Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk, Palm BeachCredit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a scenic coastal hike on the Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk in Palm Beach, Sydney.
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Choosing an epic movie to watch on Saturday night is an exciting prospect during lockdown. Here are 10 classic films to get you started this weekend and the fascinating NSW locations they were filmed in.
Films are a fantastic way to transport you to foreign - and familiar - places. These 10 films depict different parts of NSW, from the Harbour City of Sydney and the famous Bondi Beach, to the sunny mid-North Coast, and the dramatic landscape of Outback NSW. Settle in and bookmark locations you love for future trips to NSW.
1. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
One of Australia’s most iconic films, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, follows the journey of three drag queen performers on a tour across the outback of NSW, famously stopping in the city of Broken Hill. The enduring image of the three performers in full costume against the backdrop of the red desert is uniquely Australian. In the film, they go shopping on Argent Street, stay in a pub (which is now The Palace Hotel) and have a bus breakdown at Mundi Mundi Plain Lookout. The film is the inspiration behind the annual Broken Heel Festival, where the country’s best drag performers descend onto Central West NSW for a fabulous celebration of drag.
Watch it: youtube.com/watch?v=8qPPwFEehFo
2. Palm Beach
Palm Beach is set in Sydney’s most northerly suburb, Palm Beach, whose golden sand and sparkling blue sea provide a spectacular backdrop for the unfolding drama. Locations such as Pittwater, The Basin, the iconic Boathouse Restaurant and the stunning views from the Barrenjoey Headland (Sydney’s northernmost seaside point) were used in the film. Beautiful beaches and luxurious homes with waterfront views are an enticing promise to the endless summer vibe for visitors to this pretty enclave.
Watch it: youtube.com/watch?v=QwXvTTJKoUo
Broken Heel Festival Credit: Destination NSW
Audience enjoying the performances during the Broken Heel Festival at Palace Hotel, Broken Heel.
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Broken Heel Festival Credit: Destination NSW
Audience enjoying the performances during the Broken Heel Festival at Palace Hotel, Broken Heel.
3. Looking for Alibrandi
Set in Sydney, this heartwarming film follows teenager Josie Alibrandi during her last year of high school. Spot famous Sydney landmarks including the iconic Bondi Beach, the sandstone buildings of the University of Sydney, and the entrance to the Sydney Opera House. Josie’s prestigious school (Kincoppal) can also be spotted from the picturesque Harbour Walk between Rose Bay and Watsons Bay.
Watch it: itunes.apple.com/au/movie/looking-for-alibrandi/id552321873
4. The Dish
The Dish tells the story of Australia’s role in broadcasting the Apollo 11 moon landing, specifically at the Parkes Observatory, near the town of Parkes in the Central West region of NSW. Many of the scenes were filmed in nearby Forbes, a quaint country town on the banks of the Lachlan River. Parkes is also home to the annual Parkes Elvis Festival, a celebration of the musical legend where thousands of impersonators visit the town for a festival spanning more than 150 events across four days.
Watch it: youtube.com/watch?v=uFHBmoM4pFA
CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope Visitor's Centre, Parkes Credit: Destination NSW
The 64-meter radio telescope residing at Parkes Observatory, Parkes.
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CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope Visitor's Centre, Parkes Credit: Destination NSW
The 64-meter radio telescope residing at Parkes Observatory, Parkes.
5. Muriel’s Wedding
This classic 90s comedy-drama stars Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths, following Muriel’s (Collette) journey from the fictional small town of Porpoise Spit to the bright lights of Sydney. The laid-back coastal town of Tweed Heads was the filming location for Porpoise Spit. Located on the far north coast of New South Wales close to the famous Byron Bay, the town is part of the Tweed - a lush region of rainforests, seemingly endless stretches of coastline, opportunities to get up close with whales, dolphins and sea turtles, and an emerging foodie and art scene. Plenty of Sydney landmarks can also be spotted in the film, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, as well as the famous Oxford Street.
Watch it: youtube.com/watch?v=vwkCIpLMZBw
6. Starstruck
Travel back to Sydney in the 1980s with this rock musical. Sydney plays a central role in the film – the opening scene is of the lead character, Jackie Mullins, walking across a tightrope in the centre of downtown Sydney, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background. Later in the film, she sings at the Bondi Pavillion (one of Australia’s cultural icons), which is transformed into a neon-lit nightclub. She lives in a pub under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and performs a song dancing along the bartop – the venue is Harbour View Hotel, which still exists today. The kitsch aesthetic and colourful costumes encapsulate the 1980s pop scene of Australia.
Watch it: amazon.com.au/Starstruck-2-Disc-Special-Jo-Kennedy
Sunrise, Fingal Head Credit: David Kirkland
Scenic coastal views from Fingal Head at sunrise.
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Sunrise, Fingal Head Credit: David Kirkland
Scenic coastal views from Fingal Head at sunrise.
7. Mad Max 2
A cult Australian film starring Mel Gibson, Mad Max 2 was famously filmed around the Outback city of Broken Hill, whose vast, cinematic desert landscapes make for an impressive backdrop. Parts of the film were also set in nearby Silverton, a former mining town with a fascinating history. You can visit the original Silverton Hotel and the Mad Max Museum, which offers a large collection of photographs, memorabilia and costumes from the film.
Watch it: youtube.com/watch?v=hm8OOihsjVo
8. The Inbetweeners 2
The award-winning British TV show The Inbetweeners follows the lives of four teenage boys in their last years of school. The show led to two spin-off movies - the second of which was filmed in Australia, where the friends undertake a road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay to get the backpacker experience. Plan your own road trip exploring this classic coastal route, taking in destinations such as the Central Coast, Port Macquarie and Yamba along the way. When you arrive, you can stay at Arts Factory Lodge in Byron Bay, the same hostel the characters stay at in the film.
Watch online: youtube.com/watch?v=nvc9GRS_hVg
Town Beach, Port Macquarie Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over Town Beach, Port Macquarie.
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Town Beach, Port Macquarie Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over Town Beach, Port Macquarie.
9. Oyster Farmer
Set on the Hawkesbury River, just north of Sydney, be entranced by stunning scenes on the river and learn about Australia’s long-running oyster industry.. Bookmark a trip to taste these delicious oysters yourself at the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed, or head on a road trip along NSW’s Oyster Coast in the south, where you can taste freshly shucked Sydney Rock oysters on a tour or in one of many fantastic seafood restaurants.
Watch it: youtube.com/watch?v=cLl6FouSGAU
10. Danny Deckchair
This whimsical romantic comedy takes place mostly in Bellingen, on the mid-North Coast of NSW, close to Coffs Harbour and a great pit stop on a road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay. Bellingen is a beautiful town with a welcoming vibe, and makes the perfect base to explore the surrounding national parks, gorgeous farmland, World-Heritage listed rainforest and waterfalls that make up one of Australia’s most scenic drives, the Waterfall Way.
Watch it: itunes.apple.com/us/movie/danny-deckchair/id273276433
Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed, Mooney Mooney Credit: Yasmin Mund
Seafood platter available on the menu at Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed, Mooney Mooney.
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Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed, Mooney Mooney Credit: Yasmin Mund
Seafood platter available on the menu at Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed, Mooney Mooney.
Dangar Falls, Dorrigo Credit: Destination NSW
Dangar Falls, near the township of Dorrigo.
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Dangar Falls, Dorrigo Credit: Destination NSW
Dangar Falls, near the township of Dorrigo.
More Inspirational Stories
Oxford Art Factory, DarlinghurstCredit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying live music at the Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst.
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There’s nothing like the thrill, buzz and energy of a live music gig, and Sydney has plenty of performance spaces that have played host to some of the world’s biggest acts as well as local up-and-comers. From intimate venues to big stages, in the city centre and on the city’s fringe, here are nine spots to get a fix of live entertainment.
Enmore Theatre, Enmore
The longest-running live music venue in New South Wales, the Enmore Theatre has been drawing crowds for over a century. Despite having a capacity of just 2,500, the venue’s storied history and standing within the industry means legends across generations – including Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Coldplay and Oasis – have performed on this stage. The strip of pubs, bars and restaurants (ranked 17th coolest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out) comes alive when a gig at The Enmore is on – some pre-gig Enmore Road favourites to check out include Earl’s Juke Joint, Cairo Takeaway and Little Lagos.
Enmore Theatre, Enmore Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons arriving at the Enmore Theatre, Enmore.
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Enmore Theatre, Enmore Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons arriving at the Enmore Theatre, Enmore.
The Lansdowne Hotel, Chippendale
No Sydney venue inspires memories of thriving dance and sweaty late nights better than The Lansdowne Hotel. The Chippendale pub, in Sydney’s inner city, has been hosting rock, punk and indie gigs for decades and continues to platform local up-and-coming acts as well as a late-night party vibe. Combine that with a menu of sangas, burgers and fried chicken plus local beers and natural wine, and you have a legendary student haunt – charmingly grungy and welcoming to all.
Lansdowne Hotel, Chippendale Credit: Destination NSW
Exterior view of the Landsdowne Hotel, Chippendale.
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Lansdowne Hotel, Chippendale Credit: Destination NSW
Exterior view of the Landsdowne Hotel, Chippendale.
Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst
Inspired by Andy Warhol’s famed Factory in New York, the Oxford Art Factory, in Darlinghurst on the fringe of the city centre, has been bringing live music and art to Sydney for more than a decade. The two stages, supporting just over 600 in total, have hosted some of the biggest names in music – Lady Gaga played her first ever Australian show here in 2008 when the space was barely a year old. This tiny venue allows performers to interact with the audience, giving the crowd an intimate connection to the artists and each other. As it’s located on Sydney’s famed Oxford Street, there are plenty of spots for a feed and a drink beforehand including Bitter Phew, Big Poppa’s and Chaco Ramen.
Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying live music at the Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst.
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Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying live music at the Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst.
Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park
Originally built in the 1920s as extra space for the Sydney Royal Easter Show and an exhibition hall for the wonders of new technology, Hordern Pavilion became Sydney’s home of international rock concerts in the 1970s. The historic venue has hosted countless huge-name acts, including Eric Clapton, The Eagles, Queen, Billy Joel and AC/DC. In the 1990s, it introduced bands like Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, Public Enemy and Green Day to local audiences. But despite those huge names, it still has an intimate feel, giving you a rare chance to connect with your favourite acts outside a giant stadium. Before the show, grab a nearby burger at Mary’s Entertainment Quarter or a traditional Italian feast at Cipri’s Italian.
The Metro Theatre, Sydney CBD
Every local live music hunter has spent at least one epic night pressed against the barriers of the mosh pit at The Metro. Since the 1990s, the inner-city venue has been the place for high-energy gigs from the likes of The Prodigy and Foo Fighters, as well as respected indie acts including Jeff Buckley, Lorde and Aphex Twin. Smaller shows are also held in The Lair, a secondary space that holds just a few hundred people on the dance floor. Pre-party eating options are endless with Chinatown, Thaitown and Darling Square just a stone’s throw away.
HONEY, Darling Square Credit: HONEY
HONEY has officially launched in Sydney’s Darling Square precinct. Inspired by the nightlife of Seoul, HONEY is serving up the very best in Korean cuisine, with Pocha-style shareable dishes, Korean Fried Chicken with cold beer, soju and Korean-style cocktails.
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HONEY, Darling Square Credit: HONEY
HONEY has officially launched in Sydney’s Darling Square precinct. Inspired by the nightlife of Seoul, HONEY is serving up the very best in Korean cuisine, with Pocha-style shareable dishes, Korean Fried Chicken with cold beer, soju and Korean-style cocktails.
Mary’s Underground, Sydney CBD
Mary’s Underground rose from the ashes of Sydney most iconic jazz bar, The Basement. Like the original and aptly named subterranean bar, Mary’s Underground has the feel of an old school, alternative live music venue – dimly lit, full of characters and playing a little bit of everything. But unlike The Basement, which was famous for jazz and funk, you can get anything from R&B to punk. It’s only open for events but that doesn’t mean it’s ticket only, check the line up for both big ticket shows and free events. If you need a feed, they serve the same burgers they’ve made their name with back when Mary’s Newtown opened in 2013.
Phoenix Central Park, Chippendale
Of all Sydney’s alternative, cutting-edge music venues, Phoenix is by far the most exclusive. Every show, often experimental artists at the forefront of their genre, takes place at the base of an architecturally unique, winding staircase. The audience either stands at on the staircase, peering over the performer, or sits in a circle literally a metre or two from the stage. To get one of the prized free tickets, you have to go into a ballot. Before you head in, check out the street food, small bars and fine diners around Chippendale.
Spice Alley, Chippendale Credit: Destination NSW
Couple walking through Spice Alley, Chippendale.
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Spice Alley, Chippendale Credit: Destination NSW
Couple walking through Spice Alley, Chippendale.
Marrickville Bowling Club, Marrickville
You could be forgiven for thinking the Marrickville Bowling Club is just another great Australian community bowlo: it’s humble, welcoming and provides cheap drinks to locals. But at night the club transforms into one of the most energetic venues in Sydney. The stage welcomes both up-and-coming Sydney artists looking to launch the next great album and DJs looking to set the dance floor alight.
Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Rooty Hill
This new, state-of-the-art theatre is an architectural wonder befitting its epic name. The Cox Architecture design is like the bow of a futuristic ship rising out of the ground. The 2,000-seat theatre has provided a stage for everything from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to Keith Urban. In between acts it has hosted the live portion of Australia’s Got Talent and other big shows. Options to eat include Pizzaperta Manfredi – from one of Australia’s most influential Italian chefs, Stefano Manfredi – and the nearby Filipino hub on Rooty Hill Road.
Before a Performance, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Heading to a performance at Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Sydney. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Before a Performance, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Heading to a performance at Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Sydney. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.