More than just a road trip, the journey is a heartfelt tribute to a lost brother and a fundraiser for Can Assist, a charity that supports rural cancer patients.
“We lost a brother to cancer,” said Steve Lowry, one of the organisers.
“We’ve always been pretty close, and this is our way of honouring him and helping others going through the same thing.”
While the family has been doing the Wreck Trek for four or five years, this will be their second time raising funds for Can Assist, following a successful run earlier this year.
The trek combines camaraderie, nostalgia, and a bit of mechanical madness, as the group travels in a fleet of four AU Ford Falcons and a VZ Commodore, with their late father’s Mitsubishi serving as the backup vehicle.
The destination is the Grawin Opal Fields, a remote mining community near Lightning Ridge known for its rugged terrain and colourful characters.
It’s the perfect setting for the kind of journey that mixes dust, laughter, and a few roadside repairs.
“A few little spares are needed,” joked Fred Lowry.
“But having four of the same cars helps.”
The shared vehicle model makes troubleshooting easier and adds to the fun of the trek, which is as much about the journey as the destination.
With their sights set on Lightning Ridge and their hearts full of purpose, the Lowry crew is ready to hit the road once again.
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