Farmer, teacher, and proud Australian, Hazel Johnson’s ancestors journeyed from England and Ireland, drawn by the promise of opportunity in this vast land. Many became farmers, working the soil to support their families and communities—a tradition that remains strong today, with six generations having lived and laboured on the land. Purpose, hard work, and resilience run deep in her family’s blood.
Hazel is a devoted history enthusiast with a clear mission: to preserve and share the lived experiences of Australia’s early pioneers. Her journey into the acclaimed 'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co.' book series began with a tribute to a bygone era—when a local craftsman built a replica Cobb and Co. coach in Liston, New South Wales. Assisting with the research sparked a lifelong commitment to uncovering the stories that shaped a nation.
With meticulous care and deep respect for authenticity, Hazel has compiled historical writings spanning from 1853 to the mid-1900s. Her work invites readers into a world of coach travel, daring bushranger bail-ups, accidents, floods, fires, droughts, and the relentless challenges of pioneering life. Alongside these dramatic moments, she uncovers amusing anecdotes that bring humour and warmth to the untamed spirit of Australia’s past. Each volume offers a vivid, unfiltered glimpse into the determination, fortitude, and endurance that defined the Cobb and Co. era.
Celebrated for its historical significance, the series preserves original spelling, punctuation, and grammar—honouring the voices of the time and allowing history to speak for itself. Enhanced by early photography and rich archival detail, 'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co.' is more than a collection—it’s a living archive of grit and graft, and a tribute to the enduring spirit of Australia’s pioneers.
Whether presenting at community events or working full-time as a historical researcher, Hazel brings Australia’s past to life with clarity, warmth, and a storyteller’s heart. Her work invites readers to take a seat on Cobb’s box and journey through a legacy that still echoes across the Australian landscape.
If you’re a history lover, an adventurer at heart, or simply eager to experience Australia’s rich heritage, the 'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co.' series offers a unique and unforgettable collection that brings real stories, raw resilience, and an era of unyielding courage to life.
Now, step into history, journey along the tracks, and discover the pioneers who helped shape modern Australia.
Books in the Series:
Special thanks to everyone who has assisted me in my journey of researching and compiling Australian history during the times of Cobb and Co., including Mr John Osbourne OAM for his enthusiasm and support of my research, along with Mr John Elliot (Writer/Photographer), Mr David Bolton, Mr Steve Cooper (Manager, Operations at Cobb+Co Museum, Toowoomba), Mr Ray Green (Cobb & Co. enthusiast), Mr Bruce Rutherford (Descendent of James Rutherford), Mr Norm Rutherford (Descendent of James Rutherford), Mr. Christopher Morgan (Abercrombie House, Bathurst) and Mrs Mary Fletcher (Bathurst District Historical Society).
Hazel is a devoted history enthusiast with a clear mission: to preserve and share the lived experiences of Australia’s early pioneers. Her journey into the acclaimed 'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co.' book series began with a tribute to a bygone era—when a local craftsman built a replica Cobb and Co. coach in Liston, New South Wales. Assisting with the research sparked a lifelong commitment to uncovering the stories that shaped a nation.
With meticulous care and deep respect for authenticity, Hazel has compiled historical writings spanning from 1853 to the mid-1900s. Her work invites readers into a world of coach travel, daring bushranger bail-ups, accidents, floods, fires, droughts, and the relentless challenges of pioneering life. Alongside these dramatic moments, she uncovers amusing anecdotes that bring humour and warmth to the untamed spirit of Australia’s past. Each volume offers a vivid, unfiltered glimpse into the determination, fortitude, and endurance that defined the Cobb and Co. era.
Celebrated for its historical significance, the series preserves original spelling, punctuation, and grammar—honouring the voices of the time and allowing history to speak for itself. Enhanced by early photography and rich archival detail, 'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co.' is more than a collection—it’s a living archive of grit and graft, and a tribute to the enduring spirit of Australia’s pioneers.
Whether presenting at community events or working full-time as a historical researcher, Hazel brings Australia’s past to life with clarity, warmth, and a storyteller’s heart. Her work invites readers to take a seat on Cobb’s box and journey through a legacy that still echoes across the Australian landscape.
If you’re a history lover, an adventurer at heart, or simply eager to experience Australia’s rich heritage, the 'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co.' series offers a unique and unforgettable collection that brings real stories, raw resilience, and an era of unyielding courage to life.
Now, step into history, journey along the tracks, and discover the pioneers who helped shape modern Australia.
Books in the Series:
- ‘Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. - The Great Northern Road’ (Tenterfield to Warwick) From Cobb’s box seat, journey the Great Northern Road—where dust swirls, bushrangers lurk, and echoes of tin and tales resound. This book features the Coach and Collectable Museum in the quaint village of Liston, N.S.W., offering a glimpse into the great firm of Cobb and Co.
- ‘Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. - The Western Run’ (Brisbane, Toowoomba, Roma & Charleville) Feel the rhythm of hooves and history as Cobb and Co. thundered across Queensland’s outback—mud, dust, and flood no match for its drive. Cobb’s coaches linked remote towns until the iron horse quietly pushed them into the shadows. This book honours Kenneth Victor & Mavis Rosa Johnson. The Johnson Brothers, and their father Henry John Johnson, were among the early pioneers in the district of Roma, a change station along the western track. Explore key stops along the route, including Drayton, Toowoomba, Dalby, Condamine, Yuelba, Surat, Roma, and Charleville, with a spotlight on The Big Rig in Roma, where the Johnson family's historic slab hut is now located.
- ‘Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. - The New South Wales Headquarters’ (In & Around Bathurst) Climb aboard with Cobb and Co.—feel the rumble of wheels, the cracking whips, and the danger of broken king-bolts, runaway horses, and cries of 'Bail up!' as you venture into NSW. Relive the spirit of pioneers, including the visionary James Rutherford, who helped shape Australia. This book showcases the iconic Abercrombie House, an Australian heritage treasure in Bathurst.
- 'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. — Back to the Beginning' (Victoria & the Goldfields) Gold fever blazed as Cobb and Co. rolled through Victoria’s rugged land—hauling mail, settlers, and dreams. More than transport, it was a lifeline, a legend, an unstoppable force in Australia’s roaring days of dust, danger, and determination. Travel back to 'Melbourne the Marvellous' during the gold rush, tracing Cobb and Co.’s early coaching lines across Victoria, where the company first took shape. Make a longer stop in Glenrowan, where the final stand of the Kelly Gang unfolded in 1880
- 'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. - Cobb’s Coach Drivers' Saddle up for a thrilling ride through Australia’s rugged past! From bushrangers to blazing coach tracks, explore the legendary days of Cobb and Co.—where fearless whips and relentless drive shaped a nation. Step into the lives of over 800 fearless men—and the occasional woman—who took the reins. Adventure and driver tales await!
- 'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. - The Roaring Days !' Immerse yourself in the roaring days of Cobb and Co., where unyielding courage shaped unforgettable tales of Australia’s pioneering spirit. A collection of remarkable anecdotes and poetry, unearthed through five years of dedicated research. This book brings to life the laughter, hardships, and triumphs of Cobb and Co.’s golden era.
Special thanks to everyone who has assisted me in my journey of researching and compiling Australian history during the times of Cobb and Co., including Mr John Osbourne OAM for his enthusiasm and support of my research, along with Mr John Elliot (Writer/Photographer), Mr David Bolton, Mr Steve Cooper (Manager, Operations at Cobb+Co Museum, Toowoomba), Mr Ray Green (Cobb & Co. enthusiast), Mr Bruce Rutherford (Descendent of James Rutherford), Mr Norm Rutherford (Descendent of James Rutherford), Mr. Christopher Morgan (Abercrombie House, Bathurst) and Mrs Mary Fletcher (Bathurst District Historical Society).
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Thank you for your interest in letting Australian history 'speak for itself.' By purchasing this book, you contribute directly to my ongoing efforts to uncover and preserve the rich tapestry of our nation's past, ensuring that future generations can learn from and appreciate the stories that have shaped our country. |