”
— Vicki B
“I am not a vintage car lover, but this gritty tale had me intrigued the whole way. The challenges, the culture of the cattle stations, the bush mechanics and the treatment of Indigenous people in remote Australia in 1925 was surprising and shocking at times.”
— Christina Hawkins
“You can feel the dust, the breakdowns, the unexpected hospitality, and the sheer grit that carried these young men forward. What lingers, though, are the deeper threads: mateship, resilience, and the quiet determination that shaped so much of this country.”
— Jared Madden
“If you are a motoring enthusiast, if you have done the one big lap around Australia (or are considering it), if you love a good yarn, or if you are a history buff and enjoy a bit of Aussie adventure, you will love this book! It’s a great read with something for everyone.”
— Stephen Chan
“Loved this true Australian story. It is well written with humorous anecdotes, great characters, and visual imagery of the Australian landscape.”
— Shari Coburn
The perfect Christmas gift for history buffs, car lovers, and Australian adventurers.
This book is dedicated to the author’s daughter – Jessica Riley. Jess died from brain cancer in May 2025 during her final year of secondary school.
“Brain cancer brought an early end to this life for you Jess, but there will be no end to your adventures in the next one.”
The Riley family would like to thank Brainchild and Canteen who support kids and teenagers (and their families) through the dark valley of cancer.
