When I set off for Australia, I had no idea what I would find. There were moments of pure joy, times of struggle, and situations that, looking back, were downright ridiculous. Through it all, I found something I hadn't even realized I was looking for.

As a teenager, I watched Australia's Bicentennial celebrations and felt something click. I didn't just want to visit—I needed to go. Over a decade later, after university and a stressful first job, I finally made it happen. I packed my bags, left everything familiar behind, and entered a year of the unknown.

Inside, you'll find:

• Authentic experiences: The reality of backpacking, beyond the postcard moments.
• Lessons learned: How travel shifts perspectives and builds resilience.
• Cultural encounters: The people who made this trip unforgettable.
• Unplanned detours: Because sometimes, the best stories come from going off-course.

This book is my journey—one year in Australia, with a detour to New Zealand. It's a tale of adventure and self-discovery, filled with breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable people, and plenty of surprises. This is an unfiltered account of what it's really like to spend a year on the road. From North Queensland to Fraser Island, the Great Ocean Road to New Zealand's Franz Josef Glacier, every step brought new challenges, unexpected detours, and lessons in resilience.

Not everything went as planned, and that was the best part. You're Going the Wrong Way! reminds us that the best adventures happen when we step into the unknown. So, if you're ready for the ride, let's go Down Under!