Outback hero Russell Coight takes on lazy kids and latte-sippers in the new All Aussie Adventures

AFTER years away, bush legend Russell Coight is back to save lazy kids and latte-sipping city slickers from themselves, with more All Aussie Adventures.

AUSSIE Outback TV legend Russell Coight gives James Wigney the lowdown on living off the land and the return of All Aussie Adve ntures

It’s been a while since we’ve seen you on TV — what have you been up to?

My wildlife park in Darwin keeps me pretty busy, especially now that the RSPCA have lifted their ban. We’re just trying to iron out a few bugs with our crocodile petting enclosure. It’s supposed to be a “hands-on” experience — we’re finding the opposite is true.

I’ve also been busy working on other ideas for a new television series. Inspired by the “slow TV’’ movement, I strapped a camera to the bull bar of my 4WD and crossed the Nullarbor. 17 hours and 123 separate roadkills captured in full high definition. Still waiting to hear back from SBS.

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Why are you making this comeback now — did the fans demand it?

I am constantly being stopped by people in the street. Fans, camping enthusiasts, representatives from the Department of Wildlife trying to deliver another summons. There’s a groundswell of support out there for Russell Coight to be back on TV.

What can we expect from the new shows?

Being Channel 10, we’re aiming for more of a cooking emphasis with this series. I’ll be whipping up some amazing bush tucker in the camp oven (wait until you see my croquembouche damper). And each week there’ll be a different marsupial mystery box.

Will you be bringing anyone else along for the ride?

In one heartwarming episode I take a group of inner city kids into the outback. Teach them survival skills, how to find water, how to avoid getting lost. Speaking of which, if anyone sees a couple of teenage boys northeast of Tennant Creek — please notify local authorities.

Russell Coight delves into indigenous culture in All Aussie Adventures.

There are a lot of new explorer types out there now — who could survive longer in the Aussie Outback — you or Bear Grylls?

Look, I’m sure he’s a good bloke, but Bear Grylls really has no idea about Aussie survival. Until you’ve been airlifted from a croc-infested swamp with dengue fever and half a leg missing (as happened to me just last weekend) you haven’t experienced the true wilderness.

There’s been a lot of talk about guns in Australia in recent weeks — what’s your take on that?

I know the greenies might disagree, but guns have their place, provided they’re used properly. I learnt my gun safety skills from my Dad, Russell Coight Senior. He was a very wise man and I’ll never forget his final words to me. “Are you sure the safety catch is on?”

You’ve never liked city slickers — are they getting even softer these days?

Sadly, yes. These latte-sippers head off in their luxury 4WD’s for a night’s glamping in some five star caravan park — and think they’ve experienced the outback. Until you’ve fallen head first down an opal mineshaft and been forced to survive several weeks on your own urine you haven’t lived.

Kids spend so much time on screens and video games now — what can we do to toughen them up?

It’s not easy. I have managed to find a small section of desert just west of Fitzroy Crossing that doesn’t have Wi-Fi coverage — but it’s quite a drive. Of course, if you can’t beat ‘em … I have recently released my own video game, a 4WD version of Grand Theft Auto. You pick up points for mowing down feral wildlife.

What advice would you give Hollywood stars heading over here to shoot a movie about what they can and can’t bring into the country?

Australia’s quarantine laws are no laughing matter. I don’t care whether it’s a pet dog, foreign fruit or exotic cactus stuffed down your trousers — you are putting our fragile ecosystem in jeopardy.

What’s the Aussiest place in Australia and why?

My wildlife park in Darwin. As well as animals, we’ve got zip-lines (bring your own helmet and insurance policy), a sound-and-light show capturing the awesome power of Cyclone Tracy (bring wet weather gear) and Australia’s first animatronic Tasmanian tiger. Bring the whole family. Non-smokers welcome.

Russell Coight lives off the land in All Aussie Adventures.

Caravan or tent?

Give me canvas any day. Nothing beats this durable material. whether it’s a tent, a swag or underwear.

What makes the perfect scroggin?

My formula is one third nuts, one third sultanas and one third dried camel dung. Not only high in energy — it doubles as an excellent fire lighter.

What’s your favourite bush tucker?

I love nothing more than a good roast cassowary. These feral pests are a real nuisance in our northern tropics so you’re not only enjoying a decent feed, you’re also helping the environment.*

If something goes wrong in the outback, would you cut off a body part to survive — a la 127 Hours?

There’s no need for anything so drastic, provided you’re prepared for all situations. I always carry a copy of my best-selling guidebook Coight’s Camping Compendium. You’ll find hundreds of handy hints for bush survival. It’s also edible (in an emergency situation) and — if nature calls — the last 20 pages are printed on soft double-ply paper.

Do you have any new bird calls?

I’m working on the orange-bellied parrot. It’s sort of a high-pitched squeal. At least, that’s the sound they make when they hit your windscreen.

* Please note. The cassowary is an endangered native species and should not be harmed. Or roasted. Mr Russell Coight apologises for any misunderstanding.

ALL AUSSIE ADVENTURES, CHANNEL 10, SUNDAY, 7.30PM

Originally published as Outback hero Russell Coight takes on lazy kids and latte-sippers in the new All Aussie Adventures