Michael Portillo strikes west from waterside metropolis Sydney into the Blue Mountains. At Katoomba, Michael is in for the ride of his life on the steepest railway in the world. Show more

Michael Portillo explores New South Wales with his 1913 Bradshaw’s Guide. Beginning in the waterside metropolis of Sydney, Michael investigates the origins of the city as a penal colony. Show more

Michael Portillo ventures down under to ride one of the world’s greatest rail journeys aboard the legendary Ghan Railway. Along the way, Michael uncovers the history of the ambitious project. Show more

Michael Portillo continues to trace the route of the Ghan Railway. Before boarding the luxurious transcontinental, Michael meets orphaned joeys Tilly and Max at Brolga’s Kangaroo Sanctuary. Show more

Michael explores McLaren Vale, where an enterprising early 19th-century Briton with a murky past began to grow vines. Michael enjoys the fruits of his labours and hears his story. Show more

Michael Portillo continues his 1700 mile rail journey across southern Australia from Adelaide to Perth. He strikes gold and plays cards in Kalgoorlie and uncovers a dark chapter of the past in Perth. Show more

Michael Portillo crosses the south east of Australia, from the seat of government in Canberra to the multi-ethnic heart of its second largest city, Melbourne, in the state of Victoria. Show more

Michael Portillo continues his exploration of southeast Australia in Melbourne, Victoria, guided by his 1913 Bradshaw. Show more

Michael Portillo continues his rail exploration of Queensland, Australia, from the tropical rainforest to the Great Barrier Reef. Show more

From tropical rainforest to the Great Barrier Reef, Michael Portillo navigates his way by rail through Queensland, Australia with the aid of his 1913 Bradshaw’s Guide. Show more