By 1840 the colony of New South Wales was expanding. Transportation of convicts to the east coast ended, and many free squatters set out to settle on lands to the south. In 1836 The Port Philip District became a separate colony.Timothy, Tiger and Bella Carstairs eldest son, is bored with his governmen tjob and intent on seeking adventure and a new life away from Sydney. Accompanied by his Uncle Carlos he decidesto find this adventure,and where else to find it, but in a newlyformed settlement down south. By now the road south might not be as hazardous as the one across the mountains travelled by his parents when he was a child, but still escaped and ex-convicts abound, seeking an easy life by forming gangs to take what they can where they can. Not the least of Tim's personal challenges is a young headstrong woman who, uninvited, takes it upon herself to join him on his travels. When they reach their destination, their troubles have only just begun.