Growing up in Chile near the foot of the Andes Mountains, Mario was a dreamer. His life experience of social inequality, economic disparity, and political instability motivated him to one day explore the uncharted corners of the world. And at the end of it, there would be one final destination in his mind; Australia. Through thick or thin, by thumb or with the help of sponsorships, Mario Vallejos made his way on his travels. His journey would take him through the stretch of South American countries, including Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Paraguay, Venezuela, and more. Whether in the company of new friends, at the mercy of border security, or faced with problems on the road, he experienced it all. Ultimately, as Mario learned, a journey tends to discover us as much as we discover it. Through his many experiences, connections, and moments spent yearning for home, he found his own depths.With the goalpost of Australia on his horizon, Mario continued to chase his ambitions. Only time can ascertain if he was successful. But no matter the outcome, the journey changed him forever. Hitchhiker to Australia is a book about sheer determination, perseverance, and attrition to see one's aspirations fulfilled to their utmost. At the same time, it speaks of freedom, self-discovery, and the experience of establishing new friends along the way.