Jamie Hazelden: The Australian Bushman
Jamie Hazelden, known as the Australian Bushman, has spent decades exploring the Australian outback, not just as an adventurer but as a storyteller dedicated to preserving the wisdom of its true bushmen and women. From a young age, Jamie was drawn to the rugged beauty of the bush, where he developed a deep respect for the land and its custodians. His curiosity led him to learn from Aboriginal elders and people who live close to nature, uncovering survival skills, stories and the “hidden secrets” that only a few locals knew. As Jamie realised that much of this knowledge was at risk of being lost, he made it his mission to share these invaluable stories with the world.
Jamie’s journey into the spotlight began in 1991 when he ran a successful car restoration business called TopGun Restorations. His award-winning work on show cars and hot rods caught the media’s attention, leading to features in popular magazines like Street Machine. However, Jamie’s true passion was always about something bigger—preparing 4WDs for off-road adventures in the heart of Australia.
One of Jamie’s standout projects was his custom-built Land Rover Defender 130, which became a showpiece that drew significant attention from enthusiasts and the media alike. [Link to Land Rover 130 article]. Harnessing his talent for marketing and storytelling, Jamie used the build to showcase how 4WDs could be equipped for remote, off-grid adventures. This helped solidify his reputation within the off-road community.
Known for his straightforward, no-nonsense approach, Jamie quickly gained a reputation for his expertise in 12V systems and off-grid living. His connection with the off-road community grew stronger as he shared his knowledge through videos, which gained attention not just for their technical depth but for the way Jamie celebrated life in the bush.
This led to the creation of the Australian Bushman brand—not as a way for Jamie to claim the title of the Australian Bushman, but as a tribute to the real bushmen and women who have spent most of their lives living in the Australian wilderness. The brand was created to honour their stories, survival skills, and deep connection to the land.

While Jamie has become closely associated with the brand and is often recognised as The Australian Bushman, he remains dedicated to honouring the people who truly live the bushman life. His passion for the outback and real adventure landed him roles in 22 4WD Action DVDs and a co-hosting position on Channel 10’s Offroad Adventure Show, where he continues to inspire others to explore Australia’s wild places and embrace off-grid living.
For Jamie, being the Australian Bushman is more than just a brand—it’s a way of honouring the country’s original bushmen and women. His thirst for knowledge has led him to build lasting friendships with Aboriginal elders across Australia. Today, Jamie is still out there, sharing his knowledge, capturing incredible stories, and inspiring others to connect with the outdoors.
Vision: Jamie aims to inspire a new generation of travellers by sharing captivating stories and offering hands-on experiences that connect people to Australia’s natural beauty and history.
Mission: By 2030, Jamie hopes to reach 70% of Australian households through engaging content—whether it’s DVDs, TV shows, or online media—to spark curiosity about the land and encourage respect for the outdoors.