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At the center of the episode lies the iconic Bridle Track, an enduring thread of history connecting Bathurst and Wellington. From the first European crossings over the Blue Mountains in 1813 to the establishment of Bathurst as Australia’s first inland settlement in 1815, the film examines how convict labor, explorers, and settlers worked to tame the land. These early trails, often built with extraordinary precision and resilience, became lifelines for a burgeoning colony and the thriving gold rush economy that followed. The documentary delves into the people behind the progress—visionary explorers, determined Stockmen, and skilled convicts who brought expertise in masonry, carpentry, and blacksmithing. Their trades left an indelible mark on the infrastructure, from bridges to wagon paths, that made the goldfields accessible. The film also sheds light on the “lost trades” essential to the goldfields, including the expertise of prospectors, millers, and even the surveyors who mapped treacherous terrain. Through first-hand accounts, oral histories, and breathtaking visuals, After the Rush captures the challenges and triumphs of these pioneers as they navigated harsh landscapes, survived natural disasters, and adapted to the needs of a booming population. The documentary explores not only the physical transformation of the region but also the cultural shifts brought by the gold rush, as trade networks and local economies flourished alongside the pursuit of fortune. Blending historical rigor with a poignant narrative, After the Rush is a celebration of the enduring spirit of those who dared to dream and build amidst adversity, leaving a legacy etched into the very fabric of Australia’s history.