S2 E19: Modern Day Castaway: A Gruelling 50 Days Alone on the Reef
- Author
- Tanya Murphy
- Published
- Sat 12 Jul 2025
- Episode Link
- None
Meet Mike Atkinson — former military pilot turned solo adventurer, survival expert, and filmmaker. In one of the boldest voyages ever attempted, Mike hand-carved a dugout canoe and sailed it 1,500 kilometres up the Great Barrier Reef — from Townsville to the Torres Strait — using only traditional, handmade fishing and hunting tools. No engine. No GPS. No esky.
Surviving on stingray, dried kangaroo, and sheer determination, Mike faced crocodiles, storms, and solitude — all in a quest to reconnect with nature and spotlight the urgent need to protect the Reef and honour Indigenous knowledge.
This is more than a survival story — it’s a challenge to all of us to rethink how modern life is pulling us away from what truly matters. What Mike discovered out there will both shock and inspire you.
FOLLOW MIKE
- Mike's Website: outbackmike.com
- Mike's Insta: instagram.com/outback_mike
PROTECT THE REEF - Sign these Petitions Now!
- Australian Marine Conservation Society: Australia, it's time to lead on Climate Action!
- Australian Conservation Foundation: No New Coal and Gas!
- Queensland Conservation Council: Take Strong Climate Action and Build a Positive Renewable Future!
- Our Islands Our Home: Protect the Torres Strait Islands from Climate Change
- Greenpeace: Save the Great Barrier Reef!
- WWF Australia: Protect Nature
- Rising Tide: Join your local climate action group!
CONTACT US
- Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email [email protected]
- Support Word on the Reef on Patreon
- Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram
