Going Places with Ernie Dingo
SBS Running Travel
7 Seasons · 78 Episodes · Premiered December 4, 2016
Prepare to have your breath taken away by some of Australia's most spectacular scenery, and be moved by the real-life stories of the people Ernie meets in his quest to discover more about the country's popular tourist destinations.
Where to Watch:
SBS
Next Air Time: Fri, May 8 2026 9:30 AM GMT+0000
Seasons & Episodes
Season 1
3 episodes
E01
Great Barrier Reef
Sun, Dec 4 2016 1:00 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie travels to the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of north-eastern Queensland and meets people who have made this beautiful part of the world their home. He catches up with Yindinji elder Gudju Gudju who shows him the mangrove swamps, explaining their importance to the reef as a nursery for the multitude of fish species that inhabit the reef.At James Cook University, Ernie meets Jamie, a toxinologist who is extremely passionate about his work with the deadly creatures that inhabit the ocean. Jamie shares with Ernie his goal to educate the world with his knowledge, with the hope of protecting our oceans and natural environments.Ernie also takes a scuba dive with diving instructor Erin, and finds out what her job and living on the Reef means to her; and he meets couple Gareth, a skipper, and his partner Teresa, also a toxinologist, who are raising a family on knowing and loving the Reef.
E02
Uluru
Sun, Dec 11 2016 1:00 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie lands in Australia's red centre in the middle of winter and meets some of the people who live near the iconic "Uluru". He meets traditional Annangu owner Sammy and his partner Kathryn, and gets an insight into Sammy's view of this special place. Ernie is also invited by National Parks ranger Melinda and the local Annangu elders to take part in a controlled burn. He learns more about Mal, a woman who has spent the last 10 years of her life working in the shadow of Uluru and getting to know the Annangu people.Ernie meets a group of Indigenous people taking part in a training program that's been designed to give Indigenous people opportunities to gain employment in the hospitality industry. He is shown around by Leon, a young man who is trying to make his way in the world, and shares with Ernie what he sees as his future. Ernie takes a flight over Uluru with chopper-pilot Dave, seeing the rock formations from above and learning how this adventurous and well-travelled country boy ended up at Uluru.
E03
Kakadu
Sun, Dec 18 2016 1:00 AM GMT+0000
60 min
In the northern part of Kakadu National Park, Ernie encounters crocodiles while taking a cruise up the East Alligator River with Binning man Neville. Neville tells Ernie about his love for his job and why this part of the country if so special to him. Ernie brushes up on his camera skills, getting a lesson from landscape and wild-life photographer Louise, who is originally from the UK. The pair spends a day taking pictures of the diverse wildlife on the Yellow Water Billabong and Louise shares her passion for photography and love for Kakadu.Ernie takes to the skies by helicopter to look out over some spectacular Kakadu with Steve, who left his life as a policeman in England to become a pilot in the NT. Ernie spends a day with Ranger Trevor, exploring rock art and finds out there are still many more ‘rock art' sites in the area that are yet to be discovered. Ernie finds out more about Trevor, whose Indonesian father stowed away to Australia in the under carriage of a DC-10 aeroplane and grew up with the Binning people.
Season 2
11 episodes
E01
Cradle Mountain
Sun, Sep 2 2018 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie visits the breathtaking Cradle Mountain in Tasmania and meets a dedicated pilot, a focused young ranger, a wildlife conservationist and an insightful young Palawa man.
E02
Ikara
Sun, Sep 9 2018 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie travels to Ikara as known as Wilpena Pound in the spectacular Macdonald Ranges and meets an Adnyamathanha Elder, a passionate cultural guide, a young pilot and a National Park's ranger.
E03
Wet Tropics
Sun, Sep 16 2018 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie's trip to tropical North Queensland finds him meeting a respected Kuku Yalanji Elder, a river guide who's made a sea change and an environmentalist who is determined to change attitudes.
E04
The Great Ocean Road
Sun, Sep 23 2018 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie visits the Great Ocean Road and catches up with a local Gunditjmara/Kirrae Whurrong songman, he meets a passionate foodologist, and spends time with an entrepreneur with a taste for adventure.
E05
Waiben
Sun, Sep 30 2018 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
This week Ernie is in Waiben also known as the Thursday Island and meets a down to earth landscaper, an oyster farmer who's found his niche in the world and a Kaurereg Elder holding onto culture.
E06
Kangaroo Island
Sun, Oct 7 2018 8:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
E07
K'gari (Fraser Island)
Sun, Oct 21 2018 8:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
K'gari, also known as Fraser Island is Ernie's next destination. He meets up with a proud Butchulla man, a four wheel drive enthusiast and a determined woman with a special connection to whales.
E08
Blue Mountains
Sun, Nov 4 2018 8:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie visits the Blue Mountains in NSW to meet up with an enthusiastic cave guide, a Gundungurra man maintaining his connection to Country and a nature lover who finds solace in this wilderness.
E09
Phillip Island
Sun, Nov 11 2018 8:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
This week Ernie meets a Boonwurrung man with a love for the ocean, and an inspirational lady finding balance between farming and the environment and a marine biologist following her passion.
E10
Nitmiluk - Katherine Gorge
Sun, Nov 25 2018 8:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
In this episode Ernie visits Katherine and meets up with a visionary, a landscape photographer and a river guide who shares stories of the world famous Nitmiluk Gorge.
E11
Murchison
Sun, Dec 2 2018 8:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
In the season's finale, Ernie and his late brother Bucky take audiences back to their home town of Mullewa on the Murchison River. It is an entertaining, informative, and heartfelt episode.
Season 3
16 episodes
E01
Charlotte Pass
Sun, Jun 16 2019 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Join Ernie as he explores the stunning Snowy Mountains winter wonderland that is Charlotte Pass and meets up with three thrill seekers Didge, Trick and Maaika living out their dreams.
E02
Horizontal Falls
Sun, Jun 23 2019 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie visits the natural phenomenon that is Horizontal Falls, up in the remote Kimberley region, and learns what life is like for the young people working in this spectacular part of our country
E03
Yirrkala
Sun, Jun 30 2019 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
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 Country
E04
Mount Kosciuszko
Sun, Jul 7 2019 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Mount Kosciuszko in New South Wales is Ernie's destination this episode. He meets up with a passionate ecologist, a deep-thinking hiker, and a ranger, each with their own unique connection to the area.
E05
Broome
Sun, Jul 14 2019 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Broome in Western Australia is a place that's very close to Ernie's heart. Ernie gets to meet up with family, an old school mate, and a lady who is on the hunt for dinosaurs.
E06
Hervey Bay
Sun, Jul 21 2019 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie visits the Queensland coastal town of Hervey Bay and meets a Butchulla musician, a couple focused on eco-tourism and a man who shows off the migrating humpback whales.
E07
Jindabyne
Sun, Jul 28 2019 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie visits Jindabyne in New South Wales and goes angling with a trout fisherman, riding with a horse lover and drops in on a very talented sculptor all living their mountain change.
E08
Grampians
Sun, Aug 4 2019 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Join Ernie in the Grampians in Victoria as he visits a local cultural guide, goes kayaking with an outdoor enthusiast and gets introduced to the art of glass blowing.
E09
North Stradbroke Island
Thu, Aug 8 2019 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
E10
Lake Mungo
Thu, Aug 15 2019 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
E11
Gold Coast Hinterland
Thu, Aug 22 2019 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
E12
The Gold Coast
Thu, Aug 29 2019 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
E13
Strahan
Wed, Sep 4 2019 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
E14
Bruny Island
Wed, Sep 11 2019 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
E15
Ceduna
Wed, Sep 18 2019 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
E16
Port Lincoln
Wed, Sep 25 2019 9:35 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Season 4
12 episodes
E01
Whitsundays
Sun, Jan 31 2021 8:40 AM GMT+0000
60 min
In this series return, Ernie take a trip to Bowen to meet traditional owners taking on sea turtle research before meeting up with a couple who show him the stunning Whitsunday passage.
E02
Mary River
Sun, Feb 7 2021 8:40 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Along the Mary River in the Northern Territory, Ernie braves the heat and explores the wilds of the region by land, sea, and by air.
E03
Bathurst Island
Sun, Feb 14 2021 8:40 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie travels to Bathurst Island to meet a dedicated and passionate nun, a woman working with young families, and two local artists who share their love for their culture.
E04
Darwin
Sun, Feb 21 2021 8:40 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie meets three very interesting Darwin locals, each with their own connection to the land and to the wildlife that inhabits it.
E05
Melvile Island
Sun, Feb 28 2021 8:40 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie explores Melville Island and meets an expert carver, an Aussie with a passion for fishing, and a young man who's reached the pinnacle of AFL and has returned to work for his people.
E06
Cooktown
Sun, Mar 7 2021 8:40 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie explores the rugged rivers and mountains around Cooktown before meeting up with two salt-of-the-earth Elders, who’ve raised a large family and one very talented footballer.
E07
Capricorn Coast
Sun, Mar 14 2021 8:40 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie experiences Great Keppel with a Woppaburra elder, practices survival skills with a local pro, and gets his hands dirty learning pottery in the Byfield forest with two masters of the craft.
E08
Longreach
Sun, Mar 21 2021 8:40 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie and special guest Aaron Fa'aoso explore the outback town of Longreach, where they visit an ancient rock art site, a historic cattle station, and learn about the founding of QANTAS.
E09
Granite Belt
Sun, Mar 28 2021 8:40 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Guest host Aaron Fa'aoso takes a trip into the abundant Granite Belt where he conquers a mountain with a ranger, visits a family-owned apple orchard, and catches up with music legend Kev Carmody.
E10
Winton
Sun, Apr 4 2021 9:40 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie escapes to the charming town of Winton, where he meets the founder of a dinosaur museum, takes flight above the outback with a pilot, and spends an afternoon painting with a skilled artist.
E11
The Coorong
Sun, Apr 11 2021 9:40 AM GMT+0000
60 min
In southeast SA where the Murray River meets the ocean, Ernie kayaks the Coorong and connects with the Ngarrindjeri people, meeting a world-renowned weaver and visiting the community of David Unaipon.
E12
Murraylands
Sun, Apr 18 2021 9:40 AM GMT+0000
60 min
In the heart of the Murraylands, Ernie cruises on a historic paddle steamer, meets a keeper of African carnivores, learns the life of a Romani elder, and shares a special moment with David Gulpilil.
Season 5
12 episodes
E01
Pemberton, Bamaga, Broken Hill
Sat, Jul 8 2023 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Aaron's language and dancing skills are tested by people in his home town, Bamaga; Ernie tours through the forests and sand dunes of Pemberton.
E02
Bay of Fires, Fremantle, Healesville
Sat, Jul 15 2023 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Rae sets out to travel through the Bay of Fires in Tasmania; Narelda meets an inspiring Aboriginal youth; Ernie chats with the founder of Freo's.
E03
Fitzroy Crossing, Bellenden Ker, Inverloch
Sat, Jul 22 2023 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie explores the historic waterways of Danggu Gorge; Aaron meets a gifted woodcarver in Queensland's sugarcane heartland; Narelda has a go at natural horsemanship in rural Victoria.
E04
Augusta, Eden, Seisia
Sat, Jul 29 2023 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
E05
Bungle Bungles, Coranderrk, Cairns
Sat, Aug 5 2023 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
E06
Sunday Island, Atherton Tablelands, Hobart
Sat, Aug 12 2023 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
E07
Mallacoota, Bibra Lake, Narrandera
Sat, Aug 19 2023 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
E08
Dampier Peninsula, Litchfield, Menindee Lakes
Sat, Aug 26 2023 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
E09
Kununurra, Derwent River, Innisfail
Sat, Sep 2 2023 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
E10
Pajinka, Broome, Sunraysia
Sat, Sep 9 2023 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
E11
Wilsons Promontory, Wagga Wagga, Margaret River
Sat, Sep 16 2023 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
E12
Rottnest Island, Tamar Valley, Mildura
Sat, Sep 23 2023 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Season 6
12 episodes
E01
Ningaloo, Picola, Kalgoorlie
Thu, Oct 31 2024 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Join Ernie as he hits the deep blue with the biggest fish in the sea at Ningaloo Reef, Rae jams with a folk duo in regional Victoria, and Mark learns an iconic Aussie pastime in Kalgoorlie.
E02
Standley Chasm, Byron Bay, Mt Isa
Thu, Nov 7 2024 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie takes in the beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia, Bianca cozies up with Byron Bay's wildlife and Aaron learns to lasso with a cowboy in Queensland's rodeo-country.
E03
Abrolhos Islands, Glenreagh, Burketown
Thu, Nov 14 2024 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie experiences the otherworldly Abrolhos Islands, Bianca gets behind the lens with a photographer in the NSW Northern Rivers, and Aaron gets a birds eye view of the Gulf of Carpentaria.
E04
Townsville, Swan Reach, Bundaberg
Thu, Nov 21 2024 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie talks about the life and legacy of one of Australia's greatest heroes, Rae goes stargazing in SAs Murraylands, and Bianca talks history with two South Sea Islander descendants in Bundaberg.
E05
Alice Springs, Budj Bim, Walpole
Thu, Nov 28 2024 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie learns what it takes to be a cameleer in the Red Centre, Rae visits a world heritage cultural landscape in Victoria and Mark makes tracks on one of Australia's greatest walking trails.
E06
Seventeen Seventy, Narrawong, Geraldton
Thu, Dec 5 2024 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Bianca traverses the pristine coastline of Seventeen Seventy in outlandish style, Rae visits a family-owned lavender farm in Narrawong and Ernie puts brush to canvas with an old mate in Geraldton.Â
E07
Hermannsburg, Tamworth, Ulladulla
Thu, Dec 12 2024 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Bianca goes Country with an award-winning musician, Ernie witnesses the artistic legacy of Albert Namatjira in Central Australia, and Rae catches up with a community of Kombi collectors. Â
E08
Cape Le Grand, Shepparton, Perth
Thu, Dec 19 2024 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Mark walks the pure white sands of WAs Esperance region, Rae cooks up a storm in Shepparton with a local legend, and Ernie shoots the breeze with a life long mate in Perth.
E09
Coral Bay, Denmark, Albert River
Thu, Dec 26 2024 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie cruises WA's Coral Bay coast on a 4WD cultural tour, Mark learns the ropes of rock climbing in WA's Great Southern and Aaron sets out to catch his first barramundi in Queensland's Gulf Country.
E10
Batemans Bay, Mt Isa, Ingham
Thu, Jan 2 2025 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Rae learns from the national oyster shucking champion, Aaron meets a young man changing lives through fitness and culture and Ernie yarns all things food and history in Queensland's Little Italy.Â
E11
Wreck Bay, Mullumbimby, Girringun
Thu, Jan 9 2025 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Rae meets a matriarch and advocate in the Aboriginal Community of Wreck Bay, Bianca gets hands on with woodwork in Mullumbimby, and Ernie heads to tropical far north Queensland. Â
E12
Goldfields, Adelaide Hills, Laura
Thu, Jan 16 2025 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Mark digs for honey ants in WA's Goldfields, Rae spends a day with a chocolatier in the leafy Adelaide Hills, and Ernie visits one of the biggest Indigenous cultural gatherings in Australia.
Season 7
12 episodes
E01
Freycinet National Park
Fri, Feb 20 2026 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie learns local culture from a palawa guide and discovers what it takes to produce award winning wine with a local grower. Meanwhile, Mark hits the water for a kayaking adventure.
E02
Karijini National Park
Fri, Feb 27 2026 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie laces up the boots for a breath-taking gorges of Karijini, and lends a hand in shield-making with the local Mob. Brooke meets a colourful photorealism portrait artist in the town of Tom Price.
E03
Victorian High Country
Fri, Mar 6 2026 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
In the Victorian Alps, Rae goes sledding with a pack of Siberian huskies and meets a traditional hat maker keeping the art alive; Ernie takes a shot at a biathlon with an aspiring Olympian.
E04
Atherton Tablelands
Fri, Mar 13 2026 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie and Brooke ascend on the Atherton Tablelands by railway where Brooke goes on a nocturnal wildlife tour. Ernie meets a cultural guide in Chillagoe, and tries his hand at blacksmithing.
E05
Limestone Coast
Fri, Mar 20 2026 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
On South Australia's Limestone Coast, Mark scuba dives the crystal clear water of a sinkhole and learns about the ancient landscape from a Boandik elder. Ernie comes face-to-face with million-year-old megafauna.
E06
Karratha
Fri, Mar 27 2026 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Brooke meets the marine life of the Dampier archipelago and has a crack at roping with a rodeo champion in Karratha; Ernie visits the world's largest sites of rock art engravings.
E07
New England Highlands
Fri, Apr 3 2026 8:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie celebrates St Andrew's Day in Australia's Celtic capital and explores the Gondwanan-era Washpool National Park, while Rae takes a joy ride over Armidale in a WWII warbird.
E08
Tasman Peninsula, TAS
Fri, Apr 10 2026 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Mark takes in the dramatic sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula by boat and learns the art of whisky distilling. Ernie visits a safe haven for the adorable but endangered Tasmanian Devil.
E09
Byron & Coffs Coast, NSW
Fri, Apr 17 2026 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie catches up with pro-surfer and artist Otis Carey, and gets a cultural tour in Coffs Harbour with the Gumbaynggirr mob, Rae learns how our cuppas go from crop-to-cup at a local coffee farm.
E10
Reef & Rainforest
Fri, Apr 24 2026 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie returns to the Great Barrier Reef to meet the young mob helping to restore it and goes croc-spotting on the Daintree River; Brooke walks the coast to catch a feed of mud crab.
E11
Clarence Valley
Fri, May 1 2026 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Ernie meets a sculptor creating wildlife out of scrap metal and gets a tour of the region with a passionate local. Rae cruises the Clarence River with a Yaegl artist to learn how it inspires her work.
E12
The Red Centre
Fri, May 8 2026 9:30 AM GMT+0000
60 min
Brooke trains with one of Australia's most accomplished First Nations marathon runners and learns from a local skateboarding icon. Ernie gets up close and personal with local wildlife.
Cast
Ernie Dingo
as Presenter
Mark Coles Smith
as Presenter
Aaron Fa'aoso
as Presenter
Bianca Hunt
as Presenter
Rae Johnston
as Presenter