Louisa and Holly return to Rainbows End, with Louisa determined to make some significant changes in her life, only to see none of her plans go quite as she hoped.
Minna learns that a local factory is polluting Rainbow's End's waterways. This prompts Holly to become embroiled in an environmental protest that rapidly goes further than she originally envisioned.
Louisa and her new co-worker, Tim Price, agree to disagree about what the future holds for The Echo. Rita and Tsung Chi delve into the mystery of his ancestor Ah Chin, who disappeared during the Gold Rush.
Deb's marriage with Trev is barely surviving, prompting Louisa, Marg and Gemma to try to save it. Minna watches on helplessly as the Heritage Committee finally seems to be falling apart.
Nick's disappointment begins to show as Louisa and Tim's relationship continues to grow. Meanwhile, Pat and Gemma's relationship is under threat because of Pat's intimacy issues and it seems everyone in Rainbows End is aware of it.
Rainbow's End is threatened by a large mining corporation and this could mean the end of the Community Garden. The police detain Minna and Sandy after suspicious substances are seized at his museum.