John, a man many of us remember from ABC’s Australian Story program travels the country on foot and has been wondering our highways for more than 30 years.

John, who grew up in “Minyip” a small country town near Horsham in Victoria, spent four years working in a bank, after taking a three month holiday and walking between towns, he realised this was the life he wanted to lead.

“After taking three months off, I returned to work and quit and aimed to walk up north ending somewhere in Queensland,” John said.

John lost count of exactly how many kilometres he has walked over three decades.

His usual route is from Victoria to Queensland, camping off the side of the road along the way.

John has never taken a ride and when cars and trucks pull over to offer him a lift he simply waves them on.

Last week John passed through Cootamundra, camping for a night on the outskirts of town.

John was greeted by many locals with some residents even wishing him a happy Australia Day.

John generally walks around 15 kilometres per day and is lucky to get three months out of a pair of shoes, which he purchases from opportunity shops during his travels.

He carries bags filled with basic necessities including sleeping bags, tarpaulins, change of clothes, food and water.

John said he enjoyed his time walking the country and said he would continue for as long as his body holds up.

People recognise him from Australian Story and often stop for a chat which John enjoys.

He says he’s happy and free.