Australian Story

Australian Story

  • 1996
  • 31 Seasons
  • 1137 Episodes
  •  5.3  (6)
  •   Returning Series

Putting the "real" back into reality television, Australian Story is an award-winning documentary series with no narrator and no agendas — just authentic stories told entirely in people's own words.

Australian Story
Seasons
The Road Back
34. The Road Back
October 19, 2026
It was one of Australia's deadliest bus crashes, killing 10 and injuring 25. Three years on from the Hunter Valley crash, survivors speak for the first time about the horror, their recovery and the need for systemic change.
A Second Start - Katie Noonan
33. A Second Start - Katie Noonan
October 12, 2026
In 2024, acclaimed singer Katie Noonan's life fell apart when she split with her husband. Her new album reflects the grief of separation but is tempered with lyrics about falling in love, gifted to her by writer Trent Dalton.
Wild - Chrissy Amphlett (Part 2)
32. Wild - Chrissy Amphlett (Part 2)
October 05, 2026
In Part 2 on Divinyls singer Chrissy Amphlett, the band implodes, she falls in love and finds a new musical direction. But before her death, she records three songs with Tim Finn that have only now seen the light of day.
Wild - Chrissy Amphlett (Part 1)
31. Wild - Chrissy Amphlett (Part 1)
September 28, 2026
Divinyls lead singer Chrissy Amphlett was a rock icon who lived hard and burnt bright until her death at 53. Over two episodes featuring unseen footage, friends, family and bandmates reflect on her wild life and rich legacy.
Eyes on the Prize - Kris Rallah-Baker
30. Eyes on the Prize - Kris Rallah-Baker
September 21, 2026
Australia's first Indigenous eye surgeon Kris Rallah-Baker has walked a zigzag path, driven by family struggles and overcoming racism. Now he's on a mission to heal blindness and empower the next generation.
The Girl Next Door - Molly Ticehurst
29. The Girl Next Door - Molly Ticehurst
September 14, 2026
Molly Ticehurst's brutal murder at the hands of her ex-partner sparked outrage. Family and friends from the NSW town of Forbes reveal how the young mother did everything to save herself but the system let her down.
Time After Time - Cheng Lei
28. Time After Time - Cheng Lei
September 07, 2026
Journalist Cheng Lei discovered that the trauma of being separated from her children for three years didn't end with her release from a Chinese prison.
Australian Story: Celebrating 30 Years
27. Australian Story: Celebrating 30 Years
August 31, 2026
A special 70-minute episode celebrating 30 years of Australian Story. Leigh Sales hosts a live extravaganza at the Sydney Opera House featuring past guests and musical acts.
Unleashed - Barnaby Joyce
26. Unleashed - Barnaby Joyce
August 24, 2026
Barnaby Joyce's defection to One Nation struck some as opportunism, others as evidence of an unrivalled political radar. But is the party big enough for him and Pauline Hanson?
The Final Act
25. The Final Act
August 17, 2026
When dancer Roz Hervey was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, her daughter, actor Tilda Cobham-Hervey, stepped behind the camera to record her mother's life story. With hours left to live, Roz made a dying wish.
Bad Blood - Tristan Stanley
24. Bad Blood - Tristan Stanley
August 10, 2026
The 1980s contaminated blood crisis devastated the lives of thousands of Australians who became infected with Hep C or HIV. Now survivor Tristan Stanley is heading a last-ditch campaign seeking justice for those left behind.
Blood On The Tracks (Update)
23. Blood On The Tracks (Update)
August 03, 2026
When teenager Mark Haines was discovered dead on train tracks near the NSW town of Tamworth, his uncle was convinced it was foul play. Almost four decades later, a new inquest reveals fresh evidence and a cover-up.
Turning The Page - Luke Bateman
22. Turning The Page - Luke Bateman
July 27, 2026
Luke Bateman was flying high as an NRL player until a devastating gambling addiction destroyed his career. Saved by his love of books, he's now writing fantasy novels and says he's never been happier.
Sky's The Limit
21. Sky's The Limit
July 20, 2026
On a cold June night, a group of Jewish friends gathered at Melbourne airport to welcome a Muslim family they'd never met. One year later, they share their story of friendship and hope across religious and cultural divides.
His Brilliant Careers - Sam Neill
20. His Brilliant Careers - Sam Neill
July 13, 2026
As a tribute to the late Sam Neill, we look back over the actor's dazzling career and recent health struggles.
Child's Play - 60 Years of Play School
19. Child's Play - 60 Years of Play School
July 06, 2026
Australia's shared family heirloom Play School is celebrating 60 years on air, but what's the secret to its enduring success? With rare behind-the-scenes access, Australian Story examines its creative process with insights from past and present cast and crew.
A Beautiful Mind - Richard Scolyer
18. A Beautiful Mind - Richard Scolyer
June 15, 2026
When Richard Scolyer was diagnosed with brain cancer three years ago, he volunteered to undergo risky, new treatment, hoping for a medical breakthrough. As we filmed in his final months, he reflects on his life and legacy.
Down to the Wire - Saul Griffith
17. Down to the Wire - Saul Griffith
June 08, 2026
When Australian Story first met inventor Saul Griffith in 2023 he was on a mission to electrify the world. Although political changes in the US have tested his optimism, back home his own community is forging ahead.
A Seat At The Table - Mohamed Semra
16. A Seat At The Table - Mohamed Semra
June 01, 2026
At 15, Mohamed Semra made headlines when he was kicked out of a Melbourne Apple Store by staff who were worried he might steal something. At 27, he's making history as the first Australian mayor from sub-Saharan Africa.
Regeneration - Rachel Ward
15. Regeneration - Rachel Ward
May 25, 2026
When Instagram trolls accused actor and director Rachel Ward of 'letting herself go', she used the attention to talk about her passion, regenerative farming, which has given her a renewed sense of purpose.
An Accidental Leader - Rob Armstrong
14. An Accidental Leader - Rob Armstrong
May 18, 2026
Sheep farmer Rob Armstrong never expected to be the face of political resistance. But when his state government proposed a levy that would hit volunteer country firefighters, a childhood trauma propelled him into action.
The Hustler - John Polson
13. The Hustler - John Polson
May 11, 2026
John Polson was a troubled teen when a sliding doors moment led him into the world of acting. He went on to create Tropfest, one of the world's biggest short film festivals, changing his life and the Australian industry.
A Year of Living Gratefully - James Valentine
12. A Year of Living Gratefully - James Valentine
May 04, 2026
Broadcaster James Valentine was offered two different treatments for his cancer so he chose the one that let him keep doing what he loved. When it returned a year later, he faced the end with courage, purpose and humour.
Lost - Celine Cremer (Part 2)
11. Lost - Celine Cremer (Part 2)
April 20, 2026
Two and half years after Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer went missing on a short hike, friends and local volunteers scour the forest and finally find the answers they're looking for.
Lost - Celine Cremer (Part 1)
10. Lost - Celine Cremer (Part 1)
April 13, 2026
Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer was on the trip of a lifetime but on a hike in Tasmania she took a wrong turn and was never seen again. More than two years later a group of friends and volunteers set out looking for answers.
The Westall UFO Mystery
9. The Westall UFO Mystery
April 06, 2026
In 1966, a Melbourne high school was thrown into chaos when strange objects appeared in the sky. Sixty years on from Australia's biggest UFO sighting, witnesses are still looking for answers about what they saw at Westall.
The Leyland Brother - Mal Leyland
8. The Leyland Brother - Mal Leyland
March 30, 2026
In the 1960s and 70s, Mal Leyland was one of the best-known people on TV, as one half of the Leyland Brothers. Now at age 81, the pioneer of outback documentaries is suffering dementia - but still planning one last trip.
What Doesn't Kill You - Ghanim Al Shnen
7. What Doesn't Kill You - Ghanim Al Shnen
March 23, 2026
Many would have despaired after losing both their arms but Ghanim Al Shnen embraced the possibilities of bionic medicine and focused on a dream - to be reunited with his family after 12 years apart.
Morning Star - Witiyana Marika
6. Morning Star - Witiyana Marika
March 16, 2026
From Arnhem Land to rock stardom, Yothu Yindi's Witiyana Marika was destined to take centre stage. Now, at a crucial time for his community, he's shed his dreadlocks and emerged as a leader of his people.
Raising Richard - Deirdre Croft
5. Raising Richard - Deirdre Croft
March 09, 2026
Who cares for our children when we're gone if they can't care for themselves? As Deirdre Croft faces the end of her life, she's on a mission to ensure her son is looked after when she's gone.
Nabbed - Ian Williams
4. Nabbed - Ian Williams
February 23, 2026
When pensioner Ian Williams lost $1,300 in a banking scam, he expected a quick refund and apology. The bank's response so incensed the "stubborn bugger", he sued it for $379,000,000.
Out in the Open - Sophie Hyde
3. Out in the Open - Sophie Hyde
February 16, 2026
Sophie Hyde is one of Australia's most successful directors, working with some of Hollywood's finest. But in her latest film she turns the spotlight on her own family.
Finding Alby Mangels
2. Finding Alby Mangels
February 09, 2026
The reclusive adventure filmmaker and '80s icon Alby Mangels looks back on an extraordinary career and explains why he turned his back on fame.
Sink or Swim - Michael Klim
1. Sink or Swim - Michael Klim
February 02, 2026
Six years ago, Olympic champion Michael Klim almost lost the ability to walk. Then he received a devastating diagnosis. In this moving episode, Klim reveals how he hit rock bottom but ultimately emerged stronger.
Description
Putting the "real" back into reality television, Australian Story is an award-winning documentary series with no narrator and no agendas — just authentic stories told entirely in people's own words.
  • Premiere Date
    May 29, 1996
  • Rating
    5.3  (6)