The Empty Continent · Field Files
150 reasons Australia is still empty.
Australia covers almost 7.7 million square kilometres, and most of it has nobody in it. Every light on the map is an entry in our three Field Files. Tap one, or jump to a state, and see why.
Tap a light · scroll or pinch to zoom
Towns and citiesAlmost nobody
Beyond the mainland:
What is in them
Everything the episodes didn't have time for.
150entries across three volumes
3volumes: landscapes, outposts and wildlife
7.69M km²of continent, mapped entry by entry
12episodes to watch alongside, and counting
The Field Files
Three volumes. One empty continent.
The Complete Collection
All 150 files, and the maps.
- Places, Outposts and Survivors: three illustrated volumes
- The complete edition: all 150 entries in one 182-page PDF
- The Map Pack: 13 relief map posters to print at A3 or A4
- A printable 2027 wall calendar, plus phone and desktop wallpapers
- A road-trip tick list, a locator map and sources for every entry
- Instant download after checkout. One payment, no subscription
US$59US$72 for the three volumes alone.
The extras come free with the collection.
Get the collection
The extras come free with the collection.
Or one volume at a time (US$24 each)
Everything in the collection
Read it, print it, hang it on the wall.
Included
The Map Pack13 RELIEF MAPS · A3 & A4
The Map Pack
Maps for the wall
Thirteen shaded-relief posters: all of Australia plus twelve of its emptiest corners, from Kati Thanda to Cradle Mountain. Print them at home or at any print shop.
In the collectionGet the collection
Included
The Empty Continent
Field FilesCOMPLETE EDITION · 150 ENTRIES
Field FilesCOMPLETE EDITION · 150 ENTRIES
Complete edition
All 150 in one file
Every entry, every source and the tick list in one 182-page PDF. Easy to search on a tablet, and ready to print at home or at a print shop.
In the collectionGet the collection
Bonus
JANUARY2027
Printable 2027 calendar
A year of empty places
Twelve relief maps, one empty corner of Australia each month, with the 2027 public holidays. A4 and US Letter files to print at home.
In the collectionGet the collection
Look inside
Sample pages. Drag through them.
How every entry works
Find it. Understand it. Go and see it.
THE LOCATORWhere it isA locator map, exact coordinates, and the nearest town or road.
THE WHYWhy it's emptyThe geology, climate or history that keeps people away, in plain language.
THE DETAILSWhat to look forThings you can spot yourself if you go, or on a satellite map if you don't.
THE NUMBERSField dataArea, height, distance and dates, with sources for every figure.
Watch, then read
Every episode has a place on the map.
Free map
The 25 emptiest places in Australia.
A one-page printable map with the 25 places furthest from anyone, and the distance from each to the nearest town. Free with your email address.
Questions
Before you buy.
What format is it?
Illustrated PDF books with searchable text and bookmarks. You download them straight after checkout and can read them on a phone, tablet or computer.
Who is it for?
Anyone who has wondered why most of Australia has nobody living in it. If you watch The Empty Continent, these are the files behind the episodes. They also work for road-trip planning and for teaching.
Where do the facts come from?
Every entry lists its sources, mostly government and scientific bodies such as Geoscience Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology, the Australian Bureau of Statistics and state heritage registers.
Can I print it?
Yes. The PDFs print well at home or at a print shop. The collection also includes the 2027 calendar as A4 and US Letter files and the Map Pack posters at A3 and A4.
Do I need to watch the channel?
No. Every entry stands on its own. Entries that appear in an episode link to it.
How do I pay, and is it safe?
Checkout runs on Stripe's secure payment page. It takes cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. After paying you go straight to your download page, and Stripe emails you a receipt.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. If the files aren't what you expected, write to us within 14 days of buying and we'll refund you. See the terms for details.
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