Great Australian Railway Journeys — Season 1
About this season
Armed with his 1913 Bradshaw’s Handbook to the Chief Cities of the World, Michael embarks on six new railway journeys across spectacular Australia.
Episodes (6)
1. Port Augusta to Darwin: The Ghan
Aired 26 October 2019 • 58 min
Michael Portillo ventures down under to ride aboard the legendary Ghan Railway. At Bond Springs Cattle Station, Michael discovers the story of cattle king Sidney Kidman.
2. Sydney to Broken Hill
Aired 2 November 2019 • 59 min
Michael Portillo explores New South Wales, steered by his 1913 Bradshaw’s Guide. He strikes west into the Blue Mountains and travels 570 miles to reach the mining city of Broken Hill.
3. Adelaide to Perth: The Indian Pacific
Aired 9 November 2019 • 59 min
Michael Portillo rides the Indian Pacific Railway, which stretches from Adelaide, South Australia, 1,700 miles deep into the desert, to the gold rush town of Kalgoorlie, before finishing in Perth.
4. Canberra to Melbourne
Aired 16 November 2019 • 58 min
Michael Portillo crosses the south east of Australia from Canberra to the multi-ethnic heart of Melbourne. Michael discovers the story behind the Ashes at the hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground.
5. Kuranda to Townsville
Aired 23 November 2019 • 58 min
Inching his way across the Stony Creek Bridge on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Michael marvels at the engineering expertise of the 1890s, when the line was built.
6. Newcastle to Brisbane
Aired 30 November 2019 • 58 min
Michael Portillo travels from the coal mines of Newcastle, New South Wales, to Brisbane. He crosses the mighty Hawkesbury River, tends to an injured koala and rides a solar-powered train.