So today we got on the road early to get home. This day has come all too quickly but the thought of home, the warmth and comfort of our house and the people we have missed make it easier. We stopped a few times throughout the day but with each stop being closer to home we moved on quickly. Our biggest headache today was the closure of the Western Hwy at Horsham after a truck roll over. This meant we had to detour, adding about 30km to the day. After 19,000km we couldn't believe that on the final day we had this happen. Nonetheless we pushed on, thankfully Tully slept, but on the whole he was really good considering this was our biggest day of the trip. Finally we saw the signs for Ballarat and we edged closer and closer. Once turning into Raglan St we were excited by posters on our front door and once inside more notes and a fridge full of food. Such a welcome makes coming home so much easier and we are so lucky to have such wonderful family and friends.

Below is a great note we read that really summed up our thoughts throughout the trip. For us, we were hopeful this trip would allow us some insight to make decisions about what is next for us, but if anything we are now more confused and feel like we just want to keep traveling.....

The middle of nowhere is always someone's somewhere.

There is no place in Australia that has not been visited by a grey nomad, a French backpacker or a cow (sometimes all at the same time).

It is possible to survive without a microwave, a hair straightener and a dishwasher.

The less you have, the less you need.

The smaller the space your family lives in, the stronger your relationships have to be.

The lighter your baggage the longer you'll roam.

The hardest days make for the most vivid memories.

There is no day that can't be made better by a hot shower.

Never underestimate the power of a plague of flies.

Travelling with kids is exasperating and thrilling in equal measures.

All the parenting wisdom in the world cannot compete with an iPad.

The best play things for kids (after an iPad!) are actually mud, rocks and sticks.

There is no ailment that sitting under a waterfall can't wash away.

Just when you think you're doing it tough on a hot and dusty road you'll invariably come across two Swedish grey nomads on bicycles doing their own Big Lap- of the world.

It takes a long time to appreciate the time you have.

The nicest way to wake up is not with an alarm clock but with sunshine and bird song.

You're not in a remote area if everyone else is there too.

There is nothing so comforting as a crackling campfire.

The more remote the place, the more helpful and friendly people will be.

Just when you think you're really intrepid with your fully equipped van, recovery gear and long range fuel tank, you'll be left in a cloud of dust by a low slung commodore with broken windows and 10 people inside.