The wait is almost over, with the new season of Outback Truckers premiering later this month on 7Mate.
It’s been a long time coming – three years in fact since the last new episode aired – but now the date is set. Outback Truckers will hit screens on Tuesday August 27 at 8.30pm.
“Millions of fans around the world have been extremely patient waiting for this series,” said Julia Redwood, executive producer and managing director at Prospero Productions, which is behind the show.
“At last they will be able to follow once again all their favourite truckers and many new amazing ones. These truckers are so important to the nation and to see what they achieve is extraordinary. It’s true what they say – without trucks, Australia stops!”
Since it premiered in 2012, Outback Truckers has been aired in over 100 countries.
The latest instalment, season 10, sees the return of many show favourites, including outback trucking legend Steve Grahame.
Aged 72, he’s been in the trucking game for 56 years. He is also one of the originals on the show, taking viewers along for the ride – as he travels on some of the harshest routes, to some of the most remote locations – since the very first season of the show.
Commenting on the show’s return, Steve said: “Mate, it’s great to be back! I’m really proud to be a part of this series, it’s changed my life and the Australian trucking industry by putting a positive spotlight on it. It’s been worth the wait!
“It’s not just driving a truck down a road. I think it’s been an eye opener, that trucking really is a skilled trade.”
With his loyal furry companion Bella by his side, he’s still behind the wheel of his trusty 1994 model Kenworth C501 – albeit with a new Cummins X15 600hp engine.
“I have been dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century. I’ve fitted a new engine to my truck, which is run by not just me but also a computer. If something breaks, I’ll have to call a helicopter,” he laughed.
Joining Steve in the new season is another show favourite, Sludge, who has had to overcome a terrible motorcycle accident to get back on his feet. They’re joined by various new faces too.
As Prospero explained, “This season ramps up the danger, as our truckies come up against ever increasing extreme weather events from deadly heat waves to freak tropical storms and the aftermath of record breaking floods. The roads they travel on are some of Australia’s toughest where few dare to tread. Every haul is a high-stakes challenge, where lives and livelihoods hang in the balance.
“Whether it’s rookie drivers on the brink of disaster or seasoned outback veterans struggling to keep their heads above water amidst crushing financial pressure, each episode delivers a relentless rollercoaster of real-life drama on wheels.”
Producers have also revealed to Big Rigs that they are currently casting for season 11. If you think you have what it takes to star in the next season, contact rachael.s@prospero.com.au or c.falkiner@prospero.com.au.
- Stay tuned for the August 30 edition of Big Rigs Newspaper, where we chat to Steve Grahame about life on the road and the return of Outback Truckers.
Can guarantee South Australia has been ignored.