Millions of online clicks while going on bush adventures
FNQ survivalist
Ed Hirst arrived in Port Douglas about two-and-a-half years ago with adventure on his mind - and he has sure found it.
The keen fisherman and bush camper started posting videos of his exploits online, which he says drew more than 22 million views to one viral post of him catching a tiger shark off Four Mile Beach last year, changing his life forever.
Hirst now has more than 24,000 followers and his page is sponsored by a range of adventure-tourism brands.
The UK-born adventurer is currently working on two other videos featuring sharks and gropers, which are expected to be released this month.
“I used to watch a lot of survivalists back home so I’ve always been into nature,” Hirst says.
“I just thought ‘I want to do that’, make videos and do what I want to do.
“So I bought a ticket and headed off to Australia.”
Hirst says he is aiming to turn his adventures into a full-time occupation.
“I want to do some crazy survival challenges,” he says.
“I want to do a week on my own in the Daintree, going through the jungle, and then head out bush as well, try and do a lap of Australia.”
Port Douglas became an integral part of the dream at an early age.
“I came here when I was 12 years old on holiday with my mum and my sister and absolutely fell in love with the place and just knew I wanted to come back,” Hirst says.
“I’m doing everything I love and honestly following my dreams.”
For details, look up ed.explores on Instagram.
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