Tony Robinson (played Baldrick in the Black Adder series with Rowan Atkinson), explores the history of settlement in Australia from its humble beginnings as a dumping ground for British criminals.

Tony investigates early settlers to Australia and finds their challenges to grow and find food and their relationships with the Aboriginals.

The authority of the penal government is repeatedly questioned by convicts and soldiers; we also look at solitary confinement in Port Arthur. Tony also finds out that he gas a skeleton in his family's closet.

The discovery of gold brings people, commerce, corruption and dissent to Australia.

Tony explores why Australia's need for migrants leads to bounties for human cargo from the UK and Ireland; immigration and multiculturalism.