Veteran cycle tourist

I love this photo. There's just got to be such an interesting story behind the fellow with the cycle. Where was it taken? Where is he going, indeed why is he riding?

The chap seems to be a pioneering long distance cyclist. From the look of the clothing and the cycle the date is somewhere around 1900. There's something of a colonial look to the corrugated iron building and Mr Rutherford himself. I'm guessing it is taken in Australia. If he was cycling long distance in the outback back in those times then he was a tough man.

The note on the reverse of the picture reads, "C Rutherford,just as he left me on the last occasion. Observe the large amount of food and luggage he carries." Personally I would have said that the amount of food and luggage he carries is quite small, especially given that amongst it there is more than likely a puncture repair kit and some tools. Is that a swag on the handlebars?

I feel that he has to be a known character but I cannot find out anything about him. If anyone out there knows, please get in touch.