Disasters

Overview

Catastrophes capture both the tragedy of life and the strength of the human spirit. In this episode Tony examines the series of events that lead to disasters and the legacies it leaves behind. From a daredevil acrobat risking his life in 19th century Sydney, to the ill-fated Burke and Wills cross-continental expedition. In New Zealand Tony unearths long lost treasures that have resurfaced in the wake of Christchurch's destructive earthquake. He meets a woman who survived a maritime tragedy and built a poignant memorial. And he comes across a bizarre gathering on a quiet South Australian beach in 1976, where everyone is just waiting for calamity to strike. Whether it's the instigator of catastrophe or a victim of tragedy, disasters test humanity to the core.