The game show premiered on the Nine Network on Tuesday 3 February 2009 at 7:30 pm for an initial run of eight episodes.
The 160 successful contestants then participated in the filming of the series over a period of one week starting 2 October 2008 at the international Wipeout obstacle course, located in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
James Brayshaw, a sports presenter for the Nine Network, and actor Josh Lawson were announced as the two co-hosts on 26 November 2008.
Wipeout Australia's format follows that of its American forerunner, although the initial number of contestants who compete in the first (Qualifier) round is 20, rather than 24.
After six players fall into the water, the remaining six advance; the sweeper arm continues to rotate however, with the last contestant standing winning a A$1,000 bonus.