General News
16 May, 2025
Japanese cyclist visits Camperdown
A VISITOR to Camperdown has had a very busy time before coming to town for a bike repair after cycling his way around Australia.
Twenty-eight-year-old Tsubasa Wakimoto travelled from his home in Hokkaido, Japan after working as a system engineer for four years to travel around Australia.
Mr Wakimoto said he has travelled along Australia’s coastline as well as exploring some inland areas.
“I like the beach, so I wanted to see the beaches and I wanted to see Australia,” he said.
“I decided I’d ride my bike around the country.
“I’ve met some lovely people – very friendly.
“It’s also good money – I try and find work where I can.”
Mr Wakimoto began his journey in Darwin in the Northern Territory, where he stayed for a month before deciding to move on after not finding work.
He then spent four months in Broome in Western Australia before cycling around Perth in December last year.
Riding to Esperance and spending a month there, Mr Wakimoto then rode across the Nullarbor Plain into South Australia in March.
During the course of his journey, Mr Wakimoto made a variety of overnight stops, including South Australia’s Ceduna and Streaky Bay.
“I stayed in Heywood – it’s a small town,” he said.
“Traffic was hard – there were trucks, small roads and there are some roads that aren’t good.”
Mr Wakimoto was cycling towards Terang when he encountered issues with his bicycle, which resulted in a Good Samaritan picking him up and taking him to Camperdown for repairs.
He then made his way towards Melbourne, where he will return home to Japan.
“I’ll come back for a holiday,” Mr Wakimoto said.
“I like Australia.”
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