With an expanse of outback that goes on forever, and cities full of unique architecture, Australia has provided the backdrop to some of the most famous movies in the world…and these set locations exist in real life.
- With an expanse of outback that goes on forever, and cities full of unique architecture, Australia has provided the backdrop to some of the most famous movies in the world…and these set locations exist in real life.
- Crocodile Dundee, 1986
- The Great Gatsby, 2013
- Mad Max, 1985
- The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, 1994
From TV show cult classics to major Hollywood movies, Australia has set the scene for some of the world’s most well-loved movies. No need for a green screen when Australia provides the movie set!
Crocodile Dundee, 1986
Film set location: Kakadu National Park, Walkabout Creek Hotel, (NT & QLD)
Credit: Tourism Northern Territory
A staple Aussie movie, this mid-80s classic put Kakadu on the tourism map. The action comedy follows the story of a reporter who visits the outback Northern Territory to investigate the story of Mick Dundee, who had apparently ‘lost’ his leg to a crocodile attack.
Where Kakadu was originally known for its uranium mining exports, it is now a major part of Australia’s tourism scene. Crocodile Dundee has pulled the curtains back on this quiet slice of the outback and framed it into the global spotlight. The movie was filmed in some very remote outback locations around Kakadu. Give it a watch, and you’ll see the long stretches of Kakadu desert that seem to go on forever.
The movie’s release prompted such a tourism boom that a crocodile-shaped hotel was built in Jabiru to accommodate tourists in the Northern Territory. Still today, Kakadu travellers can stay in the Mercure Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru.
Hopping across to the Northwest of Queensland, the Walkabout Creek Hotel provided the perfect set for any pub scenes in Crocodile Dundee. Hardcore fans of the film can visit and enjoy a Queensland beer in charmingly authentic Aussie bush pub (which is, of course, decorated with a crocodile theme).
Set locations you can visit in real life:
- Gunlom Falls is the setting for Mick and Sue’s swim in the river. These naturally formed infinity pools are at the bottom of the Jim Jim Falls. (Best visited in dry season).
- Walkabout Creek Hotel, McKinley, Queensland
The Bininj and Mungguy people are the traditional custodians of Kakadu National Park – and have been so for over 65,000 years. The traditional custodians of the McKinley region are the Kalkadoon People.
The Great Gatsby, 2013
Film set locations: Sydney ICMS in Manly, Mount Wilson (Blue Mountains), White Bay Power Station (NSW)
Set in 1920s New York, the regal, grand architecture of Sydney provided a suitable backdrop for the 2013 remake of this classic romance. The remake was filmed in various spots around Sydney, but the most significant set location is the International College of Management, which was the chosen set for Gatsby’s mansion.
Meanwhile, Mount Wilson in the Blue Mountains provided the spot for Nick Carraway’s house, as the autumnal backdrop mimicked the scenery of Long Island.
Set locations you can visit in real life:
- International College of Management in Manly, Sydney
- Mount Wilson Village, Blue Mountains
- Great Gatsby-themed parties are also popular in Sydney!
The Gadigal People of the Eora National are the traditional custodians of what we now call Sydney, and the Dharug and Gundungurra Aboriginal people are the traditional custodians of Mount Wilson in the Blue Mountains.
Mad Max, 1985
Film set location: Great Ocean Road (VIC), and South Australia
There are various Mad Max film set locations dotted around Australia! The original Mel Gibson Beyond Thunderdome (1985) was filmed in the South Australian opal mining town of Coober Pedy.
Max’s base was on the Great Ocean Road, which has since been rebuilt as a unique apartment building. If you’re driving along the Great Ocean Road, keep your eyes peeled for this interesting bit of architecture just past Fairhaven.
Set locations you can visit in real life:
- Great Ocean Road
- Coober Pedy
The Wurundjeri and Bunurong people are the traditional custodians of the Fairhaven area. The region of Coober Pedy (Umoona) is home to the Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara People.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, 1994
Film set locations: Imperial Hotel, Sydney, Broken Hill, Kings Canyon, Coober Pedy, Alice Springs
Credit: Tourism NSW
This glittery musical follows the colourful tale of three aspiring drag artists as they take a journey around outback Australia. They showcase their cabaret show in local bush towns and meet colourful characters en route. Their legendary tour bus is called Priscilla, and they travel on a grand journey from Sydney to Alice Springs.
Set locations you can visit in real life:
- Imperial Hotel, Sydney (the iconic starting point of the movie, and a famous LGBTQ+ venue)
- Alice Springs (the heart of the movie, and their final destination)
- Kings Canyon
The Luritja and Arrente people are the traditional custodians of the Watarrka National Park which Kings Canyon is a part of. The Arrernte People are the traditional custodians of Alice Springs.
Explore the Popular Australian Tours
