Grab your backpack, throw on your runners, and leave your passport behind because The Amazing Race Australia is about to set off across the country in the ultimate race of a lifetime. The first episode airs Monday, February 1 at 7.30pm on 10 and WIN Network.
While international travel may not be on the itinerary, Australia is filled with immense beauty and extremes and has many great landscapes to challenge even the most avid racer: from beaches to deserts, rainforests to mountain ranges, tropical hot climates to freezing snow.
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This season, 14 competitive teams will race across the nation taking part in challenges, all with their eyes on the $250,000 prize.
Former professional NRL player, Beau Ryan, returns as the host for The Amazing Race Australia season two. As before, he’ll be dolling out rewards and punishment, and ultimately keeping teams in check.
With the new season comes the addition of new race rules – some considered an advantage, and some, not so much. For season two of The Amazing Race Australia, the winning team of a non-elimination leg, gain two massive advantages:
Firstly, they do not have to compete in the next leg. Instead, they receive a First Class Pass and are rewarded with some kind of luxury experience while the other teams continue to race.
Secondly, they will return to the Pit Stop for the arrivals of the final two teams and choose to Salvage one and Sabotage the other.
SALVAGE: A bonus or advantage of some kind given to one team. For example, the team may receive a personal driver for the next leg, they may get extra money, or they may be allowed to know what the Roadblock challenge is before they choose who attempts it.
SABOTAGE: A disadvantage or setback given to one team. For example, the team may need to complete the leg with one of the team members blindfolded or tied together, they may lose all their money, or they may even have to do it barefoot.
T-JUNCTION: A huge challenge day, only once in the Race, where all racers are split into two massive super-teams. The super-teams will be chosen by the first racers to reach the T-Junction board at the head of the episode. They will pick their super-team and the remaining teams will form the second group. The teams will move through the entire race day in these two groups. Whichever group checks in second at the Pit Stop, will choose to eliminate a team from their group themselves.
The Amazing Race Australia has been notable for its diverse casting, and this season is no different. The teams for 2021 are:
THE TWIN MODELS: Alex and Jack, NSW
Adonis on the outside, quirky on the inside: no other team know each other better than Alex and Jack. Although they love to bicker endlessly, Jack describes Alex as his ‘favourite human’. They think alike and both love finding opportunities and experiences to satisfy their inner child.
THE SUPER SIKHS: Jaskirat and Anurag, NSW
Having met at a Summer Sikh youth camp 10 years ago, best mates Jaskirat and Anurag are extremely proud of their culture and want to show Australia what the Sikh fighting spirit is all about! Both men love being the centre of attention and would use the prize money to travel the globe.
THE GOLD COAST GIRLS: Ashleigh and Amanda, QLD
Here’s a team we’re certain you’ll like. Influencers Ashleigh and Amanda met by commenting on each other’s Instagram posts, and have been best friends ever since. With close to 150k followers between them, the Gold Coast glamours love all things outdoors, travel and adventure. Physically fit and smarter than they let on, Ashleigh and Amanda are looking to challenge themselves like never before on The Amazing Race Australia, and strengthen their friendship along the way.
THE COWBOYS: Brendon and Jackson, NSW
These true-blue cowboys and young dads are saddling up for the adventure of a lifetime. Brendon and Jackson met through rodeoing over 10 years ago and have been friends ever since. Family’s always front and centre for these adrenaline lovers, so it’s no surprise they’d use the $250,000 prize money on their kids… and a new set of teeth for Brendon.
THE GEEK AND PRINCESS: Chris and Aleisha, QLD
Having spent the last 12 years working as a princess in Disneyland, Aleisha is ready to trade her glass slippers for racing boots, with her self-proclaimed nerdy husband Chris by her side. Although it may seem like it’s all rainbows and woodland creatures for this team, they’re prepared to do whatever it takes to win – even if it means cheating or manipulating other teams with their sweetness.
THE PARENTS: Shane and Deb, NSW
After Shane was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and Deb lost her gym during the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple who have done so much to help those around them, needed to take a step back and help themselves. With Shane’s health taking a positive turn, this outdoor-loving, ultra-competitive team are ready for the race of a lifetime. Throughout Shane’s illness, the couple’s finances took a hit, so the $250,000 grand prize would help them bounce back.
THE KIMBERLEY COUSINS: Dwes and Katherine, WA
Although this deadly duo from The Kimberley’s are known for butting heads, cousins Dwes and Katherine are living proof that opposites work well together. Both Dwes and Katherine are Aboriginal and want to be positive role models for their community. They hope that by running the race, they’ll inspire their community and young Aboriginal Australians to dream big.
THE POWER COUPLE: Holy and Dolor, NSW
It all started when Dolor slid into Holly’s DM’s five years ago, and they’ve been dating ever since. Although she may seem like a living Barbie doll, lawyer Holly is the youngest internal investment banking lawyer at her workplace. Related to the Nigerian Royal Family, it’s only natural that Dolor chases the crown! A former professional soccer player who grew up in a household with seven siblings, he knows exactly how to sneak his way past the competition.
THE DAUGHTER AND DAD: Jobelle and Rani, VIC
Rani and Jobelle moved to Australia 13 years ago in search of a brighter future. As a child in the Philippines before the move to Australia, Jobelle promised herself that she would one day go on The Amazing Race with her dad. Now, her childhood dream has become a reality, as she prepares to travel the unknown with her hard-working, joke-cracking dad by her side.
THE DANCING EXES: Jordan and Violeta, VIC
Dance partners turned racers, Jordan and Violeta are ready to waltz ahead of the competition and take out the top prize. Having dated in high school, the pair are now close friends and dance partners who have travelled the globe, representing Australia at the highest level of dance.
THE MUMS: Jude and Shannon, QLD
Jude and Shannon are best friends who met through their kids, nearly 20 years ago. As devoted mums, running the race means they’ll finally be able to do something for themselves – with no husband or kids to wrangle. For these outgoing mums, their social game will be their strength. Their warmth and banter are enough to win anyone over.
THE CHILDHOOD FRIENDS: Malaan and Tina, VIC
Malaan is an international model, studying towards a degree in Business, and Tina is a Senior Policy Advisor, with an interest in politics. Born in South Sudan, they moved to other parts of Africa as refugees before making their way to Australia. They’ve travelled internationally together but are excited for the opportunity to explore their backyard on The Amazing Race Australia.
THE BESTIES: Sefa and Jessica, NSW
Sefa and Jess have been riling each other up for the past 10 years and are ready to take their unfiltered friendship on tour. Determined to win, and mow down anyone in their way, Sefa and Jess love trash-talk, sarcasm and getting on each other’s nerves. Both are from a Polynesian background and would use the prize money to help support their tight-knit families.
THE SIBLINGS: Skye-Blue and Jake, VIC
Skye-Blue and Jake aren’t just siblings, they’re also friends and experienced travel buddies. At a towering 6’5″, Jake believes his height will be an asset to them on the race. Skye-Blue was born without a left hand but doesn’t let that hold her back! After a lifetime of people underestimating her, Skye-Blue has kept her determination to prove she can do absolutely anything she wants.
Follow The Amazing Race Australia on socials:
Facebook – Facebook.com/AmazingRaceAU
Instagram – @amazingraceau
Twitter – @AmazingRace_AU
TikTok – Tiktok.com/@AmazingRaceAU
The Amazing Race Australia premieres Monday, 1 February At 7.30pm on 10 and WIN Network.