Seven Australian Films to See Before Your Trip

Explore Australian culture and landscapes from your armchair with these Aussie film favourites.

Australia on Film

Australia has a rich cinema history, portraying the history, culture and landscapes from the perspective of those who know it best. Enjoy these Aussie cinema classics in preparation for your trip down under.

1. The Castle

This classic Aussie film set in Melbourne suburbia is a charming favourite amongst locals. Following one family’s fight to save their house, the film features a young Eric Banner who would go on to find Hollywood fame.

2. Lion

Starring English actor Dev Patel, who manages a faultless Australian accent, Lion follows the true story of Saroo Brierley as he sets out to find his birth family in India, 25 years after he is separated from them and adopted in Australia. The moving tale was successful internationally and became one of the country’s highest grossing films of all time.

3. Red Dog

If you are a dog person, you’ll love this film about a roaming kelpie set in Aussie mining country. Fans can even visit the statue of Red Dog in the remote town of north-west town of Dampier

4. Breath

Based on the book of the same name by cherished Australian author Tim Winton, the true star of Breath is the stunning south Western Australian scenery. Filmed around the coastal town of Denmark and directed by Simon Baker, the movie is true to Tim Winton’s original coming of age story about surfing, risk-taking and friendship.

5. The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Paving the way for LGBTQI films back in 1994, Priscilla follows the journey of a transwoman and two drag queens as they travel across the Aussie Outback. The Australian outback is almost upstaged by the impressive costumes, for which the film won an Oscar.

6. Muriel’s Wedding

The title character of the film, a socially awkward girl who escapes her dead-end hometown for a better life in Sydney, is so relatable for anyone who left their own home for the big city. The film stars two Australian film darlings, Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths, and has recently been turned into a stage musical.

7. Wolf Creek

Warning: do not watch this film immediately before your road trip. This spine-chilling horror movie portrays the abduction of three backpackers by the villainous Mick Taylor in rural Western Australia. Listen out for the re-packaging of the famous Crocodile Dundee quote “that’s not a knife”.

Popular Australian Destinations: Tasmania, Hunter Valley, Mount Buller, Fraser Island & Barossa Valley.

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