Buckleys 24 Delivers Big Adventure on Victoria’s Surf Coast

The Pier at Lorne and CP1

Around 150 competitors across 60 teams lined up in Lorne for the second edition of Buckleys 24, taking on either the Full Course or Half Course in a true 24-hour adventure racing challenge through the Otways and Surf Coast.

As teams collected race packs on Saturday morning, anticipation was high. Both courses carried a 24-hour time limit and featured classic adventure racing disciplines — trail running and trekking, kayaking, mountain biking, and remote checkpoint hunting through backcountry and wilderness terrain. Strong map and compass navigation was essential, with plenty of twists and surprises built into the course.

From the outset, teams didn’t know whether they’d be running or kayaking first. At the start line they discovered the Full Course teams would open with a run while Half Course teams launched straight into the kayaks — before swapping disciplines later in the day.

Coastline, Kayaks and a Few Unplanned Swims

The turquoise waters off Lorne were an early highlight, with light winds and a gentle 1–2 foot swell creating ideal paddling conditions. Many teams enjoyed surfing small waves back into shore, while a handful experienced an unexpected swim after capsizing in the surf.

A 10km trek around Lorne followed, showcasing sweeping coastal views, tree-fern-lined trails along the St George River, and a relaxed passage through Lorne’s urban streets before both courses tackled the epic climb to Mt Cowley.

From there, the race split.

Half Course teams detoured north before an incredibly fast descent back into Lorne, while Full Course teams pressed on toward Forrest, beginning a much more remote and demanding section of the course.

The beautiful forest trails heading towards Forrest

Bonus Decisions and Otways Rewards

A tempting Bonus Checkpoint at Erskine Falls, offering a one-hour time credit, lured many teams into extra climbing. Those who committed were rewarded with spectacular waterfall views and the lush, cool-temperate rainforest of the Erskine Falls valley — towering tree ferns, moss-covered gullies and dense Otways forest.

Half Course teams then wrapped up their race with a short but scenic run–kayak–run leg along the Erskine River before returning to Lorne.

For Full Course teams, the adventure was far from over.

Mud, Navigation and a Race-Winning Rogaine

The push to Forrest delivered some of the toughest conditions of the weekend, with muddy hike-a-bike climbs, red clay trails, and plenty of stories at the finish line of one step forward, sliding backward.

In Forrest, teams tackled a 14km rogaine-style trek, where smart navigation could reduce the distance to around 10km with confident off-trail travel. This leg proved decisive.

The race was ultimately won here by The Keen Talkers, whose navigation choices paid off. Team member Del shared that teammate Luke was so cold he couldn’t put his shoes and socks on — racing the second half of the course sockless, with Del tying his laces for him.

With four legs remaining, Full Course teams returned to the Otways for a fast lap of Lake Elizabeth, followed by the final epic climb and descent back into Lorne. Like the Half Course, Full Course teams also had the option to chase the Erskine Falls bonus before a sleepy descent and final run–kayak–run to the finish line.

Del Lloyd and Luke Haines racing as Keen Talkers

Results

Full Course

Overall Winners: The Keen Talkers — 11:33:46
The lead changed hands several times early, with Mooners Gone Mad setting the pace before Keen Talkers consolidated their advantage on the Forrest rogaine leg.

Mixed

  1. Keen Talkers

  2. Capital AR

  3. The Wind and the Wild

Male

  1. Mooners Gone Mad

  2. Half Wright

  3. CRUST

Female

  1. Kath and Kim

  2. YOLO Adventures

Half Course

Overall Winners: Lizz-eds — just over 4 hours
Only 41 seconds separated first and second place in a tight finish.

Mixed

  1. Lizz-eds

  2. Too Little Too Late

  3. Thunderbirds Are Slow

Male

  1. Striders

  2. Better Going Backwards

  3. Young Buck and the Boys

Female

  1. Chocoholics Anon

Finding the Spirit of Adventure

Competitor Rowan Brookes summed up the weekend perfectly:

“I’ve never done an event with so little preparation. Just as I got my head into training, I broke my ribs — then Steve broke his two weeks later.

Thankfully the race format, with lots of shorter legs, was forgiving on recovering bodies. The mud and rain made it more challenging, and the rogaine leg really spread the field.

After a year off racing, this little adventure helped me find my spirit again. We were happy with our 16 hours 20 finish over 120km.”

What’s Next?

Inspired by Buckleys 24 and ready for your next challenge?

The 2026 Wild&Co Adventure Race calendar is now live, with the next major 24-hour event being Terra Nova in the Shoalhaven — a classic coastal and hinterland adventure race designed for both returning teams and those stepping up to longer formats.

Explore upcoming 24-hour to multi-day adventure races and start planning your next adventure here:
👉 https://www.wldnco.com/24-hour-to-6-day-events

Photos & Full Results

Event photos and complete results are now available online:

📸 Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=wldnco&set=a.1454190533374590

📊 Results:
https://www.buckleys24.com.au/live

1 week to go to Buckley's 2025 – Make sure you're ready!

1 week to go...make sure you're properly equipped and ready to go!

NOTE – This information is only available to those team members who have their name registered with Wild & Co and who appear on the team list. Team captains – you may need to forward this to your other team members.

With just a few days to go, the event is shaping up to be an exciting one. The course is set, we're setting up HQ, placing CPs and packing the race packs. This email contains a few important reminders so please read carefully!

 

Important Documents

It's essential that you carefully read the information pack (click the image above or the link below) which includes all the important information you need, including the mandatory gear list. If you have questions please ask.

 

Bike and Gear Drop

Bike and gear drop is at HQ this year so super simple!

 

Paddle and PFD Hire

This year, Paddles and PFDs will only be provided as needed – if you would like to hire a paddle or a PFD please fill in the form here: Paddle and PFD Hire

 

Extra Mandatory Gear

  1. For the 2025 edition Helmets ARE required for the first kayak leg.

  2. Bike lock recommended

 

Volunteers Needed

We're short a few volunteers at the moment and would love some extra HQ and transition area volunteers. We've got a great lineup of teams and a remote-ish TA that needs support!

You don't need a 4x4 to access so no stress there, but if you have a camper van, it is overnight.

If you can help please email hello@wldnco.com or fill out the form here: https://www.wldnco.com/volunteer-with-us

It would be awesome...and of course you get free entry to the next event if you help for the whole event.

Buckley’s 24 headed for Lorne for 2025!

Lorne, the third major stop on the Great Ocean Road has been announced as race HQ for the second edition of the Buckley’s 24 Adventure Race!

Date: 6-7 Dec 2025
Location: Lorne Forshore VIC, Australia
Duration: 24 hour event
Entries: Enter Here
Team size: 2/4 person
Part of the ARWS Oceania Series

Over 300 people including competitors, family and friends from around Australia and the Asia Pacific Region will attend the Buckley’s 24 24hr Adventure Race from 5-6 Dec 2024.

The race is held annually on the first weekend in December in Victoria. The location of the course is moved each year to a different area to pose exciting new challenges for competitors. 

This year’s location of choice, Lorne, is the third major stop on the Great Ocean Road and around 2 hours from Melbourne. 

Where the ocean meets the rainforest – a quintessential coastal town along the Great Ocean Road, Lorne offers the perfect blend of beachside charm and lush hinterland adventures. From stunning waterfalls and scenic walks to boutique shops and vibrant cafes, Lorne is a destination that truly has it all.

Chris Dixon, Wild & Co event director says, “We’re very excited to be heading to Lornealong the Great Ocean Road, it's the perfect location to start and finish an Adventure Race. It gives us access to the ocean and some of the best trails the region has to offer.

We've got an exciting new course for Buckley’s 24 in 2025 and can't wait to show off trails the amazing trails and gravel roads in the region. For something special, teams should be ready for an ocean kayak leg in the bay early in the race!”

Buckley’s 24 involves 24hrs of non-stop endurance racing in the major adventure racing disciplines of trekking, mountain biking and kayaking. Mixed gender, Male and Female teams of two or four must navigate their way through an arduous 120+km course that is only revealed to them the day of the race. 

The "Buckley’s 24 Half" runs simultaneously with the full course and covers just over half the distance but teams have the full 24hrs to complete it. The legs will be challenging but with the additional time available to complete the half course, teams have a greater chance to reach the finish line before time is up. 

Early Bird entries close 31 August 2025 and the final window for registration closes 3 December 2025. Accommodation can be booked through the Visit Great Ocean Road website at: visitgreatoceanroad.org.au

For the latest information on the race please visit: www.buckleys24.com.au

The event is made possible thanks to major sponsor, Mountain Designs.

Under 24hrs to go...make sure you're properly equipped and ready to go!

With not long to go, the event is shaping up to be an exciting one. The course is set, we're setting up HQ, placing CPs and packing the race packs. This email contains a few important reminders so please read carefully!

Important Documents

It's essential that you carefully read the information pack (click the image above or the link below) which includes all the important information you need, including the mandatory gear list. If you have questions please ask.

Mandatory Gear for Ocean Paddle Leg

A short update to the mandatory gear for the ocean kayak leg for the full course. Teams DO NOT need to take all their mandatory gear on the ocean kayak leg, this should be placed in Box A along with the empty paddle bag to be taken to TA1. You do need to carry some mandatory gear, this includes:

  • Paddle

  • PFD

  • First Aid Kit

  • Water

  • Helmet

This only applies to the Ocean kayak leg, all other legs including the second kayak leg require all mandatory gear.


Bike Drop

You will need to drop your mountain bikes AND Box B at a point on the course prior to the race. Make sure you allow yourself time to do this. It is approximately 5kms and 5mins drive from this location to race HQ and you need to have done this before race briefing. 

DON’T FORGET! If it is easier for your team, one member can drop all the team bikes.

PLEASE NOTE: Full Course teams need a helmet for the first kayak leg!

The bike drop will be open to receive bikes between 0700 – 1000 ONLY. You must drop your bikes between these times. Don't arrive early and please be patient as its a small area and you need to unload your gear safely.

The location of the bike drop is on the eastern side of the Great Ocean between Forest Rd and Coalmine Rd.

GOOGLE MAPS LINK: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SS5fABrktHe7TtGt5
GPS: 38.38414° S, 144.20797° E

Buckley's 24 Launch Special – Extra 15% for 5 days only  

We're very excited to launch the Buckley's 24hr Adventure Race, a brand new 24hr adventure race in Victoria. Inspired by the recent success of the Terra Nova, Hells Bells and Top Dog, this event is a Victorian adventure for anyone near Melbourne looking to get away for a weekend of epic adventure racing in an awesome location.

The event will be hosted by the Wild&Co team and to celebrate, we're launching ticket sales with an Extra 15% off the Early Bird Ticket Price – Use the Code 'LAUNCH15' at the check out before midnight 22 April.*

Early Bird Entries will be open until 30 June, entries will be limited so get in fast for this inaugural adventure racing event. 

Date: 26-27 October 2024
Location: Anglesea, VIC, Australia
Tickets: Early Bird Entries Open Now
Duration: 24hrs, Full and Half Course options
Team size: 2 or 4 person, no support crew needed

Adventure Racing in the Otways

The Otway region and its surrounds have an extensive network of world class mountain bike trails, incredible bushwalking opportunities across the multiple national parks and nature reserves, stunning vistas with mountains and fun kayaking opportunities.

Basically it’s made for adventure racing!

Buckley's 24 (Full Course) is a classic non-stop 24hr adventure race involving trekking, mountain biking, kayaking and other adventure disciplines. Mixed, Male or Female teams of two or four must navigate their way unsupported through an arduous 120+km course that is only revealed to them hours before the race.

Buckley's Half (Half Course) covers just over half the distance but teams have the full 24hrs to complete it. The legs are challenging, but with the additional time available to complete the half course, teams have a greater chance to reach the finish line.

“Expect this to be tough – this event is only for those who can race and complete a hard core challenge. Race support will be given with water stations on the course but you will be expected to carry your own water and nutrition for long sections of the course!

— Chris Dixon, Wild & Co Race Designer

Each year a new and exciting course will be developed. Courses will normally be linear with teams occasionally transported to the start line and finishing back at race HQ.

The winning Buckley's 24 teams are estimated to take 16 to complete the course. The winning Half teams are expected to take 12hrs. All teams for both events have up to 24hrs to complete the course.

Athletes will need to be self sufficient and prepared for anything as the course and mixture of disciplines on the day will only be revealed hours before the start of the race.

Find out more at www.buckleys24.com.au