Outback postman Peter Rowe hands over the reins to his Australia Post run, after 20 years in the job

After delivering the mail in the Far North for two decades, Peter Rowe is handing over the reins – admitting he was almost embarrassed to be paid for the “marvellous” job.

Outback postie Peter Rowe reckons he was lucky to get paid to do something he loved for two decades.

The Coober Pedy man has just retired and handed over the reins to his Far North mail run, which includes travelling from his hometown to William Creek, Oodnadatta and the pastoral stations in between.

Mr Rowe, 77, said unlike working in big cities, in the Outback, “you build up friendships that will last until the day you die”.

“It’s been marvellous,” he said of his life on the road, which has also included delivering goods and welcoming tourists on his Australia Post run. The job has now been handed over to new postman Bruce Ross.

“It was challenging at times, but when you’re doing something you love, it’s not like work,” said Mr Rowe, who was initially drawn to Coober Pedy to mine for opals.

“I felt a bit embarrassed to take the money sometimes.”

Outback postie Peter Rowe has been living in Coober Pedy since 1967.

The role’s challenges include dealing with difficult conditions during wet weather and tourists who travelled to the region with little understanding of local roads.

“It’s a big change for me – this is the first time I haven’t worked for 63 years,” he said, as he looks forward to heading to the Northern Territory to watch his son compete in the Finke Desert Race.

“I’ve got a bit of fishing in mind, and the other thing I’ll do a bit more is pursue my passion for Outback photography.

“It’s time to hang up the boots and do what I want to do before I fall off the perch.”

Along with delivering the mail on his 10-hour round trip, Mr Rowe delivered fruit and vegetables as part of his run, along with tyres, batteries and other goods.

He says he enjoyed visiting the towns and pastoral properties and forming friendships with residents.

“I was travelling around the country and I loved seeing my friends twice a week, watching their kids grow up and watching the country change from season to season, from droughts to floods.

“Every day I met new people (tourists) who were interested in Australia and South Australia and the Outback and who wanted to learn things.”

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