When National Geographic’s cover story about Robyn’s camel trek was published, it became one of the most popular in the magazine’s history. The story was subsequently featured on the covers of more than 100 other magazines in 35 countries reaching an estimated 50 million readers. © National Geographic.  

Although there are thought to be over 30,000 wild camels in Australia, the sight of Robyn and her team of four attracted more than a little attention. The Aborigines, who used camels in this area until the 1960s, were now much more attached to mechanical forms of transportation.

 "I had been hot, irritable and tired when I arrived, but now these delightful children lifted my spirits with their cacophony of laughter. Aboriginal kids were so direct, loving and giving with one another that they melted me immediately" -- From INSIDE TRACKS, by Robyn Davidson © Rick Smolan/Against All Odds Productions

One night at the beginning of the trip Robyn dreamt of an old Aboriginal man who became her friend and shared the secrets of Dreamtime with her. Months later, just as she was beginning to feel the trip was empty and meaningless, Mr. Eddie, a tribal elder, appeared and travelled with her for the next 300 kilometers. © Rick Smolan/Against All Odds Productions

Robyn finally got some use out of her Flying Doctor radio to call a friend to take Mr. Eddie home. © Rick Smolan/Against All Odds Productions

Even with mold and fungus covering its surface, this salty old cattle-watering bore was a welcome oasis. © Rick Smolan/Against All Odds Productions

Robyn had rescued her Kelpie, Diggity, as a puppy from certain death in a medical research laboratory. Diggity returned the favor by alerting her to human intruders, poisonous snakes and other dangers. 

"I am quite sure Diggity was more than a dog. She combined all the best qualities of dog and human and was a great listener. There are very few humans with whom I could associate the word love as easily as I did with that wonderful little dog.” -- From INSIDE TRACKS, by Robyn Davidson © Rick Smolan/Against All Odds Productions

After nine months and 2700 arduous kilometers, it was late afternoon on a perfect day when Robyn and the camels had their first glimpse of the Indian Ocean. The camels had never seen any body of water bigger than a puddle and their eyes bulged at the infinite expanse in front of them. Their arrival marked the end of an extraordinary odyssey. © Rick Smolan/Against All Odds Productions

The Australian Poster for TRACKS. Courtesy See-Saw Films

Mia Wasikowska playing Robyn Davidson in the TRACKS movie. © Matt Nettheim/See-Saw Films 

Robyn (Mia Wasikowska) and her camels enter the Docker River Community, echoing Rick’s photo of the real Davidson surrounded by aboriginal children as she entered the real Docker River. © Matt Nettheim/See-Saw Films 

Rick (Adam Driver) shoots Robyn (Mia Wasikowska) at Ayers Rock. © Matt Nettheim/See-Saw Films 

Robyn (Mia Wasikowska) leads her camels. © Matt Nettheim/See-Saw Films 

Rick Smolan (circa 1978). © Gary McKinnis

Adam Driver playing Rick Smolan (2014). © Matt Nettheim/See-Saw Films 

Robyn Davidson on her original journey. © Rick Smolan/Against All Odds Productions

Mia Wasikowska in the film. © Matt Nettheim/See-Saw Films

Rick Smolan and Adam Driver on the set of Tracks at Ayers Rock. © Matt Nettheim/See-Saw Films 

Robyn Davidson and Mia Wasikowska on the set of Tracks at Ayers Rock. © Matt Nettheim/See-Saw Films

Shooting the beach scene in the Tracks movie. © Matt Nettheim/See-Saw Films 

Robyn (Mia Wasikowska) swimming towards the camera in the closing scene of the Tracks movie. © Mandy Walker, TRACKS Director of Photography