When visiting Tasmania we noticed that public transport was not well regulated there so instead of having a hard time we started hitchhiking! This gave us an amazing experience! We met so many fun local people and saw the most beautiful spots imaginable.
We tried biking first but riding with a halfbroken bike were the chain falls off every five meters is no fun!
I love the last picture! I also like that you were willing to change your plan when public transit didn't work out. Hitchhiking does add a nice aspect when you get to meet and talk to locals.
You have to be flexible when you travel! If you wanna get somewhere at least. We are actually happy in the end that we started hitchhiking because like you say we met so many amazing locals!