The Bearded Bushranger

—————-

In this interview, The Bearded Bushranger shares his upbringing in Victoria, Australia, where family adventures sparked a lifelong passion for the outdoors. He discusses his self-taught journey into bushcraft, influenced by experiences in Uganda and a deep connection to Australian history. His YouTube channel combines outdoor exploration, survival skills, and storytelling, inspired by historical figures. He emphasises resilience as a key skill for aspiring bushmen and looks forward to new projects, including snow camping and exploring Aboriginal knowledge. Follow his adventures on Instagram and YouTube at @thebeardedbushranger.

Background

————

So, I grew up in the southern state of Victoria in Australia all most of my life. I was fortunate to be raised in a great environment and a loving family. My best childhood memories are family holidays in the bushland that surrounded the coast. This is where my love for the outdoors was developed, from surfing, camping, fishing, lighting a fire ... Looking for animals. My parents helped foster a curiosity for the natural world around me.

*Photo of Luke Vandenberg* @thebearderbushranger

This then led to a life of adventure from my teenage years being obsessed with the ocean and surfing, to turning 18 and getting my freedom to travel and roam Australia and also the world. I have always felt at home in the outdoors and this is why I feel it's so important to do the same thing for my own children .. Give them opportunities to feel capable out in nature.

*Photo of Luke Vandenberg & Daughter* @thebearderbushranger

Also from a young age I had been interested in the creative side of things. This led to picking up my first video camera in my teenage years to capture my adventures, and I have never stopped.

You own a YouTube channel called The Bearded Bushranger, where you explore the Australian wilderness and teach essential bushcraft skills, inspired by the old fellas who roamed the land.

Can you share how and why you started this journey, and how you became knowledgeable in bushcraft and survival?

—————

Well to be honest, I certainly haven't been trained as a professional and I'm always quick to make sure I let people know that. I'm on a learning journey myself and I'm always open to feedback on how to better my skills. I'd say I'm an amateur with a strong passion perhaps.

But the bushcraft survival stuff started when I was 22 and I left my hometown to walk, and hitch hike up the east coast of Australia. I'd often head out to remote wilderness places with very little food and try and learn to forage from the land and sea.

I guess I was mostly self-taught, reading books and watching videos and then going outside and trying it myself. I also lived in Uganda, Africa for 10 years doing youth work, and during that time I was in a rural village. Bushcraft in that part of Africa wasn't just a weekend hobby but a way of life, and I learnt a lot about the spirit of 'how to make do' from the people there.

*Photo by Luke Vandenberg* @thebearderbushranger

I'd also always been interested in the stories of the old bushies in our Australian history .. I guess because my grandfather was a sheep drover and worked on a farm and so I felt a connection to that history. It's captivating to think of those old timers and how they get by in such a wild environment. When I came back from Africa with my family a few years ago to live on farm with my parents, I started learning more about the history of farming in this country which also naturally led to doing a deep dive into Australia's history with its wild places in general.

I also had never stopped filmmaking, and I was always doing it both as a personal hobby, and as part time work ... So, I decided to bring these 3 passions together, a love for the outdoors and adventures, Australian history, and capturing stories through film-making .. And the Bearded Bushranger YouTube channel was born.

*Luke Vandenberg YouTube Channel* *@thebearderbushranger*

When reacting Australian historical figures and their time in the bush, what resources or information do you rely on to further your understanding of the old ways?

—————

My home study where I do most of my editing and research is full of old historical books of this nation's history. I personally love the old books that where printed in the 1950's / 60's / 70's etc. I have been gifted with many great historical books from older generations that have now passed away and they have been a great source of inspiration.

Call me old fashioned but maybe I prefer finding a little bit of interesting history in an old book that I can actually turn the pages and smell the paper .. over researching things purely on the internet. Wikipedia etc is good for a quick search and double check on information, but the real treasure is often found in those old history books I find. Public libraries are also great for that very reason as well. Other then that, often getting out into rural areas and seeing historical places or museums helps give you a feel for things.

Do you have a particular favourite Bushmen? who and why?

—————

I recently read William Buckleys biography. He was an escaped convict who spent many years living with the local indigenous people before returning to European society here in Victoria. His story is intriguing .. Through many trials and hardships, he learnt how to survive out in the bush. As a result he never really felt entirely sure where he belonged later on in his life .. Whether in European society or with the indigenous people of Australia.

*c1886 engraving impression of William Buckley in the bush, by William* *Macleod. Credit:Museums Victoria*

After returning to European society, he also tried to work as a bit of a peace maker or bridge builder between the two cultures, even when the odds were stacked against him. His resilience throughout his time in the bush is inspiring, and I just found him to be particularly honourable man even in the face of hardships.

What has been the most difficult recreating you completed on your YouTube channel? Why was it the most difficult?

—————

Well, I have been inspired by some of the North American / Canadian YouTubers like Xander Budnick, Outdoor boys and Clay hays, who do a lot of survival nights out in the snow by a fire. I wanted to do that in Australia last year since I haven't seen many doing it in my country.

I slept out in the snow with only traditional gear (oil skin jackets, sheep skin to lay on etc) and with only a fire next to me. It was a sleepless night and very cold .. I think it got down to -5 celsius ... I know for Europeans and North Americans that doesn't seem that cold haha but for this Aussie boy it was quite the challenge and difficult to get through the night. Though I'm excited to try more of those types of cold weather / snow survival camps this winter.

What has been your most memorable adventure in the Australian wilderness, and what made it special?

—————

I mentioned previously that when I was 22 I left my home to hitch hike and walk the east coast of Australia. This trip was certainly one that shaped me and led me down a path that I have pursued ever since then.

In regard to my YouTube channel, it might be when I spent 4 days walking in the mallee country located near our longest river (the Murray river) the landscape is more like your typical outback environment, and I spent most of the time off track navigating by compass and map through a very barren and flat landscape with not many landmarks to navigate off. It was a bit daunting but I found the beauty and solitude of the outback very beautiful.

And then to hit the oasis like Murray River and camp on a sandback full of birds was very special. I did the trip as a traditional swagman as well and I was quite proud of the distances walked with that heavy traditional gear.

What future projects or adventures do you have planned that you’re excited to share with your audience?

—————

This winter I'd like to get into more snow camping, particularly hot tent camping. I know this is not something really new, but in Australia not many are doing it. I'm looking forward to this winter and getting out there to do more cold weather survival stuff as well. Also, further down the track I would like to do another big outback adventure, but push even more inland into the Aussie desert then I have before.

How do you envision the evolution of "The Bearded Bushranger" as you continue to explore and share Australian culture and bushcraft?

—————

There is so much to our Australian history that I would love to touch on. I could see myself getting more into hunting and looking at how that has been a part of our history. Horse riding and adventures on horseback is another area that I believe I need to get into, to truly understand the Australian bushman since so much of our history out bush has involved riding on horseback.

Looking into some of our maritime history as well, perhaps getting my hand on a vintage wooden dingy to adventures in the many bays and inlets around our coastline. And I'd also be open and keen to head into any indigenous communities to learn some of their expansive bush knowledge. It's often a case of feeling like there is so much to do .. So little time

What advice would you give to those looking to explore bushcraft and traditional camping, especially in Australia?

—————

Well, I've come to see that 'ultralight' is not the most important value in camping and bushcraft. I think we can often become obsessed with modern comforts and conveniences and try to bring that into the outdoors. Because we often always go for the lightest option when it comes to gear, we don't stop and think about the materials we are using. Yes, it's true the traditional gear may be slightly heavier over the synthetics .. but the sense of connection to history, land and the environment (and not to mention the health benefits) you get by using heritage gear is truly something special.

If you are interested in that kind of experience, I would recommend slowly evolving your outdoor kit to include more equipment made from things like wool, cotton, canvas, leather etc

In your opinion, what are the essential skills every aspiring bushman should learn?

—————

To be honest, I would say resilience. I've often mused that I may not be the most knowledgeable in bushcraft, neither am I the most fit and strongest human .. But I do believe what I have going for me is resilience. I'm able to go through a painful situation and bare it or even crack a joke and have a smile on my face. I'd say the ability to keep a cool head and remain resilient and determined in the bush is something that can't be learnt in a book .. but has to be developed from experiencing life itself.