It is 1971 Tasmania. Ross Mayne is boarding at Yurnadinah, an education department hostel. He has been away from the family hop farm for a month. The night before his first trip home an unexpected liaison with Michael Nichols, sends him into a spin.An anxious weekend of discussions, disclosures and secrets unfolds. Phillip, Ross's older brother leaves home in a hurry. Fearing what people might say, the Mayne family fabricates a story about Phillip's departure. Ross is offered the family farm, something that has always been Phillip's birthright.

Ross experiences contradictory feelings. Some set him free. Others imprison him. While his eighteenth birthday is soon to be celebrated, he has to protect the image and beliefs of his parents. His own desires become a challenging second place - a place where there is plenty of ammunition to destroy a sensitive soul.Ross comes home on a weekly basis to help the family regroup. His feelings for Michael blossom. However, his sister Fiona drops a bombshell to rival Phillip's.

Meanwhile, Ross is unprepared for Michael's revelation.