8 great Aussie movie locations for road trippers

There’s nothing quite like exploring behind the scenes of a movie location, where iconic moments in film history took place. Luckily for Australians, many of these locations are just a short drive away, in surprising places you wouldn't have expected.

Here are eight great movie locations in Australia you should visit.

Australia (2008)

Baz Luhrmann’s romantic adventure film ‘Australia’, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, showcases some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. While scenes were filmed across four different states or territories, the views of the gorgeous, sweeping plains with the rocky backdrop are in the East Kimberley. Explore the views from the Home Valley Station, close to the gorgeous Pentecost River and in front of the Cockburn Range.

Great Gatsby (2013)

Another Baz Luhrmann great. Leonardo di Caprio’s lavish lifestyle in this timeless classic amazes viewers. One spectacular element is his luxurious mansion. In real life, this magnificent building is the International College of Management, located in Manly, Sydney.

The Matrix (1999)

The city of the Matrix was never specified in the movie, but this sci-fi adventure was filmed all over Sydney. Most of these shots take place around the city’s CBD. Head to Millers Point, beneath the overpass on Hickson Road at Towns Place. This is where you’ll find the site of the phone box, where Trinity just manages to escape being crushed by Agent Smith’s truck at the start of the film.

Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975, pictured)

Only a day trip from Melbourne, the six million year old volcanic Hanging Rock is a major tourist attraction. There are tours that explore the area’s history and geology. They also delve into the film’s storyline about a group of schoolgirls who go missing on a school trip to Hanging Rock.

December Boys (2007)

Daniel Radcliffe stars in this drama, adapted from the 1963 novel by Michael Noonan. Most of the film is set on South Australia’s spectacular Kangaroo Island. Head to the Remarkable Rocks, Second Valley and Admiral’s Arch for some familiar scenery.

Babe (1995)

The all-time favourite childhood movie about the loveable pig, Babe, was set in the New South Wales village of Robertson. Although there is no Hoggett Farm to explore, as the set was removed after filming concluded, you can stay in the architecturally stunning Fountaindale Grand Manor, which is on the same road where filming on the farm took place.

Wolverine (2013)

Parramatta was temporarily transformed into a Japanese city for the blockbuster film. However, it might be difficult to recognise, given number plates and street signs aren’t recognisable in the movie – they too were changed into Japanese.

Thin Red Line (1998)

Sean Penn, John Cusack and George Clooney are among the big names who star in this war film. Most of the movie was filmed in the Daintree Rainforest and Bramston Beach in north Queensland – both are popular drawcards for tourists.

BRIANNA PIAZZA

Brianna Piazza

Brianna Piazza is an Australian television reporter and part-time travel blogger. Originally from Melbourne, she's currently living in Cairns where she works for WIN News and spends her weekends exploring the outdoors Far North Queensland.

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