Weatherman Goes Bush

by Graham Creed

A memoir about the unexpected joys and challenges of a tree-change from a television studio to a farm, from a beloved former ABC weather presenter.

The expectations of a tree change rarely meet the reality, but for TV weatherman Graham Creed, being immersed in the weather every day, rather than just reporting on it from a studio, was an eye-opening and transformative experience.

After leaving his television career in 2022, Graham became a full-time farmer - growing garlic, dabbling in native floristry and becoming known to locals as the 'honey man'. But even with his deep knowledge of weather and climate to inform his decisions, the realities of flash flooding, bushfires and drought presented unexpected challenges.

Meditative and wry, Weatherman Goes Bush is a candid memoir about rediscovering yourself within the untamed beauty of the natural world. Infused with fascinating weather wisdom and country-town anecdotes, each page is a charming breath of fresh air that will have you dreaming of your own escape to the country.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2023

About the author

Graham Creed joined the Bureau of Meteorology as a Weather Observer in 1986, with postings in Moree, Lord Howe Island and Wagga Wagga. He became a Weather Presenter with Austar in 2000, then joined ABC News in 2007, where he spent fourteen years. In 2022, he and his partner Bridgit relocated to their farm Eagles Reach, in Stroud near the Hunter Valley in NSW, where Graham is now a fulltime farmer.

Reviews

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m so much more than a weatherman these days and I’m revelling in it. Now I am known as the honey man rather than the weatherman. How good is that?”

From weatherman to farmer, Graham Creed invites you to experience a year on his farm as he discovers the seasons, how to listen to nature and the beauty of small town communities. The book had me dreaming of a tree-change to the country without downplaying the trials of climate change and the resilience needed to live on the land and off the grid.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graham Creed was a weatherman on TV and radio for many years. He tossed it all in and retired to his farm in 2021. This is his memoir of his first full year on the farm and his battles with the weather, machinery and wildlife while trying to remain true to his sustainability pronciples. There is a lot in the book about weather, bee-keeping, growing proteas and garlic written chronologically by the season.

[SS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graham Creed's transition from weatherman (NSW) to farmer. What a fortunate life he has led and the farm life sounds idyllic, even in the face of climate change.

This book is a twist (due to Graham's weather background) on the standard tree change books (city to farm) but I didn't feel it was as soft or or as enticing as others I have read, but nevertheless a good and quick read.

Best wishes with the bees.

[Alison Wootten · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice light, very enjoyable read.
Watched Graham for many years presenting the weather on the ABC, and was aware of his transition into farming.
He and partner Brigit are living my dream - Varroa and other disasters aside!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing style of this book make me think I was watching a PowerPoint presentation, but rather than being a criticism, I actually enjoyed this.