The series followed documentary filmmakers Mike and Mal Leyland, as well as their wives and children, who travelled across Australia and New Zealand in response to questions and requests posed by viewers.
The films Down the Darling, Wheels Across a Wilderness, Open Boat to Adventure and The Wet were produced between 1963 and 1972, and followed the brothers on four journeys across different parts of Australia.
[3] According to Mike Leyland, the plan was for readers to feel involved when their names were read out, thus causing them to encourage their "mates" to watch the show as well.
[4] In order to get things started, in 1976 the brothers filmed an initial pilot episode which mapped out the format, and placed a full page advertisement in the popular TV Week magazine to garner questions and requests.
[7] Initially the brothers travelled in an orange Volkswagen Kombi (later upgraded to a pair of 4WD vehicles), and the show was filmed in Super 8 and edited in the style of a home movie.