The Bush Tucker Man - Les Hiddins part 1.

In this 2 part series, Kev Newton from Australian Survival Instructors - www.aussiesurvivalinstructors.com - in association with survivalandbushcrafts.com - interviews Australian icon and bush tucker legend, Major Les Hiddins, regarding his new website, his involvement with the ABC series "The Bush Tucker Man", his military service in the Vietnam War, and his life projects since then, including setting up "Pandanus Park", a remote outback retreat for all war veterans to enjoy.

[@aussieoffroader1974]

This man is an absolute Australian icon. I have the greatest respect for Les.

[@davidphillips8416]

@@MrChubbaba well said.

[@thomaselliott573]

just an ordinary bloke

[@karl4834]

@MichaelKingsfordGray Dickhead

[@roastingpeanuts]

@MichaelKingsfordGray I sure don't give a single fuk

[@janklaas6885]

🤣

[@nicensleazy1892]

Les is an absolute legend and is highly respected by the British SAS !

[@michellesartori6695]

That is high praise indeed! They;re all real genuine men in that Military Brotherhood as I'm sure you would agree!

[@LJS01]

Going by the war crimes the brit sas commited in Afghanistan I wouldn't be taking that as a compliment

[@elizaandalisa]

​@@michellesartori6695agree with your comments entirely cheers n beers Marty Australia

[@sillyoldbastard3280]

Les is a bit of an Aussie legend. Good to see he is fit and well.

[@Dustin_N]

Been re-watching all of his stuff on lockdown and it brings great comfort

[@HughRaine]

Proper good comfort viewing. So peaceful.

[@markfrombriz]

Great viewing, quality documentary without all the manufactured drama that seems necessary these days

[@ladydi4runner]

Been binging on The Major for a minute now. Respect overflows. Wow, this Guy was and IS the Real Thing. Aussie legend from everyone’s comments. Many more videos to catch up on. 👍👍👍👏🏻

[@Zooumberg]

@@ladydi4runner Forget the arsehole like Bear Grylls. Although I do like Ray Mears. But Les is the best. I also like Jack Absalom, if you get a chance to watch him, he's fantastic. He recently passed away, but he's well worth watching.

[@JacobafJelling]

@@markfrombriz Crazy to think, that a Danish bloke would searched around KZbin, and settled at Bush Tucker Man, and has watched every episode available at least a couple of times.. FAST FORWARD 2-3 years, and a 1 year stay in Australia is only 2 weeks away. Haven't been downunder in almost 10 years.

[@660stihl]

Back in the day when i was born and raised in the Netherlands i saw this guy on tele. Because of him i moved to Australia the moment i was able too. And never regreted it. Thanks Major!

[@Renzsu]

Yes, he and Rex Hunt were some of the first to air on Discovery Channel back then (when they still had interesting shows on :) ).

[@brentdenholm668]

Les needs a bronze statue 10ft high . Absolute aussie legend , more people need to know what he did

[@Antipodean33]

I don't know about 10 foot, just life size would be right

[@mickw5704]

@@Antipodean33 Bigger the statue, the bigger their status. Should be 100 foot tall somewhere in the outback.

[@AstrixCloud]

@@mickw5704And who's going to pay for that?.

[@mickw5704]

@@AstrixCloud Obviously sarcasm is lost on you...🙄

[@chronocross7174]

LES HIDDiNS IS A LEGEND. I watched his videos when I was a kid, I am freaking 40 now and I still watch his videos!!!!

[@trumby7822]

Same.

[@albaproductions9602]

What a great man loved here in Britain too, glad to see he's still sharp as a pin

[@Merlin_Price]

Hiddins show was the first time i ever saw Aboriginals respected/revered in the media growing up. Even now the show holds up as a high water mark for the discussion and discovery of what Australia really is. It's a shame that we gravitate to hyperbolic entertainment rather than his more stripped down approach.

[@dzeko1167]

Bush Tucker man, Layland Brothers, Alby Mangles, Curiosity Show.... wonderful memories of my youth. And of course...the Paul Hogan show😀

[@VictoriaWargaming]

aah... the incredible bullshitting man

[@michaelhocking9037]

Great guy having lived in Australia for a number of years Bush Tucker was shown in England after my return he makes the modern guys look like amateurs.

[@alexandersidorchuk]

Greetings from russia. When I was a kid I watched all series about man in the bush. Thank you for these memories!

[@paulsackley4119]

I grew up living in the scrub in Kuranda, and hanging out running free with some of the local Aboriginal kids - I had a fantastic childhood. I didn’t realise Les lived there. We kids looked fwd to watching his show, and watching this reminds me of my younger days. In TAS now and do miss exploring that country, and my Aboriginal friends. Cheers for helping me remember another time in my life Les

[@j.folder8276]

You went backwards. Freezing down there. Lol

[@stevanoutdoor]

I'm Dutch. But when it comes to bushcraft & survival he is my hero! I would travel to Australia just to have a chat with him.

[@jamief.8489]

I love the way the hand actions are exactly the same .what an absolute legend even though he didnt pronounce the H in the videos which drove me nuts lol

[@proudpict2057]

Les is my childhood hero! I remember catching him on TV, watching with my Dad. Such a great memory! I actually have a hat that I modelled and shaped to look like the Iconic Bush Tucker Mans hat! I wear at work all the time. Thanks Les! Love ya work! A national treasure!!!!! 🇦🇺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇦🇺

[@shootingsportstransparency7461]

We stayed at home in the Netherlands for Les Hiddins program and years later traveling true Northern Australia with a motorhome we used his skill.

[@fatarsemonkey]

The Series needs to be remastered, it is quintessential viewing.

[@colonialdad1]

Thanks Major Les Hiddins. I still rate your Bush Tucker programmes as still the best of the best. So wish they would unleash you into the outback again.

[@jezward7896]

This man is a legend!! Big love from Ulster Bushtuckerman still watching you all these years later on Retro on here

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Great man & true Australian. Respect Sir.

[@jimmyh8090]

Iv never been to Australia but love watching the bush tucker man back in the ,90s and still watching it now .he is an absolute legend

[@markg5921]

Les Hiddins,what a guy,superb viewing as a youngster watching The Bush Tucker Man.Love the outdoors,thanks to Les.

[@kelliemariemarshall]

Am from croxteth Liverpool and am nearly 40 and this guy is a bit of a legend round my parts! What a living legend!

[@ciaran5588]

I first watched Les Hiddins in the 90's on Irish tv. I especially loved how he retraced the explorers that tried to navigate Australia. He always told those stories with such passion & knowledge. A brilliant man

[@bobjones5779]

I had the Privilege to "run Into" Les out the back of where I worked at JCU North Queensland. sat out the back for morning tea, and here's Les Sneaking up the back of the "History and Politics" department doing his research. Was a huge fan as a kid from Mackay...so running into Les was like meeting NQ celebrity/Royalty. and ...without the hat...He is quite In Cognito. HA!

[@alexcarter8807]

Those old Bush Tucker Man shows are great. I grew up in Hawaii and we became very poor, so I learned to find bush tucker myself. And it's amazing, I never got poisoned or even sick off of anything, and we ate things that in books are described as highly poisonous, meanwhile things that were actually poisonous, we somehow knew to avoid.

[@davidcrandell1172]

Great vid. I have a couple of his snack maps lying around. Les is awesome.

[@trufantom21]

This bloke is a living legend...I grew up watching his stuff and still watch it. Good on you Les... you're a true blue Aussie mate.

[@RasDoesBushcraftBackcountry]

as a Bushman myself, i have huge admiration for the respect he has shown and given from/by the indigenous communities, as a Maori in the Bushcraft scene, he inspires me always to new heights when it comes to knowledge of the bush, not just food, but mainly other resources such as medicines, shelter, tools from the bush. Yearly i have a huge binge on the old fellas in wilderness survival/living skills and his vhs tapes of the Bush Tucker man and his other series are always the first ones i watch. Then Dick Proenneke then Ron Hood and many many many more.

[@philthemagician1949]

Always good to catch up with those Icon's from my Early Childhood in Country Victoria , as well as my travel's through other State's & Territories in this Land Downunder ( Australia ) .. Well Done Les Hiddens The Bush Tucker Man ...

[@me-cq7wv]

World Legend. I used to watch Les when I was a kid in Scotland and was amazed that these sort of places exist. Unknown later in life I would end up staying in QLD.

[@benjamingurruwiwi593]

My favorite TV shows early 80s

[@oldtimers6460]

Les deserves so much credit for his work in bush craft and food that he should be Australian of the year .

[@terrybest8973]

Yes this guy is one of my favorite bloke's great teacher good man

[@simond2062]

Absolute legend! Great to see Les still doing what he loves.

[@Antipodean33]

I grew up as a kid watching this fella and Malcolm Douglas, they were the real deal, true adventurers with a stack of great knowledge.

[@dieseldavetrains8988]

Gentleman, outback expert and great bushman is Les Hiddens, still watching the old Bush Tuker Man series on You Tube, they will never go out of fashion, thank you Les.

[@DailyDB]

A true aussie legend

[@deanb5693]

Sir, your snack maps are awesome. They were like gold. Hard to get today but still gold. Thank you for your time, effort and service. Stands and salutes.

[@MountainGoat69696]

What a legend, I used to watch his programs religiously and I am glad that they are now being reproduced. Great service to this great country.

[@woodnugget1301]

So pleased Les got the fellowship. Just goes to show there’s always some low life who hasn’t put the work in wiling to take your work and glory away from you. Typical military rank system. Good on you Les glad You got it. Your personality and humbleness made the series really special. Couldn’t wait for Sunday s in the UK 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😀

[@brentdenholm668]

It's not just the plants it the history lesson you get as well when you watch his clips

[@58Kym]

That was the parts I was most fascinated in was his take and explorations following explorers and legends.

[@rhondahanlon5976]

I love watching Les Hiddens , what a legend that man is . We were watching some Bush Tucker Man just this afternoon , I love his hat so much ! Good on you Les it’s so good to see you fit and well .

[@Farmer2492]

watched every show when i was younger still watch his shows now that I am older he is an Australian Icon like Jack Absolom, Malcolm Douglas ect

[@jamief.8489]

We would get on very well those are my three favourites . All absolute Aussie legends

[@Farmer2492]

@@jamief.8489 Yes they were great and still are iam hoping one day to go to broken hill and see Jack Absolom's paintings

[@jamief.8489]

@@Farmer2492 yes went through there and I didn't even think to go and have a look ,I do regret that .

[@Farmer2492]

@@jamief.8489 Whats broken hill like i want to go to lightning ridge , Kalgoorlie Coober pedy too

[@jamief.8489]

@@Farmer2492 red dust everywhere in all of those places lol I only went through broken Hill on the way to Queensland for a magic convention .but Cooper Pedy is a really interesting place seeing all the houses underground and even restaurants backpackers theatres all underground

[@kaynefryday1251]

Wow, I grew up watching bush Tuckerman a d dreaming one day I would see some of the amazing places he showed us, I remember now 30 years later the lessons on bush survival he taught us. A real legend. The respect he showed the aboriginal people was great and how they should be treated.

[@chuxxsss]

Les was a legend when I was a young soldier in Townsville. Love the show, and I love the bush.

[@embahbornolaparn]

An Aussie Legend, different to the current crop of digital know all’s. Great to see you again Les. As a Scout, Senior Scout, and Rover Scout in the old days, I hung on every word you said, and followed it up practically .. Bravo to a Great True Blue Australian.

[@BushcraftAndCampingAdventures]

great interview so far Kev and a potentially awesome resource too. seeing Les takes me back to my childhood!

[@ray.shoesmith]

Bush Tucker Man is a goddamned Aussie legend

[@jeanpaulchristian3282]

yep- I from UK watched as kid, this defined my psychology

[@Peak_Aussieman]

Good to see Les is still doing well. Remember him when I was a kid.

[@OutbackMike]

Great interview. Great to here the background info from Les.

[@SurvivalAussie]

Thank you very much Mike. A lot of effort went into producing this.

[@jarronhaleysorrell]

Absolute weapon of a man Guru Les was one of my childhood Idols 😎

[@dominicohea5624]

A brilliant. Man. With a mine. Of. Information. Thanks for all.

[@Leopold5100]

lately been re-watching all of his stuff, nice

[@kevinherbert4256]

What a guy....thanx Les

[@woodnugget1301]

Awesome man awesome series. Long live Les Hiddins

[@darrensworkshop6783]

Thanks Les - I've loved your programs for the last 40 years. Keep up the great work my friend. Take care.

[@getsmart3701]

Legend...a proper bonafide legend ( read the man's introduction message on his web-site...bloody gold it is).

[@DrCrabfingers]

Legend is the right noun for this man....In the UK this guy would get the top award, a Knighthood, for his life's work. An incredible body of work and a total legend. A bit like David Attenborough...he is a man of his time, there probably won't be anyone else like him again. Salute this guy, men like this don't come along every day! Give that man the highest title of respect and appreciation in the land.

[@SurvivalAussie]

Thanks for watching Stephen. Unfortunately what I am seeing is an entire new generation of younger people, coming on my own bushcraft and survival courses, who have zero idea of whom I talk about, when mentioning "The Bush Tucker Man". Sad, but that's the nature of time moving in one direction. Les is one of the most polite and kind people, I have ever met.

[@Sid-gu5qk]

I'm Canadian and I love all the old Aussie programs about the wilds of Australia. If I ever win the lottery I will visit. Les must have retired the hat. 😂

[@eastcoastexplorers4x415]

his old videos came up on my watch list, been watching some of them, Love them. i used to watch him as a kid

[@cecilforbes3034]

Mate of mine seen him up north years ago and said to him ,big hat ,Les replied -Big country Cheers for what you have achieved and given Les,thank you 👍

[@JT-jy2sy]

Love his docos! He is a legend. I must admit took me a while to recognise him.

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

met the man got him to sign my acubra bash hat. Legend x

[@RobMacKendrick]

Fantastic to see Les again after all these years. Cheerio from Canada.

[@BasedinReality1984]

I'm currently watching all the Bush Tucker man episodes on YT. This man is an absolute legend. I'd love to have a beer with him and listen to all his stories; he'd have a few.

[@cybersurfer2010]

Loved to watch this back in the day!

[@dexstewart2450]

Afternoons in the UK - Sir Les all the way

[@johnlighton7025]

The voice is the same but can't believe how we all getting on. Legend

[@jigsey.]

This man is a legend to me growing up in the UK, loved his show

[@oliverliekmeier2875]

Love your work les 👍👍🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@spleeeen4it]

watching his old classics on youtube, absolutely fascinating man and brilliant teacher on survival

[@karunevans7229]

I absolutely love him.I used to watch his program on one of the television channels in 90s. Bless him with happy healthy life.

[@catey62]

Les is a legend and an Aussie icon,have watched so many of his original videos back in the day. and have tried to remember some of his tips for getting yourself out of trouble if your'e stuck. his knowledge is amazing and you can learn something new each time you see another of his videos.

[@angiec7402]

Thank you les childhood memories come flooding back

[@raybeattie5802]

We watch Les going around the Australian bush showing us the amount of food that could be retrieved from the bush but all so the great country of Australia!. He’s one of a kind & who will serve Australia long into the future! Well done Les! 👍

[@Andy-xo5nu]

Dead set legend, thanks for this.

[@louwallace4139]

❤❤❤ loved your bush tucker series Les

[@RandellMonaghan]

IMO It's Time Les Gets Knighted. Sir Les sounds worthy of a man that's done so much for his country.

[@greetb9330]

Brilliant. Thank you Les for sharing both your knowledge and giving a real insight into the people and nature of Australia. Absolutely brilliant.

[@gnhansen29]

excellent idea. I miss your television series.

[@chrisbarton5851]

Loved watching this incredible man MR LES HIDDINS 👌

[@JohnWilliams-iw6oq]

The bush tucker legend, I hope you are OK Les and thanks for the incredible history lessons as well as the food sources. I'm enjoying them all over again.

[@bestestimesreborn]

Les Hiddins and melcolm Douglas. Pure Icon's.

[@MsPtolomy]

Bit of a childhood hero for me. Enjoying watching Bushtucker Man again.

[@ozzyalchemist8806]

Best scholarship ever given. Much respect for the Major & a huge thankyou for his service & love for Australia. 👍🤠✌🇦🇺

[@raypestrapur2897]

Les Hiddens - Champion and Legend

[@briananderson2314]

On ya Les Hinds , Major ,Bush Tucker Man, Glad to see you are still at it, Just Awesome work Les,

[@sydneygordonhill]

please come back Les! youre in the same class as any other legend like Irwin and Attenborough

[@robertbradfield4810]

Les was, is and will always be inspirational and hero to anyone with survival interests. Long may you continue Sir.

[@b4bluey]

Best one to follow, By Far !! > Total Respect !!

[@Thepigfromthepot]

Been watching his stuff since I was s boy I'm now 40 and still in awe

[@paulczernotowycz2305]

A national treasure!

[@spacy7test812]

One of my heros as a kid

[@trevorward1690]

Always most interesting thankyou Les .

[@TheCaptainFaz]

What a legend 🤙

[@maxflight777]

What a wonderful man.

[@SheltonDCruz]

WOW - thanks for sharing

[@bbgun4404]

Legend!!