Australian Story
Acclaimed biographical documentary series "Australian Story" has aired continuously on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) TV since 1996. Australian Story is known for its narratorless storytelling in which the subjects tell their own stories in their own words. The program has featured both famous and previously-unknown Australians from all walks of life and won numerous awards including Logies, Walkleys, Golden Tripods, and Ellies. New episodes air every Monday on free-to-air television as well as ABC iview and YouTube.
- 1996-2026
- 31 seasons
- Documentary
Acclaimed biographical documentary series "Australian Story" has aired continuously on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) TV since 1996. Australian Story is known for its narratorless storytelling in which the subjects tell their own stories in their own words. The program has featured both famous and previously-unknown Australians from all walks of life and won numerous awards including Logies, Walkleys, Golden Tripods, and Ellies. New episodes air every Monday on free-to-air television as well as ABC iview and YouTube.
Season 31 Episode Guide
28 Episodes 2026
Episode 1
Sink or Swim - Michael Klim
29 mins
Six years ago, Olympic champion Michael Klim almost lost the ability to walk. Then he received a devastating diagnosis. In this moving episode, Klim reveals how he hit rock bottom but ultimately emerged stronger. (Return)
Episode 2
Finding Alby Mangels
30 mins
The reclusive adventure filmmaker and '80s icon Alby Mangels looks back on an extraordinary career and explains why he turned his back on fame.
Episode 3
Out in the Open - Sophie Hyde
30 mins
Sophie Hyde is one of Australia's most successful directors, working with some of Hollywood's finest. But in her latest film she turns the spotlight on her own family.
Episode 4
Raising Richard - Deirdre Croft
30 mins
Who cares for our children when we're gone if they can't care for themselves? As Deirdre Croft faces the end of her life, she's on a mission to ensure her son is looked after when she's gone.
Episode 5
Morning Star - Witiyana Marika
30 mins
From Arnhem Land to rock stardom, Yothu Yindi's Witiyana Marika was destined to take centre stage. Now, at a crucial time for his community, he's shed his dreadlocks and emerged as a leader of his people.
Episode 6
What Doesn't Kill You - Ghanim Al Shnen
30 mins
Many would have despaired after losing both their arms but Ghanim Al Shnen embraced the possibilities of bionic medicine and focused on a dream - to be reunited with his family after 12 years apart.
Episode 7
The Leyland Brother - Mal Leyland
29 mins
In the 1960s and 70s, Mal Leyland was one of the best-known people on TV, as one half of the Leyland Brothers. Now at age 81, the pioneer of outback documentaries is suffering dementia - but still planning one last trip.
Episode 8
The Westall UFO Mystery
30 mins
In 1966, a Melbourne high school was thrown into chaos when strange objects appeared in the sky. Sixty years on from Australia's biggest UFO sighting, witnesses are still looking for answers about what they saw at Westall.
Episode 9
Lost - Celine Cremer Part 1
30 mins
Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer was on the trip of a lifetime but on a hike in Tasmania she took a wrong turn and was never seen again. More than two years later a group of friends and volunteers set out looking for answers.
Episode 10
Lost - Celine Cremer Part 2
32 mins
Two and half years after Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer went missing on a short hike, friends and local volunteers scour the forest and finally find the answers they're looking for. (Part 2)
Episode 11
A Year of Living Gratefully - James Valentine
34 mins
Broadcaster James Valentine was offered two different treatments for his cancer so he chose the one that let him keep doing what he loved. When it returned a year later, he faced the end with courage, purpose and humour.
Episode 12
The Hustler - John Polson
29 mins
John Polson was a troubled teen when a sliding doors moment led him into the world of acting. He went on to create Tropfest, one of the world's biggest short film festivals, changing his life and the Australian industry.
Episode 13
An Accidental Leader - Rob Armstrong
30 mins
Sheep farmer Rob Armstrong never expected to be the face of political resistance. But when his state government proposed a levy that would hit volunteer country firefighters, a childhood trauma propelled him into action.
Episode 14
Regeneration - Rachel Ward
30 mins
When Instagram trolls accused actor and director Rachel Ward of 'letting herself go', she used the attention to talk about her passion, regenerative farming, which has given her a renewed sense of purpose.
Episode 15
A Seat At The Table - Mohamed Semra
30 mins
At 15, Mohamed Semra made headlines when he was kicked out of a Melbourne Apple Store by staff who were worried he might steal something. At 27, he's making history as the first Australian mayor from sub-Saharan Africa.
Episode 16
Down to the Wire - Saul Griffith
30 mins
When Australian Story first met inventor Saul Griffith in 2023 he was on a mission to electrify the world. Although political changes in the US have tested his optimism, back home his own community is forging ahead.
Episode 17
A Beautiful Mind - Richard Scolyer
31 mins
When Richard Scolyer was diagnosed with brain cancer three years ago, he volunteered to undergo risky, new treatment, hoping for a medical breakthrough. As we filmed in his final months, he reflects on his life and legacy.
Episode 18
Child's Play - 60 Years of Play School
30 mins
Australia's shared family heirloom Play School is celebrating 60 years on air, but what's the secret to its enduring success? With rare behind-the-scenes access, Australian Story examines its creative process with insights from past and present cast and crew.
Episode 19
His Brilliant Careers - Sam Neill
30 mins
As a tribute to the late Sam Neill, we look back over the actor's dazzling career and recent health struggles.
Episode 20
Sky's The Limit
30 mins
On a cold June night, a group of Jewish friends gathered at Melbourne airport to welcome a Muslim family they'd never met. One year later, they share their story of friendship and hope across religious and cultural divides.
Episode 21
Turning The Page - Luke Bateman
30 mins
Luke Bateman was flying high as an NRL player until a devastating gambling addiction destroyed his career. Saved by his love of books, he's now writing fantasy novels and says he's never been happier.
Episode 22
Blood On The Tracks (Update)
30 mins
When teenager Mark Haines was discovered dead on train tracks near the NSW town of Tamworth, his uncle was convinced it was foul play. Almost four decades later, a new inquest reveals fresh evidence and a cover-up.
Episode 23
Bad Blood - Tristan Stanley
33 mins
The 1980s contaminated blood crisis devastated the lives of thousands of Australians who became infected with Hep C or HIV. Now survivor Tristan Stanley is heading a last-ditch campaign seeking justice for those left behind.
Episode 24
The Final Act
30 mins
When dancer Roz Hervey was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, her daughter, actor Tilda Cobham-Hervey, stepped behind the camera to record her mother's life story. With hours left to live, Roz made a dying wish.
Episode 25
Episode #31.25
Episode 26
Episode #31.26
Episode 27
Episode #31.27
Episode 28