Elliot Bugler’s solo road trip cut short by violent robbery at Goomeri camp

A Brisbane father’s dream to ride solo across Australia was cut brutally short when he was robbed at knifepoint while camping in the South Burnett - and his nightmare at that point was far from over over.

The remains of Elliot Bugler's bike after he was held up at knife point.

A solo motorbike ride across Australia ended in a nightmare for 46-year-old Elliot Bugler when armed robbers surprised him on his very first night in a free camp in the South Burnett, threatening him with a knife and stealing his beloved 2017 Honda African Twin motorcycle.

The incident occurred about midnight behind the Shell Service Station in Goomeri on Friday, August 23, 2024.

Mr Bugler, who had planned and saved for the solo adventure from Brisbane to Perth, set up camp in a free camping area on McIvor Street.

Shortly after midnight he was woken by noises before being confronted by two masked men, one armed with a knife and the other with a screwdriver.

Elliot Bugler was held up at knifepoint in Goomeri before having his motorcycle stolen.

According to Mr Bugler, they forced him back into his swag and threatened him at knifepoint, demanding the keys to his Honda African Twin.

Despite his refusal to comply, Mr Bugler said the men stole his keys and, after a brief struggle, made off with his motorcycle, leaving him with minor injuries.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman confirmed they were investigating the armed robbery.

The bike was also reportedly seen being ridden around Cherbourg in the days following the incident.

Locals reportedly saw Elliot Bugler’s bike being ridden around Cherbourg days after the robbery.

Mr Bugler’s wife, Laura Vincent, revealed that Mr Bugler’s cousin tried to recover the bike by driving to Cherbourg, but was chased out of town by locals.

However, about a week later, locals found the motorbike completely burnt and destroyed.

“One of the hardest pills to swallow is the bike being woefully underinsured, with our policy having a market value of just $11,000, meaning we won’t be able to replace it. Similar bikes are now retailing for $22,000,” Ms Vincent said.

The remains of Elliot Bugler's bike after he was held up at knife point.

She added that Mr Bugler, who is self-employed, has been unable to work since the attack.

“The emotional and physical toll of the ordeal has left him struggling to focus on his business,” Ms Vincent said.

“Bikes are one of Elliot’s greatest passions and means of escape, and now that has been taken from him too.”

Elliot Bugler’s swag set up the night he was held up at knifepoint before having his motorbike stolen.

She also mentioned that the entire family, including their two children, Joel, 15, and Maya, 9, were “deeply distressed” by the incident.

The police have urged anyone with information related to the incident to contact them via Policelink or Crime Stoppers as the investigation continues.