14/11/09  Extreme World Challenges are planning their next fund raising challenge - an unsupported 6000km mountain bike crossing of Australia at its widest point, using as many desert trails as possible. By crossing some of the most arid terrain on earth, they hope to highlight the plight of Water Aid and also set a sporting record in the process...

Starting from Byron Bay in Queensland and heading due west, the route will go through some of the most inhospitable deserts on earth, including the Simpson , Gibson and Victoria. It will also encompass a number of Austrlia's most renown off road tracks including the infamous Gunbarrel Highway .  The approx 6000km traverse will eventually finish at Australia's most westerly location, Steep Point, close to the tourist attraction of Monkey Mia.

Not doing things by half the challenge also aims to complete the trip without support, which will entail having to carry enough water and food for upto 4 days at a time and will mean having to extract water from wells and bore holes along the route. 

 Extreme World Challenges are aiming to complete the traverse in approx 60 days but an accurate appraisal of the time it will take is not possible due to the ever changing conditions of the desert roads.

 WaterAid is an international charity.Its mission is to overcome poverty by enabling the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education.

WaterAid's vision is of a world where everyone has access to safe water and sanitation.

WaterAid transforms lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world's poorest communities. We work with partners and influence decision-makers to maximise our impact.

WaterAid enables the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water and sanitation. Together with improved hygiene, these basic human rights underpin health, education and livelihoods, forming the first essential step in overcoming poverty.

We work with local partners, who understand local issues, and provide them with the skills and support to help communities set up and manage practical and sustainable projects that meet their real needs.

We also work locally and internationally to change policy and practice and ensure that water, hygiene and sanitation's vital role in reducing poverty is recognised.

Inclusive
WaterAid aims to be inclusive in all that we do. We work with economically poor and marginalised people who often miss out such as women and girls, those living with HIV/AIDS, minority ethnic groups, older and disabled people and those who face discrimination. The needs and voices of the communities we work with, our staff, volunteers, partners and stakeholders shape our policy and practice.

Always learning
At WaterAid learning is central to our practice. We continually evolve to make sure that our work is sustainable, innovative, relevant and effective.

Collaborative
The water and sanitation crisis will only be solved by collaborative action. Our engagement with other organisations, communities, staff and supporters underpins our success. We value their diversity.

Accountable
We believe that we should be accountable, responsive and transparent to those we serve and those who support us.

Inspiring
WaterAid is a passionate champion of the role safe water, improved hygiene and sanitation play in improving health and education and reducing poverty.

Courageous
We set ambitious goals, raise challenging questions and speak with courage and conviction. We are assertive yet humble and respectful.

Extreme World Challenges are currently seeking  businesses / individuals that  may be able to support this challenge and can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 More details, including maps of the intended route, itinerary, equipment etc will be posted in due course.