Great Australian Railway Journeys

Armed with his 1913 Bradshaw’s Handbook to the Chief Cities of the World, Michael embarks on six new railway journeys across spectacular Australia.

Documentary

Armed with his 1913 Bradshaw’s Handbook to the Chief Cities of the World, Michael embarks on six new railway journeys across spectacular Australia.

Documentary

Total 1 seasons, 6 episodes

Aired 6 years ago

6 Episodes

Episode 1Port Augusta to Darwin: The Ghan58 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.
Episode 2Sydney to Broken Hill59 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.
Episode 3Adelaide to Perth: The Indian Pacific59 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.
Episode 4Canberra to Melbourne58 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.
Episode 5Kuranda to Townsville58 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.