Think you know Australia's history? Think again.
22 September, 2025
Media releases
The Idea of Australia is an ambitious landmark documentary series presented by Rachel Griffiths that explores the myths of our nation
Premieres Wednesday 15 October at 7:30pm on SBS and SBS On Demand
Interviews available
Trailer here
Images here
Screeners here
Episodes continue weekly
Australia's identity is shaped by lore - the fair go,' a multicultural haven, a sporting nation, and the values of mateship, sacrifice, and the larrikin spirit. But how much of this is reality, and how much is a story we've told ourselves? Presented by Academy Award nominee Rachel Griffiths AM (Total Control, Muriel's Wedding, Hacksaw Ridge, Brothers & Sisters), the landmark documentary event The Idea of Australia isn't a retelling of history; it's a reimagining of the future. What does it really mean to be Australian, and where do we go from here? The series airs Wednesdays from 15 October at 7:30pm on SBS and SBS On Demand.
The Idea of Australia delves into the myths of Australia, not to question their truth, but to invite a deeper exploration of the stories, beliefs, and cultural narratives that have shaped our understanding of the land and its people.
It's a unique proposition for a documentary series to view the nation through a cultural lens and shed light on our Australian identity. Over four ambitious episodes, discover the rich and complex evolution of our nation; the surprising, shocking moments of our past, and what it means to be Australian today.
Presenter, Rachel Griffiths said: For the best part of 20 years, my career took me overseas. I was always homesick. The joy of returning sparked unexpected questions and conversations. My nostalgic view of Australia was challenged by the place I returned to. I realised that my idea of Australia was perhaps a bit out of date. I'm honoured to once again be working with Blackfella Films and SBS, to speak with a diverse mix of Australians about their stories and histories, and to look towards a brighter future.
This ambitious series features over 60 master interviews with historians, experts, and significant public figures. Rachel is joined by a powerhouse line-up of pioneering Australians including the Governor-General of Australia Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, filmmaker Rachel Perkins, journalist Ray Martin AM, journalist and author Kerry O'Brien, activist and 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame, author and union official Thomas Mayo, economist Dr Ken Henry AC, author Bruce Pascoe, journalist and author Joyce Moullakis, anthropologist and author Professor Marcia Langton AO, historian Professor Henry Reynolds, former Socceroo and human rights advocate Craig Foster AM, actor, writer and producer Pallavi Sharda, author Julianne Schultz AM, and more. The series also features personal opinions, testimony and popular culture archives.
The Idea of Australia explores the stories we tell ourselves. The contradictions and ironies that we grapple with. A nation shaped by immigration that struggles with racism. A fair go' egalitarian society that's experiencing a growing gap between rich and poori. A culturally rich, wondrously vibrant, and creative country, that has long battled to forge itself and come of age. Ultimately, this series explores the past to make sense of today and imagine a tomorrow founded upon the best of what and who we truly are.
From the Australian Wars and Federation to forgotten queer bushrangers, today's housing crisis, modern flashpoints, and storytellers who have defined the nation's image, the series uncovers histories many Australians were never taught in school, and amplifies voices often left out of the mainstream.
The unique landscapes of Australia provide a visually stunning backdrop against which bold ideas are unpacked and explored with thought-provoking and emotionally engaging storytelling.
SBS Head of Unscripted, Joseph Maxwell, said: This series is SBS at its boldest. At times provocative and always revealing and insightful, this landmark series asks big questions about who we are as a nation.
Rachel Griffiths is joined by a stellar line-up of commentators that will inspire viewers to reflect on what it means to be an Australian and celebrate the stories that connect us all.
Blackfella Films Managing Director, Darren Dale, said: Blackfella Films Managing Director, Darren Dale, said: Blackfella Films is passionate about making factual content with purpose that shines a light on Australian identity. In a rapidly changing country and world, it's more important than ever to ask who are we and what do we want to become? We hope The Idea of Australia sparks debate and conversations and as a nation we can learn from our past and move forward with ideas that unite, rather than divides us.
Screen Australia's Head of Documentary, Richard Huddleston, said: Examining the national identity of Australia is no easy task it is multifaceted, complex and evolving. With an inquisitive approach, this series delicately weaves our stories together so we can better understand our past in order to give audiences a stronger sense of our collective future.
Head of Screen NSW, Kyas Hepworth, said: Blackfella Films continues to create ground-breaking, high quality Australian content, and Screen NSW is pleased to support them bring another series to audiences which promises to be thought-provoking. With presenter Rachel Griffiths and renowned interviewees including Sam Mostyn AC and Rachel Perkins, I'm sure The Idea of Australia will inspire conversations around Australia when it airs on SBS.
The series is inspired and based on the book The Idea of Australia: A search for the soul of the nation' by Julianne Schultz AM.
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Think you know Australia's history? Think again. 
