Hector makes a return Down Under

New TG4 series fron OZ/NZ

Intrepid traveller Hector Ó hEochagáin dives Down Under for an epic adventure across Australia and New Zealand in his latest travel series for TG4.

In trademark style, the Navan native ventures beyond the typical tourist traps to tap into the heart of what makes both countries tick. Returning to Australia after a 19 year absence, Hector hits the ground running in the cultural melting pot of Melbourne, where Aboriginal elder Aunty Joy warmly welcomes him onto traditional lands. From here, he explores regional Victoria, before hitching a lift with an outback pilot to the underground town of Coober Pedy where classic characters are a dime a dozen.

It’s hot and dusty, but that doesn’t stop the outback mailman from hitting the road with Hector in tow, the adventurer ultimately making his way to the red centre of Alice Springs. A flight to Perth uncovers why so many Irish are drawn to Australia’s West. Here, too, Hector hears heartbreaking stories of a stolen generation and follows in the footsteps of ancient astronomers. In remote Broome, Hector meets a man connected to the iconic pearl industry before continuing his outback adventures in North Queensland, where cattle stations and campfires are merely part of country life. He digs deeper into the iconic mining town of Mt Isa before travelling east to explore Queensland’s famous coast. A road trip from Brisbane to Sydney takes Hector into New South Wales before hitting Sydney’s sparkling harbour.

A journey across New Zealand’s North Island, starting in Auckland, where Hector embraces Maori culture and modern Kiwi life. En route to Wellington, there’s a taste of rural life with a visit to a kiwi fruit farm, a traditional feast and a meet-up with activist Tame Iti. A spectacular rail ride carries him across the Island to Christchurch, where he uncovers an entrepreneurial city looking to the future. His Down Under odyssey ends with breathtaking city views from a rescue helicopter — a perfect finale to an unforgettable journey.

'Hector OZ/NZ' goes out on TG4 on Thursdays at 9.30pm.

Meanwhile, Hector’s second book on the Irish language, ‘An Irish Word a Day’ has been published by Gill.

Month-by-month, through stories, words and phrases, he takes us through the year with words from the practical to the magical, for every season and new moon.