Heather Ewart is an award-winning journalist and host of the ABC’s Back Roads. She recently turned her explorations into a book, Back Roads: The Great Aussie Road Trip.
The towns of Murchison and Nagambie are even mentioned in the book!
Back Roads
Nearly 10 years ago, Heather’s career took a turn. She was working as the ABC’s chief political editor when she was asked to host Back Roads, a popular TV show that takes viewers on journeys across Australia.
“Politics can be dividing. It’s nice to go places where you’re welcomed,” she said.
Nearly 10 years after the first episode aired on the ABC, her mission has been showcasing Aussie road trips, putting small towns on the map and communities in the spotlight.
In filming 10 seasons of the show, Heather has travelled thousands of kilometres across the country.
“I would’ve never dreamt it could still go on 10 years later,” she said.
Back Roads: The Great Aussie Road Trip
Recently, Heather turned her explorations into a book, Back Roads: The Great Aussie Road Trip, where she compiled her insights on where to see the most stunning places in Australia.
A launch was recently held at Longleat Estates in Murchison. Heather invoked the importance of being close to her roots, friends and family for the launch.
“Mum and Dad’s families have been around Nagambie since the 1860s,” she said.
“I grew up in the country near Murchison and went to primary school there. I’ve always felt strongly attached to my rural background.”
During her latest Back Roads shoot, Heather was injured in an accident on set, which resulted in a broken arm and wrist. However, injury or not, that hasn’t stopped her from travelling across the country to launch her book.
“I hadn’t planned to be there with a broken arm and a sling,” she said.
“Never do things by halves!”
Genesis of the book
So, what prompted Heather to write the book?
“Many family members and friends would come up to me for recommendations for trips around Australia,” she said.
“And on the filming of Back Roads, I’ve also met many fellow travellers who, inspired by the show, would recreate the road trips we featured. So, I thought writing up a book would be a good idea.”
It took Heather over a year to write — between doing Back Roads film shoots and creating new episodes.
“Little did I know how much work it would be!” she said.
“Getting maps out to ensure you give people the right directions proved to be a lot more work than expected, but once I started, there was no going back.”
Heather’s research was made easier with the old Back Roads scripts she had kept. Most importantly, she credited the many people she interviewed over the years who had become friends with whom she stayed in touch.
“It was so lovely getting in touch with everyone again,” Heather said.
Favourite place?
“I never say I have a favourite town — they’re all so different,” she said.
“I’d say where I grew up is my favourite place, as all my friends and family are there. I featured towns in the book I didn’t go to with the show, such as Murchison and Nagambie. It’s always good to give your home town a bit of a plug.
“Some of my highlights from Back Roads include the outback, Victoria’s High Country and Tasmania.
“I feel privileged to have seen many beautiful places around Australia.”
Favourite memory?
Heather said there were “too many”.
But eventually, she recalled meeting two hairdressers on her way to North Queensland. The pair “set up shop in all sorts of places just to cut people’s hair”.
“I thought it was such a marvellous service they provided to people,” she said.
Heather also mentioned the last Mother’s Day she got to spend on a farm with her mum, Honor Ewart, her family and loved ones in Corryong.
Sitting by a bonfire, with country singer Fanny Lumsden playing the guitar while Fanny’s father recited poetry, remains “a very special moment” for Heather.
Whether you want to see the Oodnadatta Track or travel the Great Alpine Road, Heather’s latest book has recommendations for all states.
Back Roads: The Great Aussie Road Trip has something to offer to everyone.