Australian Survivor is coming back for a surprise second season in 2025! And some of our absolute favourites are returning to our screens for Survivor: Australia V The World.
So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about the show.
What’s the release date for Survivor: Australia V The World this year?
As of April 14, 2025there is no confirmed release date for Australian Survivor: Australia V World. Check back soon!
Where can I watch Survivor: Australia V The World?
You can watch all previous seasons and episodes of Australian Survivor on-demand at 10Play. And if you’re curious about what happened in season ten, read our guide here.

What is this season’s theme of Survivor: Australia V The World?
Since its third season, Australian Survivor has had themes. The first themed season was season three, which was “Champions V Contenders I”. In the years following, the themes were: “Champions V Contenders II”, “All Stars”, “Brain V Brawn’, ‘Blood V Water’, ‘Heroes V Villains’, ‘Titans V Rebels’, and “Brains V Brawn II”.
As its name suggests, this season will feature two tribes. One Australian tribe packed with returning favourites. And one international tribe with some of the best players of the franchise across the globe.
Who hosts Australian Survivor?
Australian actor and television personality Jonathan LaPaglia (or JLP) has been the host of Australian Survivor since 2016. This was when Network 10 took over the franchise. Prior to that, Lincoln Howes and Ian “Dicko” Dickson hosted the show. Dicko hosted Celebrity Survivor: Vanuatu in 2006.
Where is Australian Survivor filmed?
Australian Survivor has taken place in numerous locations over its tenure. Its first and second seasons were filmed in Upolu, Samoa. The third, fourth and fifth seasons moved to Savusavu, Fiji. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown shifted the sixth and seventh seasons to Cloncurry and Charters Towers, Queensland, respectively. Post-pandemic, the eighth and ninth seasons saw filming return to Upolu, Samoa.
In 2025, Australian Survivor season ten will be filmed in Upolu, Samoa.
What is the prize of Survivor: Australia V The World?
You mean in addition to the glory of the title of Sole Survivor? And knowing you have outwitted, outplayed, and outlasted your fellow survivors? Well, this season the winner will also receive $250,000. This is half the normal prize pool, but the season is also halved, so go figure.

What is the gameplay of Survivor: Australia V World?
This season is different to previous ones. Instead of 24 castaways, there are 14. And instead of spending 40+ days in the wilderness, the game will be played over 16 days.
So, the season will start with 14 castaways divided into two “tribes”. For the first half of the season, these tribes must compete in two challenges in each episode. These challenges are a combination of obstacle courses that require agility, strength, or great balance, as well as teamwork and good deduction for puzzles.
The first challenge is usually a reward challenge, the winning prize of which is generally food of some kind. Whereas, the second challenge is for immunity. The winning tribe goes back to camp with an immunity idol. The losing tribe must attend a tribal council where they have to vote for a tribe member.
However, hidden amongst the lush greenery surrounding the camps are individual immunity idols. Players who find one can use it to save themselves or another tribe member at the tribal council. Survivors can also find or win advantages — often with lots of caveats.
About mid-way through the season, there is normally a “tribe swap”. This is when castaways are randomly reassigned to a tribe. This can either make or break a player’s gameplay. It’s unclear if this will happen this season as there are fewer players and less time.
Furthermore, normally when we get down to about ten castaways, the tribes merge into one new tribe. From that point on, instead of the challenges being team challenges, they are individual. Survivors must compete for individual immunity.
Who are the castaways of Survivor: Australia V World this year?
As aforementioned, there are 14 castaways on this season of Australian Survivor.
Here’s who is taking part [warning: spoilers for season 11!]:

David Genat | Australia
Australian Survivor: Champions v Contenders (2019) | Australian Survivor: All Stars (Sole Survivor)
The Golden God is back and brought his leather jacket with him. David was the deliciously devious Survivor whom we all loved to watch play the game. Not only did he become the Sole Survivor of Australian Survivor: All Stars, but he also made some incredible moves. His most iconic move was when he crafted a fake immunity idol. And then went on to convince a rival tribe member to swap their real idol for his. If they had used the idol, it would have been the best moment in Survivor history!
David Genat isn’t just a champion of Australian Survivor. The former model just made history by winning one of the biggest money prizes on reality television. He appeared on the US reality television show, Deal or No Deal Island — a kind of blend of Survivor and Deal or No Deal. On the show, contestants have to acquire briefcases through winning challenges.
In the finale, David made a deal with the banker, who was later revealed to be Chrissy Teigan, and took home a staggering USD $5.8 million (AUD $9.1 million). And now he’s back to aim for Sole Survivor once again!
George Mladenov | Australia
Australian Survivor: Brains v Brawn | Australian Survivor: Heroes v Villains
King George is back once again to claim his Survivor crown. George, also known as the Cockroach and Macedonian Jesus, missed out on the title in both of his seasons. George loved to make big moves, but didn’t love to partake in challenges. He is a massive fan of Survivor and even had an immunity idol tattooed onto his chest. Furthermore, he literally wrote the book on the series: How to Win Friends and Manipulate People. Described as a “Guidebook for getting your way.”
He isn’t just an alumnus from Survivor. George has also appeared on Deal or No Deal Australia and will be taking part in the upcoming fourth season of Amazing Race: Celebrity Edition.
A cunning social player who managed to slither his way through to the final two during his last appearance, could it be three times a charm for King George?

Janine Allis | Australia
Australian Survivor: Champions v Contenders (2019)
The founder of Boost Juice and Retail Zoo is back to put her boardroom skills to work.
On her first appearance, Janine quickly became a strategic powerhouse and leader in her alliance. She was known for her sharp gameplay, negotiation skills, and strong social connections, earning her the nickname “The Godmother”.
Her performance on Survivor was praised for being savvy and calculating — much like her business acumen — and she made it all the way to fifth place.
Kirby Bentley | Australia
Australian Survivor Titans v Rebels (2024)
A proud Noongar woman and former AFLW player for Fremantle and Carlton, Kirby Bentley brought her fierce athleticism and leadership to Australian Survivor: Titans v Rebels (2024). She was a member of the Titans tribe, which was made up of people known for their strength, resilience, and leadership — all qualities Kirby embodies as a former elite athlete and community leader.
Off the field, Kirby is a passionate advocate for Indigenous youth and women in sport, with the Kirby Bentley Cup — an all-girls Aboriginal footy carnival — named in her honour.
Her best move on Survivor, in this writer’s opinion, was when she blindsided her alliance mate Simon Mee. Kirby pulled together enough votes (across tribal lines) to send him home with two idols in his pocket!
Let’s see if she can recreate that move this season!

Luke Toki | Australia
Australian Survivor (2017) | Champions v Contenders (2019)
Luke Toki, aka The People’s Champion, aka the King of the Jungle, is back for his third crack!
Fans ate up his cheeky, strategic, and heart-filled gameplay. In addition to the bromance that blossomed between him and the Golden God, David. A true fan of the show, viewers and contestants alike were in tears after his heartwrenching fourth-place loss in 2019. His 2019 game was especially emotional as he was playing for his family, including his son with autism and his youngest, who has cystic fibrosis. His story moved so many that fans crowdfunded over $500,000 for his family.
Following his 2019 appearance, Luke went on to host Australian Survivor: Talking Tribal. He also appeared on Big Brother AU in 2021 and won!

Sarah Tilleke | Australia
Australian Survivor (2017)
Sarah competed in the second season, aligning with the Asaga tribe. Her strategic gameplay and strong social connections cemented her Survivor acumen. She ultimately finished in eighth place after 44 days.
Discovered at 16 while job hunting, Sarah quickly rose in the modeling industry. She was a runner-up on The Face Australia in 2014, mentored by Naomi Campbell. Her modeling portfolio includes work with brands like Camilla and Marc, Target, and Elle Macpherson Intimates.

Shonee Bowtell | Australia
Champions v Contenders (2018) | Australian Survivor: All Stars | Australian Survivor: Heroes v Villains
She’s back! Shonee holds the record for the most days playing Australian Survivor, having appeared on three seasons of the show.
A Queen of social game and unexpected challenge beast (“Pilates, Johnathon”), Shonee is back to claim what is rightfully hers: the title of Sole Survivor.
Known for her wit, charm, and sneaky strategic plays, she’s not one you should underestimate.
Cirie Fields | The World
Survivor: Panama | Survivor: Micronesia | Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains | Survivor: Game Changers
Sometimes referred to as one of the best castaways to never win, Cirie has appeared on four seasons of the show and is close to Shonee’s gameplay record with 120 days on her roster.
Cirie Fields is a renowned American reality television personality, also appearing on The Traitors (which she won, earning the season’s $250K prize) and Big Brother in the US.
Cirie’s journey through various reality competitions highlights her as a versatile and formidable player, continually captivating audiences with her strategic gameplay and engaging personality.
Kassandre ‘Kass’ Bastarache | The World
Survivor Québec 2024
A certified challenge beast (with 18 challenge wins under her belt), Kass tied for second place in her season of Survivor Québec.
A fierce competitor and web editor from Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Kass rose to prominence as a standout player on her first season. Known for her sharp intellect and strategic mind, Kass dominated the game both in challenges and in the social game.
She played an impressive game, making it to the Final Two and securing a co-runner-up finish. Kass has a reputation for being able to read people, for making great alliances, and being fearless in her approach to idol plays. Now, she’s ready to take on the world. Will her mind games and competitive spirit be enough to claim victory in this new battleground?
Lisa Holmes | The World
Survivor New Zealand: Thailand (Sole Survivor)
A brilliant strategist and Survivor mastermind, Lisa Holmes made her mark as the Sole Survivor of Survivor New Zealand: Thailand (2018), using her sharp mind, social savvy, and strong gameplay to outwit, outplay, and outlast her competition.
With a background as a school librarian in Christchurch, New Zealand, Lisa knows the value of planning and reading people. She leveraged these skills expertly on the island. Known for her ability to form solid alliances and make bold, strategic moves, Lisa’s journey to victory was a testament to her intelligence and perseverance.
Now, she returns to the Survivor arena in Australian Survivor: Australia v The World (2025), bringing with her the experience of being a previous winner, but also the target that comes with being a proven threat.
Will her sharp intellect and adaptability once again carry her to the top, or will her past success make her an immediate target?
Parvati Shallow | The World
Survivor: Cook Islands | Survivor: Micronesia (Sole Survivor) | Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains | Survivor: Winners at War
One of the most iconic players in Survivor history, Parvati Shallow is a strategic mastermind boasting charm, wit, and brilliant gameplay. Beyond Survivor, she has also competed in The Traitors (2023) and in Deal or No Deal Island (2024) alongside David Genat!
Parvati first entered the Survivor world in Survivor: Cook Islands (2006). She quickly proved herself as a social force to be reckoned with. But it was during Survivor: Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites (2008) where she truly cemented her legacy, becoming the Sole Survivor and taking home the $1 million prize.
She returned as a “Villain” in Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains (2010), Parvati’s manipulation and gameplay once again wowed fans, finishing as the runner-up. Her prowess was on full display when she returned for Survivor: Winners at War (2020), although she was eliminated before reaching the final stages.
Now, in 2025, Parvati takes her legendary gameplay to Australian Survivor: Australia v The World, facing a whole new crop of global competitors.
Will her social skills, strategic acumen, and undeniable charm carry her to victory once again?
Rob Bentele | The World
Survivor South Africa: Island of Secrets (Sole Survivor)
A force to be reckoned with, Rob Bentele emerged as the Sole Survivor of Survivor South Africa: Island of Secrets in 2019.
Rob’s journey to victory was defined by his keen strategic mind, social savvy, and impressive physical game. Known for forming powerful alliances, notably the Amigos, Rob demonstrated an ability to navigate the complex dynamics of Survivor, earning his place at the top with a combination of smart moves and strong immunity wins.
His solid gameplay and respect from his fellow contestants earned him the title of Sole Survivor. With his business acumen and strategic experience, Rob is primed to play the game at a high level once again.
Tommi Manninen | The World
Selviytyjät Suomi Season 7
Tommi Manninen is a Finnish radio presenter and journalist who gained recognition for his strategic gameplay on Survivor Finland: Season 7 (2022). Known for his strong social game and physical prowess, Tommi finished as the runner-up in a 4–3 jury vote against Sami Helenius, narrowly missing the title of Sole Survivor.
Now he’s back, and planning to fly under the radar in hopes that his fellow castaways don’t realise what a true contender is really is.
Tony Vlachos | The World
Survivor: Cagayan (Sole Survivor) | Survivor: Game Changers | Survivor: Winners at War (Sole Survivor)
The King of Survivor and one of only two people who have won the game twice!
Tony is a police officer by profession and has gained recognition for his dynamic and unpredictable gameplay on Survivor.
Known for his wild, sometimes chaotic style and his ability to form unexpected alliances, Tony has a knack for navigating the social and strategic complexities of Survivor. Whether building spy shacks or masterminding major blindsides, Tony’s gameplay is always full of surprises. He returns in Survivor: Australia v The World (2025), ready to take on a new international set of players. With his unique blend of law enforcement skills and Survivor savvy, Tony is sure to stir things up once again…