If These Trees Could Talk

For over 150 years, Manly’s Q Station served as a quarantine site for those arriving in Australia, isolating the sick to prevent deadly diseases from spreading. Thousands of people passed through its doors, many never leaving, their final moments spent in its eerie hospital wards and secluded burial sites. Today, its historic sandstone buildings and abandoned corridors stand as a chilling reminder...

In 1917, Harry was convicted of murdering his first wife, Annie Birkett. The case was sensationalised, his gender identity exploited for scandal, and public discourse was shaped not by justice, but by shock and misunderstanding. At a time when even the most basic conversations about gender were unheard of, Eugene’s life was a painful testament to the cost of forced secrecy. But as we examine his l...

History often remembers its outlaws, its murderers, and its tragic figures, but it rarely asks - what could have been different? In this episode, we step back over a century to tell the story of Eugenia Falleni,  who lived a life defined by secrecy, survival, and society’s rigid boundaries. Born in Italy in 1875 and later making his way to Australia, Eugenia lived as Harry Leo Crawford, a transgen...

For years stories have circulated about a mysterious man who roams Victoria's High Country known only as The Button Man. In this episode we ponder is he actually the Australian version of the Boogie Man as he has often been depicted, with people trying to connect him to the many disapearences in the remote region or is he just a man who we should all really look up to. 

In 1975, Nigel McAree was shot in the back of the head and then decapitated at Governor Game Lookout in Sydney's Royal National Park. In this powerful episode, we speak with Nigel's niece Narelle Spencer about the enduring pain of her family's loss and their unwavering hope for answers. 

In this episode we head to Ararat and take a look inside J Ward which began it's life as the Ararat County Gaol and later became apart of the Aradale Lunatic Asylum and was used to house the Criminally Insane. 

In this episode we chat with River Morris. River, a proud Wiradjuri man, shared with us some of his personal knowledge and experiences with The Hairy Man.

In this week's episode, we head along the Great Ocean Road to Aireys Inlet for a trip down memory lane. It's our first time back in the studio for a few weeks, so there is a little unhinged madness as we catch up, as well as ‘more than a couple’ of side quests as we revisit some of our childhood obsessions, explore Split Point Lighthouse, and take a peek into the life of convict William Buckley an...

This episode is the second part of the story about The Family. We learn about the incredible survivors and cycle breakers of the Australian cult, ran by Anne-Hamilton Byrne.

This episode is Part 1 of a glimpse inside of the Australian cult called The Family. We will take a look into the early life of Anne Hamilton-Byrne and the foundation of the cult.

In this weeks episode we head to Sydney and explore the old Town Hall Cemetery, look at some problematic practices of early colony life and how they were literally uncovered over time. 

This episode is a little different from our usual forest fables. As we approach October, which marks Mental Health Month, we’re embracing this year’s theme: "Let's Talk About It." And we do just that. Trigger Warning: This episode includes candid discussions of suicide and mental health challenges.   Today, we are joined by our dear friend Rachel, and together, the three of us—myself included—shar...

We take a look at Andrew Scott's early life, his crimes, and his connection to James Nesbitt and the Wantabadgery Siege. We also reflect on his death and the remarkable story that followed, leaving a profound legacy and a historical debate that may never truly be answered. 

On March 20, 2020, Russell Hill and Carol Clay were tragically killed at a remote campsite in the Wonnangatta Valley. Gregory Lynn was arrested and charged with their murders in November the following year. In this episode, we delve into their disappearance, examine the evidence that was—and wasn’t—presented during the murder trial, and discuss the surprising outcome.

Today, we welcome Dr. Alex Maisey to the podcast. Alex will introduce us to the secret world of the Superb Lyrebird. After a recent visit to Barrington Tops National Park, we had some questions about this incredible bird. Alex will provide fascinating insights into their behavior, habitat, and their role as ecosystem engineers. We’ll also discuss the crucial research Alex contributed to as part of...

In this episode we head to Junee in the Riverina of New South Wales to check out Australia’s most Haunted Homestead.  We look into the early years of the settlement of the area and the life of Christopher and Elizabeth Crawley who built the Monte Cristo Homestead. Followed by the strange and disturbing paranormal encounters experienced by the Ryan family and many visitors to the property. For info...

In this episode we head to Eden and Beowa National Park on the South Coast of New South Wales to explore the history of Davidson Whaling Station and the unique relationship that developed with a pod of Orcas known as 'The Killers of Eden'. We chat about our own incredible whale watching experiences in the area and explore the importance of conservation for marine life and the danger around Orcas i...

In this episode we look at the extraordinary life of Truganini. Who not only survived the Black War of Tasmania, but dedicated her life to the preservation of her people. For further resources on this topic visit the show notes: www.ifthesetreescouldtalk.com.au .