Join Kristy O’Brien as she explores the vibrant rural traditions preserved by the dedicated community of Lucindale in South Australia.
From the adrenaline-pumping ute “circle work” at the Bachelor and Spinster Ball, to a massive agricultural trade show.
And discover how an army of volunteers keep the spirit of Lucindale alive. Kristy caps off her visit with the Mad Max-themed B&S’s Gala event, uncovering Lucindale’s unique blend of fun, tradition and mayhem!
Series 12 starts Thursday, March 5, according to an interview with Lisa Millar in Sunday Life magazine today.
Back Roads has sent her to the Cocos Islands, the Snowy Mountains and deep into the Northern Territory and remote Western Australia. She jokes that she’s eaten a chicken parmigiana in every pub in Australia and that the most grooming required for both shows is essentially wearing a hat.
“[Back Roads] really ticks that box for me about regional Australia because I do still feel like I’m the kid from the country,” says Millar. “When people say, ‘Oh, where are you from?’ I always say, ‘country Queensland’. I don’t just say ‘Queensland’. And I’m very proud of that.”
A stunning location, Shark Bay is home to everything from dugongs to stromatolites, as well as the world’s largest seagrass meadow.
However, Lisa soon discovers that climate change hit this precious environment hard in 2011, wiping out vast seagrass beds twice the size of Singapore.
Locals, Traditional Owner and scientists are tirelessly restoring them, seedling by seedling. It’s early days, but Shark Bay’s community is fighting for its future.
Eldorado grew from the Victorian gold rush, but these days a new generation of prospector is moving there, drawn by its quiet rural charm and its reputation for alternative living.
Like the founder of the Off-Grid Living Festival, Kate Nottingham, who spent several years living in a teepee on the outskirts of town. As well as artist, Andy Pye, who moved from the city to the area in 2021. A move that’s given him space to experiment artistically from his bush studio.
And the man who explains how “the business of other people’s business” can help communities in need.
Guest presenter Myf Warhurst visits Eldorado, a former gold‑rush town now known for off‑grid living and creative newcomers.
She meets residents embracing teepees, alternative lifestyles, and eco‑innovation—from festival compost toilet designer Hamish Skermer to artist Andy Pye and Off‑Grid Living Festival founder Kate Nottingham—discovering a community proudly doing things differently.
