Episode 1: Atherton TablelandsEpisode 2: Bats and PossumsEpisode 3: Cape TribulationEpisode 4: Great Barrier ReefEpisode 5: Wildlife HabitatEpisode 6: Nina's ArkEpisode 7: Northern TerritoryEpisode 8: The Great Northern AdventureEpisode 9: Moonlit SanctuaryEpisode 10: Wildlife VictoriaEpisode 11: Dingoes, Wombats and DevilsEpisode 12: Kangaroo Island AdventureEpisode 13: Bikes and SnakesEpisode 14: Last Day on the Island

Animal Encounters

Three friends. One continent. Every creature in between.

Season 3 · Australia2026TV Series14 episodes28 minDocumentary · Nature · TraveloguePending release
Crew

Three adventurers meet the people protecting Australia's wildest places, from the Daintree and Kakadu to Kangaroo Island, in a 14-part journey through the country's wildlife, landscapes and the conservationists fighting for them.

A Rubicon Films and True South Media co-production

14 Episodes

Season 3 · Australia

S3.E1Atherton Tablelands

28 min

Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you can't plan. The three friends take to the skies in a hot air balloon, where the wind, not a map, dictates their course. As Autumn receives unexpected life and career advice from the balloon pilot, she begins to see her future in a new light. Later, they set out on a mission to find the elusive platypus. But nature has a surprise in store—an unexpected encounter with a rare tree kangaroo, hidden in plain sight.

S3.E2Bats and Possums

28 min

Fear often stems from the unknown. Loana has spent years fearing bats, but a visit to the Tolga Bat Hospital forces her to confront her childhood trauma. Can understanding these creatures change her perspective? The trio also gets up close to the unique rock wallabies of Granite Gorge before heading out on a thrilling night-spotting adventure, where the dark forest reveals creatures they never expected to see.

S3.E3Cape Tribulation

28 min

Cape Tribulation has endured fierce cyclones and flooding, yet life always finds a way to recover. As Loana reflects on her late grandfather during a horseback ride, she realises that healing, like nature, takes time. The trio then snorkels over a reef that has defied the odds, proving resilience is woven into the fabric of life. Their final adventure takes them deep into crocodile territory—will they come face to face with Scarface, the legendary 80-year-old croc with just two teeth left?

S3.E4Great Barrier Reef

28 min

Two massive cyclones and coral bleaching have tested the Great Barrier Reef. Yet, the ocean is full of surprises. Annalise embarks on a scuba diving trip while Autumn and Loana snorkel, discovering firsthand how marine life is reclaiming its home. Meanwhile, renowned underwater cinematographer Tom Park captures footage of the reef's remarkable ability to bounce back, revealing the story of resilience beneath the waves.

S3.E5Wildlife Habitat

28 min

To protect something, you first need to understand it. The trio ventures deep into the Daintree Rainforest, where towering trees and ancient ferns whisper the secrets of time. At the Wildlife Habitat, they enter five immersive ecosystems, coming face to face with some of Australia's most fascinating creatures—from the prehistoric cassowary to the elusive mahogany glider.

S3.E6Nina's Ark

28 min

Some people dedicate their lives to protecting animals, and Nina is one of them. Every morning, she calls the kangaroos she has rescued, and hundreds answer. The trio witnesses her powerful bond with these creatures and learns the importance of standing up for those who can't speak for themselves. Later, in Litchfield National Park, beauty gives way to tension when they must cross a river they cannot gauge—without stepping in to test the depth, because crocodiles may be lurking below.

S3.E7Northern Territory

28 min

Crocodiles are often seen as villains, but in Kakadu National Park, they play a vital role in the ecosystem. At Crocodylus Park, we meet crocodile expert Prof. Grahame Webb, who challenges what they thought they knew about conservation. After visiting the famous termite mounds, the trio set out on a sunset cruise where they come face to face with crocodiles in the wild.

S3.E8The Great Northern Adventure

28 min

As the sun rises, the trio heads back onto Yellow Water Billabong, where the wetlands come alive in the early light. Later, at Cahill's Crossing, they witness the remarkable hunting behaviour of crocodiles—seen nowhere else on earth. Their journey is enriched by Mandy, whose deep understanding of this harsh and beautiful landscape has been shaped by a lifetime on the billabongs and the wisdom of her family and culture.

S3.E9Moonlit Sanctuary

28 min

Australia is home to some of the most endangered species on the planet. At Moonlit Sanctuary, the trio learns about conservation efforts to save these animals from disappearing forever. As night falls, the sanctuary transforms into a magical world of nocturnal creatures, illuminated by lantern-lit tours. Will these species survive, or are they on the brink of vanishing into history?

S3.E10Wildlife Victoria

28 min

Not all heroes wear capes—some wear rescue gear. Wildlife Victoria operates a 24/7 emergency response service, connecting injured and orphaned animals with volunteers. The trio follows these everyday heroes in action, witnessing firsthand how their tireless dedication makes a difference. In a world where human expansion threatens wildlife, it is people like these who help tip the balance in nature's favour.

S3.E11Dingoes, Wombats and Devils

28 min

Ballarat's wildlife sanctuaries offer a rare glimpse into Australia's most iconic yet endangered species. The trio spends a day up close with dingoes, wombats, Tasmanian devils, and emus—each with their own conservation story. From the misunderstood dingo to the tenacious Tasmanian devil, they discover the importance of keeping these species safe for generations to come.

S3.E12Kangaroo Island Adventure

28 min

Sometimes, the places that have suffered most reveal the strongest signs of hope. On Kangaroo Island, often called the Galápagos of Australia, the trio encounters the greatest concentration of wildlife on their journey so far. Though the island was devastated by the fires of 2019 and 2020, its people and wildlife remain remarkably resilient. As they walk through Hanson Bay, spotting wild koalas, they see hope all around them. Later, dressed in stylish beekeeping suits, they join owner Brenton to discover the fascinating world of bees—and why these small creatures matter so much to life on earth.

S3.E13Bikes and Snakes

28 min

As the journey draws closer to its end, every moment begins to feel more precious. With Autumn preparing to leave Australia, the trio makes the most of their final adventures together. The day begins with some of Australia's most iconic birdlife, before Loana pushes beyond her comfort zone by facing her fear of quad bikes. Later, at Raptor Domain, she is confronted with an even greater challenge when her fear of snakes is put to the ultimate test.

S3.E14Last Day on the Island

28 min

Some beaches are made for people, but this one belongs to the Australian fur seals. On Kangaroo Island, the trio encounters these beautiful animals in a wild place where they are protected, yet still in decline. Later, at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, they feed and cuddle some of the island's cutest kangaroos. But as their final day together unfolds, Autumn makes a heartfelt invitation—will her two friends join her for a new adventure in New Zealand?

Storyline

A Rubicon Films and True South Media co-production.

DocumentaryNatureTravelogueTagline: Three friends. One continent. Every creature in between.

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