Jon Muir

The explorer on fear, self-reliance and the thrill of extreme challenges.

- Helen Anderson

Among many achievements, Muir is the first Australian to reach all three poles – North, South and the summit of Everest – and in 2001 was the first person to walk solo and unsupported across Australia. It took 128 days.

I had a childhood full of adventure. When I was 11 our family travelled around the world. Mum and Dad weren’t sure my twin sister and I should go – we’d miss a year of school – but it was transformative. When I started looking for a career I saw a documentary about climbing in the Himalayas, and I knew that was where I’d start. I had a taste for adventure.