Coast Australia Series1

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Travel Documentary hosted by Neil Oliver, published by BBC in 2014 - English narration

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After almost a decade exploring the coastline of Britain and Europe, historian and archaeologist Neil Oliver is leading a local team of presenters to discover Australia's spectacular coastline - its people, their history, and its many natural wonders. Produced in 2013 by Great Southern Film and Televison for Foxtel in association with the BBC.

[edit] The Kimberley

In the pristine Kimberley of Western Australia, Tim Flannery walks in primeval tracks along the legendary Dinosaur Coast. Neil wrestles the southern hemisphere's biggest tides at the surging Horizontal Falls, and Xanthe Mallett explores a unique maritime war grave. Neil also discovers Broome's dark pearling history and the delicate science of pearl cultivation. Brendan Moar learns the art of indigenous raft making and Emma Johnston investigates the lush, protected habitat of migratory shorebirds. Finally, Neil experiences the indigenous 'dreaming' stories through a little sacred maintenance on some ancient rock art at Freshwater Cove.

[edit] Sydney

Across the glittering waters of Sydney, Neil Oliver explores the network of fortification to protect 'Fortress Sydney', and discovers how close the city came to being taken in the Second World War. Xanthe Mallett discovers some ingenious colonial DIY, as she learns how to make building mortar out of oyster shells. Tim Flannery reveals the geological secrets of the city's vast and sprawling harbour, and unlocks the riddle of the rivers that had Captain Phillip baffled in 1788. Brendan Moar examines the Sydney Harbour Bridge, an international icon in engineering and design, while Emma Johnston hunts for tropical fish in Sydney's temperate and diverse harbour.

[edit] Great Barrier Reef

Neil Oliver begins a stunning journey through the world's largest coral reef in the hands of the Australian Navy, sailing in the wake of James Cook. Brendan Moar uncovers the living history of Australia's hidden slave trade. Xanthe Mallett dives a spectacular wreck in search of answers about its calamitous sinking. And Tim Flannery is granted rare access to a scientific research zone to examine coral history. On idyllic Lizard Isand, Neil Oliver uncovers a bloody tale of cultural misunderstanding. Finally, at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, Emma Johnston heads underwater with Google to take the reef into homes around the world.

[edit] Tasmania

In the tranquil south east of Tasmania, Neil Oliver probes Port Arthur's harsh penal history. Brendan Moar examines the dramatic grip of lighthouse life on a remote island. Emma Johnston dives into an underwater battleground to see how science and industry are saving the marine neighbourhood. Neil joins the southern hemisphere's largest wooden boat festival, and Tim Flannery investigates Hobart's long and illustrious role in Antarctic exploration. Finally, Xanthe Mallett delves into the violent history of whaling, and a legacy that helped build a colony.

[edit] Gold to Sunshine Coast

On Australia's shiny holiday coast, Miriam Corowa investigates the engineering behind the 1970s Florida-style canal system of the Gold Coast. Brendan Moar dives headlong into a dangerous current to investigate first-hand the science of rips. Xanthe Mallett scours a World War II fortification at what could have been Australia's front line, and discovers what life was like waiting for the war to arrive. Neil Oliver heads to see the remains of a bleak chapter in history - an outpost for outcasts. Emma Johnston joins a scientific hunt for sea cows, in the hope of saving them. Finally, Tim Flannery travels to Fraser Island to investigate what's at the end of the line for the longest sand drift system in the world.

[edit] Victoria

Neil Oliver meets the residents of Melbourne's historic beach huts, and explores the beacon that helped birth a nation at Cape Otway. Xanthe Mallett dives for clues to solve the mystery behind a tragic shipwreck that marked the end of an era. Meanwhile, Brendan Moar uncovers the history of the Great Ocean Road, and, armed with his pick, grasps the challenges of building this now world-famous coastal road in the 1920s. Emma Johnston dives in to hunt for a delicate seadragon, and discovers the tragic tale of an artist captivated by its vivid beauty. Tim Flannery scours the water for evidence of a marine mega fauna that roamed the ancestral Port Philip Bay, while Miriam Corowa discovers why the coast at Bells Beach keeps pumping out perfect surfing waves.

[edit] Darwin and Beyond

Tim Flannery begins this Top End adventure at Victoria Settlement and learns of its tragic history in the struggle to colonise Australia's northern frontier. Neil Oliver examines the ferocious bombing of Darwin and a remarkable story of reconciliation between former enemies. Miriam Corowa confirms that not all Hollywood dreams come true, especially along this unforgiving coast. Plus, Xanthe Mallett goes on patrol with Australian Customs Fisheries to hunt for killer ghost nets. And no Top End story would be complete without a crocodile - Emma Johnston draws blood in the name of science.

[edit] Coral Coast

On Australia's windswept coast, Neil Oliver investigates why no one survived the attack on HMAS Sydney in its dramatic battle with a German raider in 1941. Xanthe Mallett heads to the Houtman Abrolhos islands and unearths the gruesome tale of the Dutch Batavia murders of 1629. In Shark Bay, Tim Flannery finds 3 billion-year-old life, while Neil Oliver finds out why Carnarvon's extraordinary jetty was once the lifeblood of the Gascoyne region. Emma Johnston witnesses why the world's largest fish keeps returning to the crystal waters of Ningaloo Reef, and Brendan Moar catches up with coastal nomads off the grid, on the edge of the continent.