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Documentary
Stephen Tompkinson's adventure begins in dramatic fashion when his maiden flight over South Australia's Flinders Ranges ends in a crash landing at 40 mph. But he presses on to the Barossa Valley, where a serene flight over the vineyards is followed by a far from calm cricket…
Having previously journeyed across Africa in a hot-air balloon, the actor now explores the diverse landscape and wildlife of Australia and takes part in the country's largest balloon competition, the Canowindra Challenge. The trip kicks off in dramatic fashion when Stephen's maiden flight over South Australia's Flinders Ranges ends in a crash-landing. Undeterred, he and pilot Robin Bachelor press on to the Barossa Valley, where they learn wine-making techniques, before completing a flight over the River Murray.
The actor's bid to win Australia's largest balloon competition, the Canowindra Challenge, continues in Melbourne, where he fulfils a childhood dream by walking on to the pitch of the Melbourne Cricket Ground during an Aussie Rules game - and flying through the goalposts the next morning. An invitation to join in the city's Greek festival nearly ends in a diplomatic incident, and heavy rain then prevents Stephen flying over Canberra, forcing him to adopt desperate measures to get his training back on track.
The actor takes part in a mock balloon competition, then heads for Sydney, where he helps judge a drag contest and explores the city's cosmopolitan cuisine. He receives backing from Britain's High Commissioner Valerie Amos in her office overlooking the harbour - and hears a surprising confession from his co-pilot Robin - before heading 200 miles west to take on Australia's best balloon pilots in the skies above Canowindra. Last in the series.
Himself - Presenter
Tells the inside story of the challenges the Lebanese Australian community has faced in Australia and how they have fought to overcome them. This landmark documentary series hears from community leaders, police, families and individuals, as they combine to tell the compelling and dramatic story of a proud and resilient community, under intense pressure and scrutiny. The story begins in the 1970s when large numbers of Lebanese migrants flooded into Australia. Many were Muslim, most were traumatised by civil war, all were desperate to build a better future. Over the coming decades, these new Australians struggled to establish a new life in their adopted country.
Coast Australia follows renowned Scottish archaeologist and historian Neil Oliver on his very first trip to Australia, as he and a diverse group of co-hosts gather stories about our spectacular coastline: the history, the people, the archaeology, the geography and the marine life, investigating interesting and little known facts along the way. Oliver’s co-hosts, all experts in their field, are journalist and Australian arts and culture specialist Miriam Corowa, environmentalist Professor Tim Flannery, marine scientist Dr Emma Johnston, anthropologist Dr Xanthe Mallett and television presenter and landscape architect Brendan Moar.
Australia: The Story of Us is an extraordinary journey through the people, places and events that have shaped Australia, from the first footprints on our continent to the present day. Astounding visual sequences, amazing CGI and dramatic re-enactments bring these stories to life and show how we came to be the country we are today.
