7 movie-inspired holidays from around Australia

Movies can inspire us with captivating scenery or even spark our curiosity to see more. So much so that a holiday to a particular destination from a movie, or book for that matter, can bring our imaginings to life and make those visions a reality. Here we look at seven world-renowned movies that were fully or partially filmed in Australia, inspiring many to holiday at the iconic Australian locations themselves! 

“Top End Wedding” – Darwin, Northern Territory

This brilliant movie coupled with the outstanding scenery can convert almost anyone to take a trip to the tropical Top End of the Northern Territory. The magical and stunning Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge shines in this movie as does the vastness and sheer majesty of Kakadu National Park. Follow in the footsteps of Lauren and Ned around the Darwin Waterfront area, for cosmopolitan cafes and the enticing wave pool, the Darwin Ski Club - for a relaxing meal as you watch a spectacular sunset show and finally a boat trip out to the beautiful Tiwi Islands. 

“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” – Whitsundays, Queensland

Follow in the footsteps of Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew in the fifth instalment of this successful Disney franchise to the idyllic Whitsunday Islands of Tropical North Queensland. Stunning Whitehaven Beach is seen in the movie, depicted by its pure white sand and azure waters, and remains one of the world’s most photographed beaches thanks to its pristine beauty. Here you can jump aboard one of the many boat tours that island hop through this tropical location.

“Gold” & “Mortal Kombat” – Flinders Ranges and Coober Pedy, South Australia

South Australia has recently been included on the Hollywood radar thanks to its diverse and unique outback landscapes, in particular the ancient Flinders Ranges and opal mining underground town of Coober Pedy. The incredible terrains provide spectacular movie-sets including those for ‘Mortal Kombat’ and ‘Gold” starring Zac Efron, amongst many others. Experience the splendour and sheer vastness of the ancient Flinders Ranges from above on a scenic flight, get back to nature by staying in a luxury glamping Ikara safari tent, explore the wonders via a multitude of 4WD tracks and walking trails and delve deeper into Indigenous culture with an experienced guide. Discover the moon-like landscape surrounding Coober Pedy and the colourful hills of Kanku – Breakaways Conservation Park.

“Priscilla Queen of the Desert” – Broken Hill, New South Wales

This oscar-winning movie has built up quite the cult following since its release in 1994, and arguably the most successful drag queen movie of all time. Broken Hill, in regional New South Wales, was a major filming location as their trip from Sydney to Alice Springs is brought to a halt here when the bus breaks down. This fascinating outback mining town forms part of the Indian Pacific train journey to or from Sydney with Off Train Experiences to the historic Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery and the movie famous Palace Hotel. Not forgetting the classic Kings Canyon scene of the climb of the three main characters in full drag. Located in the Northern Territory in Watarrka National Park, it is a stunning Red Centre must-do!

“The Great Gatsby” – Sydney and Manly, New South Wales

Baz Luhrman’s adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous novel, The Great Gatsby, saw the International College of Management in Manly, in Sydney’s North Shore, be transformed into Gatsby’s 1920 Long Island Mansion. It was of course given a roaring twenties Hollywood makeover as the lavish party location featured in the movie. The college was also the location of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s wedding. Other Gatsby movie sites included Botany Bay and the picturesque Centennial Park in Sydney. 

“Rabbit Proof Fence” – Pilbara, Western Australia

Set in Western Australia in 1931, this highly acclaimed Australian movie tells the story of a controversial time in Australian history. While most filming took place in South Australia, certain WA locations did feature in the movie, including the Pilbara in the north west of the state, in particular the remote community of Jigalong. The Pilbara is home to some of the world’s most ancient landscapes, dating back millions of years and Indigenous archaeological sites, dating back thousands of years. Places to visit include Karijini National Park, Mackerel Islands, Murujuga National Park, Broome and Dampier Peninsula.

“Lion” – kunanyi/Mt Wellington, Tasmania

While much of this 2016 movie was filmed in India, production then moved to Australia with the pristine state of Tasmania making a feature. Popular kunanyi/Mt Wellington was one location, overlooking Hobart city and the setting for the movie scene where Dev Patel and Rooney Mara jog up the mountain to the peak. You can hike to the top or many tours also stop at this iconic lookout for panoramic views over Hobart, with sunset being a spectacular time. Another stunning Tassie location featured in the movie is the Bruny Island Neck, being the aerial location shot before the family meets for a meal. Coincidentally, Bruny Island is a food lovers paradise, full of amazing oysters, chocolate, cheese, distilleries and more and easily reached by car and ferry from Hobart.

Click here for our range of wonderful holidays around Australia or contact our Holidays of Australia team on 1300 854 897 or holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au 

Image credit: Destination NSW, Tourism WA, Centennial Parklands