History 1970s

1979 Southern Cross Rally (Australia)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1979 Southern Cross Rally

Date: October 1979

Host Country: Australia

Surface: Gravel

Total Distance: ~2,000 km

Total Starters: Approx. 50 crews

Total Finishers: N/A

The 1979 Southern Cross Rally tested crews with long competitive distances and rugged Australian conditions. Stretching from Sydney up the New South Wales coast into the forests and ranges inland, the rally was known for its endurance format and unpredictable terrain. Ross Dunkerton and Geoff Jones delivered a consistent and tactical performance in their Datsun 710 (Stanza), defeating a competitive field on home soil with a measured mix of speed and mechanical sympathy.

Route

State Forest Trails: Narrow gravel tracks with soft surfaces and tight corners.
Armidale Highlands: Faster flowing sections with jumps, cattle grids, and creek crossings.
Night Stages: Long competitive sections after dark increased the physical and mental demands on crews.

Starting near Sydney, the route passed through towns like Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, and Armidale, with grueling stages in coastal forests, dry plains, and rugged hills.

Dry spring weather dominated, but occasional dust storms and wildlife crossings added unexpected hazards throughout the rally.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Ross Dunkerton & Geoff Jones · Datsun 710
2nd Place
George Fury & Monty Suffern · Datsun 710
3rd Place
Colin Bond & Garry Connelly · Ford Escort RS2000

Dunkerton’s calm pace and smooth technique allowed him to edge out teammate George Fury, while many rivals faced attrition on the long and punishing route.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Endurance Format: Long hours behind the wheel with limited service made fatigue a key factor.
  • Variable Terrain: Sudden transitions between forest, plains, and hills tested suspension tuning and pace judgment.
  • Dust & Wildlife: Hanging dust clouds and animal crossings demanded extreme concentration at high speed.

The 1979 Southern Cross Rally exemplified the spirit of endurance rallying—Dunkerton’s victory solidified his reputation as one of Australia’s premier rally drivers, and further proved the Datsun 710’s strength in one of the sport’s toughest regional contests.

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