Reset search
Australia ½
  • Simon Helbling
  • Simon Helbling

Australia ½

A 24-day adventure by Simon. Read more
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarPhotosPhotosShareShareBucket list
InsightsCalendarPhotos
  • Trip start
    February 28, 2026
    Simon HelblingAustralia ½Simon Helbling

    To the Land of OZ

    February 28 in Australia ☁️ 28 °C

    I’m about to leave New Zealand... honestly, I wouldn't believe it myself if I didn't have the boarding pass in my hands right now.

    What a trip. Big thanks to everyone who kept me sane during those extra days! Traveling alone is a double edged sword: it offers incredible freedom, but it comes with a lot of solitude aswell. You’re constently with yourself, which feels weird at first, but it gets easier over time, starting to be your own best friend, sounds funny but its true. I like being alone with my thoughts and some music on the ears, but I definitely still appreciate good company now and then.

    I’m currently at the airport in a bougie lounge, about to stuff myself at the complimentary breakfast buffet before my 4 hour flight to Melbourne.

    The van is safely back in base. It’s probably glad I’m not driving it anymore! Driving makes you comfortable, comfort makes you reckless, and reckless driving isn’t exactly "best" for a vehicle's lifespan... :)

    The end of the start, and the start of the end... See you soon, Australia!    Read more

  • Simon HelblingAustralia ½Simon Helbling

    Melbourne

    March 1 in Australia 🌬 26 °C

    I went into the city to greet my friend, who starts university on the second of March. I also got my campervan, which I’m going to be living in for now.

    The city is great - not too busy, but also not "dead". They have so many markets; I’d love to get my groceries from there every now and then.Read more

  • Simon HelblingAustralia ½Simon Helbling
    1

    Great Ocean Road

    Mar 6–7 in Australia ☀️ 21 °C

    Yep, I’m still alive! I just had to take a break from uploading due to an illness. My current goal is to reach Adelaide, but sadly I’ve lost three days to a heavy cold. Truth be told: health should always be the top priority!

    For now, I’m traveling from campsite to campsite, planning just 2–3 days in advance and cherishing the small things - like being able to stand up without feeling nauseous or having an appetite again, and just smiling over a good meal.

    I drove the Great Ocean Road because quite a lot of people recommended and praised it for its beauty. Well, I can't deny it, the scenery beside this road is stunning!

    Here are some pictures - no worries, I'll visit the Twelve Apostles on the way back if the weather's playing along :)    Read more

  • Simon HelblingAustralia ½Simon Helbling
    1

    Update

    Mar 8–12 in Australia ☀️ 24 °C

    Hello everyone! I’m writing to give you another update on my life on the road.

    I ended up stranded at a campsite after my van broke down right before I was supposed to go sightseeing. I was stuck near Adelaide, and sadly, the whole carfuffle took so long that I couldn't see the city or any of my target destinations in the area. My days were packed with so many phone calls - some of them pretty uncomfortable and afterwords just funny. It’s so upsetting and frustrating when you can't get any information and just have to be patient and wait...

    Anyway, I drove back toward Melbourne and booked a little place to stay along the way just to relax and calm down before heading to the rental service to discuss issues with the new van. I saw some kangaroos at my accommodation, so at least that was fun! :D

    Next up - heading towards Sydney and then Brisbane! Only 10 days left before I head home, so I have to make these final days count! ;)    Read more

  • Simon HelblingAustralia ½Simon Helbling

    Monologue with the Wild

    March 18 in Australia ☁️ 22 °C

    I reached Canberra and, with it, the idea to visit the National Zoo. What a lovely day: sunshine, dino nuggets with some tomato sauce, and so much to explore! Today, I’m wandering around the wildlife until the afternoon, and after that, I’ll hit the road again until I reach Sydney in all its glory. Tomorrow, I’ll try to get a glimpse of the famous Opera House and some other spots in the area! ;DRead more

  • Simon HelblingAustralia ½Simon Helbling

    Sydney (Blue Mountains)

    March 19 in Australia ☁️ 16 °C

    Today, I visited the famous Blue Mountains, which are located just outside of Sydney. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t the best, but it was a beautiful day nevertheless. It started with waking up early and grabbing a good coffee at the nearest gas station.

    Despite the fog, the hike was truly refreshing with wonderful scenery! It’s always a good decision to take a moment just to breathe and reflect on the past couple of weeks.

    Hiking in Australia is also becoming easier than it was during my first few days. The unknown noises and the rustling sounds in the bushes and trees haven't got less, but with every day that passes, I walk through the woods a bit more confidently than the last. There are still passages that I quickly sprint through :D.    Read more

  • Simon HelblingAustralia ½Simon Helbling

    Sydney (Opera House)

    March 20 in Australia ⛅ 23 °C

    What a beautiful city! I decided not to go all the way in, though, because of my not so flexible campervan, which feels like a ship to maneuver through those roads.

    But still, the parts of the city that I saw were already stunning. If I ever happen to move to Australia, I think that would be my place to be. Maybe then I’ll get a chance to explore all it's corners and alleys.

    You know, I thought about it... maybe moving some day. It doesn’t have to be Australia, but such a new environment is exciting and maybe holds some new pathways too... but first, coming back home, right? ;D

    The Quiet Closing of the Door
    Only three days left… the clock is ticking, and I can't stop it...

    It’s that heavy, sinking feeling in your gut when you realize the "time's up" is starting to catch up to you.
    A few hours ago, I was still in this bubble where I could just be. No routine, no to-do list, no stress or hurry... time didn't actually matter.
    But then you hit that point where you start thinking about what happens when you get back. It’s the question I still haven’t figured out yet: What’s next?
    Haha, don’t worry - I'm looking forward to go back to work, but... not yet. Not now!

    It sucks because you’re still there physically, but mentally, you’ve already started losing it. You can feel that sense of freedom slipping through your fingers, and it’s replaced by this annoying pressure to start acting "productive" again.

    It’s like watching a movie and seeing the credits starts rolling up. You know one of the best films you’ve ever seen has just come to an end.
    I’m choosing to stay put and wait until the last sequence passes because I’m hopeful there’s a secret scene - one that tells me there’s going to be a sequel.    Read more

  • Simon HelblingAustralia ½Simon Helbling

    Taking a break

    March 21 in Australia ☀️ 23 °C

    What a day! Woke up early to hit all my today's goals:

    - Long drive to my spot for tonight
    - Jungle walk
    - "Look At Me Now" headland at Emerald Beach

    To keep it short: mission accomplished. Got some great pics, too! ;)Read more

    Trip end
    March 23, 2026