A pair of French tourists became stranded on their first day of vacation exploring remote parts of Australia after hitting a kangaroo and disabling their SUV. The couple, Melina Gitton and Florian Crepinior, were fortunate that they could walk about 3 miles to reach Nannup, a small town of about 15-hundred residents, about a 5 hour drive from the next town.
Local residents Kate and Craig Jenkins welcomed the travelers into their home for 23 days, including over the Easter holiday. The town rallied around the visitors, offering support, attending local events with them, and even helping repair the damaged vehicle. Despite having no mechanical experience, Craig and Florian managed to nearly fix the car on their own, with the remaining repairs completed by a local mechanic.
The story quickly spread through the town, leading to an outpouring of community support, donations, and new friendships. Kate shares how the experience inspired her children to suggest putting up a sign at the edge of town reading “travelers are welcome to crash here.” The couple describes the event as unforgettable and say that despite the initial misfortune, the warmth of the town made it a meaningful and memorable part of their journey.
A dominant male red kangaroo,(Macropus rufus) , close-up,portrait, Sturt Stony Desert, AustraliaPhoto: Jami Tarris / Stone / Getty Images