📚 Along the tracks of Cobb and Co.
By Hazel Johnson — Farmer, teacher, proud Australian
Hazel Johnson is a passionate history enthusiast devoted to preserving the story of Australia’s pioneering past. 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 historical records that illuminate the lived experiences of Australia’s early pioneers.
With a deep respect for authenticity, Hazel has meticulously compiled historical writings from 1853 to the mid-1900s, inviting readers to witness the grit and graft that defined the Cobb and Co. era. From floods and bushranger bail-ups to coach accidents and the relentless challenges of daily life, each volume delivers a vivid, unfiltered glimpse into the spirit that shaped a nation.
Celebrated for its historical significance, the series preserves original spelling, punctuation, and grammar—ensuring accuracy and honouring the storytellers of the time. Enhanced by the evolving lens of early photography, 'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co.' book series is more than a collection--it’s a captivating archive of unyielding courage, hard work, and resilience.
Whether presenting at events or working full-time as a historical researcher, Hazel brings Australia’s past to life with clarity, warmth, and a storyteller’s heart—infused with deep respect and emotional connection to those who walked the tracks before us. Her work invites readers to take a seat on Cobb’s box and embark on an unforgettable journey through a legacy that still echoes across the Australian landscape.
Cobb and Co. Heritage Books
📚‘Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. - The Great Northern Road’ (Tenterfield to Warwick)
Route: Tenterfield to Warwick
Journey the Great Northern Road from Cobb’s box seat—where dust swirls, bushrangers lurk, and echoes of tin and tales resound. Features the Coach and Collectable Museum in Liston, N.S.W.
📚‘Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. - The Western Run’ (Brisbane, Toowoomba, Roma & Charleville)
Route: Brisbane, Toowoomba, Roma & Charleville
Feel the rhythm of hooves and history as Cobb and Co. thundered across Queensland’s outback. Includes stops at Drayton, Dalby, Surat, and The Big Rig in Roma, home to the Johnson family’s historic slab hut.
📚‘Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. - The New South Wales Headquarters’ (In & Around Bathurst)
Region: In & Around Bathurst
Climb aboard with Cobb and Co. into the heart of NSW. Relive the drama of broken king-bolts, runaway horses, and cries of “Bail up!” Features Abercrombie House, a heritage treasure.
📚'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. — Back to the Beginning' (Victoria & the Goldfields)
Region: Victoria & the Goldfields
Gold fever blazed as Cobb and Co. rolled through Victoria’s rugged land. Trace early coaching lines and visit Glenrowan, site of the Kelly Gang’s final stand
📚'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. - Cobb’s Coach Drivers'
Saddle up for a thrilling ride through Australia’s rugged past. Discover the lives of over 800 fearless drivers—and the occasional woman—who took the reins.
📚'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. - The Roaring Days !'
Immerse yourself in the laughter, hardships, and triumphs of Cobb and Co.’s golden era. A rich collection of anecdotes and poetry, unearthed through five years of dedicated research.
* * * * *
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).
By Hazel Johnson — Farmer, teacher, proud Australian
Hazel Johnson is a passionate history enthusiast devoted to preserving the story of Australia’s pioneering past. 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 historical records that illuminate the lived experiences of Australia’s early pioneers.
With a deep respect for authenticity, Hazel has meticulously compiled historical writings from 1853 to the mid-1900s, inviting readers to witness the grit and graft that defined the Cobb and Co. era. From floods and bushranger bail-ups to coach accidents and the relentless challenges of daily life, each volume delivers a vivid, unfiltered glimpse into the spirit that shaped a nation.
Celebrated for its historical significance, the series preserves original spelling, punctuation, and grammar—ensuring accuracy and honouring the storytellers of the time. Enhanced by the evolving lens of early photography, 'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co.' book series is more than a collection--it’s a captivating archive of unyielding courage, hard work, and resilience.
Whether presenting at events or working full-time as a historical researcher, Hazel brings Australia’s past to life with clarity, warmth, and a storyteller’s heart—infused with deep respect and emotional connection to those who walked the tracks before us. Her work invites readers to take a seat on Cobb’s box and embark on an unforgettable journey through a legacy that still echoes across the Australian landscape.
Cobb and Co. Heritage Books
📚‘Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. - The Great Northern Road’ (Tenterfield to Warwick)
Route: Tenterfield to Warwick
Journey the Great Northern Road from Cobb’s box seat—where dust swirls, bushrangers lurk, and echoes of tin and tales resound. Features the Coach and Collectable Museum in Liston, N.S.W.
📚‘Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. - The Western Run’ (Brisbane, Toowoomba, Roma & Charleville)
Route: Brisbane, Toowoomba, Roma & Charleville
Feel the rhythm of hooves and history as Cobb and Co. thundered across Queensland’s outback. Includes stops at Drayton, Dalby, Surat, and The Big Rig in Roma, home to the Johnson family’s historic slab hut.
📚‘Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. - The New South Wales Headquarters’ (In & Around Bathurst)
Region: In & Around Bathurst
Climb aboard with Cobb and Co. into the heart of NSW. Relive the drama of broken king-bolts, runaway horses, and cries of “Bail up!” Features Abercrombie House, a heritage treasure.
📚'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. — Back to the Beginning' (Victoria & the Goldfields)
Region: Victoria & the Goldfields
Gold fever blazed as Cobb and Co. rolled through Victoria’s rugged land. Trace early coaching lines and visit Glenrowan, site of the Kelly Gang’s final stand
📚'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. - Cobb’s Coach Drivers'
Saddle up for a thrilling ride through Australia’s rugged past. Discover the lives of over 800 fearless drivers—and the occasional woman—who took the reins.
📚'Along the tracks of Cobb and Co. - The Roaring Days !'
Immerse yourself in the laughter, hardships, and triumphs of Cobb and Co.’s golden era. A rich collection of anecdotes and poetry, unearthed through five years of dedicated research.
* * * * *
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. |