South Africa will step into the prime-time spotlight this weekend as the setting for The Golden Bachelor Australia finale, following a collaboration between South African Tourism and Channel 9 that’s set to put the Rainbow Nation’s romance, wildlife and winelands in front of millions of Australian viewers.
Australian audiences were given a first glimpse of the South African setting in a teaser that aired at the end of the most recent episode, ahead of the finale on Sunday 16 November at 7pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Prime-time showcase for South African landscapes and experiences
In the finale episode, Golden Bachelor Barry “Bear” Myrden takes his final two contestants to South Africa for a series of high-impact dates by land and sea, from wine country to wildlife experiences. Viewers can expect a mix of soft adventure and romance, with the Big Five, dramatic coastlines and vineyard scenery all woven into the storyline as Bear makes his final decision.
The partnership gives South African Tourism a valuable platform to reinforce key destination pillars for the Australian market – including world-class winelands, safari lodges, coastal drives and cultural encounters – all framed through a high-profile, emotionally driven format that traditionally inspires travel aspiration.
Fresh inspiration for Australian travel advisors
For the Australian travel trade, the finale is well-timed to spark renewed interest in South Africa as a long-haul holiday choice for couples, empty nesters and “second-chance” romantics. Advisors can leverage the exposure by:
- Highlighting South African itineraries that mirror the show’s themes of romance, reconnection and soft adventure
- Packaging winelands stays with Big Five safaris to echo the on-screen journey
- Positioning South Africa as a destination where premium experiences – from boutique lodges to private touring – remain competitive in value compared with other long-haul options
With Channel 9 backing the local version of the franchise and prime-time placement on both linear TV and 9Now, the series has broadened its reach into an older, experience-focused demographic that aligns strongly with South Africa’s core tourism audience.
