'You do start thinking the same': In a magazine interview, Riana Tromp, 30, said the family were 'very embarrassed' over the ordeal

It was the wild family road trip that bewildered Australia, stunned police and sparked a torrent of bizarre conspiracy theories.

And now the eldest Tromp sibling has shed light on why the tight-knit family fled their red currant farm in Silvan, Victoria, nine months ago.

In an interview with Woman's Day, Riana Tromp confirmed rumours her father, Mark, had suffered a mental breakdown.

Mr Tromp believed the family were in danger - and Riana confessed she, too, began to believe his claims.

'You do start thinking the same,' she was quoted saying.

She added that the family had never sought the spotlight.

'We're all very embarrassed'.

The family are said to be healthy and recovering from their ordeal. Daughter Ella is pictured here with father Mark in the months after their bizarre road trip

The family's disappearance sparked several conspiracy theories, including whether there was 'something in the water' at the family home or whether they were suffering a mass delusional disorder known as folie a deux

On August 29 last year, the family of five (Riana, 30, younger siblings Mitch, 25, and Ella, 22, and parents Mark and Jacoba) fled their home.

Investigators told Daily Mail Australia the family left behind the 'most bizarre, most unusual' scene.

'Picture this: keys in the cars, front door wide open, passports, telephones, business papers everywhere,' local Sgt Mark Knight said.

The family set off north at a cracking pace. But it wasn't long before some of them began to have doubts about the endeavour.

The family left their Silvan, Victoria, home deserted - the front door left wide open

The day after their departure, Mitchell Tromp parted ways with the family near Bathurst, New South Wales, saying it was all too 'stressful'.

Riana and Ella later ditched their parents at the Jenolan Caves, more than 800km north of Silvan.

Riana was found in the back of a stranger's ute - in what police described as a 'catatonic' state - and was taken to hospital.

Jacoba Tromp was found at a hospital and her husband was found a week after the clan disappeared in Wangaratta.

It was alleged Ella stole a car to get home, however police decided to drop charges against her in March.

Police dropped charges against Ella Tromp (right) over the alleged theft of a car

By that time, the family were all back working at the farm.

In her brief interview this week, Riana Tromp told Woman's Day she had received 'help' to get through her ordeal.

But, she said, the family were still working through the ordeal together.

The family did not return Daily Mail Australia's calls on Monday.