Phil MurraySon of the legendary Australian larrikin ‘Gelignite’ Jack Murray, famous REDEX Reliability Trial driver and sportsman of the 1950s, Phil has inherited his father’s genes when it comes to adventure.

Phil’s adventures and achievements have included: white-water rafting the Grand Canyon; trekking on three continents (Himalayas, Africa and Australia); as well as travelling extensively throughout Europe, Africa, South America and Asia.

One of his adventures which provided inspiration for his writing involved following in ‘the footsteps of heroes’— walking the iconic Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea and experiencing Anzac Day 2009 at the Isurava Memorial.

Phil’s professional career has been varied. He worked for many years as a registered land surveyor, consultant, trainer and major projects manager for Australia’s largest water infrastructure company.

Writing has always been a passion and the moving to Nelson Bay introduced him to a creative circle of local writers and artists. Now in his early 60s, he has been happily married to Rhonda for 30 years. His interests, like his writing, are eclectic, and include golf, sailing, surfboard riding, mountain bike riding, scuba diving, volunteering as a Native Wildlife Rescuer and, having been a competitive bodybuilder in the 1980s, Phil remains a gym junkie maintaining a high level of fitness for his active and varied lifestyle.

Phil gained a great sense of achievement and satisfaction by writing his father’s long-overdue biography.