On the back of the success of , Great Australian Walks returns to SBS with a brand-new series - only this time beloved comedy legend Julia Zemiro (Fisk, RocKwiz) is sharing her step counter with two additional presenters: comedian Susie Youssef (Deadloch, The Project) and Gina Chick.
Featuring 10 spectacular new walks, each episode invites viewers to slow down and join either Julia, Susie or Gina on an intimate journey of discovery as they soak in the sights, sounds and stories that define Australia.
From the pristine shores surrounding Margaret River, Rottnest Island, Newcastle, St Kilda and Bruny Island to the spiritual tranquility of Uluru, rugged ridges of Wilpena Pound, scenic views atop Mt Kosciuszko, rolling vineyards along the Riesling Trail and the captivating charm of historic Beechworth, Julia, Gina and Susie visit an array of Australia’s must-see destinations.
No longer impeded by the COVID-19 travel restrictions placed on season 1, this brand-new series of Great Australian Walks travels further and wider this time around. From the comfort of home, viewers will be guided on idyllic strolls along picturesque tracks throughout NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, and - for the very first time - the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia.
Along the way they’ll meet experts, locals, First Australians and new Australians who all help bring to life the rich tapestry of intersectional history that shapes our modern multicultural country.
Familiar faces include ARIA award-winning musician and activist John Butler, broadcaster and writer Benjamin Law, comedians Geraldine Hickey and Rachel Berger, First Nations singer-songwriter Kutcha Edwards, award-winning authors Craig Silvey and Katherine Kovacic and Olympic legend Kurt Fearnley.
The series is enriched by nostalgic archival footage of key moments from Australia’s national history: from Stuart Diver being pulled from the 1997 Thredbo landslide disaster to the historic hand back of Uluru in 1985 and the infamous Ned Kelly shootout - dubbed the nation’s first paparazzi photo.
Great Australian Walks hosts Gina Chick, Julia Zemiro and Susie Youssef. (Credit: SBS).
Presenter Susie Youssef said: “Most of the problems I have in life seem manageable after a good walk so you can imagine my absolute delight when Great Australian Walks asked me to tie up my (now tax-deductible) laces and see more of this ridiculously beautiful country on foot. I can not wait for the audience to take a look at the stunning new places and meet the excellent humans in this new season.”
“I am well aware that no one can be the extraordinary Julia Zemiro but the extraordinary Julia Zemiro so there was no point even trying but how chuffed am I just to be in her orbit? Very. I bloody love her and my new soul-sister, Gina Chick (who, just quietly, is magnificent). They are both warm, witty, magnetic humans who I would walk with any day of the week and twice on Sundays so join us for this new series and then contact SBS and demand a new series asap.”
Presenter Gina Chick said: "Great Australian Walks has been an absolute dream come true. I've loved every stage of the process, especially being able to explore new parts of Australia, barefoot, and to bring you all along with me in my first adventure as a TV series presenter. This season of GAW is going to be epic. The three walks I went on were amazing, so I can't wait to see what Susie and Julia got up to.”
“In a culture where humans are increasingly losing connection with nature, and our world is speeding up, this show is the perfect antidote, reminding us to slow down, look up and allow a horizon to do what horizons do, which is give us a deeper sense of our place in the interconnected web of life. Or just go for a wander with some mates and let our incredible country reveal more spectacular secrets, many of which are hiding in plain sight.”
Julia Zemiro and Noongar elder Walter Mcguire at Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) in episode 7. (Credit: SBS).
Great Australian Walks season 2 will be subtitled on SBS On Demand in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean.
Great Australian Walks Series 2 is produced by Mint Pictures for SBS. It was directed by Helen Barrow, with production from Series Producer Jodi Boylan and Producer Daniel Whelan. Funded in association with Screen NSW.
Great Australian Walks season 2 premieres 7.30pm Thursday 22 August on SBS and SBS On Demand. The ten-part series continues weekly. Season 1 is streaming now at .
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Great Australian Walks
