It's 1829, Jason Firbeck, a retired naval Leiutenant, recently widowed arrives with his family - Samuel, his elder son, Luke, his second son and Jassy his daughter - in NSW, where land granted by influential friends, supposedly awaits him.
The Firbecks have been squatters for two years. The building of a timber homestead is finished and an area of land cleared. The arrival of an uninvited guest causes complications for Luke because of an association he builds up with Jassy.
In squatters territory it is law of the strong that prevails and Cormac Doyle, an English-hating Irishman, sets his sights on occupying Luke's kingdom.
In New South Wales in the 1830s convicts were granted "Tickets to Leave" to find employment on their own account. However one mistake, the slightest misdemeanor, and the ticket could be withdrawn.
For Jassy, life as a housekeeper to her squatting family has become unbearable. Jason watches anxiously as with each day she grows more tired, more depressed, and more listless.
It has not rained for four months. Sheep and cattle are dying and settlers are facing ruin. Luke, taking advantage of the dry state of the river bed, is struggling to build an immense dam. However his ambitious plan is plagued by tragedy.