It is the summer of 1969 and young Willie is filled with an idyllic life in his hometown port of Broome, in the North of Western Australia. He spends his day fishing, hanging out with his friends, and when he can, his girlfriend Rosie. However his mother Theresa has great hopes for him and she insists he return to the religious mission in Perth for further schooling. After being punished by Father Benedictus for an act of youthful rebellion, Willie runs away from the mission. He is too ashamed to go home as it will break his mother’s heart. Down on his luck he meets an old man, who he calls 'Uncle' Tadpole, and together they con a couple of hippies, Annie and Slippery, into taking them on a life-changing 3,000 mile journey through the spectacular Australian outback all the while being pursued by Father Benedictus.