Imagine embarking on a journey from Melbourne to London without ever stepping foot on a plane. Sounds crazy, right? Well, that’s exactly what Michael Kerrisk, a 63-year-old retiree, is doing—and it’s anything but ordinary. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Michael isn’t just avoiding flights; he’s turning this into an epic, 120-day adventure across continents, cultures, and challenges. Forget the typical retiree’s cruise or European tour—this Aussie is redefining travel.
Michael’s journey began on February 4, when he left Middle Park in Melbourne’s south, bound for Middle Park in Greenwich, east London. In a straight line, that’s 17,000 kilometers, but his actual route will be far longer and more complex. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the distance; it’s about the experiences, the obstacles, and the stories he’ll collect along the way. From visa hurdles to unexpected detours, Michael’s trip is a masterclass in adaptability.
Currently cruising toward Singapore, Michael admits people often think he’s joking when he shares his plan. ‘Most are very surprised,’ he told 9Travel. ‘They want to know how long it’ll take and what my route will be.’ Yet, despite the skepticism, there’s a universal fascination with his mission. After all, who hasn’t dreamed of embarking on a journey like this—even if they know they never will?
Inspired by other Aussies who’ve attempted similar feats and a book titled Here to There: A Father and Son Roadtrip Adventure from Melbourne to London, Michael is also fulfilling lifelong travel dreams. Central Asia, the Silk Road, and the ‘Stan’ countries have long held a romantic allure for him. But here’s the controversial part: while travel to these regions is easier now than it was 15 or 20 years ago, it’s still far from simple. Visas, border crossings, and logistical challenges remain significant hurdles—and Michael isn’t shying away from any of them.
His route is meticulously planned: from Singapore, he’ll head north through Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and into China. Then, it’s westward through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, before entering Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, and finally Europe. But here’s where it gets controversial: crossing borders in post-COVID Asia isn’t as seamless as it once was. Trains no longer simply pass through; travelers must disembark, cross borders, and re-board. And Turkmenistan? Getting a visa requires booking a tour or hiring a guide—a costly and restrictive process that limits independent exploration.
Michael’s journey isn’t without its hiccups. Before even leaving Australia, his train to Brisbane was partially replaced by buses. Technical issues on his cruise ship forced him to stay onboard longer than planned, skipping his intended Indonesian archipelago route. Yet, he remains undeterred, embracing the unpredictability of it all.
Along the way, he’ll immerse himself in military history, marvel at the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, and stay in budget-friendly hotels and hostels. His wife, Nicola, will join him for a couple of weeks, but Michael is no stranger to solo travel. ‘Travelling alone has its challenges,’ he admits. ‘You have to make all the decisions—where to stay, where to eat, how to get there.’ But as an only child, he’s comfortable in his own company, even doing training walks with his backpack before setting off.
Here’s the thought-provoking question: In an age of fast travel and instant gratification, does Michael’s journey represent a dying art? Is slow, deliberate travel still relevant—or even possible—in today’s world? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Follow Michael’s extraordinary adventure on Instagram (@melbourne2london) and witness how one man is proving that the journey truly is the destination.
