Heather Ellis is an Australian motorcycle adventurer, author and speaker who rode solo across Africa and Central Asia along the Silk Roads to China on her Yamaha TT600. She is the author of two bestselling books, Ubuntu: One Woman’s Motorcycle Odyssey Across Africa and Timeless On The Silk Road: An Odyssey From London to Hanoi.
'I loved it: Australians are always known to have guts, but you broke the bounds with your invincible attitude and sheer bloody-minded determination and courage. Brava!! Bravissima! Re-visiting the Silk Road with you was a particular thrill and I send a thousand thanks and congratulations, you wonderful woman'. xx Joanna Lumley, British actress, presenter, former model, author, television producer, and activist.
'It's more than just a long motorcycle trip...' Tony Wheeler, co-founder Lonely Planet.
Heather Ellis writes about her most daring adventures and deepest struggles with humour, heart, guts and grace. I was enthralled by every page.’ Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild.
TIMELESS ON THE SILK ROAD: An Odyssey From London To Hanoi (Phonte 2019) is my eagerly anticipated second book and follows Ubuntu: One Woman's Motorcycle Odyssey Across Africa (Black Inc. 2016). Available everywhere books are sold: book shops, online book sellers
If you'd like a signed copy of my books, you can purchase via Paypal for $35 (inc. postage. Australia only)
For international readers, please my books are available in paperback and as an eBook on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and others...
LATEST NEWS:
30 January 2025
HORIZONS UNLIMITED TRAVELLERS MEETING QUEENSLAND
Author Talk & Travel Writing Workshop
Friday, 2 May 2025 to Monday, 5 May 2025 - (Qld Labour Day long weekend)
I'm looking forward to attending the HU Qld travellers meeting and presenting two talks. I hope to see you there.
What IS HU Qld
Horizons Unlimited Travellers Meeting QLD brings together motorcycle travellers both experienced and those planning to go, from across Australia.
As well as hearing inspiring stories of overlanding adventure from around the world, you'll get the low-down on preparing for your journey, navigation, first-aid, photography, filming and a host of other essential topics. Whatever your past experience or future plans may be, there's something for everyone.
https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/queensland-2025
14 November 2024:
I'm in the early stages of planning my South to North America motorcycle adventure. Despite issues with finding parts for the rebuild of my Yamaha TT600, I have not given up on riding my old TT600 for this trip. I've plenty of time for the fitout and going on a few adventures in Oz before departure in October 2027. I'll keep you posted on Facebook.
2 September 2024:
My beloved Yamaha TT600 is in for its rebuild with Just Dirt Bikes with handover in September 2024. Vince and Tony specialise in rebuilding dirtbikes and are known for rebuilding the TT600, XT600 and XR600. I can't wait to get out into Victoria's high country this summer. The rebuild is all in preparating for riding from south to north America in a few years. While it is a while away, time flies when your having fun!!!
I'm also a contributing writer for Adventure Rider and Australian Motorcyclist. Available at all Australian newsagents. Check them out on Facebook or subscribe.
In August I'm embarking on an off-road adventure with Cape York Motorcycle Adventures. Read about my experience in Adventure Rider magazine Issue#66 on sale November 2024.
I'll also be posting daily updates on Facebook.
12/10/2019 - Ubuntu receives Book Authority Awards for two categories:
Best motorcycle travel books of all time
Best Ubuntu books of all time
ABC RADIO NATIONAL - CONVERSATIONS WITH SARAH KANOWSKI - 28 June 2019
(In my conversation with Sarah Kanowski, you can get the back story before my travels as well as a few stories from Africa and all that followed after London on my journey along the Silk Roads).

20/2/2017 - UBUNTU LISTED AS BESTSELLER ON AMAZON
To read more about best motorcycle adventure and travel books Africa and Silk Road (Central Asia) visit: Amazon
30/6/2017 - UBUNTU PUBLISHED IN POLAND
LATEST REVIEW
TRAVEL GROOVE
Watch a short interview about Ubuntu on Travel Groove (Travel Made Easy). Features travel tips and tricks by travelling experts for adventure. Be inspired to travel and adventure more!
WATCH THE BOOK TRAILER
My Yamaha TT600 today. The same motorcycle I rode through Africa in 1993/94; used for motorcycle couriering in London ; and then rode through Central Asia along the Silk Road during 1997. He waits patiently for our next adventure.
I now call Melbourne, Australia home and enjoy riding my Moto Guzzi V50 around the hills of the Yarra Ranges. That was until the dear old girl fell victim to a SMIDSY while I was stopped at a red traffic light (SMIDSY = Sorry Mate I Didn't See You). I'm in the process of rebuilding her.
Today, I ride a Triumph Thruxton 900cc. The 'Black Princess', she is a quick nimble thing on mountain roads and in city traffic.
The Ted Simon Foundation encourages those who adventure into the world to go the extra mile and transform their experiences into something of value for the world to share.
Best motorcycle travel books