After struggling to make their way across a land ravaged by drought and the Depression, an encounter with a fellow traveller directs the Fletcher family towards Coorumbong Creek where they hope to join in the search for gold.
Alec's journey in search of help brings him to a small town where the locals organise a team of horses to free the truck from the broken bridge and tow the family into town. The family finds some stability in the town, working and living at the hotel while John makes plans to begin prospecting. A search is launched for Mr Ekman after he is accused of stealing mother's purse.