The story starts in Wales at the end of the 18th Century and follows the life of "Charcoal" Williams, as well as other free settlers, Scottish immigrants, Irish political prisoners and convicts to the young New South Wales Colony. They become prospectors, miners, farmers, graziers, innkeepers and more and open the wilderness. Their families intertwine and help build the fabric of today's Australia. The other families involved in this story include:

ARGON FENNELL LAURIE RILEY BOON FRASER LIDDELL RYDER BROOKER HASTIE MAYNARD SURMAN DILLON HENRY McNEILL TURNER DODDS HINDON MITCHELL WADE DONEY JENKINS RAY WILSON