Heather Ewart, the presenter of the series Back Roads, bid adieu to the audience after ten great years of rural storytelling. The final feature aired on 31 July 2025 and presented a fitting end to the iconic journey of Ewart on ABC Television.
Ewart, whose journalism career spans almost 50 years in Australia, has used Back Roads to showcase remote communities and seldom-heard voices. It has been dry highways and flooded plains: over 100 towns and hamlets have been visited.
The show became a nationwide hit; its warm image of rural life was attractive to audiences. For Ewart, Back Roads was never just a TV gig: it was a passion project.
Heather Ewart ends 10-year Back Roads journey with final episode airing on 31 July 2025.
What made Back Roads so different?
According to Heather Ewart, Back Roads worked because it told uplifting stories from the bush. Rather than dwell on suffering, it celebrated strength, culture, and community spirit.
Ewart’s original pitch to ABC was of a modestly budgeted production. In less than week, it shot to popularity, with city and country alike finding common ground in those human stories.
It was Ewart’s reputation that helped the show to be made. But it was those people — the townsfolk — who kept the viewers coming back each week.
Where was her final episode filmed?
The farewell episode took place in Murchison, Victoria, the childhood hometown of Ms. Ewart. Ms. Ewart said that it was a full-circle moment, in reflection of the career and roots.
Filming took place at her family’s property. A community event had been organised, bringing all local people together to honour her work. She said that it was heartfelt—truly personal.
It was her choice to return to Murchison for the finale. She felt it was a fitting tribute to the place that nurtured her and began her passion for storytelling.
James Stewart sings a farewell tune in Goulburn Valley as Heather Ewart wraps up her final Back Roads episode
Why does this departure matter?
Back Roads host Heather Ewart was more than just a presenter: She was a bridge that connected Australians to stories they might have never heard of.
The ABC and rural Australia are now reaching the end of a chapter with her departure. Her storytelling was filled with compassion and sincerity. She never sensationalised or trivialised the lives of the people from the regions.
She built trust. Farmers, truck drivers, pub owners and schoolchildren have opened their doors and hearts to her.
Now, with the presenter leaving, the question of the future of the show certainly arises. The ABC has since confirmed that the show will continue, but the identity of the new presenter will be announced in due course.
What were her most memorable moments?
Ewart reflected on numerous memories from the road. Some stood out, of course. She jumped off a bridge in Brunswick Heads and had to join a buffalo hunt near Adelaide River.
She shot inside Nullarbor caves and filmed a pub that saved a dying town. In Hebel, NSW, she covered mental health with courage and compassion.
Her favourite ones weren’t necessarily the dramatic ones; sometimes a quiet conversation with an old pensioner or a good laugh over tea was what stuck with her.
Every episode taught her something about the people, the culture, and even her own country.
Middleton in Qld that is!
— Heather Ewart (@heatherewart1) July 31, 2025
What’s next for Heather Ewart?
Ewart is retiring from Back Roads but is not disappearing. She intends to privately thank the communities that have been featured over the years.
She is also keen to explore new roles within the ABC, but free from the weekly filming time constraints. After 50 years of working in journalism, she wants to take it slow and spend some quality time with her family.
Equalised is unwavering; it still loves the heartland of Australia. “I may not be hosting, but I’ll always be listening.”
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A New Chapter Begins
Heather Ewart leaves Back Roads with pride, gratitude, and a legacy that very few journalists can match. For a decade and more, she showed Australians a brand-new look at their vastness — through stories of courage, humour, and a sense of shared identity.
The ability to listen, connect, and tell stories is what set Heather Ewart apart, not only in terms of her unique approach to the series but in how she connected with viewers. She portrayed the importance of things outside big cities for viewers. And she did it with respect.
Ending her road journey, she has left a path laid down for others to follow. A silent force in Australian media, her last stop has been reached. Yet, the journey will forever be an inspiration.
