General News
11 November, 2026
From Port to Port in 30 days
DIANA Cerejo, from the Algarve in Portugal, who has been living and working in Port Douglas for the last few months, took to the road recently to see more of Australia before continuing her journey around the world.
Keen for adventure and with a passion for motorbikes, Diana took an opportunity to take some time out and see a lot more of ‘Down Under’ by riding her much-loved Harley-Davidson Street Rod 750 around the country.
Coincidentally, it was only a couple of months ago that Nigel Howard set off on his 20,000-kilometre motorcycle journey, covering the distance in just 38 days and circumnavigating Australia. One of his stop-offs was the Douglas Shire in his quest to raise money and awareness of Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
Not unlike this amazing trip, Diana travelled solo for about 17,000km and crossed five Australian states in 30 days, experiencing some of the most incredible landscapes the country has to offer.
Ms Cerejo explained that travelling on her own by motorcycle was an unforgettable experience. Along the way, she faced extreme heat, long distances, roadworks, challenging road conditions and wildlife on the roads.
“There were moments that tested my limits, but the journey also gave me an incredible sense of independence,” she said.
“Being on a motorbike and doing long trips gives me a feeling of freedom and it is addictive.”
The adventurer’s Harley-Davidson is affectionately named ‘Darling’.
“I always have an emotional connection with my bikes. I have another one called ‘Baby’, as well” she said.
The mammoth journey couldn’t have got off to a worse start.
“On my first day, I went on the wrong route which was off-road and fell off. I was in the middle of nowhere with no one, so I had to pick up the bike and get out of there.”
Covering such a long distance in a relatively short time period was part of the challenge.
“Some days I travelled 600km, maybe 700km, as I had to be safe and because I was camping, I needed to check where I was going to sleep. Also, the distance between petrol stations was important,” Ms Cerejo said.
“Every location I reached I tried to explore and also rest.
“I had a lot of time riding by myself, so your mind just goes everywhere. I had some dark moments and some good moments. Often the beautiful landscape helped me get through” she said.
“I particularly enjoyed the Kimberley and the trip towards Darwin.”
The long-distance traveller was pleased to see the finish line.
“Arriving back in Port Douglas was a special feeling and some friends helped me out with the last few kilometres,” she said.
Before setting off, the motorcycle fanatic spent about four months living and working in Port Douglas, taking on four different jobs to save enough money to finance her trip around Australia.
“It was a challenging period, balancing multiple jobs and working hard towards a dream,” she said.
“However, it made the journey even more meaningful because I knew how much effort had gone into making it possible.”
“Returning to Port Douglas after travelling around the country made the experience even more special, as it brought my adventure full circle.”
I must take my hat off to Diana, or should I say my helmet, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
