Farmers Matt and Tom are used to the serenity of the outback. So how will they fare in the hustle and bustle of the race?

Mates Tom and Matt know they’ll have the upper hand when it comes to physical challenges, but they might struggle when it comes to geography.

Matt has never left Australia, rarely ventures away from his outback property and only visited Sydney and Melbourne for the first time in the lead up to the race.

“There’s a lot of buildings isn’t there? It makes it hard getting around. I actually thought Melbourne was more where Canberra is,” he admits.

But Tom is quick to point out they’re handy with directions.

“Give us a map and we’re fine. We’re pretty good at getting from A to B,” he says.

Both 26, they met seven years ago while shearing at the Muttaburra Sheep Show, in central western Queensland.

Tom grew up on the historic Newcastle Waters Station in the Northern Territory and currently works on a cattle station on the WA/NT border. Matt lives and works on a sheep and cattle station outside Birdsville in outback Queensland. The nearest supermarket is 600 kilometres away.

Despite the distance, these mates catch up whenever they can at country races and rodeos.

“I know all about covering big distances. The property I live on is twice the size of Holland,” says Matt.

As for the race, Matt says, “I’m keen to see a bit of the world and have a laugh.”

Tom on the other hand is the competitive half of the partnership. “I think people will see us as country bumpkins. But I’m planning to be there at the end. And I think we’ve got the right combination of strength and smarts to win.”

Living away from city life has saved them both a lot of stress and they see that as an advantage on the race.

Matt says, “I don’t usually get stressed really. If you throw stuff at me, I’ll just get on with it.”

Both farmers agree though that this race is going to be a big test.

“I just hope we don’t get Delhi belly on the first day and can’t find a dunny,” says Tom.

And as for Matt’s biggest fear on the race?