AUSTRALIAN SURVIVOR IS back for a surprise second season in 2025. This time, it’s Australia vs the world, and some of our favourite contestants from previous seasons are returning to the series.
There will be 14 castaways on Survivor: Australia V the World, split into two tribes. There are seven Australia contestants, and seven who have competed in international versions of Survivor, from South Africa and Finland to the USA and Quebec.
The new season will premiere on Sunday, 17 August 2025 at 7pm on Channel 10 and 10play. Who will outwit, outplay and outlast this season? See for yourself below.
Who are the castaways on Survivor: Australia V the World?
George Mladenov
Instagram: @georgekingofbankstown
Occupation: Lawyer, author, and political operative
Tribe: Australia
The self proclaimed ‘king of Bankstown’ (who is also known by the less affectionate nickname of ‘cockroach’) is returning to Survivor for a third time. George previously appeared on Brains v Brawn and Heroes v Villains. And in case you’re new to Survivor, yes, that is an immunity idol tattooed on George’s chest.
Luke Toki
Instagram: @luketoki
Occupation: Real estate agent and mining technician
Tribe: Australia
Nicknamed the ‘people’s champion’ and ‘king of the jungle’, Luke previously appeared on the 2017 season, and Champions v Contenders. Luke went on to host Australian Survivor: Talking Tribal and even won Big Brother AU in 2021. On his most recent Survivor appearance, Luke finished fourth, a heartbreaking outcome as he was playing for his family, including his elder son with autism and younger son with cystic fibrosis. Thankfully, Luke’s story moved so many fans that he was able to crowdfund over $500,000 for his family.
David Genat
Instagram: @davidgenat
Occupation: International model
Tribe: Australia
The ‘golden god’ has returned. David Genat won Australian Survivor: All Stars on his most recent appearance in the series and is back for more. The former model has become a fan favourite, going on to compete in other reality shows like Deal or No Deal Island, for which he won close to $10 million AUD,
Janine Allis
Instagram: @janine_allis
Occupation: Founder of Boost Juice and Retail Zoo
Tribe: Australia
She may be best known for founding Boost Juice and for being one of the sharks on Shark Tank, but Janine Allis is also a Survivor veteran. She was a contestant on Champions V Contenders in 2019, and although she didn’t win (coming in fifth place), she showed she has all the right qualities to be a sole survivor.
Kirby Bentley
Instagram: @kirbybentley
Occupation: Retired AFLW footballer and coach
Tribe: Australia
A former AFLW star, Kirby Bentley has quickly returned to Survivor after making her debut in 2024’s Titans v Rebels. She finished fifth, but like Allis, showed that she’s capable of being sole survivor with her adeptness in physical challenges and cunning strategy.
Shonee Bowtell
Instagram: @shoneebowtell
Occupation: HR assistant
Tribe: Australia
Shonee has appeared on more seasons of Australian Survivor than any other contestant. She’s done Champions v Contenders, All Stars and Heroes v Villains, but has never won the show.
Sarah Tilleke
Instagram: @sarahtilleke
Occupation: Model
Tribe: Australia
A model who was discovered at age 16, Sarah was a runner-up on The Face Australia. She has since modelled for Camilla and Marc, Elle Macpherson Intimates and Target. She competed in the second season of Australian Survivor and finished eighth.
Lisa Holmes
Instagram: @lismholmes
Occupation: Librarian
Tribe: World
Lisa was the surprise winner of Survivor New Zealand: Thailand. Don’t let her unassuming day job as a librarian fooly you – Lisa is known for her aggressive strategy and ability to mastermind eliminations.
Parvati Shallow
Instagram: @pshallow
Occupation: Yoga teacher, life coach, motivational speaker, author
Tribe: World
A four-time Survivor veteran and one-time sole survivor, Parvati is a legend of the show. She’s appeared on a handful of other reality TV shows too, earning a reputation as a master manipulator and something of a villain – her recently published book is titled Nice Girls Don’t Win.
Rob Bentele
Instagram: @rob_bentele_survivor
Occupation: Videographer
Tribe: World
Rob was the sole survivor of Survivor South Africa: Island of Secrets in 2019. He emerged victorious after a long streak of immunity wins and successfully evaded a handful of attempts to eliminate him.
Tommi Manninen
Instagram: @themanninen
Occupation: Radio host and journalist
Tribe: World
Tommi won the seventh season of Survivor: Finland thanks to what he calls a “mathematical approach”. Other contestants might assume that Tommi isn’t much of a threat (the dorky wolf T-shirt doesn’t do him any favours), but underestimating him would be a mistake.
Tony Vlachos
Instagram: N/A
Occupation: Retired cop
Tribe: World
Arguably the GOAT of Survivor, Tony has appeared on three versions of the show and has been sole survivor twice. He typically occupies a leadership role in his teams, and in the past, he has constructed ‘spy shacks’ to eavesdrop on his tribemates, frequently double-crossed his own allies and swore on relatives both alive and dead to come out on top.
Kassandre Bastarache
Instagram: Recently deleted
Occupation: Web editor
Tribe: World
Kassandre won a whopping 18 challenges during her first and only season on Survivor: Quebec, which helped her make it to the final three. Once there, she didn’t pick up a single jury vote, as a winner was chosen unanimously. Still, Kass’ challenge prowess will make her a contender.
Cirie Fields
Instagram: @cirie_fields
Occupation: Nurse
Tribe: World
At this point, Cirie Fields is just making a living by appearing on reality shows. She’s been on Survivor five times, with the upcoming series being her sixth, but has never won. She also appeared on Big Brother and won the first season of The Traitors. She is guaranteed to be a fan favourite.
