Here's where Ernie Dingo goes in the new season of his travel show

EPISODE GUIDE: Where would you most like to visit?

Ernie Dingo shows off Australia's finest in Season 3 of his travel program, Going Places with Ernie Dingo. Source: Wayne Quilliam

EPISODE ONE

CHARLOTTE PASS, NSW

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The cold climate, high peaks and alpine lakes of the Snowy Mountains is vastly different to the sunburnt country that has become our iconic portrayal of Australia.

For thousands of years, the Monaro-Ngarigo Country saw the arrival of various Aboriginal groups, coming to the high country for feasting and ceremony, as the summer migration of the Bogong moth would swarm from southern Queensland to the region. Today, visitors make use of the terrains ski fields and hiking tracks. 

Nestled within Kosciuszko National Park and named after the first European woman to climb the Mt. Kosciuszko, Charlotte Adams, 'Charlotte Pass' is Australia's highest permanent settlement elevated at 1,837 metres above sea level. 

As Ernie explores the stunning village (that is so thick with snow in winter, it can only be accessed by special snow transport), he meets with three spirited thrill seekers Didj, Trick and Maaika, who are living out their winter wonderland dreams where the snow gums grow and the enchanting energy of the snow peaks whisper.  

 

EPISODE TWO

HORIZONTAL FALLS, WA

Going Places with Ernie Dingo Season 3 sees him visit stunning Horizon Falls, WA (NITV) Source: NITV

Described by Sir David Attenborough as "one of the greatest wonders of the natural world", the remote Kimberley region lies a tidal current, which rapidly fast-moves through two narrow gorges and produces a literal 'horizontal waterfall' (a waterfall on its side). 

Visitors can only witness this natural phenomenon via. scenic flight or up close and person on a thrilling boat ride.    

Ernie visits this 'must see' destination and learns what life is like for the young people working in this spectacular part of our country.

 

EPISODE THREE

YIRRKALA, NT

Going Places with Ernie Dingo Season 3 visits the Aboriginal community, Yirrkala, NT (NITV) Source: NITV

Located in NT's Arnhem Land, Yirrkala is rich with culture and home to a number of acclaimed Indigenous artists, including music legends Yothu Yindi and painter Roy Marika. It is the traditional home of the Yidaki (Didgeridoo) and was where the historic 1963 Bark Petition was created.

With a stretch of shady beach with tan-orange sand and bright blue water, Ernie visits the small community of Yirrkala in the Northern Territory to reconnect with some of the local Yolngu People and to learn more about what’s happening on County. 

 

EPISODE FOUR

MOUNT KOSCIUSZKO, NSW

Going Places with Ernie Dingo Season 3 visits high country, Mt. Kosciuszko (NITV) Source: NITV

Australia's highest mountain, standing at 2,228 is approximately one-quarter the height of Mt. Everest. However, it is less of a mountaineering peak and instead, is comprised of large boulders and sedimentary rocks, forming gentle slopes with low altitude and breathtaking views.

The Indigenous Ngarigo name for the great mountain is Tar-gan-gil, which describes the Bogong Moth, a species which migrates to the region in spring and summer.    

Here, Ernie meets three people with a unique connection to the area; a passionate ecologist, a deep-thinking hiker and a ranger. 

 

EPISODE FIVE

BROOME, WA

Going Places with Ernie Dingo Season 3 visits the coastal town of Broome, WA. (NITV) Source: NITV

Situated a little over 2000km north of Perth, Broome is a coastal town with a 22km-long stretch of white sand meeting the aqua blue waters of the Indian Ocean. On the opposite side, inland sits the vast rich red soil of the Pindan desert.

Tourism plays a major role in Broome (Yawuru Country), not only for its spectacular natural landscapes, but also for its unique history; paleontological findings and the pearling mecca established in the 1880s. 

Being from Western Australia, Broome is a place very close to Ernie’s heart. In this episode, he meets up with family, an old school mate and a lady who is on the hunt for dinosaurs.  

 

EPISODE SIX

HERVEY BAY, QLD

Ernie Dingo visits Hervey Bay, QLD in Season 3 of Going Places. (NITV) Source: NITV

This aquatic paradise on the Fraser Coast region of Queensland is known for its dingo population, humpback whale sightings and tourism industry.  

While there is a rich history of the Butchulla people living here for tens of thousands of years, as the traditional owners of the land,  the colonial history of this area is complicated and sad, with great conflicts between European invaders and Indigenous people occurring throughout the 20th Century.  

During his visit, Ernie meets a Butchulla musician, a couple focused on eco-tourism and a man who loves showing off the migrating whales. 

 

EPISODE SEVEN

JINDABYNE, NSW

Ernie rides on horseback as he meets the locals in Jindabyne, NSW (NITV) Source: NITV

Overlooking the alpine waters of Lake Jindabyne near the Snowy Mountains, the township was relocated in the 1960s after the development of the mega hydroelectricity system, the Snowy Mountains Scheme.  

As Ernie explores the Snowy Mountains region, he angles with a trout fisherman, goes riding with a horse lover and drops in on a very talented sculptor.  

 

EPISODE EIGHT

GRAMPIANS, VIC

Ernie Dingo visits the Grampians National Park, Victoria in Season 3 of Going Places with Ernie Dingo (NITV) Source: NITV

The Grampians National Park has spectacular views from natural sandstone balconies, as well as rich ancient rock art from the Jardwadjali and the Djab Wurrung peoples, giving the landscape World Heritage status.   

The area is overwhelmed with at least 800 native plant species, 20 of which are recorded as endemic. During the right time of year, the flora can provide the country's greatest natural wildflower display. Unsurprisingly, the healthy natural environment is home to Australia's most recognisable wildlife from kangaroos, to possums, koalas and even platypus. 

Join Ernie in the Grampians in Victoria as he meets a cultural guide, goes kayaking with an outdoor enthusiast and is introduced to the art of glass blowing. 

 

EPISODE NINE

STRADBROKE ISLAND, QLD

Ernie visits Queensland's Stradbroke Island on Going Places Season 3 (NITV) Source: NITV

At 38km long, Stradbroke Island, also known as "Minjerribah" to the traditional Quandamooka people is the world's second largest sand island.

Not far from Brisbane, the sub-tropical environment boasts white beaches and scenic headlands, and is officially proclaimed Native Title to the traditional owners. 

Ernie meets these Owners, as well as spends time with a talented artist and gets up close and personal with Manta Rays.     

 

EPISODE TEN

LAKE MUNGO, NSW

Ernie Dingo visits Lake Mungo, NSW on Season 3 of Going Places (NITV) Source: NITV

The dry and remote Lake Mungo in New South Wales' west is Ernie’s destination to meet up with a Traditional Owner, a Guide and an AFLW footy player working on her farm.  

 

EPISODE ELEVEN

GOLD COAST HINTERLAND, QLD

Curtis Falls, Mount Tamborine National Park, South East Queensland, Gold Coast Hinterland (Getty) Source: iStockphoto

The Gold Coast hinterland is located in South East Queensland, that comprises the Tweed Range, Nimmel Range, Tamborine Mountain, Numinbah Valley, eastern parts of the McPherson Range and western parts of suburban Gold Coast, such as Mudgeeraba.

Known as Australia's "best-kept secret", the area boasts rainforests with inviting swimming holes, tumbling water holes and chilled creeks.

Ernie explores Yugambeh country first with a hot air balloonist, then through eyes of an artist and lastly, with the experiences of a young Traditional Owner. 

 

EPISODE TWELVE

GOLD COAST, QLD

An aerial view at sunset of Surfers Paradise on Queensland's Gold Coast in Australia (Getty) Source: iStockphoto

Largely known for schoolies, theme parks and Margot Robbie, Queensland's Gold Coast is where metropolitan skyscrapers meet natural long sandy beaches. It's one of the country's fastest-growing regions, but still maintains its pristine coastline which stretches 70km long.   

Here, Ernie finds out how life is for three Gold Coast residents; an actor, a young man embracing his culture and an ex iron woman and mother.

 

EPISODE THIRTEEN

STRAHAN, TAS

Hell's Gates lighthouse in Tasmania, location of Going Places Ernie Dingo Season 3 (Getty) Source: iStockphoto

Ernie lands in the rugged North West Coast of Tasmania, a former port featuring Strahan Harbour and Risby Cove. It's one of the most isolated outposts of Australia, but beautiful, with the unspoiled beauty of the region's cold and wet landscape. 

The region has a haunting convict past, with the British bringing their most hardened criminals to the area's penal colony in the 1800s. 

With a population of only 600-odd,  Ernie meets a steam train driver, explores the Macquarie Harbour with a skipper and visits thousand-year-old Huon Pines with a conservationist. 

 

EPISODE FOURTEEN

PORT LINCOLN, SA

Fishing boats at Port Lincoln, SA (Getty Images) Source: E+

Port Lincoln is a small harbour city on the Eyre Peninsula, largely known for its fishing industry and seafood delicacies. 

Here, Ernie meets an ex- oyster farming couple, he swims with wild sea lions (and a marine biologist) and learns about great white pointer sharks from a passionate skipper. 

 

EPISODE FIFTEEN

BRUNY ISLAND, TAS

Bruny Island, Tasmania is visited by Ernie Dingo on his third season of 'Going Places' (Getty) Source: iStockphoto

Beautiful Tassie wilderness region, Bruny Island offers the country's most stunning bushwalks with fascinating wildlife from fairy penguins to fur seals, and plentiful birds for watching. 

Ernie explores its rugged coastline with a skipper, is taken birdwatching by a local enthusiast and shown Country by an Aboriginal leader.

 

EPISODE SIXTEEN

CEDUNA, SA

The town of Ceduna, SA is nearby the famous Nullarbor Plain (Getty) Source: Moment RF

Ceduna is the small town located on the shores of Murat Bay on the west of the Eyre Peninsula. It's an Anglicised version of the Aboriginal Wirangu word "Chedoona", meaning to sit down and rest. It is the last township before crossing the dry and arid Nullabor Plain, which runs all the way to the west Country.   

Ernie visits Ceduna in South Australia and meets Felicity a softly-spoken pilot, Peter a dedicated footy fan and Perry a passionate fisherman and learns all about life in this small coastal town. 

 

... And stay tuned for four more special edition episodes as the 2019 season comes to a close.  

 

Season 3 of Going Places With Ernie Dingo explores these wild places and more, starting on Wednesday, 12 June at 7.30pm on SBS and on Sunday, 16 June at 7.30pm on NITV.

Catch up on the episodes after broadcast on SBS On Demand.