Great Australian Railway Journeys
The length and breadth of Australia is travelled and explored by Michael Portillo by way of his beloved mode of transport - trains.
- 2019-2019
- 1 season
- Documentary
The length and breadth of Australia is travelled and explored by Michael Portillo by way of his beloved mode of transport - trains.
Season 1 Episode Guide
6 Episodes 2019
Episode 1
Port Augusta to Darwin: The Ghan
Michael's 1913 Bradshaw's Handbook to the Chief Cities of the World sends him to Australia. He traces the route of the trans-continental railway from Port Augusta's southern harbour in South Australia to Darwin in the Northern Territory.
Episode 2
Sydney to Broken Hill
In New South Wales, Michael climbs the Sydney Harbour Bridge, then travels West into the Blue Mountains on his long journey to Broken Hill.
Episode 3
Adelaide to Perth: The Indian Pacific
After visiting wineries in McLaren Vale, Michael joins the Indian Pacific Railway in Adelaide, South Australia and travels across the vast and inhospitable Nullarbor Plain to the gold rush town of Kalgoorlie, then on to Perth.
Episode 4
Canberra to Melbourne
After a hot-air balloon ride over Canberra Michael travels to the multi-ethnic heart of Australia's second largest city, Melbourne and soaks up the European feel. Michael visits Luna Park which is the same age as his Bradshaw's Guide.
Episode 5
Kuranda to Townsville
Starting from Kuranda near Cairns in Far Northern Queensland Michael travels by rail down through Innisfail and Ingham to Townsville where he is dazzled by the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
Episode 6
Newcastle to Brisbane
Michael travels north from Sydney over the Hawkesbury River bridge. He comes nose to nose with a Port Macquarie koala, dons an Akubra at Kempsey, rides the Byron Bay solar-powered train, and tastes a lamington in Brisbane.