Series 1

In the grip of a crippling drought, Alice Springs sees an economic lifeline in the 1960s when America comes knocking promising to build a space base on the edge of the desert town. But once Pine Gap's bizarre, oversized golf ball like structures are finally built strange things start happening. The 'space base' isn't quite what it seems.

As the Cold War enters the 70s, it becomes clear that Pine Gap is really a spy base with eyes on the Soviets - and it's putting Alice Springs in the nuclear crosshairs. As Gough Whitlam's political career is brought to his knees, protestors speak up and tensions flare in the town. Rumours swirl about just how far the US government will go to keep the secrets of Pine Gap, and a local anti-Pine Gap action group is prompted to take action.

Nuclear fear prompts thousands to flood to Alice Springs in the 1980s to try and close Pine Gap and reveal its secrets. Women especially don't want Australia involved in nuclear war and the protests get increasingly wild.

The Cold War has finally ended but Pine Gap, or 'The Base' as it's become known, is expanding and it's getting involved in conflicts across the world. Host Alex Barwick finally speaks to someone who's been on the inside of Pine Gap, meeting a spy who's spent years working within the razor wire.

The terror attacks of September 11, 2001 change the world and cement Pine Gap's role in wars on the other side of the world. In the final episode, we hear just how far Pine Gap's reach is today, uncover the secrets of its stolen land and explore what it means for Australia to have a spy base hidden in the heart of the country.