Red Centre: A solo bikepacking adventure in Central Australia

The Red Centre showcases the 1,000km route as it meanders through a landscape of desert plains, weathered mountain ranges, rocky gorges, and Aboriginal and historical cultural sites. Witness outback sunsets, camping in dry riverbeds, and stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the world.
Route: bikepacking.com/routes/red-ce...
#bikepacking #outback
Timestamps:
Introduction: 00:00
Western Loop: 01:11
East Macs Loop: 10:00

[@gzahnd]

Beautifully edited. Man, the amount of work that goes into the shots you framed of yourself, then walking/riding back to get the camera, etc. is impressive. Great storytelling.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks! Yeah, takes a bit of time to get all the shots, but it's now part of the joy of bikepacking for me. Cheers.

[@matblack8479]

I was going to say the exact dame thing. Lots of thought in the compositions. Great work. Really enjoyable video

[@ronellefiji]

I can only say "ditto" to all of the above. This video just popped up and I am.glad I clicked on it and watched it. Will now click on the "subscribe".

[@jaisabai4155]

Exceptional ride and brilliant photography. And respect for acknowledging the indigenous place names 🇦🇺👍

[@POVmauritius]

Nice scenery far from tall buildings

[@asojourner]

This is the best biking video I've seen in a good while. Such a good eye and your deep enjoyment of and appreciation for the natural world is very evident. 10/10

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Appreciate the kind words. Thanks and glad you enjoyed.

[@ridebyron4247]

Such an inspiration! Shots of the scenery and wildflowers get me every time. Thanks for sharing!

[@PETERFRITZPHOTO]

This is so well done. What a wonderful story. What an inspiration. I felt like I was there for the whole journey. Thank you!

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks.

[@markfyson5198]

What an adventure! And so beautifully filmed. Well done

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Was an amazing ride. Thanks.

[@gedrodgers1057]

Just fantastic. I love the unadorned commentary and the beautifully edited photography. Covers every aspect of cycle camping including the drudgery.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks heaps - glad you enjoyed.

[@louiskirby4266]

Onya Mick thanks for Alice Springs round up , really worth my time . Beers 🍻 up

[@derekbarlas8092]

I've just discovered your channel. Wonderful scenery and fantastic cinematography and still shots. Wild Australia is much wetter and colder (frost at night!) than I had imagined.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks heaps. Normally has cold nights at that time of year, but the rain was very unusual.

[@theruffiankj4164]

Love the soulfulness of your contribution here - from a veteran motorcyclist who has done similar exploration in the desert hinterland and rimlands of Southern Africa.

[@Clearlight201]

I've been looking for videos that show the interior of Australia. This was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much for filming. Was great to share the journey with you. Beautifully filmed footage.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Cheers. Glad you enjoyed. Such a great place to travel through.

[@paultaylor3856]

Excellent!

[@buggur]

Hi Mick, What an amazing documentary! We understand the amount of time it requires to make such videos, and we appreciate you for sharing our wonderful country with the world. We're eager to follow your next adventure. Take care, ride safely, and we wish you all the very best!

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Many thanks! Appreciate the support and glad you enjoyed.

[@marycornelius8622]

So beautiful! Thank you!

[@christianjohanditjandrawin6355]

wow what a beatiful panorama in central Australia... I love to bike cross country in Australia...i have visited Sydney NSW twice, and Cairns north Queensland last year...thank you for video... i'm Christian Johandi from Jakarta Indonesia

[@EwenBell]

Love your work Mick. Unique journey to document with the winter rains. Beautifully done as ever. Especially enjoy your timelapses and a few moments with the birds. Glad to see the conditions dried out a little on the second half of the ride.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks. Was a great trip and as you said, the winter rains made it unique. Thanks for watching.

[@kevharper1378]

Nice ride, brings back memories of the touring I did years ago. The heart says go but the body says no. Francis Birtles rode a lot of pioneering rides out in the centre, I think he was mostly covering ground on a compass bearing though back when he rode it.

[@jamesbarry9795]

That was awesome thank you.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jcampbell100]

A beautiful video and story, thanks.

[@007bigrob]

Absolutely amazing 👍

[@kiniyaro]

Beautiful work! Loved it and inspired to get out. Thank you!

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@brianpetkovic4579]

Now THATS a Sunset.

[@Theyakler]

Cracking video mate really enjoyed that what a great adventure 👌

[@justgo6175]

Amazing places, amazing footage quality and amazing montage. Thanks a lot

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Appreciate it. Thanks heaps.

[@maazzzaa]

Nature. BIRDS. Life affirming video! Thnks for taking us along with you 🥰

[@intheshadows..2107]

I haven`t been a pannier tour in 3 years. You have just showed me all the things I am missing. It looked great to do

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Glad you enjoyed it! Such a great route.

[@philtahmindjis1211]

Great video mate. You have made me very homesick.

[@aloysiusjones3985]

Incredible that red earth is either choking fine dust or the stickiest mud ever. Very interesting. 🇦🇺👍🍺🍺

[@pauledgerton1759]

Magical. Thanks.

[@davidlahman7668]

Adventure Cycling (US) brought me here. Thankful for your exquisite contribution! I've subscribed to your channel and look forward to following your many adventures. take care!

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks heaps. Glad you enjoyed.

[@davidskeen4000]

Excellent. Nice work riding and the video.

[@gyros9162]

I'm almost smelling this sand! Thank you very much!

[@BushCity]

Well narrated, great ride & wish I could’ve time to do this 👏🏽👌🏻

[@rainbowhiker]

Wife and I subscribed and enjoyed this ride. Tough conditions. Nice machine.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks 👍

[@leelemon007]

Mick your editing is next level

[@alexmorgan3435]

A beautifully shot and edited video. A++++.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Really appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed.

[@DameEdnaBrown]

Great trip and video, thanks for sharing

[@kateemily98530]

Your videos are truly beautiful, Mick! I have only just began pondering the idea of bikepacking and have set my sights on riding around Tasmania. Thank you for the inspiration from sharing your journeys :)

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks heaps. Hope you get to Tassie.

[@knordberg]

Great adventure! So nicely filmed, edited and narrated. Loved the night sky shots. I live near a large city and don't get to see stars like that.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TanwaRider]

This video really resonated with me. It had such a sense of calm, flow and beauty about it. The cinematography is exquisite and you tell the story beautifully. Thank you for the effort you’ve put in to share this experience. Subscribed👍🏻

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed.

[@wolframgarten4365]

What a great landscape! Wow. And another look than you normally get from Australia: rain and frost in the night! Absolutely stunning, thanks!

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks heaps. Glad you enjoyed. The rain was very unusual for that time of year, but made it memorable!

[@janmijanmi8567]

Merci Mike for this share!

[@robfur]

That's a great video you have put together. What a fantastic ride 👍👍

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks heaps. Glad you enjoyed.

[@jatorresrv]

While not a cyclist subscribed because you have a good product here. Thanks for sharing.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks heaps.

[@roadtripmitch]

Excellent Photography and Production! Safe Travels Buddy!!

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Cheers mate.

[@andrewford80]

Man, this video is epic. You are a master of videography for sure. We were here in early August, after the rains :) You capture it so well, it's a lot like how I remember it. Thanks for putting in the effort to film and edit this adventure. I know it's not easy, while living on the road! It's appreciated

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks heaps.

[@DougBruce]

Impressive achievement, beautifully documented.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Many thanks!

[@kesdog15]

Amazing pictures of the Northern Territory ,most of Australians would know this beautiful country is here ,Thank you showing this to me to Australia and to the world

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks. It’s an amazing place.

[@mareesemple9660]

Nailed it Mick. Superb film.

[@karrycarter]

Stunning! Thanks heaps for sharing your journey with us 😊

[@est099]

Beautifully done, thank you brother!

[@tonysanford7540]

Awesome photography! The desert landscapes are magnificent.

[@ppearson111]

Awesome video, really well done! Thank you for sharing- what an amazing adventure and incredible scenery.

[@MyHeMan1000]

you absolute leg Mick! love the content, videography and storytelling. Simply incredible mate!

[@justinmanring9084]

so good!

[@johndelaney2957]

Great bike ride stunning scenery, well done.

[@keitherskine8572]

Beautiful video Mick. Simply stunning.

[@rechard-jb9cr]

A lot of work there, to make this video. I appreciate it. I've done a fair amount of moto adventure riding, but you adventure bicyclists blow me away. Everywhere i have been, Patagonia, Haul Road in Alaska, Siberia, the adventure bicyclists are always there. I rode London to Magadan with a group from Australia, Compass Expeditions.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks. Sounds like some awesome trips you have done.

[@debm1517]

Beautiful video!

[@chrislonsberry1974]

Wonderful video! Beautiful scenery, great background music, and good commentary. Thanks mate!

[@komadventure3633]

Beautiful country

[@brianyates8250]

Great work capturing the beauty of such rugged country

[@peterbremner1179]

Mick, you produce a beautiful video! I started watching and realized 16 minutes had flown by and I had tuned everything else out! I echo the comments about the framing of shots.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@rex758]

Beautiful country side, well edited. the panorama and great weather ... Good work

[@lightningshredder5605]

Really good video! Liked and subscribed.

[@erikd4161]

Wow, what an amazing journal. Thanks for posting Mick. BTW I saw this through the Adventure cycling Bike Bits

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks. Good to know where people see this.

[@NeverTooTiredToRideTwoTyres]

Was so happy for you when the sun finally shone, looked tough in the wet! Was jealous the whole time though

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks. It did make it way more pleasant!

[@royunderwood7514]

Nice looking ride

[@curlcurllocal]

Amazing video. Great job, would love to do a trip like this. Just sitting in an office eating a chiko roll and this really made my day.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Ha. Thanks, that comment made me laugh.

[@kenprice1047]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks for watching

[@mcake1234]

Beautiful scenery mate. Well done. Love the outback. Just subscribed.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks for the sub!

[@PetervandaRita]

What a great video. Thank you for sharing! I like the way you travel and the humour while telling the story.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks so much!

[@geoffsemon7411]

Stunning videography. Well done on the ride too!!

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks a ton!

[@advanturest]

I loved this Mick. An amazing adventure captured beautifully. That red dirt, those red skies, incredible 🙂 I’ve just got back from a 3 week gravity type riding trip in Canada. (Chairlifts and shuttles etc) After I booked it I was worried I was wasting money and annual leave doing something that was probably more my thing 10 years ago. I had a great time but your film has just confirmed my thoughts that maybe I just missed an opportunity to do an epic bikepacking trip instead. While I might not have the leave to do anything big this year, this has just inspired me to start planning something more meaningful. You’ve got me all excited. Cheers! Tim

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

So good to hear Tim. Keen to see the film when it comes out!

[@3goldfinger]

Stunning camera work.

[@jacksonhill1813]

Loved it!

[@jacksonhill1813]

Subscribed. And looking forward to the next one.

[@penelopejamilecharle]

Another wonderful adventure, thanks for sharing.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks heaps.

[@user-et8wy6it6f]

What an amazing journey, beautiful scenery.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks heaps.

[@888jucu]

Awesome ride mate, I did a lot of the outback in 4wd 40+ years ago as a kid with the old man so this brings back some good memories 👍

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Would have been more remote 40 years ago! Glad you enjoyed.

[@888jucu]

@@MickTurnbullFilms Looked similar maybe more tracks?? Best memory was camping in swags on park benches at Chambers pillar watching the stars. Set up the swags on the park benches for fear of scorpions climbing in if we were on the groun☝️🤣

[@possum_on_bike]

Love it!

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks!!

[@saranstrokecyclist4776]

Beautiful film again, thank you for sharing it.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@SuperCyclingMan]

Wow! Enjoyed that. Great video of an awesome adventure 👍🏻

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Awesome, thank you!

[@AaronGrayOutdoors]

Great video Mick. Thanks for sharing!

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks Aaron.

[@user-yb8jt2tu1x]

Thanks Mick. Great narration. You have a beautiful country. Loving the bird life too.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joseepaquette491]

Félicitations!!! Très très bonne vidéo, merci de nous faire découvrir ce monde fascinant du bikepacking et chapeau pour l’entrevue tu es un super animateur 👌❤️ J’ai déjà hâte de découvrir la prochaine, bonne continuation!

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Merci. Heureux que vous ayez apprécié.

[@gnmurray5955]

Really, really well presented :)

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks heaps.

[@-aleksen1135]

Thanks for video

[@wannagobiking9071]

Amazing vid mate,thanks for the insight into Australia for me👍 hope to catch you in a next adventure

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Cheers and glad you enjoyed.

[@MatteaCarson]

Currently in Alice Springs and I must say you captured the outback perfectly. I was also at Uluru that day it was raining! What a spectacular time to explore the red centre but I imagine it would have been difficult without much shelter!

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks heaps. It was a special time to be out in the Red Centre with all the rain, even if no shelter. Bet Uluṟu was spectacular!

[@Bikepacking]

GOING LOOK FORWARD TO WATCHING THIS

[@anne9616]

You have been our inspiration since doing the Old Ghan. Beautiful video as always. Thank you.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Such kind words. Thanks.

[@jonoelliot01]

Loved watching your tour of the red centre Mick. Great editing, really liked your mix of bike packing, commentary and the birds and flora.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Many thanks! Glad you enjoyed.

[@borby78]

Thank yoiu Mick! Beautifully filmed and edited. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with next.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Many thanks!

[@ericchilver9113]

Amazing place out there, went there in the 60s , I hear it’s changed now, tourism has …….. it……wonderful video, subscribed and looking forward to more content.🇦🇺👍

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Many thanks!

[@jellyfishsalad5926]

Great video Mick. I used to live in Alice and its an amazing place for sure with some unique rides. Hopefully I can head back for some more riding. Your video certainly makes me want to visit again soon.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Hope you get back. I used to live there too. Was good to see things through the eyes of a cyclist.

[@WanderingSoleTV]

Nice job, great scenes! I just finished my 4th solo trip - but the first where I filmed myself. What extra effort that required!

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks. Yep, it takes a lot of time to film yourself!

[@user-rs4qk6qy3x]

Wow 😍 I’m so glad I got recommended this channel! The videography, music, scenery, you! It’s all such great content mate I can’t wait to see where you go next

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Appreciate it. Utah will be the next film!

[@marcussurleyadventures1928]

really good video mate thanks for documenting this. I’m gonna try cycling from Laverton to aryes rock and then thanks to you I’m gonna do this loop! it’ll be a great way to finish up. Just like to say it’s an awesome video you did everything justice good stuff!

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Awesome! Enjoy the ride - keen to hear how you find the loop. Cheers.

[@everythingincycling3324]

I love to see your video, take care buddy,, see you on the road

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks heaps.

[@denverman6161963]

Wow! Fantastic filmmaking. My wife and I are "Perth-erts" and do cycle touring most every year we can. Our tours have generally been self-contained, but have also been the "credit card variety" though; staying in a nice bed at night with a shower. We've always TALKED about doing something like this, or the Munda Bidi (I'll be watching your vid on that next) and your film gets us thinking we COULD do a big trip camping style instead. Thank you so much for sharing this. I've lived in Oz for the last dozen years and have yet to explore it at all. This film gives me ideas to do just that.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

You should go for it. As long as you can carry all the water you need, this is an amazing place to ride. That being said, Munda Bidi offers a mix of 'credit card' touring and camping - such a fun route.

[@cyclingnerddelux698]

You have a rare talent. Greetings from the Austrian Alps.

[@MickTurnbullFilms]

Thanks heaps.