When Japan's Tomoya Matsusaka realised his dream of travelling to Australia, he decided the best way for him to meet people would be to undertake a 4000km walk from Cairns to Melbourne.

The 26-year-old's mammoth trek, which has also enabled him to raise more than $50,000 for UNICEF Australia along the way, brought him to Wangaratta on Sunday.

Thanks to the generous support of locals, including accommodation provided by Parfitt Road's Red Bricks and Butter Co, Tomoya stayed overnight in the rural city before he resumed his walk on Monday morning.

"I wanted to meet many people, so I meet people in the towns and get to know the towns that way," he said.

Tomoya said he knew something of this area due to North Wangaratta's ITO EN green tea factory, and he had enjoyed meeting locals as he entered the final state of his walking challenge.

He is due to complete his walk in Melbourne on Saturday, December 20, when he's scheduled to arrive at Fitzroy Gardens at 5pm, with a Wangaratta contingent expected to be part of the welcoming party.

It will be the conclusion of a journey which began seven months ago and has seen Tomoya benefit from the generosity of Australians along the Cairns to Melbourne route.

He said the most difficult aspects of his adventure so far had been windy conditions, especially when walking against the wind, and making it through the long stretches between towns in the early part of the walk.

However, he said the good had far outweighed the bad, and he had most appreciated experiencing the generosity of Australians along the way.

"At first no-one knew me, but I am very happy because now they know me, and it has become easier as the towns are closer together," he said.

"The reason I have been able to walk to this day is not because of my own strength, but because of the support of many people, who are really kind."

Tomoya said while some stretches of the journey had been difficult when walking on an empty stomach, he kept in mind the many children in the world "who die every day because they cannot secure food or water".

"I want to share the kindness I received from the Australian people with many children," he said.

This is the reason Tomoya chose UNICEF Australia to benefit from his fundraising. The children's charity works with local partners to raise children's voices, defend their rights, and help them reach their potential at all stages of life, both in Australia and in neighbouring countries across Asia and the Pacific.

It relies entirely on voluntary donations to provide lifesaving support; improve maternal and child health, education, and nutrition; and respond to global emergencies.

Anyone keen to support Tomoya's fundraising effort is encouraged to visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/Aus-walking0515