“Live the Legend” – Movie locations to inspire travel 

Posted on by Miriam

Australia’s produced some classic movies over the years (as well as a few forgettable ones). From outback to coastal settings the diverse Australian landscape is the perfect canvas for filmmakers.

Here are some movie destinations we’ve visited, to whet your appetite for wonder lusting adventures of your own.

Horse riding up Mt Bogong (800x600)

Sit back and enjoy some movie nostalgia in these special outback locations.

Countryside Camping

Movie:  Strange Bedfellows
Destination: Yackandandah, Victoria

 Relaxed camping at Yackandandah
Tucked into the hills of North east Victoria the picturesque town of Yackandandah was the setting for the low budget (but very funny) 2004 movie Strange Bedfellows.

The film starred Michael Caton and Paul Hogan who pretend to be a gay couple to exploit new tax laws. When a tax inspector comes to town to see if they’re the real thing the stage is set for some hilarious misadventures.

Like the movie, Yack is relaxed and has loads of charm.  We visited recently and had a ball exploring the scenic tracks in the nearby Stanley State Forest and discovering an old miner’s Underground Hut.

Back in town, along the heritage listed Main Street, there are two great pubs, plenty of art galleries to explore and cosy cafes to enjoy.

Sleep with your own bedfellows in the Yackandandah Holiday Park.

Coastal Classics

Movie:  Storm Boy
Destination:  The Coorong, South Australia

Mr Percival (600x800)
Perhaps a descendant of Mr Percival?
Does anyone remember StormBoy, the tear jerking tale of a young boy and his pelican, Mr Percival?

It was a big hit back in 1975, a movie based on the heartearming story by Colin Thiele and filmed along the South Australian coastline amongst the dunes and lakes of the Coorong National Park.

The story about the boy and his friendship with Aboriginal Fingerbone Bill and the pelican that he saves showed off the beautiful shores of the Coorong, which stretches for 130 kilometres.

But the Coorong isn’t the only starring coastline in South Australia. The state is blessed with an abundance of spectacular coastline including the Limestone Coast and the Eyre Peninsula.

Next year, in early 2018, look out for a fresh remake of StormBoy, starting Geoffrey Rush retelling his story to his troubled granddaughter.  It will once again feature the settings of the beautiful Cooring and South Australia.

Big Attractions

Movie:  The Dish
Destination: Parkes NSW

Parkes (800x600)
“We have a landing”. The Dish played a pivotal role in transmitting radio signals to the world
The big banana, the big pineapple, the big golden gumboot … they all pale into insignificance to the star of the movie The Dish.

The 64 metre high telescope is smack bang in the middle of sheep countryside near Parkes and it’s the most prominent feature for miles.

The movie, starring Sam Neil and Billy Mitchell, is based on fact; it’s an entertaining look at the role of the Parkes Radio Telescope in receiving the first television signals, as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the Moon in 1969.

If you’re an astronomy buff, you’ll love it here.  Take your photo in the shadow of The Dish and then explore a world of astronomy inside, in the Visitor Discovery Centre, where you can discover what role The Dish plays in listening to the stars.

Tune into the Universe and lose yourself in the mystery of The Dish.

Mountain Magic

Movie:  The Man from Snowy River
Destination: High Country of Victoria

On top of Mt Bogong (800x600)
On top of the world in Man from Snowy River countryside
There was movement at the Station for the word had passed around, that the Colt from Old Regret had got away, it was worth a thousand pounds.  

When the mountains call it’s time for The Man from Snowy River an iconic, feel good movie, of cowboys, epic horse rides, high country romance and big vistas.

Without a doubt the biggest star was the spectacular Snowy Mountains. Drive to the top of Mt. Stirling and the Great Dividing Range, visit Craig’s hut or head up iconic tracks like Blue Rag Range, Billy Goat Bluff or Zeka Spur to have your own adventure.

If you want to swap the Cruiser for a saddle you can hitch up with pioneering families in the district who can help inspire your own Man from Snowy River adventure.

There are plenty of beautiful spots to camp here, one of our favourites is along the Howqua River at Frys Flat or Sheepyard Flat.

Outback Wander

Movie:  Crocodile Dundee
Destination: Kakadu NT

P1030430 (1024x768)
A local in Kakadu   Photo by Wendy Ampt
30 years after Crocodile Dundee was released there’s murmurings of a possible remake with Chris Hemsworth taking over the lead role from Paul Hogan.

The iconic film, starring ‘Hoges’as the larrikin Mick Dundee who wins over the heart of New York reporter, played by Linda Kozlowski, became a box office phenomenon and showed Australia off to the world.

Mick Dundee, with his bush bravado, took centre stage wrestling crocodiles amongst the wild backdrop of Kakadu with the rugged Northern Territory landscapes as much a winner.

The territory gained even more prominence for its wilderness, billabongs, canyons and savannah and the spectacular rock art of Ubirr. It’s here Mick climbs to the top of a rocky outcrop, then points out in the distance and says “That’s Never-Never Country”.

Kakadu is a destination I’ve yet to visit, but it’s high on my bucket list.  Follow in Mick Dundee’s footsteps, in a slightly more sedate manner, cruise the billabongs, spot a few river locals and discover what all the hype is about.

Grandeur

Movie:  Australia
Destination: Bowen QLD

Bowen becomes Darwin (800x600)

I loved Australia, starring hunky Hugh Jackson and Nicole Kidman, with it’s romance, action and melodrama set amidst huge landscapes.

This is a bit like the Australian version of Gone with the Wind. It’s an epic three hours long and unashamedly romantic melodrama, set in the scenic backdrop of pre-World War 11 Australia.

Did you know that the scenes of Darwin in the movie were filmed in Bowen Queensland? For two months the town doubled as the Darwin waterfront, as it appeared more than 60 years ago. The expansive land allowed film sets, including cattle yards, to be built right on the waterfront. The Darwin bombing scenes were also filmed in Bowen.

We spent three days here earlier this year enjpying the stunning beaches, walking tracks and lookouts with views like the one below.

Along the esplanade are plaques depicting the movie. Clearly they’re proud of the role their town played in the film that put Bowen on the big screen.

Bowen panorama (800x177)
Bowen became Darwin for the movie Australia

The great Aussie Road trip

Movie:  Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Destination: Broken Hill, Outback SA and NT

Silverton hotel (800x600)
Silverton is an iconic movie destination with scenes from Priscilla and Mad Max filmed here. 
This movie is such a fun ride and wins easily the award for the ultimate outback adventure and road trip, boosting travel tourism in outback Australia in a huge way.

The 1994 feel good comedy Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, (starring Guy Pearce, Hugo Weaving and Terence Stamp) has become a bit of a modern classic with its irresistible blend of flamboyant comedy and poignant drama.

The plot: two drag queens and a trans-sexual drive a silver painted bus christened “Priscilla” across Australia.

From Sydney, to Broken Hill and Cooper Pedy they venture into the heart of the Australian outback to perform a cabaret show at an Alice Springs hotel.

Cliffs of the Rim Walk (800x600)
Kings Canyon was the site of Felicia’s triumphant climb in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Little do they know the hotel is managed by a woman still married to one of the trio. The stage is set for drama, laughter, ABBA music and lots of great scenery along the way, culminating with a triumphant climb to Kings Canyon.

Create your own road trip through Silverton, Broken Hill, Cooper Pedy, Alice Springs and Kings Canyon. Our travels have seen us in all of these places at various times. So many majestic places that make you feel like a queen in every sense of the word.

Just don’t forget your lipstick and heels!

Broken Hill hotel where Priscilla was filmed (800x600)
Feeling (almost) like a queen in the Palace Hotel, Broken Hill which featured in ‘Priscilla’

Now it’s time to make some memories of your own and create your own masterpiece.

It’s not hard when there are so many places to awaken the movie producer within, both in Australia and around the world. Better yet, be the starring role and the hero of your own real life movie and lap it all up as you road trip around Australia, or where ever your heart desires.

Just don’t forget your camera and your sense of adventure.

Happy travels everyone.

Keep enjoying the journey.

Have a great weekend everyone

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91 thoughts on ““Live the Legend” – Movie locations to inspire travel ”

  1. Great post and beautiful pics. You reminded me of a film called Fields of Fire, my sisterinlaw starred in it, it was an epic Australian film. I fell in love just a bit with Blue. Wow I haven’t thought of that in over 20 years. Thank you

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        2. If you ever think about going again I’d suggest not going at peak times like Easter or in the summer. The campground is huge and the amenities are quite spread out and not very large. It was perfect for us because there weren’t many people there but it wouldn’t be pleasant at a busy time. It’s worth a visit though, so pretty and peaceful and the scenery is wonderful.

          Liked by 1 person

  5. Well Miriam, you have done it again. Let our eyes feast on the vast and beautiful landscape of Australia. Nobody has made me want to go there as much as you have.
    Films. Who can forget Crocodile Dundee. Love it and could easily see a re-run.
    I have seen Strange bedfellow…..
    The Kings Canyon is so beautiful that I wish I had seen the film.

    Thank you for all this
    miriam

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  6. Wonderful post! “The Dish” is one of my all-time favorite movies. I’ve seen it at least 10 times and will surely watch it again before the year ends. You’ve given me some others to look for now, too. Thanks!

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  11. I enjoyed this one! Some fabulous locations and movies here, and you brought back a few memories. Stormboy made me cry, probably would again today. Guy Pearce has come a long way since his Neighbours days! An Australian movie that scared me no end – I was too young at the time, and haven’t seen it since – is Picnic at Hanging Rock. Very eerie, as I recall. Love many of Peter Weir’s movies, he’s a reliable bet.
    Thanks, Miriam!

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    1. So glad you enjoyed this PC. I could have kept going with the films, there were so many others. You’re right about Picnic at Hanging Rock, it was very eerie back then, though I think it’s lost it’s hold on me. Probably because over the years I’ve picnicked there so many times and never got lost, it’s a great spot though. My inlaws live only about twenty minutes away. 🙂

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  13. Hello dear Miriam,
    What an awesome idea for a post. You have revealed many gems for those who love to follow in the footsteps of their favourite movies.
    A great read. Thank you. Hugs to you and wishing you another weekend full of adventure 🙋🏻🌎💕

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  15. Great post Miriam, did you know they are currently filming a remake of Storm Boy so the stunning Coorong and river port town of Goolwa will feature again! Broken Hill is on my to do list still, almost considered going to the “Broken Heel” fest they had this year where all things Priscilla happen. What a hoot that would be!

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    1. That Broken Hill festival does sound like a hoot. What a lot of fun that would be. And no, I didn’t know about the remake of StormBoy though I’ve just googled it and read about it now. How wonderful. Might have to include that in my post. Thanks for the update Glenys.

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  16. What a fun idea to visit the places that movies were filmed! I’ve only seen a couple of the ones you featured, but that doesn’t matter. They all still looked like lovely places for camping and visiting. Thanks for sharing these, Miriam!

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  18. Australia is fascinating and beautiful, Miriam. I’ve added it to my bucket list after reading your posts! Thanks for taking me on a virtual tour. Korean Dramas are a big thing here and the rest of Asia. The local tourism board has designed a similar campaign. 🙂

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      1. I guess it’s hard to ignore Korea’s love for dramas! lol…I believe quite a few countries have similar themed tours. Fingers crossed. Hopefully, one day we will meet on the same side of the globe — instead of opposite sides of the laptop! Have a great week my friend! xo

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  23. Wow what a great article, you need to submit this to a tourist magazine…seriously it’s sensational!! Even Chambers of Commerce in these towns, put on their websites it will get you exposure. I think I’m going to see if Priscilla is available on my tv later today, it just sounded like a fun movie to watch. I do have a question, you said in 2028 they were going to remake Storm Boy, did you mean 2018? Also I don’t think I’ve ever seen Strange Bedfellows either, that’s another one that sounds like fun…;you might also consider submitting this to an movie entertainment kind of online site. I know you travel a lot but boy you sure travel a lot and have seen so many places in Australia…I think that is wonderful. I haven’t traveled around America nearly as much as I should…I’ve seen some places but there’s so much more to see, many national parks and monuments, the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls…the place I really really want to see is Hollywood…so this post is right up my alley. It draws out the movie star in me, since that’s what I wanted to be growing up…guess it’s kind of coming back to life through my music. Thanks to you! Well I hope you are having a magical weekend, making new memories and taking more pics to share with us later! Big starry hugs my lovely lady xo

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    1. Wow, thank you for your awesome vote of confidence on this post Deb. I actually did submit something very similar to a couple of mags a while ago, including an on line one, but with no success. But maybe I’ll try again, you’ve actually given me some good ideas here on new ways to promote this. See, I told you, you should be my agent!!
      I also changed the Storm Boy date, thanks for pointing that out to me as well.
      Did you end up watching Prisicilla? I’d love to know what you thought of it if you did. Glad this post brought out the movie star in you. And I’m so glad it’s coning out and manifesting itself through your music. Love that! Big movie hugs xo

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      1. Sure I’ll be your agent…oh Secret Agent!! Definitely pursue whatever ideas I may have aroused in you…think it about if first though and see a positive outcome before you act. I just did that again the other day and again it came as I focused it too!! Ohhh I love it when that happens.
        I did watch Priscilla last night, I liked it a lot, it was fun and touching too! Also loved the Abba songs…who doesn’t love Abba!! Big Movie Star hugs xo 😉

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        1. You’re right about thinking it through first, okay I will and then I’ll send it out there. Thanks for the tip Agent Deb!
          Ha, I’m glad you enjoyed Priscilla. Hope you had a fabulous weekend my dear and you’re enjoying a relaxing Sunday night. It’s a hot one here today and even though I woke up super excited and motivated for whatever reason nothing seems to be working. My laptop’s dead, my printer isn’t working, I can’t seem to record any audios on my phone it’s weird. At least I can still type this message to you on my phone. Oh well, it will get sorted I’m sure. Big hugs xo

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Hmmm an electronic meltdown….interesting!! Guess you’re supposed to stay off the grid for a while and go immerse yourself in nature! Maybe you could spend time imagining sending your article and what a receptive response you will get and a request for more…then when you’re done feeling all of that all your electronics will be up and working again as a sign to go ahead and send it! Big creative manifesting hugs xo 😉

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    1. We sure have produced some good movies, haven’t we? And there are so many others I didn’t even mention here. Thanks Louise, I loved putting this post together so I’m glad you enjoyed it.

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  27. I love the way you portray the whole story of destination and movies that filmed here. I remember some name such as “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”. I like images too.

    Keep going!

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  28. Great idea to visit those places we know from our tv-screen. Love the pictures as well. You’re truly blessed with such a beautiful and diverse country.
    Cheers,
    Micky

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        2. Yeah, that’s the best thing about traveling. Different landscapes, different cultures, different food. Got to love it. Cheers right back!

          Liked by 1 person

  33. Such amazing pictures! You show the best of your beloved country. 🙂 I think it would be a fun “theme” to visit all of those places – “Touring the Australia of the Silver Screen” kind of thing, the real life version of this post!

    How wonderful to see such sights!

    I confess, I don’t think I’ve seen any of those movies on your list, but I have seen The Rescuers Down Under, lol. For an animated movie, I still thought the scenery was breathtaking, and knew the real life places they used as models were out of this world. 🙂

    *hugs* ❤

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    1. Hello gorgeous woman, well I’m not overly surprised you haven’t seen any of the movies, many were from years ago and many were low budget films that weren’t overly promoted (except for Crocodile Dundee). It doesn’t matter though, I’m just happy I could show you a few more of our iconic outback destinations.
      🙂 I hope you’re well dear Ness and I hope you have a very happy December. Hugs and love xo 💖

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  37. Pingback: “Live the Legend” – Movie locations to inspire travel  — Out an' About - Good-fortune

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