She drove across our iconic outback, the unsung hero of a movie that helped forge the way for a new era of acceptance for Australia’s queer communities.
Then she sat forgotten and unloved in a paddock in northern New South Wales, subject to the elements and somehow avoiding fire and flood for the past 16 years.
But now a campaign to restore the bus at the centre of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert to her former glory has been launched.
To support Priscilla's restoration and ensure she continues her journey as a driving force for change, the State Government has contributed $100,000 to kickstart the restoration effort and bring the bus back to South Australia.
Previously thought lost, the 1976 Hino Freighter bus was discovered on a property in Ewingar, a town in the Northern Rivers Region of New South Wales. 
Priscilla is now based in Queensland, where the restoration will take place, before residing at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood as part of an exhibition which focuses on the film’s cultural and social impact.
The 1994 cult film was part of a vibrant era in Australian cinema, sparking cultural conversations, amplifying queer voices, and launching the international careers of Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce.
The National Motor Museum Australia - a museum of the History Trust of South Australia - is an international centre for the collection, research, preservation, education and display of Australian road transport history.
History Trust CEO Greg Mackie said that even in the 21st century, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert still spoke to audiences of the virtues of respect for diversity and the great Aussie larrikin tendency for irreverence.
“Priscilla Queen of the Desert has earned the affectionate regard of a majority of Australians over the last 30 years by affirming the place of road adventures in our national culture,” Mr Mackie said.
“Where better for this icon than at Australia’s National Motor Museum?
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The History Trust of South Australia aims to restore Priscilla to roadworthy condition for special outings, and to render to its interior the glamorous over-the-top camp of the 1994 movie. And we want to give Priscilla the kind of home at the National Motor Museum Australia that will evoke rich and happy memories for visitors.”
The movie’s director, Stephan Elliot, said he had heard many rumours about where Priscilla had ended up but had given up hope of ever finding her.
“I really want to thank the History Trust for making this amazing discovery and bringing Priscilla back to life,” he said.
“The film seems to carry through generations, and this is a chance for possibly many more generations to feel its message of love, tolerance and living your true self every day.”
