Pat Callinan's 4X4 Adventures

Sure, he has an iconic track named after him, but Cecil Madigan was no one-trick pony! Any 4wder and tourer worth their salt has at least heard of the infamous Madigan Line in the north of the Simpson Desert. It is one of those last remaining tracks here in Australia where you can truly be isolated and forging your own path. Where when the wind blows you have to rely on your navigational skills as the track disappears before your very eyes. We suspect that’s exactly how Mr Madigan would like it, being an explorer at heart as he was. Born in Renmark in South Australia in 1889. Madigan was raised by his Mother after his Father passed away in the Kalgoorlie goldfields. The early loss never held him back, particularly when it came to academic endeavours. Madigan attended Adelaide High School and earned a Scholarship to continue his education at the University of Adelaide. There he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1910. He studied mining engineering and geology but also had a keen interest in meteorology. In 1911 Madigan had moved to England after winning a Rhodes scholarship. He had planned to study Meteorology, however, fate intervened. An Australian explorer by the name of (Sir) Douglas Mawson (you know, that bloke off the old $100 note) was…