Constructing Australia

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, this is the story of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a steel arch that became a global icon. Built during the Great Depression, it was the tallest structure in Sydney until the late 1960s. The bridge's construction faced practical challenges, involving engineer JJC Bradfield and politician Jack Lang. Today, it is a symbol of Sydney and Australia's bold spirit.

This is the story of the ambitious project to bring water to Western Australia's goldfields in the late 1800s. John Forrest and Charles Yelverton O'Connor aimed to save lives and unlock gold riches by building a pipeline across the desert. Despite its success, the project faced controversy, corruption, and personal tragedy, nearly tearing apart Australia as it became a Commonwealth.

In the mid-1800s, John McDouall Stuart's successful crossing of Australia's vast interior enabled Charles Todd's dream of a telegraph line, connecting Australia to the world. This revolutionized communications, reducing overseas news delivery from months to hours and establishing Adelaide as a colonial communications hub. Stuart's hardships led to his obscurity, while Todd became a hero.