The approach of a solar eclipse has drawn various people from all directions to Alice Springs, an Australian town in the Northern Territory, nearby which is the best point for observation.
Toby Delaney and his partners are expecting a bus-load of German tourists, but a truck driver destroys their hotel.
Matt Marione, a medical student with an interest in botany, takes The Ghan from Adelaide, but leaves the train at an unscheduled stop to search for a rare outback plant.
Connor 'The Pelican' Gregory, a fanatic runner and hillclimber jogs all the way to the eclipse site, accompanied by Helen, his unenthusiastic wife and her grumpy friend in their motorhome.
Former rock musician Jack Jaffers, who deserted his band's reunion to revisit the hotel where they had their first successful gig, joins them.