Trailblazers & Troublemakers Women Who Dared to Roam
Throughout history, intrepid women have defied societal norms and embarked on extraordinary journeys, charting unknown territories and inspiring future generations to pursue their own adventures. Here are seven remarkable female explorers whose daring escapades continue to ignite the wanderlust in all of us.
Jeanne Baret: The Disguised Circumnavigator
In the 18th century, when maritime expeditions were exclusively male domains, Jeanne Baret broke the mould by becoming the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. Born in 1740 in Burgundy, France, Baret was a skilled botanist who partnered with naturalist Philibert Commerson. To join Commerson on a global expedition in 1766, she disguised herself as a man, adopting the alias "Jean" and binding her chest to conceal her identity. Despite the gruelling conditions and the constant threat of discovery, Baret's expertise led to the identification of numerous plant species, including the Bougainvillea. Her remarkable journey, fraught with peril and intrigue, paved the way for women in exploration.
Isabella Bird: The Victorian Solo Sojourner
Isabella Bird, born in 1831 in Yorkshire, England, was a Victorian-era traveller whose insatiable curiosity led her to some of the world's most remote regions. Despite chronic health issues, Bird's adventures began with a voyage to North America, where she explored the Rocky Mountains on horseback. Her travels took her to Hawaii, Japan, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Kurdistan, Turkey, and Morocco, documenting her experiences in vivid detail. Bird's intrepid spirit and eloquent writings not only captivated readers but also challenged the conventional expectations of women in her time, inspiring them to seek their own paths of discovery.
Nellie Bly: The Pioneering Globe-Trotter
American journalist Nellie Bly, born Elizabeth Cochran Seaman in 1864, was renowned for her investigative reporting and audacious spirit. In 1889, inspired by Jules Verne's novel "Around the World in Eighty Days," Bly set out to turn fiction into reality. She embarked on a solo journey, traversing continents and oceans with remarkable speed. Bly completed her whirlwind trip in just 72 days, setting a world record and demonstrating that women could be ambitious and intrepid travellers. Her fearless pursuit of adventure and truth continues to inspire journalists and explorers alike.
Amelia Earhart: The Trailblazing Aviatrix
Born in 1897 in Kansas, USA, Amelia Earhart's fascination with flight led her to become one of history's most celebrated aviators. In 1928, she became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean as a passenger, and in 1932, she piloted a solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic, a daring feat that cemented her legacy. Earhart's adventurous spirit and numerous aviation records challenged societal norms and opened the skies for future generations of female pilots. Her mysterious disappearance in 1937 during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe remains one of history's enduring mysteries, but her legacy as a pioneer in aviation continues to inspire.
Robyn Davidson: The Camel Trekker of the Outback
Australian adventurer Robyn Davidson, born in 1950, is best known for her remarkable solo journey across the harsh terrains of the Australian Outback. In 1977, accompanied by four camels and her loyal dog, Davidson trekked 2,700 kilometres from Alice Springs to the west coast of Australia. Her nine-month odyssey through the desert was a test of endurance and resilience, capturing the world's imagination. Davidson's memoir, "Tracks," recounts her profound connection with the land and the challenges she faced, inspiring many to embrace the unknown and embark on their own adventures.
Helen Thayer: The Polar Pioneer
New Zealand-born explorer Helen Thayer, born in 1937, has made a career of defying the odds. At the age of 50, Thayer became the first woman to trek solo to the Magnetic North Pole, enduring extreme temperatures and unpredictable ice conditions. Her adventurous pursuits didn't stop there; she has walked across the Sahara Desert, lived among wolves in the Arctic, and kayaked in the Amazon. Thayer's relentless pursuit of exploration and her ability to overcome physical and mental challenges serve as a testament to the power of determination and courage, inspiring adventurers worldwide to push beyond their limits.
Jessica Watson: The Teen Who Sailed Into History
At just 16 years old, Australian sailor Jessica Watson defied expectations, weathered towering waves, and navigated some of the most treacherous waters on Earth—all alone. In 2009, she set off from Sydney in her 10-metre yacht, Ella’s Pink Lady, aiming to become the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the world.
For 210 days, Watson battled relentless storms, endured weeks of solitude, and crossed the world’s most notorious sailing passages, including Cape Horn and the Southern Ocean. The journey tested her resilience, but she emerged stronger with each passing wave. When she finally returned to Sydney in May 2010, she was met with a hero’s welcome—proof that courage isn’t measured in years.
Since her record-breaking voyage, Watson has continued to inspire adventurers through her best-selling book, True Spirit, and a Netflix film adaptation of her journey. Her story reminds us all that the biggest adventures begin with a leap of faith—and sometimes, a gust of wind in the right direction.
These trailblazing women navigated uncharted territories, both geographically and socially. Their stories beckon to the adventurous spirit within us all, encouraging us to embark on our own journeys and discover the vast possibilities that await beyond the horizon.
Where will you be ‘Tripping’ to next?
