Decades of hard work have made Austin Broderick a rich man. His sheep station, Springfield, is one of the largest in Australia and the good relations between the native Aborigines and the Brodericks have made it one of the most peaceful. Now Austin must face the prospect of losing a large proportion of his land at the hands of Parliament. His only hope is his son Harry and the young man's influence as a Brisbane politician. But the family's troubles have only just begun. The pious Reverend Billings arrives at the station and, under the guise of friendship, enters the Aborigines' camp. He leaves with three six-year-old boys - eager for adventure, but destined for misery...