AXOZ in Classic Sierras: A Journey for Variety WA
The Mission
When passion for adventure meets a cause that truly matters, incredible things happen. That’s exactly what unfolded when a convoy of 11 Suzuki Sierras set out to cross Australia from coast to coast, raising funds for Variety – the Children’s Charity.
This wasn’t just a road trip; it was a three-week odyssey across some of the most rugged and remote terrain in the country, all in the name of helping kids in need.
The Challenge
The trek, aptly named Across Oz (AXOZ), brought together 19 participants and their trusty Sierras for a mission that was as ambitious as it was inspiring. A drive coast to coast, starting from Steep Point, Australia’s most westerly point near Shark Bay in WA, across the continent to end in Byron Bay, the most easterly point in NSW. That’s thousands of kilometres of remote deserts, coastal tracks, corrugations, sand dunes, and long stretches of outback isolation. These weren’t modern 4WDs brimming with technology; they were classic Suzuki Sierras, the youngest was 17 years old, and several were around 25 years old, adding to the scale of the challenge. Yet their simplicity and toughness make them iconic, and this trek celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first Suzuki 4WD arriving in Australia. Small, lightweight, and famously tough, but still requiring serious preparation to tackle such a demanding route.
Our Role in the Adventure
This is where we came in. Our team had the privilege of preparing several of these Sierras for the ultimate test. Without this work, many wouldn’t have had the reliability or structural integrity to survive such a punishing journey. Reliability was non-negotiable, so we focused on:
Every bolt tightened and every part upgraded carried the weight of the mission: to make sure these vehicles could go the distance and bring their crews safely to Byron Bay.
With many Sierras carrying essentials like 70L of fuel, 40L of water, camping setups, recovery gear, and two passengers, every kilogram mattered.
Check out all the specs for the AXOZ cars (Red SJ50, Blue SJ50 and Green SJ70) on our total rebuild page.
The Journey
From the moment the convoy rolled out of Midland, WA, the adventure was on. The route took them through breathtaking landscapes—from the stark beauty of Steep Point to the iconic Pinnacles, across endless stretches of outback, and finally to the golden sands of Byron Bay. The journey was not without its challenges; participants encountered unforeseen obstacles that tested their limits. From navigating sand dunes to crossing rivers, each day brought new adventures. The camaraderie among participants was just as remarkable as the scenery. Yet these tough little 4WDs pushed on, with support from an on‑road mechanic travelling with the team to help keep vehicles safe and mobile. Photos from the journey show the Sierras lined up on beaches, navigating outback tracks, and taking in WA’s dramatic coastline—a visual testament to what determination, teamwork, and a bit of classic 4WD charm can achieve. Every challenge was met with teamwork and determination, fuelled by the knowledge that this trek was about more than just adventure—it was about making a difference.
The Impact
In every twist and turn, AXOZ reminded us of the beauty of exploration. By journey’s end, the Sierras rolled triumphantly into Byron Bay, completing one of the most ambitious coast‑to‑coast trips attempted by vehicles of their size and age.
Beyond the physical accomplishment, the trek succeeded in its true purpose—raising over $70,000 for Variety WA and shining a spotlight on the importance of helping kids in need through adventure, community support, and shared passion.
For our workshop, being part of this initiative was more than a mechanical challenge. It was a chance to contribute to something meaningful, to help breathe new life into classic vehicles, and to support a team taking on a journey that would become a lifelong memory.
Why it matters
The AXOZ trek is a powerful reminder that even small vehicles—and small teams—can take on big challenges when driven by purpose.
The event served as a reminder that small businesses and classic vehicles, like the Sierras, can significantly impact society.
By participating in this adventure, we not only showcased the capabilities of these remarkable vehicles but also contributed to a greater mission that uplifts and supports children in need.
The legacy of AXOZ will continue, as it this wasn’t just a road trip. It was an adventure with heart, and we’re proud to have played a part in it.
You can read the full West Australian article here.
MIDLAND WORKSHOP
Keeping Zooks Alive
Located in Midland WA, our workshop is run by Suzuki experts with over 30 years under the bonnet. Whether it’s engine rebuilds, fitting accessories, suspension upgrades or getting your 4×4 back on the road – we’ve got you covered. And with a stack of glowing reviews behind us, you can trust your rig’s in good hands.
