Robyn Davidson, portrayed by Mia Wasikowska, is a determined young woman from Brisbane who embarks on an ambitious journey across the Australian outback with her loyal dog, Diggity. Her goal is to travel to Ayers Rock and eventually reach the ocean, and to prepare for her odyssey, she finds employment at a local pub in a small town, where she trades months of labor with a farmer named Kurt Posel, learning to handle camels. After a disagreement leads to her departure from Kurt's employment, she discovers a dilapidated house in the bush, which she decides to make her home.
Robyn subsequently works for a camel wrangler named Sallay Mahomet, earning a single feral camel for a month of her labor. As she trains her camel, she earns the local moniker "camel lady." One evening, her friends, including a young American photographer named Rick Smolan, played by Adam Driver, arrive unexpectedly to visit her. Although her friends suggest she shorten her trip and take a companion, Robyn is adamant about making this journey alone, believing it is essential to undertake it on her own terms. As the nights roll on, she feels a growing attachment to her camels, finding joy in their companionship.
After learning of Robyn's endeavor, Rick suggests that she seek sponsorship to fund her trip, offering to connect her with some editors. Despite the well-meaning advice from her friends, including Jenny, who is willing to accompany her, Robyn resolutely opts for independence, even as they engage in light-hearted conversations under the stars. As she prepares for her journey, Robyn writes to National Geographic, who ultimately agree to sponsor her on the condition that Rick can meet up with her periodically to document her trek with photographs.
Eventually, Robyn manages to negotiate a deal with the new owner of Kurt's former farm, allowing her to obtain the camels she needs for her journey. As the day of her departure arrives, her family comes to wish her well, with her sister expressing concern over her living conditions. Despite their worries, Robyn sets off on her adventure, reflecting on how "remarkably unqualified" she feels for such a challenging undertaking.
As she travels with her four camels, Rick trails behind her in a Land Rover, capturing moments of her journey, though Robyn grows increasingly frustrated with his presence as it disrupts her solitude. On Day 61, a crisis arises when her camels go missing, leading her to search for them and confront the challenges ahead of her. Throughout her journey, Robyn encounters several hardships, including navigating unforgiving landscapes and dealing with personal struggles.
When Rick unexpectedly appears during a critical moment in her voyage, the dynamic between them shifts, leading to a kiss that complicates their relationship. Tensions rise further when Rick's indiscretion puts the journey at risk, and Robyn finds herself needing to take a longer route due to the violation of sacred land, highlighting the cultural significance of her path.
As the days turn into weeks, Robyn endures considerable hardship, battling dehydration and physical exhaustion while continuing to bond with Eddy, an Aboriginal man who helps her understand traditional practices. Even amidst harsh conditions and isolation, Robyn ultimately reassesses her journey's purpose, reflecting on her experiences, both past and present.
After days of grueling trekking, including significant loss and emotional turmoil, such as the heart-wrenching death of her dog, Robyn confronts her profound loneliness. However, she finds solace in small fortuitous encounters—a chance meeting with helpful locals reinvigorates her spirit.
Finally, after enduring 157 days of hardship, Robyn emerges joyfully from a challenging stretch to finally see the ocean, where she reunites with Rick. This significant moment symbolizes not just the culmination of her physical journey but also a transformation of her inner self.
Upon completing her extensive 1700-mile trek, Robyn captures the essence of her experience in a National Geographic article, later penning a bestselling memoir, "Tracks." Her concluding thoughts resonate with the understanding that "Camel trips do not begin or end, they merely change form," encapsulating the journey's profound impact on her life.
