Australia: The Story of Us

Stephen Tompkinson's Australian Balloon Adventure

2010

Stephen Tompkinson's adventure begins in dramatic fashion when his maiden flight over South Australia's Flinders Ranges ends in a crash landing at 40 mph. But he presses on to the Barossa Valley, where a serene flight over the vineyards is followed by a far from calm cricket match against local winemakers - the outcome of which sends Stephen packing for Victoria and a spell on the mighty Murray River. Stephen's bid to win Australia’s biggest balloon competition continues. A childhood dream is fulfilled when he walks out onto the pitch of the Melbourne Cricket Ground during an Aussie Rules game - and trumped the following morning when his balloon flies through the ground's goalposts. His balloon truck gets a makeover and the city's Greek festival nearly ends in a diplomatic incident. Then heavy rain prevents him flying over Canberra - and to get back on track he risks a flight to 10,000 feet. Actor Stephen Tompkinson's attempt to win Australia's prestigious Canowindra Balloon Challenge concludes in this final episode. Stephen heads to Sydney, where he samples some of the city's culinary delights with MasterChef's Matt Preston, helps judge a drag competition, and receives some encouragement from the British High Commissioner to Australia. When the day of the race finally arrives, he meets his competitors at Canowindra. The teams have to hit three targets laid out over the countryside, but things start disastrously for Stephen when he misreads the wind and drifts off-course. Can he recover and win the challenge?

Griff's Great Australian Rail Trip

2020

British comedian and travel enthusiast Griff Rhys Jones hops on some of Australia's most impressive long distance trains, travelling across the expansive outback and along spectacular coastlines.

Back Roads

2015

Take a road less travelled to the small towns and communities that make Australia special. Join Heather Ewart and guest presenters as they discover remarkable stories and inspiring people you'll never forget.

Australia's Deadliest Destinations

The most remote and forbidding landscapes, lethal creatures and death-defying stories of survival of the world’s largest island, Australia.

Countdown: Do Yourself a Favour

2014

Celebrating Countdown's 40th anniversary, host Julia Zemiro takes us through the show's fascinating story. Backed by a stellar cast of stars, original footage and music bringing the 70's and 80's alive.

Back to Nature

2021

A journey through the Australian landscape and the unique stories of the land, deepening our connection with nature.

Ambulance Australia

2018

Based on the BBC factual series of the same name, Ambulance Australia follows NSW Ambulance service, from the NSW Ambulance Triple Zero Control Centre to paramedics on the road in series 1 and 2. Series 3 follows the Queensland Ambulance Service.

Shannons Club TV

2013

This series presents a number of unique vehicles that helped to shape Australia's automotive history. We briefly look at some of the most iconic cars to hit the Australian highways ( goat tracks ) and why we loved or hated them and how they faired on our roads and race tracks. Some of these cars are unique to Australia, while other cars will be instantly recognised in other parts of the world. Some international models were renamed and rebadged for the Australian market, but you may still recognise them just the same. We've asked automotive journalists Mark Oastler, John Wright & Joe Kenwright to present their exclusive articles for the Shannons Club in a television format.