Matt McGregor finds he has a competitor for Kathleen's affections when his mate, Steve Page, arrives at Paterson's Ridge and becomes smitten with the fiery Kathleen. Kathleen's new Braham breaks loose, and she gets caught in the middle of a sudden storm looking for it. When she hasn't arrived back by nightfall, Matt rides off in search of her. Meawnile, Luke starts prospecting for gold on his father's old claim.

Matt's old flame Anita Hargreaves returns to town after 25 years away just as her father suffers a heart attack. Matt is dumbfounded by her hospitality towards him — and Kathleen's coldness. A bitter Anita forcloses on Matt's loan, only to learn that she had not been jilted by Matt years ago, but tricked by her father. Luke strikes gold.

Danni McGregor and Michael ride into a herd of brumbies. In the confusion Danni is thrown and falls into a disused mine shaft. Michael goes for help, but becomes lost in dense scrub and falls unconcious from cold and shock. Anita sees Matt's obvious affection for Kathleen and realises trying to rekindle their lost love could be useless. News of Luke's gold strike spreads.

Oliver Blackwood schemes to take over Matt's land. Frank Blackwood is jealous of his father's business dealings with Luke. Herbert arrives home with some local dignitaries to find Anita and Luke in a passionate embrace. The next day their liaison is all over town, and Anita arrives at the Mountain Ball on Luke's arm. Oliver Blackwood asks Anita to share his life at Balmoral, but before she can answer, a shot rings out and he falls to the floor.

Luke is again pursuing a more than willing Victoria as she helps him search for a new house. Oliver Blackwood inadvertantly nominates a reluctant Matt to run for state parliament forcing him to get Luke to run against him. Danni experiences first love when she falls for an accused cattle rustler. Colin and Emily marry but Matt seems to have eyes only for Kathleen.

Everyone is excited that the railway is coming to Paterson's Ridge, except Kathleen, because it will run straight through the middle of her property. She decides to go to Melbourne to argue her case. Matt is also going to the city to be sworn in as a new Member of Parliament. They travel together and Matt takes Kathleen to the ceremony where she pleads her case to the governor and then to a ball. They dance together and, filled with emotion, he tells her he loves her. Meanwhile, Oliver hires a mining engineer to conduct an assay of Luke's mine and Vernoica is sent to England.