Discover Port MacDonnell’s rich history, culture, and coast on Back Roads with Tom Forrest on ABC tonight.
In tonight’s episode of Back Roads, airing at 8.00pm on ABC and ABC iview, guest presenter Tom Forrest explores Port MacDonnell, a South Australian coastal town famed for its lobster fishing and deep historical roots. Known as Australia’s most southerly point, the town prides itself on being the “Southern Rock Lobster capital of the world.”
Forrest’s journey offers viewers a unique look at this community, which has supported inhabitants for tens of thousands of years. Venturing across varied landscapes, Forrest explores the abundant ocean and takes to the plains to swim in the pristine waterholes scattered throughout the hinterland. His journey culminates with a climb up Mount Schank, a dormant volcano that forms a striking feature in the regional landscape.
Onboard a lobster fishing boat, Forrest joins fourth-generation fisherman Jeremy Ievens and his son, Kai, to experience the unpredictable waters off the Limestone Coast. Beyond fishing, Ievens is an acclaimed surfboard and street artist, known for his public works displayed throughout the region, further illustrating the town’s vibrant local culture.
Uncle Ken Jones, a traditional elder of the Boandik people, shares stories that reveal the deep connection Aboriginal communities have with the land and sea here. Uncle Ken discusses the “drowned forest,” a site where ancient trees have turned to stone, and recounts the cultural tales of Mount Schank. These stories, passed down through generations, speak of dramatic changes in the landscape and mark the enduring presence of Aboriginal people in the area.
Forrest also takes part in local pastimes, from surfing Port MacDonnell’s coastline with Ievens to snorkelling in Ewens Ponds, a stunning series of crystal-clear waterholes that are part of a unique aquifer system. Fed by water that has journeyed through underground channels for a millennium, these ponds are a testament to the region’s rich natural beauty. The episode highlights local conservation efforts aimed at preserving these natural wonders for future generations.
Produced by Brigid Donovan, this episode of Back Roads offers a look into the lives, traditions, and natural beauty that define Port MacDonnell.
