The heat simmers on the dusty road as a horse float draws to a halt in front...(More)

The heat simmers on the dusty road as a horse float draws to a halt in front of the local pub. Andy (John Hargreaves) arrives in time for the Christmas / New Year week as he's done every year since he was a young shearer. Stella (Wendy Hughes) welcomes him warmly but her interest cools the next morning when her sharp tongue reminds him that she despises his dog like devotion. A young English schoolteacher finds himself stranded when his car breaks down. Stella helps him recover from sunstroke and seduces him with help from the towns mechanic who takes two days to make simple repairs. Andy is jealous and humiliated as he realizes that Stella has used him for years playing his attentions off against any man who takes her fancy. Her activities have always been the talk of the small town and Andy is sick of defending her against the gossips. He decides to sell his horses and truck and leave for Sydney. Billy, Stella's father feels sorry for Andy who angrily shrugs off his attempts at friendship. He blames Billy for his failure to win Stella's love. The father has never encouraged his daughter to make anything of herself -- the two have a destructive bond. A local farmer's wife drives June Thompson to town. She is waiting for the departure of the train, which is scheduled to leave in two days. While a guest at the hotel, she flirts with Billy who falls in love with her and asks her to marry him. She and Stella clash bitterly and Stella threatens to tell her father why June had to leave her job as a nanny on the Sorrenson farm. Billy already knows the rumors and is determined that nothing will interfere with his marriage plans. Stella is humiliated the English teacher leaves town without saying goodbye. She begs Andy to take her to Sydney with him, but he refuses. Faced with a bleak and lonely future, Stella makes a decision that will change her life.(Less)