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:
18 January 2026
My Yamaha TT600 (1991) has been rebuilt after sitting in my shed for 24 years and in storage in Hanoi, Vietnam for 5 years. Thank you to my old travelling buddy from France. Fabrice Perez aka 'the professer'. I'm so excited . My beloved TT600 is back on the road and running like a big single should. He's now ready for my South to North America ride. Athough, this is still two or three years away. In the meantime, I will be doing a few Australian rides so please follow me on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/heatherellismoto
Thank you to John Norris for these fantastic photos.
https://www.facebook.com/johnnorrisphotography/


So why you ask, do I want to travel on a 34 year old bike that is kick start?
My Yamaha TT600 is more than transport — it is my travelling companion. Together we continue the journey that began in 1993, crossing Africa, Europe and Central Asia through trust, resilience, and shared history. From South to North America, this ride extends a lifelong partnership of exploration, storytelling, and human connection forged on the road. My TT600 is also fun to ride and sparks so many conversations and a deeper understanding and connection to people and culture.

MORE LATEST NEWS...
10 January 2026
HORIZONS UNLIMITED TRAVELLERS MEETING QUEENSLAND 2026
Friday, 1 May 2026 to Monday, 4 May 2026 - (Qld Labour Day long weekend)
TheHU Qld travellers meeting is back for 2026. I attended in 2025 presenting my author talk. Unfortunately, I'm unable to attend in 2026. But this is the best opportunity to meet so many RTW travellers. I'll be back in 2027.
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-2026
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
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.
I sold my Triumph Thruxton 900cc back in March 2025 to buy CFMOTO 450MT which I absolutely love. It's light, nimble, quick on the corners and takes to the dirt with ease. If my TT600 fell in a hole, this would be my travel bike. The 'Black Princess',went to a good forever home in Mansfield, Victoria where she can be seen blasting through the high country mountains.
My latest ride along side by Yamaha TT600, is this stunning CFMOTO 450MT.

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.
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