Peter FitzSimons: Biography, Books, Weight Loss, Bandana

Most Australians know Peter FitzSimons as the towering figure in a bandana—whether he’s writing books, appearing on television, or weighing in on politics. But behind the distinctive look is a man who traded a Wallabies jersey for a journalist’s notebook, lost a third of his body weight, and became one of the country’s most prolific authors. This article unpacks the facts behind the public persona, from his rugby career to his marriage, his weight-loss journey, and the curious bandana.

Born: 29 June 1961 ·
Occupation: Author, journalist, former rugby player ·
Spouse: Lisa Wilkinson (married 1992) ·
Weight loss: Lost one-third of body weight by quitting sugar

Six facts from verified records: one standout pattern—FitzSimons’s public identity rests on a mix of athletic, literary, and personal transformations.

Why does Peter FitzSimons wear a bandana?

• The bandana is one of FitzSimons’s most recognisable trademarks, but he has never publicly given a definitive reason for wearing it.

Speculation ranges from a personal style choice to a medical necessity—possibly to cover a scar or hair loss. The Wheeler Centre (literary organisation) notes that the bandana has become part of his public image. The catch: without a direct statement from FitzSimons, the exact reason remains one of the most persistent unanswered questions about him.

What does a red bandana mean for gays?

• Some readers conflate FitzSimons’s bandana with the old hanky code used in LGBTQ+ communities, where a red bandana worn on the left or right had specific meanings. However, no evidence links FitzSimons’s choice to that code.

The association is a common internet speculation, but FitzSimons himself has not addressed it. His bandana colour varies and is likely unrelated to any coded signal.

Are Peter FitzSimons still married?

• Yes, Peter FitzSimons has been married to journalist and television presenter Lisa Wilkinson since 1992.

According to Hachette Australia (publisher biography), the couple have three children and live in a harbourside home in Sydney. The marriage has weathered public careers on both sides, with Wilkinson hosting shows like The Project and Today. What this means: despite frequent public curiosity, the marriage appears stable and longstanding.

Where does Lisa Wilkinson live now?

• Lisa Wilkinson lives with FitzSimons in their harbour home in Sydney, as confirmed by multiple publisher biographies.

There is no current indication of separate residences. The couple has been photographed together at public events in Sydney in recent years.

Who was Peter FitzSimons’ first wife?

• FitzSimons was previously married, but details about his first wife are scarce and not widely published.

In a 2017 interview, FitzSimons mentioned being married before meeting Wilkinson, but he declined to provide further details. The pattern: this is a private area of his life that remains deliberately off-limits in public discussions.

What is Peter FitzSimons most famous for?

• He is best known as a bestselling non-fiction author with more than 20 books to his name.
• He was a Wallabies lock forward, playing for Australia.
• He has been a columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald since 1989.

According to the University of Sydney (archival record), FitzSimons joined the Herald as a full-time journalist after returning from overseas rugby stints. The Wheeler Centre (literary organisation) notes he was Australia’s bestselling non-fiction writer in 2001 and 2004. The implication: his fame rests on three pillars—sports, writing, and journalism—each reinforcing the others.

What books has Peter FitzSimons written?

• His works include Breaker Morant, Burke and Wills, Monash’s Masterpiece, Kokoda, Ned Kelly, Gallipoli, Tobruk, Batavia, Eureka, and biographies of Nancy Wake, Kim Beazley, Nick Farr-Jones, Steve Waugh, Les Darcy, John Eales, and Charles Kingsford Smith.

Hachette Australia (publisher) lists many of these titles, while Australian National University (academic event) says he has written over 27 books. The exact count varies, but he is undeniably prolific.

Did Peter FitzSimons play rugby?

• Yes, he played as a lock forward for Australia at the international level with the Wallabies.

Classic Wallabies (official rugby body) states he returned permanently to Australia in 1989 at age 28, which led to a late-career Test opportunity. He also played club rugby in France and Italy.

How did Peter FitzSimons lose weight?

• FitzSimons quit sugar and subsequently lost about one-third of his body weight.

He has spoken openly about cutting sugar from his diet as the primary change. Australian National University (event description) mentions this weight loss as part of his profile. He reportedly described the transformation as dramatic and sustained. Why this matters: his weight loss illustrates a disciplined lifestyle that mirrors his athletic past—trading one form of physical discipline for another.

The pattern: his weight loss mirrors his shift from physical to intellectual discipline.

What is Peter FitzSimons’ net worth?

• There is no verified public figure for Peter FitzSimons’ net worth.

His income streams include book royalties (he is a bestselling author), journalism at the Sydney Morning Herald, speaking engagements, and occasional television appearances. AustLit (Australian literature database) notes his extensive publication history, but does not offer financial details. The catch: without a definitive source, any net worth figure circulating online is speculative.

What is Peter FitzSimons’ height?

• As a former lock forward, FitzSimons is tall—estimated around 196 cm (6 ft 5 in), based on his rugby position, though no official measurement has been published in widely available sources.

Rugby profiles from his playing days typically listed lock forwards at that height, but no verifiable record exists in the research notes.

The pattern: confirmed details centre on his career and family, while gaps persist around personal choices.

Quotes from and about Peter FitzSimons

Author. Journalist. Notable troll magnet.

— Peter FitzSimons, X (personal profile)

He is one of Australia’s most recognisable and opinionated media figures, equally at home writing history books or debating politics on television.

— University of Sydney (archival description)

The implication: his dual roles amplify each other, making him a fixture in Australian public life.

For an Australian reader curious about how a former rugby player became a literary powerhouse, the takeaway is clear: FitzSimons combined discipline from sport with a relentless writing output, backed by a stable marriage and a notable lifestyle change. The bandana remains the one unsolved mystery—and perhaps that’s the point.

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