Meet the 10 Aussies braving the Tasmanian wilderness in Alone
From a teacher and vet to a wildlife biologist, meet the everyday Aussies who are about to have the adventure of a lifetime.
More than 10,000 people flocked to apply when a local version of the cult-hit survival series Alone was announced.
And from that initial huge expression of interest, it was whittled down to 10 Australians who were dropped into the remote wilds of Western Tasmania, completely isolated from the world and each other.
With 10 survival items of their choice, camera gear to film their experience and a radio to use to “tap out’ when they’re ready to give up – the last one standing wins $250,000.
From there, anything can happen – and that’s the biggest challenge for production, SBS head of unscripted Joseph Maxwell said.
“It’s just simply the most kind of terrifying idea because we have such limited control of it,” Maxwell said.
“Once people are cast – it’s up to them what they shoot, what they say, what they do.
“There’s no producing, there’s no directing. This is the most raw, unfiltered, authentic show you can have.
“And with that comes a total lack of control to the point where we don’t even know when the show is going to end.”
Some contestants barely survive a day, while others have lasted months.
From a high school teacher, and ex-defence personnel to a vet and wildlife biologist, meet the 10 everyday Aussies who are about to have the adventure of a lifetime:
Beck, 42
High schoolteacher, Vic
Beck lives with her partner, four children, two grandchildren and a plethora of farm animals. The self-described earthmother grew up camping and fishing, and she feels more at home in the outdoors than anywhere else.
“I’m resourceful, I’m a problem solver, I’m bloody stubborn, but I’m not a survival expert. I’ve grown up camping and fishing and been out on country, I’ve learned from my Elders and friends who are great outdoors people … though I’ve never been away from my partner; I’m ready to test myself.”
Chris, 39
Army veteran, Tas
Chris lives a self-sufficient coastal lifestyle with best friend Billy, his dog, an extensive vegetable plot and his chooks. The retired Iraq war veteran lives with PTSD and started sharing content around his fishing escapades as a way to connect with people going through similar trauma.
“Whether it’s diving in the ocean, camping, or exploring the land, all I know is that a life lived outside in the elements is where we as humans belong. It’s the only way for healthy minds. That’s where I live.”
Duane, 35
Wildlife & environment officer, NSW
Duane’s career has spanned from the military to the fire service, and now to the land, where he traps animals for research. The proud First Nations man and father-of-two is constantly seeking a deeper connection to country and sees Alone as the perfect opportunity to live as his ancestors did and to bring his family closer to their heritage.
“I know my ancestors were out there for thousands of years, but they had family and clans. This is a whole new way of being on country, just me by myself, so I’m looking forward to that challenge within this experience.”
Gina, 52
Rewilding Facilitator, NSW
As a bushcraft teacher, meditation leader, barefoot nomad and primitive huntress, the bush is where Gina feels most at home. She lives off grid in a tin shack with no running water, she oscillates between the quiet of her secluded coastal property and a colourful work life, running large group rewilding courses and camps.
“I’ve spent my whole life learning how to be in the wild and be a part of nature rather than apart from nature. A challenge like this, to go out into the wild, full survival, is something I’ve dreamt about since I was a kid … I can’t think of anything I want to do more.”
Jimmy, 22
Farmhand & engineering student, SA
Jimmy is the youngest of 10 kids, and he’s been hunting since he was five. While he’s studying civil engineering, he much prefers being on his farm where he raises and butchers his own livestock and grows his own fruit and vegetables.
“I’ve spent most of my life being outdoors and learning what I can from nature and seeing how far I can go just on my own without having to rely on others … Ever since I saw the very first episode of the first US Alone series, I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do.”
Kate, 41
Wildlife Biologist, ACT
Kate grew up in regional SA, frustrated that the local scouts wouldn’t accept her because she was a girl, she built shelters, found water, made spears, and lit fires on her family camping trips. She spent five years in the navy, but retrained as a wildlife biologist, and Dr Kate now works in remote regions to discover new species of plants and animals.
“I’m not going to be in a rush to kill our native species as I’ve worked so hard to protect them, but I’m keen to take a shovel so I can target the unseen food, right under our feet; tubers, roots and other edibles.”
Michael, 43
Vet & bush regenerator, NSW
Michael lives with his wife and two children on their 500-acre family farm – there’s 120 sheep, 14 cattle, six donkeys, one horse, plus 175,000 bees and fruit and vegetable crops.
The committed Christian takes his faith seriously and he feels his beliefs will be a source of strength to him at times when the isolation and loneliness prove toughest.
“My favourite thing is to do what someone else says can’t be done. Necessity is the mother of
inventions and few things we choose to do are actually impossible.”
Mike, 45
Solo adventurist, NSW
Mike lives with his wife, two children and his dog. Up until recently he was a full-time pilot in the Australian Defence Force. He has also challenged himself outside the military with many extended private expeditions around the world – testing his survival theories in extreme environments which have ranged from the Arctic colds to the extreme heat of Middle Eastern deserts.
“I’ve grown up spending a lot of time out in the bush doing a lot of solo survival. It really is my passion. My experience from my last adventure is that you really do get in tune with the landscape, so to have the opportunity to stay in the one spot for a long time and just really tune into it … that will be amazing!”
Peter, 31
Hunting Guide, NSW
As soon as he could hold a tool in his hands, Peter was out hunting and fishing with family, and he’s a now much sought-after hunting guide. But while he’s experienced in a wide range of terrains and weather conditions, he’s never been without his own rifle or bow.
“I’m adaptive, I’m inventive, I’m very strong-minded – in my line of work you need to be! I have people from all around the world come hunting with me here in Australia. Everything I’ve learned from all over the years of survival skills, hunting skills, fire, water, trapping, skinning, the whole lot; this is the one, ultimate place for me to put all my skills to the test.”
Rob, 41
Planning & Environmental manager, Vic
Rob lives regionally with his partner, teenage son, and baby girl. He’s raised his family with an appreciation of country through fishing, camping, and hunting together. The proud First Nations man won’t call himself as a survival expert though – he recognises there is always so much more to learn.
“Depending on whose country I’m on will determine how well I survive. There will be places in Australia that I’m more comfortable with than others in terms of knowing what to look for and how to thrive.
Alone Australia, Wednesday, 7.30pm, SBS and SBS On demand
More Coverage
Originally published as Meet the 10 Aussies braving the Tasmanian wilderness in Alone
The Killers new Aussie tour: How to get tickets
The Killers are coming to Australia again and have a very popular John Farnham song in their sights to sing in our stadiums. See how to get best tickets and watch the video.
New laws to stop Mafia and bikies’ dirty cash ops
Dodgy real estate agents, accountants and lawyers will be hit with tough new laws to stop them working with bikies, drug traffickers and the Mafia. See what’s afoot.