![QLD_CP_NEWS_BUSHTUCKER_7MAY18](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1280 720"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Bush Tucker Man Les Hiddins. Picture: BRENDAN RADKE
FORGET the swag. Queensland’s own The Bush Tucker Man has listed his stunning Townsville residence for sale.
Major Les Hiddins, a retired Vietnam War veteran who became a much-loved Aussie survival expert, and his wife Sandy have put their historic Belgian Gardens on the market for offers over $1.55 million with Harcourts Kingsberry agent Stephanie Turnbull.
Les said the couple were looking to “return to his roots” back in Cairns, and were looking for a bit of acreage.
Sandy added they wanted to explore more of Cape York and surrounds, adding “we still have a lot of adventure left in us”.
“It is where we belong Les said.
Les Hiddins back in his TV days
Built in circa-1910, the residence has stunning verandas with views of Castle Hill, Magnetic Island and the Great Dividing Range.
21 Hooper Street, Belgian Gardens, is for sale
Close to the Strand and CBD, there is no need to scrounge for witchetty grubs with local amenities nearby and statement kitchen to cook in.
On a 809sq m block, the five bedroom residence is split over two immaculate levels.
The upper level is home to generous living areas, the recently renovated kitchen, a dining area with a grand chandelier and ceiling rose, three bedrooms, all with built-in wardrobes, a master bedroom with an ensuite and sweeping verandas with their own entertaining spaces.
MORE NEWS: 10 of QLD’s cheapest beach homes on the market right now
First time in 50 years: QLD cottage sells for eye-watering price
Interstate investors to offload private Qld island in shock sale
One of the classic living areas
There is also a grand double staircase leading up to this level, casement windows, timber floors, tongue and groove walls, high ceilings, picture rails, and French doors.
The main bedroom
On the lower level is where you will find a fully self-contained space with a kitchenette, living areas, two king sized bedrooms with walk-in robes and a study, large bathroom, theatre room and a laundry.
There is also a pool. generous storage, alarm system, solar panels, airconditioning throughout, a double carport, large workshop and tropical gardens.
The lower level theatre room
“Absolutely nothing to be done here but live your best life and enjoy what this beautiful property has to offer,” the listing says.
No muddy lagoon here, just a stunning pool area
Hiddins was the principal author of the Australia Army’s survival manual in 1987, and was awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1987.
His research was later turned into the TV series The Bush Tucker Man from the late 1980s.
The series would see Hiddins travel around wearing his trademark Akubra hat teaching audiences about Aussie bush tucker.
The residence has beautiful character features
He retired from the full-time army in 1989 but served with the reserves until 2001, working with indigenous Australian communities in Northern Australia.
Since then, he has been at the forefront of establishing wilderness retreats for war veterans.
Property records show that the couple bought the Belgian Gardens residence on January 28 last year.
Ms Turnbull said that the couple updated the electrics, put in new airconditioners, revamped the yard, painted and upgraded the stove and fans.
“They maintained it beautifully and brought it back to its original glamour,” she said.
In April 2021, the couple also sold their tropical hideaway at Kuranda for $1,035,000.
The couple spent eight years renovating that home, rebuilding it almost from scratch.
Ms Turbull said the premium market was picking up again in Townsville, with a number of sales within the asking price bracket recently selling in neighbouring suburbs.
RELATED: Live like The Bush Tucker Man in this tropical QLD hideaway