Heather Ewart visits Mallacoota, a remote place at the end of the road on the far eastern tip of Victoria. Known for its natural beauty and wilderness, its isolation has bred a determination in the town to look after its own.

Thursday Island is a laid-back paradise that most Australians have never visited and know little about. While its isolation can present problems, locals are rising to the challenge and are carving out a new future.

The "ordinary" sheep and wheat town of Katanning in Western Australia has laid out the welcome mat and transformed itself, extraordinarily, holding some delightful surprises.