Wild Australia with Ray Mears Season 1 Episode 6 Desert

In season 1 episode 6 of Wild Australia with Ray Mears, titled "Desert," Ray Mears explores one of the most extreme and hostile environments on Earth, the Australian outback. From the red sands of the Simpson desert to the sunburnt earth of the Kimberley region, Ray uncovers the secrets of surviving in this harsh and unforgiving terrain.

The episode begins with Ray traveling to the Simpson desert, which spans over 143,000 square miles in the heart of Australia. With temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius, this is one of the driest and hottest deserts in the world. Ray explains how the indigenous people of this region, the Arrernte, have adapted to living in this harsh environment for thousands of years. He meets with a local elder who teaches him how to find water and other essential resources in the desert.

Next, Ray heads to the northern Kimberley region, where he meets with Mick, a local guide who takes him on a journey through the rugged terrain of the region. This area is home to some of the oldest rock art in the world, dating back over 40,000 years. Ray explains how the indigenous people of the Kimberley, the Wunambal, have a deep spiritual connection with the land and how they have used their knowledge of the environment to survive for generations.

Throughout the episode, Ray demonstrates various survival techniques that are essential in the desert. He shows viewers how to find water by digging for it or using plants to collect condensation. He also demonstrates how to build a shelter using natural materials, which provides protection from the extreme heat and cold temperatures of the desert.

Ray also encounters some of the unique wildlife found in the Australian outback, including the perentie, which is the largest monitor lizard in Australia, and the thorny devil, a type of lizard that is well adapted to surviving in the harsh desert conditions.

The episode concludes with Ray reflecting on the resilience and resourcefulness of the indigenous people who have survived in the Australian outback for thousands of years. He emphasizes the importance of respecting and understanding the natural world and the need to take care of our environment to ensure the survival of future generations.

Overall, "Desert" is an informative and engaging episode that highlights the challenges of surviving in one of the toughest environments on Earth. Ray Mears' passion for the natural world and his deep respect for indigenous culture make this an inspiring and educational show for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of Australia's outback.