Matt planned to spend a year travelling and booked a round the world trip, starting in Australia, where he lived first in Coolgaardie with aunt Viv, uncle Dave and cousins Jess and Hannah. He had his first real experience of gold mining, working as an offsider. He moved on to Queensland, living with Roz(aunt) and cousin Charlie, before moving on to Melbourne, via Sydney. The rest of the world tour never happened, as he was hooked on Australia, staying there till he was due to come home when his year was up