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Inside the life of Outback Wrangler Matt Wright - his house, wife Kaia, kids, business and net worth

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright has put his business empire on ice - but he's unlikely to go broke, with his huge property portfolio pulling in up to $200,000 a week alone.

The reality TV star is facing up to 15 years in jail when he fronts court on Thursday on charges relating to the death of his co-star and close mate Chris 'Willow' Wilson.

Wilson, 34, died as he dangled under a helicopter while collecting eggs from croc-infested swamps in the Northern Territory's remote Arnhem Land in February 2022.

Wright is accused of interfering in the crash investigation and faces a string of charges including perverting the course of justice, which carries a maximum 15-year prison sentence.

In the wake of the tragedy, father-of-two Wright, 44, has sold off the aircraft from his helicopter charter firm Helibrook and put other business ventures on hold.

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright star is facing up to 15 years in jail when he fronts court on Thursday on charges relating to the death of his co-star and close mate Chris 'Willow' Wilson. (pictured, Wright with wife Kaia and son Banjo)

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright star is facing up to 15 years in jail when he fronts court on Thursday on charges relating to the death of his co-star and close mate Chris 'Willow' Wilson. (pictured, Wright with wife Kaia and son Banjo)

The Wright's own five villas on a property they call Freshwater Retreat (pictured). All villas can be booked for a combined $4,829 for two nights

The Wright's own five villas on a property they call Freshwater Retreat (pictured). All villas can be booked for a combined $4,829 for two nights

Thrill-seekers interested in the Top End Safari Camp with a friend are looking at about $1400 for a 20-hour adventure. Guests stay in one of 15 tents (pictured)

Thrill-seekers interested in the Top End Safari Camp with a friend are looking at about $1400 for a 20-hour adventure. Guests stay in one of 15 tents (pictured)

His two hit television shows, Outback Wrangler on National Geographic - which made him a global star - and Wild Territory on Netflix, have both been abandoned.

He's not ruling out their return, but close friends told Daily Mail Australia his main focus is being with his family ahead of fighting the criminal charges in court.

The family has been seen relaxing in remote waterholes as they make the most of their time together before Wright faces court.

And even once the criminal charges have been resolved, Daily Mail Australia has been told his family will continue to be Wright's top priority before anything else. 

Wright and his model wife Kaia, 34, are said to be worth around $10million after building up a huge business empire on the back of Outback Wrangler's success.

Matt Wright's major sponsor Great Northern Beer has put their relationship on 'pause'

Matt Wright's major sponsor Great Northern Beer has put their relationship on 'pause'

His lead role in the TV show, which began in 2011, is believed to have earned him at least $250,000 a season before he launched his Netflix and Channel Nine spin-off.

Wild Croc Territory featured Wright not only as the main star but also in a lucrative executive producer role alongside his agent Nick Fordham, boosting his payday.

But the first season of the show in 2022 was derailed by Wilson's death, and the second season due to be broadcast in 2023 has never been seen.

The accident has also threatened Wright's endorsement deals, with companies including Great Northern Beer and Casio's G-Shock watches ditching him from campaigns pending his court case.

Wright had appeared alongside Wilson in several ads for the beer during his six year tie up with the Carlton and United Breweries brand until he was shelved by bosses.

'Great Northern is pausing its relationship with Matt, pending the outcome of NT legal proceedings,' a spokesman said last December.

Wright also has endorsement deals with Ariat, Yokohama Tyres and Otis Eyewear, and is an ambassador for Tourism Australia.

Wright's daredevil high-stakes, high-rewards crocodile egg collecting missions - used to feed the demand for precious crocodile skin among luxury brands - have also been scrapped.

But although the commercial and showbiz side of Wright's life has been paused, he still has a healthy nest egg of property-based travel ventures to fall back on.

His travel and tourism interests have continued despite the offscreen turmoil, netting the family a small fortune every week.

He and wife Kaia own and operate five luxury Airbnb properties around the Darwin area called 'Freshwater Retreat' - which cost up to $2,000 each for a minimum two-night stay.

He put them all briefly up for sale as a going business concern in November but they still remain available for rent on AirBnb in the family's name.

Matt Wright had a series of corporate partnerships with well known brands such as Ariat, G-Shock, Yokohama Tyres and Otis Eyewear. Pictured is a post on Wright's Instagram promoting Yokohama Tyres

Matt Wright had a series of corporate partnerships with well known brands such as Ariat, G-Shock, Yokohama Tyres and Otis Eyewear. Pictured is a post on Wright's Instagram promoting Yokohama Tyres

He also owns Tiwi Island Retreat, which is part of an island complex 80km off Darwin's north coast, and charges couples $4,400 to stay in a 'luxury' tent for a minimum of two nights.

Wright also runs Top End Safari Camp which is a major tourist attraction and costs about $1,400 for two people, which includes tent accommodation and a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight.

Wright's own home on the outskirts of Darwin is a sprawling four bedroom on 3 hectares of land and includes its own crocodile lagoon in the back paddock.

He also has another designer home under construction in Darwin.

However, Wright and wife Kaia relocated to Queensland's Gold Coast last year with their son Banjo, 4, ahead of the birth of their second child, daughter Dusty Faith, in November 2022.

The Airbnbs are run by Wright's wife, Kaia. 

Below a happy snap of the couple together, their Airbnb profile reads: 'We love our property and hope you can experience its beauty too.'

The largest villa on Freshwater Retreat is named The Wright Residence and hosts up to 10 guests across four bedrooms and two bathrooms, and features a library, gym, kitchen and pool access.

Villa Setosa, Villa Alba and Villa Maritima each have space for two people, boast a 'tropical' outdoor bathroom and cost $693 for a two-night minimum stay, while Villa Excelsa has the same features but costs $797 for two nights.

Two guests would have to fork out $4,829 to rent all villas, including The Wright Residence, for two nights. The entire complex sleeps 16-plus people.

Tiwi Islands Retreat is 'set amongst a pristine marine sanctuary' and features 20 rooms with varying degrees of 'luxury'.

The couple promise to give tourists a taste of authentic outback life, including crocodiles

The couple promise to give tourists a taste of authentic outback life, including crocodiles 

The Wright Residence (pictured) is the largest accommodation option within the Wright's Airbnb complex

The Wright Residence (pictured) is the largest accommodation option within the Wright's Airbnb complex

Wright also owns Tiwi Island Retreat, which features a 'luxury' tent (pictured) as its most expensive option - at $4,840 per couple for two nights

Wright also owns Tiwi Island Retreat, which features a 'luxury' tent (pictured) as its most expensive option - at $4,840 per couple for two nights

The priciest accommodation option is 'glamping' in a 'luxury tent' with ocean views, an en-suite and private pool, and costs $4,840 for two people. A family-of-four would have to fork out $5,280 for the same tent.

A room with an ocean view costs $3,300 for two people, for a two-night stay, and includes an en-suite with double shower heads, while a family ocean room costs $4,400 for two adults and two kids and has a bathroom and living area.

Village rooms have shared bathrooms, a communal outdoor balcony, and a mixture of queen rooms, king singles and single bunk beds - all for $2,640 for a couple for two nights.

Thrill-seekers interested in the Top End Safari Camp with a friend are looking at about $1,390 for a 20-hour adventure, which includes crocodile feeding, an airboat cruise, a sunset cheese board, an outdoor dinner, and a barbecue breakfast.

The accommodation available is an 'overnight outback glamping experience in deluxe Lotus Belle tent'. There are 15 tents on site.

If all the properties owned by Wright were booked out at the same time, he would earn more than $200,000 per week.

His Matt Wright Wild Territory website still offers travel bookings and a line of merchandise, including T-shirts, caps and stubbie holders. 

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation has found Wilson died when the helicopter he was dangling beneath ran out of fuel and the pilot unhooked his vital lifelife.

Police allege Wright flew to the site with three others and interfered with evidence at the crash site (pictured) in an attempt to pervert the course of justice

Police allege Wright flew to the site with three others and interfered with evidence at the crash site (pictured) in an attempt to pervert the course of justice

Late mate and co-star Chris 'Willow' Wilson (pictured) appeared in several Great Northern ads alongside Matt Wright before he was killed in a chopper crash in February

Late mate and co-star Chris 'Willow' Wilson (pictured) appeared in several Great Northern ads alongside Matt Wright before he was killed in a chopper crash in February

Matt Wright been ordered not to contact Danielle Wilson, the wife of his co-star Chris Wilson who was killed in the helicopter crash (pictured together), as part of his bail conditions

Matt Wright been ordered not to contact Danielle Wilson, the wife of his co-star Chris Wilson who was killed in the helicopter crash (pictured together), as part of his bail conditions

Dad-of-two Wilson fell three storeys to his death in the fall and pilot Seb Robinson was left a paraplegic after their chopper crashed nearby in the remote swamp.

Wright immediately flew to the scene with former off-duty policeman Neil Mellon and helicopter pilot Michael Burbidge. 

They face charges relating to obstructing the investigation into the crash, but not in relation to cause of the crash itself.

They return to Darwin Local Court on Thursday December 7 for a committal hearing, known as a preliminary examination application in the Northern Territory.

If the application is successful, then the matter will be adjourned to a future date.

But if the application is unsuccessful then the trio will be back the following day, obliged to appear in person.

Matt Wright (pictured with wife Kaia and son Banjo, 4) has sold off the aircraft of his helicopter charter flight business Helibrook in the wake of Chris 'Willow' Wilson's death last year

Matt Wright (pictured with wife Kaia and son Banjo, 4) has sold off the aircraft of his helicopter charter flight business Helibrook in the wake of Chris 'Willow' Wilson's death last year

Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright return to Darwin Local Court on Thursday December 7 for a committal hearing, known as a preliminary examination application in the Northern Territory

Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright return to Darwin Local Court on Thursday December 7 for a committal hearing, known as a preliminary examination application in the Northern Territory

OUTBACK WRANGLER TIMELINE

On February 28, Chris 'Willow' Wilson and Seb Robinson were part of a three-chopper egg collection expedition (map pictured) to the remote King River swamps in West Arnhem Land

On February 28, Chris 'Willow' Wilson and Seb Robinson were part of a three-chopper egg collection expedition (map pictured) to the remote King River swamps in West Arnhem Land

FEBRUARY 28, 2022

7:03am Pilot Seb Robinson and egg collector Chris 'Willow' Wilson are on one of three Robinson R44 helicopters which set off from Noonamah on a crocodile egg collection operation on West Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, about 500km from Darwin. Each chopper has one pilot and one egg collector. They fly for 90 minutes to a drum refuelling site in the bush near Mount Borradaile.

8.30am Choppers fly from drum refuelling area to the King River staging area, 20 minutes away. Mr Wilson allegedly shares a picture of the fuel gauge showing it was almost full to their shared WhatsApp group.

Around 9am Choppers split up to go to their various egg collection areas. Two head 12km north-east and collected eggs from nine nests between 0911 and 1014.

10.14am The other two crews realise they've not heard from Robinson and Wilson and chief helicopter pilot - and director of Remote Helicopters Australia - Michael Burbidge, 44, goes to look for them.

10.36am It finds the wreckage of their helicopter, 30km south of South Goulburn Island. Mr Wilson, 34, is dead 40m from the wreckage and Mr Robinson, 28, is seriously hurt with spinal injuries on the ground next to the aircraft. Their chopper has collided with trees and terrain. The second chopper briefly takes off again to make radio contact and raise the alarm.

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright allegedly flies to the crash scene with off-duty police sergeant Neil Mellon and Darwin publican and crocodile farmer Mick Burns. Mr Burns has not been charged with any offences.

The chopper (pictured) was found upright but badly damaged. Trees nearby showed signs of being damaged by its rotors, but there was no fire at the scene

The chopper (pictured) was found upright but badly damaged. Trees nearby showed signs of being damaged by its rotors, but there was no fire at the scene

12.30pm A CareFlight helicopter arrives at the scene and airlifts the pilot to Maningrida, where he was transferred by plane to Darwin. 

APRIL 19, 2022: The Australian Transport Safety Bureau release their initial findings into the crash, with the full report expected in the first quarter of 2023. It finds the helicopter's engine stopped prior to impacting the ground. Just 250ml of fuel was in the fuel bladders which were both intact, but the report notes fuel may have drained into a nearby creek as the fuel system was damaged in the crash. There were no other obvious signs of mechanical failure and no fire at the scene. 

AUGUST 25, 2022: Father of three Neil Mellon, 47, is arrested shortly after he arrives for work at Darwin police station. Police raid his home and allegedly find illegal wildlife, fireworks and firearms.

AUGUST 26, 2022: Mellon is charged with 31 offences, including attempting to pervert the course of justice and stealing and unlawfully accessing data. His charges also relate to weapons, firearms and wildlife offences, as well as alleged destruction of evidence in relation to a major crash investigation.

Later the same day, his wife Sandi, also a serving NT police officer, posts accusations on Facebook, unrelated to the crash, about a former close female friend which were later deleted.

Mellon is understood to have since resigned from the police after 27 years' service. 

SEPTEMBER, 2022: Outback Wrangler and father of four Matt Wright, 43, relocates with his pregnant wife Kaia from Darwin to the Gold Coast in Queensland. 

SEPTEMBER 20, 2022: Helicopter pilot Michael Burbridge - who was first on the scene of the tragedy - is charged in connection with the crash. He is accused of destroying evidence, conspiracy and attempting to pervert the course of justice, and providing a false statement.

NOVEMBER 28, 2022: NT Police issue an arrest warrant for Wright and he's told to present himself at Darwin police station within 48 hours to face at least six serious charges concerning the crash. They relate to his actions before and after the crash and allege he tampered with evidence.

NOVEMBER 29, 2022: Wright checks in for an 8.15am flight from Sydney to Darwin with his wife and their newborn daughter Dusty. He is charged in the afternoon with a string of offences in relation to the chopper crash.

NOVEMBER 30, 2022: Wright appears at Darwin Court on seven charges relating to the crash which he strenuously denies and is granted bail until the next court appearance on January 25, 2023. 

Wright is charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying evidence, fabricating evidence, unlawfully entering a building, unlawfully entering a dwelling, making a false declaration and interfering with witnesses in a criminal investigation or court process by making threats/reprisals.

NOVEMBER 22, 2023: Air Transport Safety Bureau finds the crash 'likely' happened when the helicopter ran out of fuel and Chris Wilson died of multiple injuries when the pilot released him from above a survivable height as he dangled below the chopper.

DECEMBER 7, 2023: Wright, Mellon and Burbidge will face court for a preliminary examination application in Darwin. If the application is unsuccessful, the trio will return to court on December 8 for a Preliminary Examination (on the papers). However, if the application is successful, a further court date will be set, probably next year, for a Preliminary Examination (Oral).

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