About this season
Bill Peach explains the stories of the great 18th and 19th century explorers of Australia, complete with full-cast re-enactments.
Episodes (10)
1. The Prison Walls
Aired 2 May 1984 • 30 min
After Matthew Flinders' circumnavigation of Australia, the next great barrier to face our expanding economy was the Blue Mountains. Bill Peach retraces the steps of Wentworth, Blaxland and Lawson on their epic journey to discover the lush pastures west of the mountains.
2. Across the Great Divide
Aired 9 May 1984 • 30 min
3. Overland to Port Phillip
Aired 16 May 1984 • 30 min
4. The Secret of the Rivers
Aired 23 May 1984 • 30 min
The most baffling question facing the early explorers was the destination of the inland rivers of NSW. They seemed to flow into the centre of the continent, perhaps to an inland sea. Bill Peach traces the career of the Captain Charles Sturt who solved this great mystery in an epic whaleboat journey to the mouth of the Murray River and back again.
5. Australia Felix
Aired 30 May 1984 • 30 min
6. The Pinnacle of Fame
Aired 6 June 1984 • 30 min
7. East to West
Aired 13 June 1984 • 30 min
8. East to North
Aired 20 June 1984 • 30 min
9. South to North
Aired 27 June 1984 • 30 min
10. The Desert Explorers
Aired 4 July 1984 • 30 min