Mark Morgan

Repeated COVID waves have ravaged Australia, leaving the country fractured and fearful. When Dan and his family learn that the latest COVID-19 outbreak is about to spark yet another indefinite lockdown, they decide to leave Melbourne in a hurry - and where better to go than the beautiful Grampians, where they’ve enjoyed many past holidays? Yet it’s not that easy: the government has pulled back from the old state borders, drawing new boundaries they call margins - and the Grampians are beyond the western margin. Tales tell of all kinds of dangers out there, beyond the rule of law.

Disregarding the rumours, they make their way to Stawell, on the doorstep of the Grampians. As they explore the town, new friends present an unexpected opportunity: a camp venue in Roses Gap on the boundary of the National Park needs a temporary manager, and the family seems ideal for the job.

It’s not the holiday Dan anticipated, but it could prove even better. Preparing for their first group of campers will certainly leave no time for boredom! But there is some truth in the rumours and crooks who have taken over Halls Gap are now seeking to control the entire national park!

Caught up in bigger schemes than they could ever have foreseen, Dan and his friends may hold the key to foiling the biggest robbery of the century. But who is NK2?

Will they regret their decision to escape Beyond the Western Margin?