“You're mad,” was Denise Morcombe's reply.

But with a little help from sponsors, Daniel Morcombe Foundation staff and volunteers and their own indefatigable will, the Morcombes have driven the first kilometres on what will be a 66-day, 20,000 kilometre journey around the nation.

Their mission is to spread the child protection message their foundation has become famous for and to try and to encourage schools outside the state to incorporate the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety curriculum into their educational programs.

Last year, Bruce and Denise were finally able to bury Daniel, laying him to rest in Woombye, nine years after he went missing while waiting for a bus to go Christmas shopping on the Sunshine Coast.

The man accused of abducting Daniel and killing the 13-year-old, Brett Peter Cowan, has been committed to stand trial.

But the Morcombes are focussed on what they can do in the “here and now” and hope that October 25, already a day for action for Queensland, will begin to take a stronger hold across the nation.

“We have a profile that's a little uncomfortable for us,” Bruce said.

“But we try to use it for good.”

The Morcombes have headed south to Ballina, with several stops planned along the way before they reach Sydney, before continuing on.

“It's going to be a long journey,” Denise said.

“But we think it is worth it.”