Harry Treverton arrives in Australia with a view to learn how to farm. On arrival, however, he is told that the gentlemen friend of his father's whom he was to stay with, Mr Reminson, has died. He is befriended by a clerk, Mr Summers, and they devise a plan for him to walk to Mr Fielder's station, about 60 miles away, and thus he is given his introduction to the Australian bush life. Mr Fielder cannot take Harry, but sends him on to another farmer, Mr Reeves, with whom he stays. After a few months, Mr Reeves brother, Ned, returns and Harry is to head back to the cattle station with him, cattle driving.
The story relates many tales of life as cattle and sheep farmers in the Australian bush. Harry tries a variety of jobs, leaves Ned Reeves's farm after falling in love with his niece, and becomes a shepherd. He is befriended by an indigenous man who thinks Harry is his son returned. Harry almost dies and it is only due to the nursing of the indigenous man that he lives. During this time it comes to light that Harry has inherited his father's friend's farm and some money. With his newfound wealth he marries Lilly, the Reeves's niece, and makes his life as a farmer in Australia.
