A story waiting to be told. Join the adventure.
The Helderburg Expedition is a limited gathering for owners of classic Land Rover Defenders. Register your interest for four days of scenic driving, backcountry roads and shared stories in the Ozarks.
Four days in the Ozarks, built around the Defender.
Based in the Buffalo River region near Harrison, Arkansas, the expedition will bring together a small group of owners who value the history, character and experience of the classic Defender.
The route will include dirt trails, gravel roads and scenic byways chosen for their beauty and suitability for well-finished custom vehicles. The event is intentionally limited so the group remains personal, manageable and memorable.
What to expect
- Scenic drives through the Buffalo River region
- Carefully selected dirt trails and gravel roads
- Backcountry routes suitable for restored and custom Defenders
- A small group of owners with time to connect and share stories
- Complete event details provided after an invitation is accepted
Tell us about you and your Defender.
We are looking for more than a vehicle specification. Tell us what your Defender means to you, where it has taken you and why you would like to be part of this expedition.
Once invitations are accepted, participants will receive the complete schedule, lodging guidance, transport information, arrival instructions and other event details.
By submitting, you are asking to be considered for an invitation. This is not a ticket purchase or confirmed reservation.
What you should know before registering.
This page provides the basic information needed to decide whether the expedition is right for you. Invited participants will receive the complete event package afterward.
Registration is open to owners of classic Land Rover Defenders manufactured in 2016 or earlier. Because the event is limited, eligibility does not guarantee an invitation.
We expect the majority of participants to have their Defender shipped to Harrison, Arkansas. Secure garage storage will be available before your arrival, and invited participants will receive contact information for vehicle transport providers.
The Harrison and Buffalo River area offers hotels, cabins and a number of Airbnb properties. Invited participants will receive more specific lodging guidance and suggested locations.
The routes will include dirt trails, gravel roads and scenic byways. They will be selected to provide a genuine backcountry experience without intentionally exposing a restored or custom Defender to body damage.
No advanced experience is required. The routes are being planned for classic Defender owners with ordinary driving experience. Guidance will be provided where needed.
Final vehicle requirements will be included with the invitation. At a minimum, every Defender should be roadworthy, properly maintained and capable of safely completing gravel and unpaved routes.
Guest availability will depend on the final event capacity. Applicants may identify their interest in bringing a guest after receiving an invitation.
The complete list of included activities, meals, meeting points and any participant costs will be provided to invited applicants before they accept their place.
Everyone who registers will be notified by the end of August 2026, whether or not an invitation is offered.
You will receive the complete itinerary, lodging guidance, vehicle shipping and storage information, arrival instructions, participant requirements and other details needed to plan your trip.
Routes and activities may be adjusted for safety or access conditions. Any meaningful changes will be communicated directly to confirmed participants.
The expedition is intentionally small so the drives remain manageable, the routes stay respectful of the area and participants have the chance to know one another rather than simply attend a large vehicle gathering.
Your Defender already has a story. This may be its next chapter.
Register your interest to be considered for the 2026 Helderburg Expedition in the Buffalo River region of Arkansas.
Register Your Interest