After setting out from Sydney, Noelle Sandwith trained, trucked, bussed and hitched rides with various travellers. As she headed towards Birdsville she sketched life in towns such as Muswellbrook, Moree, Goondiwindi, Toowoomba, Dalby, Charleville, Quilpie, Windorah and Betoota. Keen to document working life, Sandwith also visited a number of stations along her route.

Sandwith arrived in Marree in February 1953, having completed 105 sketches documenting the people and places she had encountered throughout her journey. Upon her return to England, Sandwith wrote up the extensive notes she took during her adventure. Extracts of this account accompany her sketches.