Two French friends hitchhike 5,000km across Australia, strangers gift gear

Two French friends, William Pertek and Manek Miquel, completed a remarkable 5,000-kilometre hitchhiking expedition across Australia, relying on the kindness of strangers to travel the country's vast outback. The 21-year-olds embarked on their journey from Queensland to Broome, in Western Australia's far north, carrying only a shared tent and backpacks.

Instead of using flights, buses, or rental cars, Pertek and Miquel opted for hitchhiking, often spending hours waiting for rides at roadside intersections. Their longest wait occurred in the small Queensland town of Camooweal, where they stood by a service station for approximately 10 hours before finally securing a ride. Pertek recounted the experience, saying, "That famous town, empty town — we waited 10 hours."

The duo discovered that holding up cardboard signs with the name of their destination proved more effective than simply sticking out their thumbs. Despite the uncertainty of travelling with strangers, Pertek noted that the experience reinforced their faith in people's generosity. Almost everyone they encountered offered food, drink, or assistance, and one driver even purchased a new tent for them, while two women provided 40 Australian dollars to buy new sleeping bags.

To ensure their safety, the friends took precautions before accepting rides, discussing their choices with multiple people before getting in a car. Social media has contributed to a resurgence in hitchhiking among younger travellers, according to Fang Liu, a marketing expert at the University of Western Australia's Business School. Liu attributes the revival to social media platforms that enable travellers to share advice, safe pickup locations, and real-time experiences.

However, authorities continue to caution against hitchhiking due to the inherent dangers. Kimbierley Police Superintendent John Hutchison, for example, advised against the practice, stating that hitchhikers cannot know the drivers' backgrounds and could be putting themselves in harm's way. The legality of hitchhiking varies across Australia, with the practice being illegal in Queensland and Victoria, while other states and territories have different regulations governing where pedestrians can stand and seek rides.