The 26-year-old from Japan began his journey in Cairns about seven months ago and is set to finish at the Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne on Saturday, December 20.
While the length of the trip is a phenomenal feat, it’s the towns he passed through and the people he’s met along the way that makes the trek truly special.
Coming into the north east, Tomoya passed through Benalla on Tuesday, December 9 before heading off to Violet Town, Euroa and Seymour in the following days – finishing the last leg of his travels in regional Victoria.
While he’s seen much of the country, spending his nights in a tent, at motels or with locals from the towns he’s visited, the journey isn’t just about tourism.
“The most difficult part of the trip was the 300km between towns where there were no supermarkets,” Tomoya writes on his GoFundMe page.
“It’s really hard not having anything to eat or clean water to drink. I was able to get food and water by asking for help from those around me.
“However, there are many children around the world who die every day because they cannot secure food or water. These children do not ask for help, but instead do their best to survive each day on their own.”
Through meeting locals and building up a large base of followers on his Facebook page, Tomoya has managed to raise $55,720 for UNICEF.
In the last four days before the finish line, he has collected 93 per cent of his $60,000 goal from about 1500 donors.
“I want to share the kindness I received from the Australian people with many children,” he writes.
“I want as many children as possible to have food and drink, and live today, so I want to donate to UNICEF Australia.”
For more information about Tomoya’s journey, or to donate, visit tinyurl.com/3h6ft64d
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