He has well surpassed his goal of travelling to 100 countries by the age of 30 - the 29-year-old has been to about 125 nations so far. 

Mr Ellis-Patterson is currently traversing West Africa, during his fifth visit to the continent. 

Speaking to the Sunday Examiner recently, he said his Lagos, Nigeria location lacked the stunning landscapes and safari suitable wildlife traditionally associated with the African tourism experience.

"This trip in Africa has been a mind blowing experience," Mr Ellis-Patterson said.

"I've been staying and meeting local people, getting an understanding of how people live, the daily struggles of survival and helping out the people I meet where I can."

The audacious adventurer has ventured to parts of the world most would definitely avoid, including a Kurdish region of Iraq.

He said Iraq was "amazing" with a personable population who would "do anything to make sure I was enjoying their country".

"Friendly waves, smiles...and to meet people who had been living in fear for their whole lives," he said of the experience.

Ingratiating himself with locals has proven the best way to sample unique cultural experiences and familiarise himself with exotic locations on a personal level.

"[A highlight was] the hospitality of the people of Iran, people would welcome me into their homes to sleep and to eat, [and] they didn't want me to leave," he said. 

During his time in Africa, he has interacted and volunteered with local children whilst trying to give back to the local communities he travels through, eating "lots of delicious local foods". 

By the end of 2014, Mr Ellis-Patterson had visited all seven continents, including "amazing" Antarctica, where he took a ten day cruise. 

He said his favourite countries had been Iran, Argentina, Colombia, Sierra Leone and India.

He said he found Israel, Russia and Guinea to be the most disappointing.  

Despite having developed deep affinities with some of his favourite countries, Mr Ellis-Patterson rarely returns to nations, preferring to expand his growing index of places visited. 

His favourite avenue for finding accommodation has been website www.couchsurfing.org.

"[Couch surfing] has made my journey simply rewarding and enriching as I get to stay with local people and gain insights into local life and culture which you can't find in hotels or hostels," he said. 

Mr Ellis-Patterson said his international experiences had made him appreciate the beauty and resources of his home state. 

"Tasmania is one of the most beautiful places in the world," he said.

He said access to clean water, fresh produce and the ability to walk around easily and safely made Launceston sound like "paradise" to people he met abroad. 

"We don't have traffic, air pollution problems and it's so quiet and peaceful, Tasmania is a very special place indeed," Mr Ellis-Patterson said.

Mr Ellis-Patterson's worldly explorations opened his eyes to the realities of war and political conflict. 

"Some countries are more dangerous than others, but not all of the [affected] country is dangerous," Mr Ellis-Patterson said.

"For example, right now in Nigeria there are big problems in the north and the east of the country, however, where I am is perfectly normal...don't think the whole country is dangerous, just small parts," he said.

Mr Ellis-Patterson said while he is still "young and healthy and single" he will continue to travel the globe. 

But he acknowledged he "cannot travel like this forever". 

"I will settle down when I feel the time is right," Mr Ellis-Patterson said.

"There are so many places I have visited I could easily already have settled in, however I always think, 'maybe, I will like the next country more,'" he said.

"[I] need to go and experience as many as possible, then I'll know I will make the right decision...we only live once, we need to make the most our opportunities."  

Mr Ellis-Patterson acknowledged that his unconventional lifestyle wouldn't be enjoyable for everyone. 

"[Long-term] is not really a vacation, but more of a lifestyle," he said. 

"Your house is your backpack, your kitchen is the local cuisine, your neighbour is everyone.

"It changes the way you look at thing and helps you realise what is important to you."

He said one challenging aspect of his lifestyle was constant exhaustion. 

"After three years, I move a lot slower than I used to, I'm in no rush now," he said. 

"If I was to spend 12 hours sightseeing I can. 

“But I tend to be out for a few hours and just relax the rest of the time." 

He maintains a strict budget, opting for cheap local cuisine and slower transport. 

"I'm always eating from local stores, cooking my own food when I'm in expensive countries, and always taking public transport or hitchhiking rather than taxis or taking tours," he said.

The fleeting friendships and abundance of people who disappear into the distance came to disenchant Mr Ellis-Patterson after so long abroad. 

"I have said more goodbyes in three years than anyone should say in their lifetime,” he said. 

Mr Ellis-Patterson said he became detached as lasting friendships became increasingly elusive.

“One of the best things about traveling is all the people you meet. 

“But one of the worst things...is also all the people you meet.”