Big Australia (2012) - Season 1 Episodes and Ratings

We take an in-depth look at the workings of one of Australia’s legendary towns, Port Hedland. This town is mentioned in local media for its “detention centres” but the real Port Hedland is a booming port and, arguably, the gateway for countries all over the world to receive Australia’s high valued resources. Iron ore and liquid gas are exported in massive quantities in an intricate port management system.

Three quarters of Australia’s domestic freight is delivered by road. With a fleet of more than 150 trucks, Simons National Carriers operates terminals in every Australian state. We take the journey along diverse routes – from long haul through the outback to the spectacular beach and coastal region of eastern Australia. We meet the characters at each pit-stop and deliver goods which are as varied as the route itself. We go behind the scenes to follow the logistics of how daily goods and major industrial products are warehoused at and transported from one of Australia’s largest nationwide trucking operations.

Millungera is 1 million acres of cattle country and the Acton land and cattle company are some of the biggest producers of Beef in the world. Large properties for rearing livestock, are a massive part of Australian history and culture. The Acton Land and Cattle Company own over 15 thousand square kilometres of land in Australia, they are passionate about the land and their life.

New Kid on the block for Australia’s burgeoning iron ore industry. Australia’s iron ore industry is experiencing unprecedented growth as the demand for steel from a modernising China reaches fever pitch. From junior miner to fully fledged producer, Atlas has grand expansion plans. It’s headed by a hungry and flambouyant mining entrepreneur, David Flanagan, who takes us on the journey from humble beginnings to today – and tomorrow - as Atlas seeds itself as a true industry player taking on the multi- nationals.

Mackay Sugar operates three mills, producing the bulk of Australia’s domestic supply and global exports. The sugar industry in Australia is steeped in tradition and we follow the story from farm to the shipyard, meeting those at the forefront of the industry - traditional farmers and a new breed of growers, process and mill workers, and specialists and decision-makers - all ensuring the survival of one of Australia’s oldest industries, season by season. Find out how the industry is battling its steepest challenges and why sugar has a ‘green’ renewable energy future.