Watch The Outback

The Outback is a nature documentary series by PBS that explores the unique and remarkable ecosystems of Australia's Outback. The six-part series follows various wildlife species in the isolated regions of Australia and the adaptations they have made to survive in one of the most challenging environments on the planet.

The episodes cover an array of topics, ranging from the animals, plant life, and geological formations to the cultural history and the people living in the Outback. Presented by Dr. Chris Dickman, an ecologist and head of the Biological Sciences of the University of Sydney, the series provides a fascinating insight into the vast and ancient land.

The first episode, "The Kimberley," introduces the viewers to the Kimberley region, which boasts a rich history of biodiversity and human occupation. Viewers witness the ancient wildlife of the region, including saltwater crocodiles, kangaroos, and giant monitor lizards, as well as the reconciliation efforts undertaken by the Ngarinyin, the traditional owners of the land.

In the second episode, "The Pilbara," the focus shifts to the red-walled outcrop that covers the 500,000-square-kilometer Western Australian Pilbara. The audiences explore the unique flora and fauna of the region, including the rock wallaby and the ghost bat. The episode also features the story of the Murujuga (the Burrup Peninsula) and its significance as a place of cultural heritage.

The third episode, "Arnhem Land," focuses on the Yolngu people of Northeast Arnhem Land. The episode introduces viewers to the traditional art, music, and poetry of the Yolngu and how it connects them to their land. The audience is taken on a journey through the iconic Kakadu National Park, where they witness the wildlife, such as the saltwater crocodile, agile wallaby, and green sea turtle.

In episode four, "The Red Centre," viewers see the red heart of Australia and explore its ancient landscape. The episode covers the critically endangered black-flanked rock wallaby, the false Death Adder, and other wildlife. The episode also gives an insight into the recent history of the land, including its significance for the Indigenous community and the impact of ongoing mining on the country's natural resources.

The fifth episode, titled "The Southwest," offers a glimpse into the terrestrial and marine biodiversity of the southwest corner of Western Australia. Viewers witness the stunning beauty of the Ningaloo Reef, which is the longest fringing reef in the world, as well as the unique wildlife of the southwest, such as the numbat, Baudin's black cockatoo, and the quokka.

The sixth and final episode, "The Top End," looks at the Northern Territory's iconic landscapes and its unique wildlife. The episode covers the atmospheric wetlands of the Kakadu, the hot springs of the Litchfield National Park, the bull shark-infested rivers of the Northern Territory, and the saltwater crocodiles of the Adelaide River.

Overall, The Outback is an engaging and informative documentary that explores the fascinating and often-unseen corners of Australia's legendary and mysterious Outback. The series utilizes the latest technology and techniques to capture pristine wilderness footage that reveals the unique animals, cultural values, and fragile ecosystems of the land down under. Its educational value is high, and its approach to conservation and Indigenous culture is both respectful and insightful.

The Outback is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (3 episodes). The series first aired on August 1, 2018.