The Australian reality television landscape is receiving a heart-warming refresh with the launch of The Golden Bachelor Australia, a highly anticipated spin-off of the globally successful The Bachelor franchise.
Moving beyond the drama of twenty-somethings, this new iteration focuses on finding love later in life, proving that the search for a soulmate knows no age limit.
This detailed guide provides all the essential information, including the official air date, the identity of the inaugural Golden Bachelor, the host, and a deep dive into the remarkable group of women vying for his heart.
Premiere Date and Network Shift
Mark your calendars! The Golden Bachelor Australia is set to premiere on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 7:30 pm AEST/AEDT.
Crucially, this new chapter for the franchise marks a significant network change in Australia. After years on Network 10, the “Bachelor” brand has been acquired and rebooted by the Nine Network. Episodes will air on Channel 9 and be available for streaming on 9Now.
Who is the Host?
Stepping into the role of host, replacing the franchise’s long-time presenter Osher Günsberg, is popular television personality Samantha Armytage.
Having previously hosted Farmer Wants A Wife, Armytage brings a warm, familiar presence to guide the Bachelor and contestants through their emotional journey.
Meet Australia’s First Golden Bachelor: Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden
The inaugural Australian lead, hoping to find a profound connection in his golden years, is Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden 🐻.
| Key Detail | Information |
| Name | Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden |
| Age | 61 |
| Hometown | Sydney, NSW (Northern Beaches) |
| Profession | Infrastructure Engineer (Woolworths Group) |
| Backstory | Bear is a widower and a devoted father of three sons. His late wife, Audrey, tragically passed away in 2011 after a battle with brain cancer, the same year he also lost his mother. After dedicating years to his family, the Sydney-based silver fox is now ready to open his heart to love once more. He is also known to be a passionate sailor. |
The Golden Bachelor Australia Contestants: A Snapshot of the Cast
Bear will choose from a remarkable group of 20 women, ranging in age from 51 to 66, each bringing a wealth of life experience, professional success, and resilience after love and loss.11 The contestants hail from diverse backgrounds and locations across Australia.
Here is a look at some of the women hoping to receive a golden rose:
| Contestant Name | Age | State | Profession & Notable Detail |
| Laura | 64 | QLD | Primary School Teacher and mother of television personality Abbie Chatfield. Her appearance has garnered significant media attention. |
| Kim | 60 | QLD | Doctor and mother of five who has been widowed twice. She describes herself as resilient and an adventurer. |
| Jan | 66 | NSW | Age Transformation Coach and the oldest contestant, seeking a genuine, loyal partner after significant personal heartbreak. |
| Bianca | 51 | QLD | Bubbly Radio Personality with over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry. |
| Catherine | 56 | NSW | Interior Designer who rebuilt her confidence by taking up bodybuilding following her second divorce. |
| Hamidah | 60 | NSW | Disability Support Worker with an infectiously warm heart and a resilient nature, having been married three times previously. |
| Elizete | 54 | NSW | Property Manager who was born in the jungles of Brazil and is a self-proclaimed “warrior princess.” |
| Pip | 60 | VIC | Former graphic designer who now works as a Hoist Operator, representing a bold change in career and life path. |
These women are not just contestants; they are professionals, grandmothers, survivors, and adventurers, ready to prove that life’s second chapter can hold the best romance of all.
Why This Season is Poised for Success
The US iteration of The Golden Bachelor, which premiered in 2023, was a massive success, rejuvenating the entire franchise and demonstrating a huge appetite among audiences for this specific niche of reality dating.
- Relatable Emotional Stakes: The contestants often share raw, profound stories of love, loss, and resilience, having navigated divorce, bereavement, and raising families. This injects a deeper, more meaningful emotional layer into the traditional dating format.
- A Fresh Format for the Australian Audience: Coming off a period where the traditional Australian Bachelor series struggled to connect with viewers, the “Golden” spin-off is expected to draw a broad audience, including fans of the original show and older demographics looking for on-screen representation.
- The New Host & Network: The show has leveraged the popularity and credibility of Samantha Armytage and the promotional power of the Nine Network to ensure a high-profile launch, positioning it as a major television event for late 2025.
The Golden Bachelor Australia 2025 promises to deliver all the glamour and dramatic dates of the franchise, but with a unique, heartfelt sincerity as Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden and his ladies seek to prove that true, lasting love is an experience best saved for the golden years.
