Movies About Australia: Watch in Preparation for Upcoming Travels Down Under (Part 1)
Sometimes, preparing for a trip can be half the fun of travel. The excitement, the research and the anticipation of knowing you’ll be jetting across the globe all combine to make a simple trip more of an experience. To help with this, I’ve compiled a list (with the help of my lovely Twitter friends) of movies that are about or set in Australia to start watching in preparation of your upcoming trip to Down Under.
Australia (2008)
Although it didn’t get the best reviews, Australia is a movie that provides heaps of history into Oz during World War II. It also provides viewers with a bit of eye candy given Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman take on the starring roles.
Crocodile Dundee (1986)
Crocodile Dundee became a worldwide phenomena when released in 1986. It’s a comedy that features the story of Michael J. “Crocodile” Dundee (played by Paul Hogan), a man that lives in the outback of Australia as one with nature (wrestling crocs when necessary), who is researched for a story by a NYC journalist (played by Linda Kozlowski).
Finding Nemo (2003)
This computer-animated film takes place in the waters on the east coast of Australia and near Sydney Harbour. In the film, a father clownfish searches for his lost son, Nemo (hence the title). Although animated, it can be a film to get little ones excited about a trip to the Great Barrier Reef.
Quigley Down Under (1990)
Matthew Quigley is played by Tom Selleck in this Australian-set western movie. Quigley is an American cowboy who finds himself in the Western Australia outback at Marston’s station.
Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)
This drama provides an insight into the world of the stolen generation in Australia. It follows the story of a couple of half-Aborigine sisters who walk for 9 weeks along the rabbit-proof fence to reach their family and home after being taken away to a re-education camp.
Two Hands (1999)
Two Hands stars Heath Ledger and is the story of an Australian crime ring. Although the story is not based on a true one, the movie takes place in various areas of Sydney and its suburbs including Kings Cross, Bondi and Bankstown. The soundtrack also features popular Australian bands and artists such as Powderfinger and Crowded House.
Ten Canoes (2006)
Ten Canoes is a 2006 movie that takes place in Australia’s Arnhem Land. It features the story of an Aboriginal tribe – years before contact with the Western world took place – and is actually produced in the Yolngu Matha dialect with English narration. The story involves cross-tribal rivalry.
Buy Ten Canoes >>
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