[2] In 1936 the 17-year-old Barry announced her intention to challenge the Sydney to Melbourne record of 3 days 1 hour, set in 1935 by Billie Samuel,[3] and she soon came to the attention of Hubert Opperman.

[9] 12 months after her announcement, Barry succeeded in breaking the Sydney to Melbourne record, covering the 568 miles (914 km) in 2 days 2 hrs.

[11] The following year Barry traveled to Tasmania, setting a record in May 1938 for the ride from Launceston to Hobart and return, covering 245 miles (394 km) in 17 hrs 30 min 30 sec.

[12] In June Barry went to Queensland, this time to claim the record for Brisbane to Rockhampton covering the 483 miles (777 km) in 56 hrs 29 min.

[15] Her record was eclipsed in November 1939 by the next Malvern Star woman rider, Valda Unthank who rode 1,438.5 miles (2,315.0 km).