Melbourne: where it all started | I am going home!
Launceston and Cradle Mountain National Park wrapped my Tasmania adventure — the perfect finale to an island that stole my heart. I had bigger plans originally, mapping out remote corners across Tasmania, but winter crashed the party hard in Australia’s south. The forecast showed relentless rain, gale-force winds, and temps that made camping or hitchhiking to places like Walls of Jerusalem National Park a flat-out no-go. Smart pivot — life’s too short for hypothermia adventures. Plenty more of Australia waits, and sometimes saving spots for “next time” just fuels the fire.
So where better to head than ground zero? Back to Melbourne — the city that launched this whole Australian chapter!
Melbourne Homecoming
First few nights? Crashing with Nick and Issy, two absolute legends I met during my last Melbourne stint. Their place will feel like walking into a warm hug after months of tent life and island isolation. Then it’s straight back to United Backpackers hostel — my Melbourne “home” after five wild months there. That place wasn’t just walls and beds; it was karaoke nights in the basement bar, the world’s best free food shelf, and a revolving door of stories from every corner of the planet. Walking back in will feel like picking up right where I left off — same chaotic energy, same family vibe.
Mainland Magic Awaits
Having the hostel as my base again opens up Victoria’s backyard for day trips I skipped last time. After months immersed in Tasmania’s rugged isolation — think wombats at dusk, South Coast Track mud marathons, and Maria Island‘s total silence — mainland energy feels electric. Don’t get me wrong, Tasmania treated me like royalty with its cliffs, wildlife, and empty trails. But there’s something about city pulse + nature escapes that reignites the travel spark.
Top of the list: Grampians National Park. I’ve dreamed about those sandstone ridges and Grampians Peaks Trail since my first Melbourne days 1.5 years ago. Back then, time and money ran dry — I pivoted to the unforgettable Great Ocean Walk instead. Second Melbourne round? Grampians gets its moment. Those epic lookouts, ancient rock art, wild kangaroos, and proper multi-day treks have my name on them.
Beyond that, circling back to Great Ocean Road favorites — maybe that iconic lighthouse from Round the Twist gets a re-visit — plus day trips to Melbourne’s outer suburbs I’ve always meant to explore. Hidden gems, local vibes, tram rides pushing city limits.
The Surprise Loop
And for the finale? A little plot twist to make this a proper circle. I’m closing the loop in style 🙂 — turning this mainland return into a full-circle moment that ties everything together. Stay tuned…
Tasmania gave me wilderness I’ll carry forever, but Melbourne’s pulling me back to where the Australian road first unfolded. Who’s ready for round two?
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