Alice Springs, a town in Australia’s Northern Territory, has a unique allure. Its rugged landscapes and rich history have made it a favourite among filmmakers. From iconic Australian films to wildlife documentaries, Alice Springs has been the backdrop for a variety of cinematic works. Its diverse locations offer a visual feast that captivates audiences worldwide. In this piece, we’re going to delve into the different movies filmed in Alice Springs and their particular shooting spots. We’ll underline the town’s importance in the cinema world.
Alice Springs: A Cinematic Outback Gem
Alice Springs is more than just a town in the heart of Australia. It’s a cinematic gem, offering a unique blend of outback charm and dramatic landscapes. From the rugged MacDonnell Ranges to the historic buildings in town, Alice Springs provides diverse settings for filmmakers. Its proximity to natural wonders like Uluru adds to its appeal. The town’s rich Indigenous culture and vibrant local events also offer a unique colour to films shot here.
A Guide for The Travelling Film Buff
Alice Springs has been the backdrop for many iconic films. Its unique landscapes, particularly those with red hues, have attracted filmmakers from around the world.
Here are a few movies filmed in Alice Springs to get you in the mood for your trip:
“Sweet Country” (2017)
Directed by Northern Territory-born Warwick Thornton, “Sweet Country” is a period western thriller set in the Australian outback. The film tells the gripping story of an Aboriginal stockman who kills a white station owner. This leads to a tense pursuit led by a police sergeant, played by Bryan Brown. Sam Neill co-stars in the film. The posse, including Aboriginal trackers and landowners, traverses the rugged red terrain of the MacDonnell Ranges. They also travel through areas around Alice Springs, the gateway to the Red Centre. Ooraminna Station, situated just outside Alice Springs, is a key filming location in “Sweet Country” and also featured in “Drover’s Boy.”
- Ooraminna Station: Situated just outside Alice Springs, this station is one of the key filming locations. It offers dramatic desert escarpments and a traditional drover’s shed, contributing to the authentic outback setting of the film.
- MacDonnell Ranges: These rugged ranges provided the stunning backdrop for many of the film’s chase scenes and tense moments, highlighting the harsh and beautiful Australian outback.
- Alice Springs: Known as the gateway to the Red Centre, various scenes were shot in and around this iconic town, capturing its unique blend of urban and outback environments.
- Simpsons Gap: Located in the West MacDonnell Ranges, this scenic location featured prominently in the film, adding to the dramatic landscapes.
- Trephina Gorge: This gorge, with its striking red rock formations and serene environment, provided a picturesque setting for some of the film’s scenes.
“The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” (1994)
We follow the journey of three drag queens in a colourful tour bus named Priscilla across the Australian outback. Their adventure takes them from Sydney to Alice Springs. Along the way, they encounter various characters and obstacles, including homophobic locals and mechanical issues with their bus. As they navigate the challenges of their journey, the three protagonists also come to terms with their own personal struggles and insecurities. Ultimately, they find strength and solidarity in their friendship and shared experiences.
In this fabulous road movie, Alice Springs serves as the ultimate destination for our three drag queen protagonists. Specific locations featured in the film include:
- Lasseters Hotel Casino: This is where the final, triumphant performance takes place. The hotel and casino provided the glitzy backdrop needed for the queens’ final show.
- The Ghan: While not directly featured in “Priscilla,” the iconic train journey often forms a stunning part of the narrative backdrop in films set in this region.
- Kings Canyon: Although technically outside Alice Springs, this majestic location became a highlight of the film after the filmmakers were unable to get permission to shoot at Uluru. The scene where the characters climb Kings Canyon in full drag is unforgettable.
“A Town Called Alice” (1956)
The story follows a young Englishwoman named Jean Paget who becomes a prisoner of war in Malaya during World War II. Forced to march for miles with other women, Jean demonstrates resilience and courage. She helps her fellow captives survive the harsh conditions of their captivity. After the war, Jean travels to Australia to fulfill a promise she made to a fellow prisoner. In the outback town of Alice Springs, she discovers a new sense of purpose and belonging. There, she works to improve the lives of the locals and build a future for herself.
Though primarily set in and named after Alice Springs, much of this story unfolds during World War II in various locations. The key scenes set in Alice Springs include:
- Todd Mall: A central location in the town, which serves as a focal point in the narrative.
- Alice Springs Telegraph Station: This historic site often represents the town in the film, symbolizing its remote and historical significance.
“Kangaroo Jack” (2003)
It is about the misadventures of two friends, Charlie and Louis, who travel to Australia to deliver a large sum of money to a mob boss. When their plans go awry, the money falls into the hands of a wild kangaroo. The friends find themselves chasing the elusive animal across the outback. Along the way, they encounter a series of comical and dangerous situations as they try to retrieve the money and avoid the wrath of the mob boss. Through their escapades, Charlie and Louis learn valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the importance of honesty.
This comedic adventure film makes use of the unique Australian landscape:
- Alice Springs Airport: Scenes here depict the characters arriving in the heart of the Outback, setting the stage for their ensuing escapades.
“The Rover” (2014)
The film portrays a dystopian future in which society has collapsed due to economic and environmental crises. This leaves the Australian outback a lawless and dangerous wasteland. The story follows a lone drifter named Eric, who embarks on a relentless quest to recover his stolen car. Along the way, he encounters various hostile and desperate characters. As Eric navigates the desolate landscape and confronts the brutal realities of survival, he is forced to confront his own inner demons. He must make difficult choices in order to achieve his goal. Through its stark and bleak portrayal of a world on the brink of collapse, “The Rover” explores themes of isolation, morality, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect what is theirs.
This dystopian drama captures the harsh, rugged beauty of the Australian Outback:
- Various Desert Locations: The stark and barren landscapes around Alice Springs amplify the film’s post-apocalyptic setting.
“Walkabout” (1971)
“Walkabout” is a critically acclaimed film set in the Australian Outback. It follows the journey of two stranded siblings who befriend a young Aboriginal boy. The film’s stunning cinematography captures the beauty of the Outback and explores themes of resilience, friendship, and cultural differences. It prompts viewers to reflect on their place in the natural world and the impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities.
A visually stunning film that showcases the remote beauty of the Australian wilderness:
- MacDonnell Ranges: These ranges near Alice Springs provide the dramatic backdrop for much of the film, highlighting the natural beauty and isolation that the characters experience.
Upcoming in Alice Springs
Supported by the Northern Territory Government and growing movie tourism, Alice Springs continues to attract filmmakers. Upcoming projects such as “Kangaroo,” to be filmed at The Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs, a family comedy, involves an ex-TV personality and an 11-year-old girl rescuing orphaned joeys. Inspire by Chris Barnes, the Founder of The Kangaroo Sanctuary.
Alice Springs invites film buffs and travellers alike to explore movies filmed in the area. Discover the magic of the Australian outback and embark on your own film adventure in Alice Springs!
