The Golden Bachelor Australia 2025: Bear’s age, contestants, premiere highlights, and what’s next

Australia finally has its own version of the senior dating phenomenon, and it opened with heart, humor, and a very Australian leading man. Barry “Bear” Myrden is 61 years old, making him the country’s first-ever Golden Bachelor. He met 20 accomplished women on the premiere episode, setting the tone for a season that leans into life experience, second chances, and candid conversations about loss and love.

How old is the Golden Bachelor Australia—and who is Bear?

• Age: 61

• Background: A Sydneysider and widower who lost his wife to cancer 14 years ago; he also experienced the passing of his mother in the same year.

• Family: A devoted father whose sons encouraged him to open his heart again.

• Why he resonates: Bear’s calm, reflective manner and willingness to discuss grief and growth give the series a grounded center.

The Golden Bachelor contestants: ages and first impressions

This cast skews accomplished and self-assured, with women largely in their 50s and early-to-mid 60s (roughly 51–66). The premiere highlighted a mix of professionals and creatives—doctors, coaches, entrepreneurs—who arrived ready to date with intention rather than drama. Early standouts included a 66-year-old “age transformation” coach whose moving story about infertility and reinvention struck a chord, and a Queensland physician (60) who spoke openly about being widowed twice. The first-impression rose went to a contestant who embodied the show’s ethos: warm, grounded, and unafraid to be vulnerable.

What sets this cast apart

• Real-life stakes: Many have managed careers, raised families, or navigated loss; conversations cut quickly to compatibility and values.

• Chemistry over spectacle: Playful entrances aside, the focus is on connection—eye contact, shared experiences, and talk of the future.

• Supportive dynamics: The women often cheer one another on, a notable shift from traditional franchise tropes.

Premiere-night takeaways: tone, themes, eliminations

The opener balanced light-hearted icebreakers with unflinching moments about grief, resilience, and finding joy later in life. While a handful of contestants were eliminated at the first rose ceremony, the mood stayed respectful and hopeful. Production-wise, the show favors warm lighting, intimate music cues, and longer, less-chopped conversations, letting emotions breathe.

Key themes introduced:

• Second chances: Bear frames dating as “building a new chapter,” not replacing the past.

• Emotional honesty: Contestants articulate boundaries and hopes with clarity.

• Age as an asset: Experience is celebrated—wisdom, humor, and self-knowledge are attractive here.

Host, format, and schedule basics

• Host: Samantha Armytage guides the journey with a steady, conversational tone.

• Format: Classic franchise beats—arrivals, cocktail party, first-impression rose, rose ceremony—reimagined for a mature cast.

• When it airs: Premiered Monday, 20 October 2025; weekly episodes continue in prime time. Schedules remain subject to change.

FAQ: your top searches answered

• “How old is Bear, the Golden Bachelor?” 61.

• “How old is the Golden Bachelor Australia?” 61.

• “Golden Bachelor contestants age range?” Predominantly 51–66.

• “How to watch The Golden Bachelor Australia 2025?” Airs weekly on free-to-air with episodes available to stream on the network’s official platform after broadcast.

• “Golden Bachelor contestants list?” The full cast features 20 women introduced in the premiere; eliminations will update weekly as roses are handed out.

What to watch for next week

• Deeper one-on-ones: Expect the first true “date-day + dinner” arcs where Bear tests compatibility beyond first-night sparks.

• Family and future talk: Conversations about adult children, blended families, and long-term plans will surface early.

• First travel tease: As connections solidify, look for hints of a mid-season getaway designed to challenge comfort zones.

Why The Golden Bachelor Australia lands differently

The show isn’t trading on shock value. Its power sits in unguarded moments—two people comparing scars, laughing about the absurdity of dating at 60, or admitting fear and trying anyway. That mix of candor and optimism is the franchise’s refresh button, and it’s why this Australian season feels poised to build a loyal audience.

For anyone searching “Golden Bachelor Australia 2025,” “how old is Bear,” or “Golden Bachelor contestants,” the essentials are set: Bear is 61, the women range mainly from their early 50s to mid-60s, and the premiere delivered authentic, emotionally literate television. Set your reminders—this one’s about grown-up romance done with grace.