Robyn Davidson facts for kids

Robyn Davidson is an Australian writer famous for her 1980 book Tracks. This book tells the story of her amazing 2,700 kilometer (1,700 mile) journey across the deserts of Western Australia. She traveled with camels, which was a very unique way to explore the wilderness. Robyn has spent over 40 years traveling and writing about her adventures. Her memoir, Unfinished Woman, was published in late 2023.

Early Life and Adventures

Robyn Davidson was born in Miles, Queensland, Australia. She grew up on a cattle station called Stanley Park. When she was 11 years old, her mother passed away. Robyn was then mostly raised by her aunt, Gillian. She went to a girls' boarding school in Brisbane.

Later, in 1968, when she was 18, Robyn moved to Sydney. She lived a free-spirited life in Paddington. She also worked as a card-dealer in a gambling house.

Preparing for the Desert Trek

In 1975, Robyn moved to Alice Springs. She wanted to work with camels because she was planning a big trip across the desert. For two years, she learned how to train camels. She also learned how to survive in the very tough desert environment.

In her last year in Alice Springs, a man named Sallay Mahomet helped her. He provided her with the camels she needed for her journey. Robyn often remembered his advice and warnings. This was especially true when she saw wild camels. Mahomet also gave her two camels named Kate and Zeleika. Kate could not go on the trip because she had a serious skin infection.

The Famous Tracks Journey

In 1977, Robyn Davidson started her journey from Alice Springs. Her goal was to reach Australia's west coast. She traveled with her dog, Diggitty, and four camels. Their names were Dookie, Bub, Zeleika, and Goliath.

At first, Robyn did not plan to write about her trip. But she later agreed to write an article for National Geographic magazine. She had met a photographer named Rick Smolan in Alice Springs. She insisted that he be the photographer for her journey. Rick met her three times during her nine-month trip.

The Book and Film

The National Geographic article came out in 1978. It was very popular. Because of this, Robyn decided to write a book about her experience. She went to London and wrote Tracks. The book won the first Thomas Cook Travel Book Award in 1980.

In 2013, a movie based on Robyn's book was released. It was also called Tracks. The movie was directed by John Curran. The main role of Robyn was played by Mia Wasikowska. The film was first shown at the Venice Film Festival.

Traveling with Mr. Eddie

During her desert journey, Robyn met many Aboriginal Australians. One of them was an artist named Jean Burke. Jean remembers Robyn in her painting called The Camel Lady. This painting was made in 2011.

Jean's father, Mr. Eddie, was a Pitjantjatjara man. He traveled with Robyn through Ngaanyatjarra lands. He helped her find water sources. He also guided her around important sacred sites. Mr. Eddie planned to join Robyn for only a few days. But he ended up staying with her all the way to Warburton.

Robyn learned a lot from Mr. Eddie. She realized that his way of seeing time was different. He taught her to enjoy the present moment. After they reached Warburton, Mr. Eddie suggested another older Aboriginal man join her. But Robyn decided to continue the rest of the journey on her own.

Studying Nomadic Lifestyles

Much of Robyn Davidson's work involves traveling with and studying nomadic people. Nomads are people who do not live in one place. They move from place to place, often with their animals.

Robyn has studied different types of nomadic life. She has explored these lifestyles in Australia, India, and Tibet. Her writings about nomads are based on her own experiences. She shares many of her ideas in No Fixed Address. This was her contribution to the Quarterly Essay series.

She suggests that humans might have caused less harm to themselves and the environment when they were nomadic. She believes that settling down made people feel like strangers in their own land.

Awards and Personal Life

In June 2024, Robyn Davidson received a special award. She was given the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). This award recognizes her achievements.

Robyn Davidson has moved around a lot. She has lived in Sydney, London, and India. In 2014, she was living in Castlemaine, Australia.

See also

In Spanish: Robyn Davidson para niños