Updated: March 31, 2026
If you grew up watching Australian TV in the 1970s and 80s, the catchy theme song of Ask the Leyland Brothers probably still plays in your head. But behind the iconic outback adventures stood a quiet powerhouse — Mal Leyland’s wife, Laraine Leyland.
She wasn’t just the woman beside the camera; she was the steady heart that kept the whole journey going. From dusty tracks to family campfires, Laraine travelled, filmed, supported, and loved through every chapter. Here’s her inspiring story, updated with the latest heartfelt tributes from Mal himself.
Table of Contents
Who Was Laraine Leyland?
Laraine Leyland (née Dempsey) was born around 1943 and grew up in Newcastle, New South Wales. She married Mal Leyland in 1970 in Wallsend and became his lifelong travel companion. While Mal and his brother Mike grabbed the spotlight with their groundbreaking documentaries, Laraine was right there — often in front of the lens too.
She appeared regularly in the Leyland Brothers’ shows, teaching viewers simple camping tricks and sharing the fun of life on the road. Warm, practical, and full of life, Laraine brought a relatable touch to their epic adventures. Fans loved her natural presence; she made the outback feel like home.
A Lifetime of Love and Exploration with Mal Leyland
Mal Leyland has always described Laraine as “the highlight of my life.” In a recent Australian Story episode (aired March 2026), the 81-year-old adventurer — now battling Alzheimer’s — said with a smile: “She was the best thing that ever happened to me. Meeting her was the highlight of my life, and in my memory, she still is.”
The couple shared more than 48 years of marriage filled with real adventure:
- Joint travels across Australia for Ask the Leyland Brothers and later Leyland’s Australia (2000).
- Running a photo processing lab in Queensland together.
- Launching their own bi-monthly travel magazine in 1997.
- Writing travel stories, novels, and cookbooks side by side.
Laraine didn’t just tag along — she was an equal partner who helped shape their family-friendly travel brand.
Facing Challenges Together as a Family
Life wasn’t always smooth sailing. In the mid-1980s, the couple poured everything into Leyland Brothers World, a tourist park north of Newcastle featuring a giant Uluru replica. When the business collapsed under crushing interest rates, they lost their fortune and faced bankruptcy.
Laraine stood by Mal through the financial heartbreak, his battle with bladder cancer, and the painful estrangement from brother Mike. Their daughter Carmen later shared how her mum became “the centre of his life” and helped him find his way again.
Key highlights of their shared journey:
- Raised daughter Carmen while filming across the outback
- Rebuilt their life on a 10-hectare block in Glen Innes
- Continued creating travel content well into the 2000s
- Stayed deeply in love despite every setback
Their story is a beautiful reminder that real adventure includes both the highs of discovery and the strength to weather the lows.
Laraine Leyland’s Lasting Legacy
Laraine passed away peacefully on 22 November 2018 in Tasmania at the age of 75. Mal was devastated, but her memory continues to light his path. A new museum and photographic gallery planned in Cairns will honour her with “Lara’s Café” — a fitting tribute to the woman who loved life, travel, and good food.
Even with dementia, Mal still recalls Laraine clearly. He’s now planning one final epic trip in April 2026 to retrace their famous 1966 “Wheels Across a Wilderness” journey — this time with daughter Carmen and a convoy of fans.
| Key Facts About Laraine Leyland & Mal Leyland | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Laraine Dempsey Leyland |
| Birth Year | Approx. 1943 |
| Marriage | 1970, Wallsend NSW |
| Children | Daughter Carmen |
| Death | 22 November 2018, Tasmania (aged 75) |
| Role in Leyland Brothers | On-screen traveller, camp expert & behind-the-scenes partner |
| Joint Projects | TV shows, magazine, books, photo lab |
| Mal’s Tribute (2026) | “The highlight of my life” |
Conclusion: A Love That Still Inspires
Laraine Leyland wasn’t famous for chasing headlines — she was famous for the quiet, steady love that made Mal’s biggest dreams possible. She showed generations of Australians that adventure is sweeter when shared with the right person.
Whether you’re a fan of the Leyland Brothers, a travel lover, or simply someone who appreciates a beautiful love story, Laraine’s life reminds us to cherish our partners through every mile of the journey.
If stories like this spark your own sense of adventure or you’re looking for exciting career opportunities in travel, media, or outdoor industries, check out the latest listings at jobjoining.com — you never know where your next great chapter might begin.
What’s your favourite Leyland Brothers memory? Drop it in the comments below — we’d love to hear how Laraine and Mal touched your life too!