wallaby

on the wallaby (track)

Traveling without employment or a fixed address, especially through or around the Australian bush, either as recreation or due to economic circumstances. Primarily heard in Australia. After they retired, my parents sold their home, bought a caravan, and decided to go on the wallaby for as long as their savings would allow them. Many men were forced to go on the wallaby track, as jobs were scarce at the time.
See also: on, wallaby
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

on the wallaby track

AUSTRALIAN, INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED
If someone is on the wallaby or on the wallaby track, they are unemployed. They were on the wallaby track, travelling on foot from station to station.
See also: on, track, wallaby
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

on the wallaby (or wallaby track)

(of a person) unemployed and having no fixed address. Australian informal
See also: on, wallaby
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • on the wallaby
  • on the wallaby (track)
  • on the wallaby track
  • horse around
  • travel on (one's) own
  • without (even) batting an eye
  • without (even) batting an eyelash
  • without (even) blinking an eye
  • without batting an eye
  • without blinking an eye
References in periodicals archive
The zoo's senior veterinarian, Larry Vogelnest added: "As with all wildlife brought into our care, our hope is that the wallaby will be able to be released back into the wild.
Video Shows Wallaby Being Chased By Police In Sydney
Another added: "Delays between Stalybridge and Huddersfield due to "A wallaby/kangaroo on the line"...HOW" It isn't known if passengers were asked to use another route, nor is it known how the wallaby got on to the line.
Wallaby on the line's a novel excuse for delay
"This is definitely a new one for us but, most importantly, we are pleased that the wallaby was not harmed on the tracks and is hopefully now finding their way home."
The wantaway wallaby
Bankrate will combine Wallaby's products and proprietary technology with its existing credit card distribution platform.
Bankrate acquires Wallaby Financial
Founded in 2012, Wallaby has built a loyal customer base of more than 100,000 users.
Bankrate Acquires Wallaby Financial
Julian, whose most recent Hollywood role was in the awardwinning blockbuster telling the story of the hunt for Osama Bin Laden, was on the boat filming Julian in Australia - a fishing series for S4C - when he came across the panicked wallaby.
ACTOR'S LEADING ROLE IN IN CROC DRAMA
The stray wallaby will spend around two days in the care of rescuers before it is returned to the wild.
Baby wallaby stuck on ledge for two hours
They told how another wallaby had sneaked out of the same Welsh Mountain Zoo in Upper Colwyn Bay almost 40 years earlier - and gone on the run for seven months.
D[ETH]JA ROO
Bob Lawrence, the park's director of wildlife, said: "It is likely that the wallaby was born early November, hidden from view and thriving in mum's pouch.
Bouncing baby Joey peeps out
The Australian Parks Service purchased and protected the land, securing the future of the bridled nailtail wallaby, whose numbers are still rising today.
CAUGHT ON THE HOP; pets corner
but this orphaned baby is being taught how to be a wallaby again.
My MarZIPial
A RARE ALBINO wallaby, only the fifth to be born in captivity anywhere in the world has emerged from its mother's pouch.
Second rare white albino wallaby born in Paphos
"As far as we're concerned he is not going anywhere." Meanwhile, Wallaby skipper Stirling Mortlock has declared the recent tour of Europe a success.
Giteau gives his word
And what in the world is a wandering, wayward wallaby anyway?
Wallaby goes walkabout
Some, such as his shot of an albino wallaby with delicately crossed paws and eyes narrowed as if against something painful, are gently otherworldly; others, such as the study of an explosion suspended in a cool, green glen, are more patently strange.
Geert Goiris: Zach Feuer Gallery (LFL)