Mark Tromp's children are relieved to have him back but still can't explain the bizarre family road trip that led to a desperate five-day search for their father.
While elated Mr Tromp has been found safe, Mitchell and Ella say they're confused about how the family of five came to get in the car almost a week ago, leaving passports, credit cards and many of their mobile phones behind.
"I didn't feel in danger," Mitchell told reporters outside the family's Silvan home on Sunday.
"But I had to go with the family because I wanted to see where they were going.
"It was tough to see your family like that and I've never seen anyone like it."
Ella said: "I think our state of mind wasn't in the best place."
Mr Tromp and his wife Jacoba drove off to NSW with their three adult children, Riana, Mitchell and Ella, on Monday.
Mitchell was the only one to bring a phone, but that was voluntarily thrown out of the car window to placate tensions.
By Tuesday, all three children abandoned the trip and authorities were called in to investigate.
Mitchell, who made his own way to Melbourne from Bathurst, said he'd had enough and thought getting out "was the best idea at the time".
Riana and Ella left their parents at Jenolan Caves and headed to Goulburn.
There, the two daughters split up; Riana was found "catatonic" hiding in the back of a local man's ute and Ella drove herself back to Melbourne.
On Sunday, she said: "I was still confused about the whole situation. But I needed to get home to feed my horses."
Mrs Tromp was found on Thursday in Yass Hospital and has since been transferred to Goulburn Hospital where Riana is also being treated.
Mr Tromp was found safe about 6pm on Saturday in Wangaratta after being spotted by a passer-by, and is being cared for by relatives and friends.
Mitchell said his father was "just how he always is" when he spoke to him.
He mentioned "possible things" that might have led to the panicked trip, but wouldn't comment on whether a family dispute or mental health issues were the catalyst.
"I can see everyone's questions," Mitchell said.
"I can see why they want to know, but it's a family matter."
