In the return of ABC’s much-loved series ‘Back Roads’, host Heather Ewart embarks on a remarkable journey through the remote and historic Strzelecki Track in South Australia.
This highly anticipated episode will air on the 3rd of July at 8:00pm on ABC and iview.
The adventure commences near Lyndhurst, where Ewart delves into a way of life that has resisted change for generations. The Strzelecki Track, a lengthy 450-kilometre trail that stretches up to Innamincka, close to the Queensland border, is currently in a period of slow transformation. Decades of wear from travelling on the dirt are giving way to a gradual sealing of the track, and with it, the lives of its inhabitants are subtly changing.
One notable stop on Ewart’s journey is the ghost town of Farina. Once a thriving hub where cattle drovers used the track to transport their livestock to Adelaide via train, Farina is now a relic of the past. But for two months every year, the town revives under the care of grey nomad volunteers who restore its sandstone buildings. They have even resurrected the town’s original underground oven, running a bakery to finance their efforts. The echoes of Afghan camel drivers and cattle trains have been replaced by the aroma of fresh bread, baked goods, and the hum of four-wheel drives.
Ewart also delves into the local history, particularly the stories of the Afghan camel drivers who once populated the area. She converses with Frank Wilson, a descendant of these drivers, whose grandparents — an Afghan camel driver and an Aboriginal woman — were compelled to flee from Western Australia due to the prohibition of their marriage. They eventually found acceptance in South Australia, where they raised a family of five.
Rounding out her journey, Ewart visits the young Litchfield family at Lyndhurst Station. While Adam Litchfield, a local who grew up on the track, is familiar with the terrain, his wife, Kate, a Sydney-born veterinarian, is adapting to a significant lifestyle change as she aids in managing their vast 3,500-square-kilometre property.
Join Heather Ewart on ‘Back Roads’ as she unveils the intriguing stories and timeless allure of the Strzelecki Track, providing a unique glimpse into Australia’s rich outback heritage.
