Back Roads
Overview
Venture into Australia’s hidden gems with Heather Ewart and her guest hosts, as they explore the lesser-known towns and vibrant communities that define the nation. Each episode unveils extraordinary tales and unforgettable characters, showcasing the unique spirit and charm of rural life. Through captivating narratives and stunning landscapes, viewers are invited to experience the heart and soul of Australia, far beyond the usual tourist paths.
Episodes
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3
Woolgoolga, NSW
Heather Ewart takes a journey through a lively coastal town in northern New South Wales, where Eastern and Western cultures blend seamlessly. The resi...
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4
Burketown, QLD
Chef and farmer Paul West, serving as a guest presenter, travels to the Gulf of Carpentaria to witness one of the planet's most remarkable weather phe...
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9
Snow Journey, VIC + NSW
Heather Ewart explores a unique community atop Australia as she journeys through the mountainous regions of Victoria and New South Wales' snowy landsc...
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10
Bulloo Shire, QLD
Heather Ewart hitches a ride to the Bulloo Shire in south-west Queensland, a vibrant community that flourishes even in its remoteness.
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11
Wynyard, TAS
Guest presenter Joe O'Brien departs from the ABC newsroom to explore the rugged landscapes of Wynyard in north west Tasmania.
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12
Clunes, VIC
Heather Ewart explores the historic gold rush town of Clunes, nestled in the Victorian Central Goldfields. Although its prosperous era has faded into ...
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14
Menindee, NSW
During the previous summer, Menindee in New South Wales captured global attention when a combination of drought and ineffective water management led t...
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15
Show Town, QLD
Heather becomes part of a colorful troupe of entertainers as they embark on an 800 km trek through the remote regions of far north Queensland. This ad...
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16
Jabiru, NT
Acclaimed journalist and Murawari-Gomeroi man Allan Clarke takes viewers on a journey to the hidden gem of Jabiru. Nestled within the breathtaking Kak...
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1
The Great Australian Road Trip
In honor of the ABC's 90th anniversary, Heather Ewart reflects on the transformation of the iconic Australian road trip, revisiting some of her favori...
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2
Tom Price, WA
In the vibrant South Pacific, traditional cultures collide in the dusty landscapes of the Pilbara as Back Roads journeys to the town of Tom Price in W...
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3
Cradle Mountain, TAS
In this episode of Back Roads, guest host Joe O'Brien channels his inner Bear Grylls as he embarks on an adventure to Cradle Mountain, nestled in the ...
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4
Boulia, QLD
Heather Ewart discovers a host of unexpected delights in the small town of Boulia, located on the fringes of the Simpson Desert, roughly 1700 kilomete...
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5
Eyre Peninsula, SA
In South Australia, guest host Paul West embarks on an adventurous journey along the rugged west coast of the Eyre Peninsula, discovering a region bri...
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6
Port Campbell, VIC
Heather Ewart embarks on a journey to Port Campbell, located along Victoria's Shipwreck Coast, an area infamous for its unpredictable weather and trea...
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7
Charleville, QLD
Guest host Kristy O'Brien travels to Charleville, a remote town in south-west Queensland, where she uncovers a community that embraces second chances ...
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8
Longford, TAS
In this episode of Back Roads, Heather Ewart embarks on an exciting journey through Longford, Tasmania, exploring whether the charm of a bygone era ca...
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9
Leeton, NSW
Back Roads begins its Winter series in the lively, diverse community of Leeton, located in New South Wales' Riverina area.
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10
Katherine, NT
Experience the vibrant community of Katherine in the Northern Territory, where Indigenous and non-Indigenous people come together harmoniously. Join B...
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11
Hebel, QLD
Heather Ewart makes her way to the charming border town of Hebel in south-west Queensland, a small community known for its warm spirit. Here, the loca...
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12
Tumut, NSW
In the Snowy Valleys, melodies fill the air as a blend of time-honored customs and modern traditions unite the community, fostering connection and men...
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13
French Island, VIC
Guest Presenter Lisa Millar embarks on an exploration of Victoria's French Island, celebrated for its rich variety of bird, animal, and plant species....
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14
Leonora, WA
Heather Ewart journeys to Leonora, located in the goldfields of Western Australia, about 800 kilometers northeast of Perth. This town is known for hos...
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15
Pinnaroo, SA
Guest Presenter Kerry Staight heads to Pinnaroo in South Australia, a community dedicated to prioritizing the well-being and joy of its residents abov...
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16
King Island, TAS
Heather Ewart travels to King Island, located in Bass Strait between Tasmania and Victoria. Renowned for its cheese, seafood, and the fierce Roaring 4...
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1
The Great Australian Pub
In this milestone 100th episode of Back Roads, Heather Ewart explores The Great Australian Pub. This distinctive type of watering hole plays a vital r...
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2
Brunette Downs, NT
In this episode of Back Roads, Heather Ewart travels to Brunette Downs, one of Australia's biggest cattle stations located in the Northern Territory. ...
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3
Marrawah, TAS
Food enthusiast and farmer Paul West prepares for an adventure to the small town of Marrawah in northwest Tasmania, where he’ll experience the renow...
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4
Quilpie, QLD
Heather Ewart explores the Quilpie shire in the rugged outback of Queensland. With an average age of below 40, the locals have revitalized this once-t...
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5
Ord River, WA
Rae Johnston, a Wiradjuri woman and journalist, embarks on a water-themed journey with Back Roads to the East Kimberley area in northern Western Austr...
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6
Pyramid Hill and Nhill, VIC
Nhill and Pyramid Hill are just 260 kilometers apart, yet they share some astonishing connections. Both quaint farming communities provide newcomers w...
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7
Tennant Creek, NT
Champion Paralympian Kurt Fearnley discovers a remarkable spirit among the people of Tennant Creek. The community is actively addressing intergenerati...
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8
Musical Road Trip through Western Queensland
Heather Ewart joins singer-songwriter Josh Arnold on a journey through western Queensland, where he empowers local children by helping them craft thei...
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11
Great South West Walk, VIC
Guest presenter Lisa Millar explores the breathtaking Great South West Walk in Victoria. This 250km hiking trail offers a unique opportunity to immers...
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12
Walhalla, VIC
Heather arrives in the quaint, Victorian-era town of Walhalla, nestled in the picturesque Goldfields Railway region. The town feels like a scene from ...
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13
Cunnamulla, QLD
In this episode of Back Roads, the team travels to Cunnamulla in south-west Queensland, guided by 24-year-old Yorta Yorta man and TikTok sensation Tom...
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14
Darkan, WA
Back Roads journeys to the expansive wheatbelt of Western Australia, stopping in the quaint town of Darkan. Nestled amidst the golden fields of sheep ...
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15
Boot Scootin' Tour, TAS
Heather Ewart travels to Tasmania alongside two adventurous line dancers who are embarking on a nationwide boot scootin' tour. Their mission is to hos...
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16
Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
In an exciting first, Back Roads ventures beyond Australian waters to explore Papua New Guinea, our nearest northern neighbor. Guest host Tania Bale t...
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1
Brunswick Heads, NSW
Presenter Heather Ewart kicks off the summer season in the charming coastal village of Brunswick Heads, located in northern New South Wales. As she ex...
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2
Naracoorte, SA
In this episode of 'Back Roads,' Amanda Shalala visits Naracoorte, located on South Australia's Limestone Coast. She explores a vibrant community that...
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3
Uralla, NSW
Heather Ewart travels to the New England area of NSW, exploring the historic gold town of Uralla. The community is now discovering a new form of treas...
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5
Timber Creek, NT
In this episode of Back Roads, Kristy O'Brien travels to Timber Creek in the Top End, where she uncovers an unexpected collaboration that's generating...
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6
Wheatbelt Animal Carers, WA
In this episode of Back Roads, Heather Ewart explores the dedicated wildlife carers of Western Australia's Northern Wheatbelt. She encounters a variet...
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7
Gemfields, QLD
Guest presenter Lisa Millar embarks on an adventure in the central Queensland Gemfields, a place where fortune can be found by anyone. During her jour...
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8
Eugowra Recovery, NSW
We revisit Eugowra, a town that Back Roads first explored at the onset of the pandemic in 2020. Fast forward two years, and the community faced devast...
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9
East Arnhem Land, NT (Part 1)
Rae Johnston uncovers a small, isolated community that significantly impacts the global scene through its contributions to music, art, science, politi...
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10
East Arnhem Land, NT (Part 2)
Rae Johnston embarks on her exploration of East Arnhem Land, visiting the seldom-seen remote communities of Gapuwiyak and Galiwin'ku. Here, the Yolngu...
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11
Gunbower and Torrumbarry, VIC
Back Roads follows the winding path of the Murray River, connecting the towns of Gunbower and Torrumbarry in north central Victoria. Heather discovers...
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12
Tasman Peninsula, TAS
Joe O'Brien makes his way to the Tasman Peninsula, just an hour’s drive from Hobart. The area is a stunning blend of rolling hills and serene bays, ...
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13
Braidwood, NSW
In this episode of Back Roads, the team explores the historic town of Braidwood in New South Wales. Heather learns about the sources of inspiration fo...
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14
Julia Creek, QLD
Although it’s widely believed that men hold the reins in the Outback, Heather's visit to Julia Creek in Queensland reveals a different story. She fi...
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15
Tarkine, TAS
In the north-west of Tasmania lies one of the planet's oldest and most breathtaking regions. Actress Marta Dusseldorp takes viewers on an exploration ...
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16
Kurri Kurri, NSW
Lisa Millar visits a historic mining town in eastern New South Wales, where the community struggles to maintain its unique identity amidst ongoing cha...
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17
Bass Coast, VIC
In this episode of Back Roads, Heather Ewart explores the rugged beauty of Bass Coast in Southeast Victoria. As she delves into the coastline's age-ol...
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18
Heysen Trail, SA
In this episode of Back Roads, Paul West embarks on an exploration of the Heysen Trail, Australia's longest walking path stretching over 1,200 kilomet...
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19
90 Mile Beach, VIC
Heather Ewart explores the renowned surf lifesaving tradition in Victoria, Australia. At 90 Mile Beach in Gippsland, she connects with the dedicated i...
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20
South Burnett Rail Trail, QLD
After a century of connecting the communities of Queensland's South Burnett, the closure of the rail line felt like a significant loss. However, prese...
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21
Ongerup, WA
Back Roads visits Ongerup, located in the southeastern wheatbelt of Western Australia, where the youth are breathing new life into this previously str...
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22
Charlton, VIC
Back Roads heads to Charlton in north-west Victoria for a unique event. This festival unites locals and visitors alike, fostering lasting connections ...
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23
Nimmitabel, NSW
In this episode of Back Roads, Heather Ewart visits Nimmitabel, one of the highest towns in Australia, located in NSW. Despite facing numerous challen...
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24
Beechworth, VIC
Today, Beechworth, a town from the Victorian gold rush era, is famous for its bushrangers, craft beer, and cycling. Guest presenter Annie Louey embark...
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25
Port MacDonnell, SA
Tom Forrest takes viewers on a journey through Port MacDonnell, a charming fishing community renowned as the world’s capital for Southern Rock Lobst...
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26
Evandale, TAS
Heather Ewart trades her car for a bicycle in Evandale, Tasmania, the heart of penny farthing racing in Australia. Her experience on two wheels proves...
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1
Andamooka and Roxby Downs, SA
Backroads journeys into the South Australian outback to explore two contrasting mining towns: Roxby Downs, known for its orderliness, and its wild cou...
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2
Camperdown, VIC
Camperdown, located in Southwest Victoria, is a charming town set amid dormant volcanoes and stunning crater lakes. Kerry Staight uncovers a community...
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3
Theodore, QLD
Anna Daniels, the guest presenter of Back Roads, visits Theodore in central Queensland to celebrate the town’s centenary. While exploring, she disco...
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4
Kandos, NSW
Back Roads travels to Kandos, located on the fringes of the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales. Renowned for its cement production, this town is ...
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5
Outback Way, NT (Part 1)
In the first installment of a two-part special, Back Roads embarks on a journey along The Outback Way, recognized as the longest shortcut in Australia...
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6
Outback Way, NT (Part 2)
Back Roads carries on its incredible journey along The Outback Way. Lisa Millar immerses herself in breathtaking landscapes and connects with individu...
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7
Kangaroo Island, SA
Back Roads embarks on an exploration of the diverse wildlife on Kangaroo Island. Guest Presenter Paul West visits to assess the island's recovery foll...
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8
Great Keppel, QLD
Back Roads takes a trip to Great Keppel Island in Queensland. Once a hotspot for revelers, Heather Ewart engages with the locals who are eager to find...
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9
Hilltops Region, NSW
Lisa Millar, the host of Back Roads, ventures into New South Wales' Hilltops Region to experience the thrilling and unpredictable spectacle of The Run...
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10
Wheelbarrow Way, QLD
In Far North Queensland, Back Roads takes viewers along the Wheelbarrow Way from Mareeba to Chillagoe. There, local hero and ABC News presenter Joe O'...
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11
Bibbulmun Track, WA
Back Roads takes viewers on a journey along Western Australia’s cherished Bibbulmun Track, a stunning 1000-kilometre trail that winds through toweri...
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12
Outback Dressmakers, NSW
In this episode of Back Roads, Heather Ewart embarks on a journey to a wedding, exploring the art of bespoke couture dressmaking in the heart of outba...
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13
North East Tasmania
During her trip to North East Tasmania, Heather Ewart faces the powerful "Roaring Forties" winds, which nearly sweep her off her feet. This region is ...
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14
10 Years of Back Roads: Heather's Farewell
After a decade of exploring the Back Roads, Heather Ewart bids farewell. In her last episode, she reflects on the memorable experiences she's had whil...
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15
Snowy River, NSW
Gold Logie nominee Lisa Millar, now the host of Back Roads, embarks on an exciting journey to uncover the mysteries of the famed Snowy River. While th...
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16
Mataranka, NT
Kristy O'Brien takes a journey back in time, uncovering the hidden tales of the Never Never as she visits Mataranka in the Top End. This charming town...
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17
Forrest, VIC
Guest presenter Paul West swaps his car for a bicycle upon reaching Forrest, located in Victoria's picturesque Otway Ranges. In this charming town, he...
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18
Harvey, WA
Lisa Millar travels to Harvey in the south-west of Western Australia, where she explores how various waves of migrants have influenced the town's char...
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19
Van Life (Part 1)
Nowadays, countless Australians are trading their traditional homes for the freedom of life on the road. Myf Warhurst embarks on a journey through Far...
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20
Van Life (Part 2)
Myf Warhurst embarks on her van life adventure through northern New South Wales and Western Australia. As she travels, she seeks to uncover the origin...
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21
Gippsland Lakes, VIC
Lisa Millar embarks on a journey to explore Australia's vast inland waterway, the stunning Gippsland Lakes in Victoria. This remarkable area is a sanc...
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22
Tambo, QLD
In this episode of Back Roads, the team visits Tambo, a remote outback town known for its teddy bear tradition and unique chicken racing events. Guest...
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23
Lucindale, SA
Kristy O'Brien travels to the quaint town of Lucindale in South Australia, where she uncovers a tight-knit community dedicated to preserving vibrant b...
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24
Tassie Woodchoppers, TAS
Lisa Millar journeys to Henley-on-Mersey, one of Tasmania's oldest and most renowned woodchopping festivals. During her visit, she discovers how count...
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1
Shark Bay, WA (Part 1)
Lisa Millar embarks on a journey along "Australia's longest driveway" leading her to Shark Bay, nestled in the secluded Gascoyne area of Western Austr...
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2
Shark Bay, WA (Part 2)
Lisa Millar delves deeper into Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site located at the far western edge of Australia. The area is a stunning juxtaposit...
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3
Eldorado, Vic
Myf Warhurst, the guest presenter, heads to Eldorado, a unique town nestled in the Victorian goldfields. Here, the residents embrace a distinctive lif...
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4
Shearers, NSW
Lisa Millar travels to the Riverina region of NSW to explore the world of modern sheep shearers. There, she immerses herself in the life of a new gene...
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5
Copper Coast, SA
Join guest presenter Paul West as he dances around the maypole at Kernewek Lowender, the second-largest Cornish festival in the world, located on Sout...
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6
Gayndah, Qld
Back Roads heads to Gayndah, the oldest town in Queensland, where the citrus industry is at the heart of the community's existence.
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7
Outback Kids' Choir, NSW
Guest presenter Jeremy Fernandez embarks on an unforgettable musical adventure with the Sydney Youth Orchestras as they travel to the remote town of W...
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8
Mission Beach, Qld
Lisa Millar takes a journey to Australia’s unique Jurassic Park. Nestled in Queensland, Mission Beach is a stunning tropical haven where two World H...
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9
Binns Track (Part 1)
Kicking off a two-part special, guest presenter Rae Johnston takes on the legendary Binns Track, carving her way through the red heart of Central Aust...
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10
Binns Track (Part 2)
Rae Johnston makes her way along the Binns Track, a remote route through Central Australia that links diverse communities and cultures. Her timing is ...
