Al Mote and his wife Kim left London bound for Melbourne, Australia in May of 1976. Their first stop was the Greek Island of Crete, and from there to Port Said (Egypt) at the beginning of the Suez Canal. Al and Kim left the ship at Port Said, and took the trip to Cairo, by bus. They visited the pyramids and the museum exhibition of King Tutankhamun.

They met the ship again at the other end of the canal, and continued on to the next stop Djibouti in the Horn of Africa. From Djibouti to Perth, Australia was the longest leg of the trip at sea. Al spent a few of those days seasick in the cabin, hence his absence in the photo taken at the dinner table, where they wore party hats. He does remember "Topsy Turvy" night, when men dressed as women and vice versa, and also the Crossing the Line ceremony on the equator.

Al and Kim stayed in Australia for three years before returning to the UK. From the UK they intended to return to Australia via the USA, but never made it. Al and Kim are both currently living in America, although they are separated now.

This page was designed by: Ken Ironside.

Due to a huge volume of questions I am asked, for which often I do not have the information, I have decided to ask that only ex-crew actually write to me please. I am delighted with everyones contributions, and will occasionally update the Australis web site, using photos/stories etc sent to me. However I cannot answer any more questions. Thankyou for your sustained interest in the SS Australis Homepage. Please e-mail me on this link: Contact.