‘Strange Catman’ Completes Australia-Wide Trek

Editorial Assistant Shreya Arora recaps the tantalising tale of lone adventurer Strange Catman in his captivating journey across the terrain of the Australian land

A Japanese adventurer known as ‘Strange Catman’ has successfully completed an approximately 6,000 km walk across Australia. He arrived at the Sydney Opera House on 14 March 2026 after nearly two years on the road.

Dressed in a full cat costume and pushing a wheelbarrow, ‘Catman,’ also known as Kentaro Jin, began his trek in Carnarvon, Western Australia. Primarily inspired by a personal breakup that left him searching for purpose, Jin set out to rebuild his life through adventure [1].

Throughout his Forrest Gump-style journey, Jin documented the experience through social media livestreams and regular posts, sharing both the physical hardships and key milestones of walking across the country. His openness helped him build a strong online following and also connect with locals who offered food, supplies, and support along the way.

Along the route, Jin encountered extreme heat in remote regions and long stretches without a reliable mobile signal or access to water. Despite the conditions, he claims to have walked up to 10 hours a day while using the trek to raise more than $70,000 for childhood cancer [2]. Much of this support came from his online community, detailing a charitable dimension to his mission.

At the finish line, he was welcomed by a crowd of cheering supporters, marking the end of his Australian trek. Jin says this is only the beginning for ‘Catman,’ with plans to embark on another journey and eventually travel the world as part of his goal to become a “real-life hero” spreading hope and positivity [3].

Catman in Western Australia during the early stages of his cross-continental walk [4].

by Shreya Arora

References

[1] Fairall, A. (2026, March 16). Strange Catman finished his wheelbarrow hike around Australia this week – We chatted with him during his journey. We Are Explorers. https://weareexplorers.co/strange-catman-australia-interview/

[2] Kentaro Jim. (n.d.). Be a part of CATMAN’s origin story. GoFundMe. Retrieved 26 March 2026, from https://www.gofundme.com/f/catman6701

[3] Johnson, S., & Goerling, S. (2024, May 18). The strange Catman is walking across Australia, hoping to spread positivity in the adventure of a lifetime. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. https://www.abc.net.au/asia/the-stange-catman-walking-across-australia/103856828

[4] Duncan, C. (2024, February 22). Catman is passing through Bunbury on his cross-continental walk from Carnarvon to Sydney. South Western Times. https://www.swtimes.com.au/news/south-western-times/catman-is-passing-through-bunbury-on-his-cross-continental-walk-from-carnarvon-to-sydney-c-13652606