Great Australian Railway Journeys airs a new episode tonight Thursday 26 January 2023 on BBC Two.
“Canberra to Melbourne – Part 2” Michael Portillo uses his 1913 Bradshaw to go further south and east across Australia. He is currently in Melbourne, Victoria.
Coombe Cottage, the stunning former house of Melbourne’s renowned soprano, Dame Nellie Melba, was erected in 1912 in the neighbourhood of Lilydale. Michael is given an intimate performance of one of her most well-known songs and told stories about her life and her global popularity. When it comes to sweets, he also samples the best.
Michael rides the historic Puffing Billy narrow gauge steam railway, which was established in 1900, through the Dandenong highland forests and over a breathtaking trestle bridge. Michael interacts with a few of the 1,000 volunteers who maintain the line.
He’s hot on the trail of Australia’s most infamous outlaw, Ned Kelly, in St. Kilda. When the first feature film (about Michael) was shown in 1906, Michael was there to watch it.
Michael completes his journey 80 miles west of Melbourne at Birregurra, on a 500-acre sheep farm established by British settlers from Devon in the 1840s. Here, he learns how to shear a sheep and explores Australia through the eyes of a single family.
Airdate: Thursday 26 January 2023 at 3.15pm on BBC Two.
Featured Image Credit: BBC Two