Between 1970 and 2017, at least ten people were murdered or vanished along the Flinders Highway, a 776-kilometer stretch of isolated Queensland outback. This episode tells their stories: two schoolgirls who walked to the bus stop and never came home. Hitchhiking art students one found with bullets in her head, one still missing. An 18-year-old who made a terrified phone call to her mother. Three motorcycle adventurers found executed in the spinifex grass. A young man who called home and then disappeared so completely his case changed how Australia handles missing persons.

Ten names across forty-seven years. Bodies found in dry creek beds. Families left with questions that have no answers. This is Part One of our investigation into Australia's Highway of Death. Before we examine the suspects and the failures of justice, we remember the victims.

Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence against children and adults, sexual assault, and murder. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

 

Sources:


• Fitzgerald Inquiry Report (1987-1989): "Report of a Commission of Inquiry Pursuant to Orders in Council"
• "The Hunters" - Channel 7 documentary (March 2025)
• Fisher, Ian (Coroner). (2002, February). Inquest into the disappearance of Anthony "Tony" Jones. Queensland Coroner's Court. 
• Wilson, Nerida (Coroner). (2021). Inquest into the death of Jayden Penno-Tompsett. Queensland Coroner's Court.
• R v Arthur Stanley Brown (1999). Queensland Supreme Court. Trial transcript, October 1999.  Title Music: by Jesse Frank from Pixabay

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