Findings by Expedia show that 30% of travellers choose their holiday destinations based on the influence of screen products. Film tourism is no new thing—known also as ‘set-jetting’ it has beckoned travellers Down Under to memorable locations from their favourite films, and it’s no wonder.
With its sprawling deserts, rugged coastlines, and diverse urban landscapes, Australia has long been a filmmaker’s paradise. The most recent films to add to this cinematic treasure trove are The Fall Guy and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which both showcase the incomparable beauty of Australia. Here’s our quick guide to set-jetting through Australia, following in the tyre tracks of two of this year’s most anticipated blockbusters.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Hay, New South Wales
The Hay Plains are among the world’s flattest and most expansive natural grasslands. This vast, open space, with its seemingly infinite horizon, plays a crucial role in depicting the desolate beauty of Furiosa’s world.
Coober Pedy, South Australia
Fans of Mad Max should not miss Coober Pedy, Australia’s opal capital, which features a sun-baked lunar environment. Spend your nights in a traditional cave-style room with a hint of luxury by booking a stay in Crocodile Harry’s Underground Nest & Dugout, Jedediah’s home from Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, or choose The Desert Cave.
Broken Hill, New South Wales
Broken Hill’s stark, arid landscape provides the perfect backdrop for the high-octane, dystopian world of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. In September, check out the Broken Heel Festival. Other attractions of note are the Broken Hill City Art Gallery, the renowned Living Desert State Park Sunset Sculptures, and the Mad Max 2 Museum.
The Fall Guy
Sydney Harbour Bridge
We can be certain that this Sydney treasure will play a significant part in the movie because the production crew closed the entire bridge to record a scenario involving fast cars. You don’t have to be in a Hollywood automobile pursuit to appreciate its utter magnificence; Tribal Warrior Tours offers floating tours beneath the bridge from the harbour waters, and Burrawa Bridge Climb offers to mount the bridge.
Bligh Street & Uptown Sydney
Bold new inventions in food, wine, art, and culture take root in Sydney’s vibrant Uptown, the scene of some of The Fall Guy’s most thrilling scenes. See a performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House, then stroll back around Circular Quay to one of the hippest pubs in town, like Maybe Sammy or The Caterpillar Club, for a drink.
Kurnell & Narrabeen Beach
Some of the finest ways to see the coastal areas from the movie are to take leisurely walks along the Burrawang Walk near Kurnell, visit Sydney’s famous surfing spots like Bondi and Manly Beach, and unwind at Narrabeen Beach.
So, pack your bags, rev your engines, and hit the road to explore these iconic destinations that have made movie magic happen.
