10 Movies You Didn’t Know Were Filmed In Australia

If a film isn’t shouting that it’s Australian from its abundance of Aussie accents and landmarks, then it’s quietly an Australian hidden wonder. Often movies that are set in America, England, and any exotic location use Australia’s wide variety of climates, scenery, and architecture as a filming destination.

In some films, it’s obvious, while others aren’t distinguishable at all. Here are 10 films that are filmed in Australia that have been right under viewers’ noses all along.

10 The Matrix (1999)

The Matrix (1999). Is it an Australian conspiracy coming from the island continent that somehow exists upside down? Sydney residents are lucky if they were aware of the filming that was being done for the sci-fi trilogy.

Or perhaps they spotted the Martin Place Fountain, Adam St. Bridge, The Sydney Tower, and St James Railway Station while watching and realized what took place right under their noses. Because as any true film buff knows, the trilogy made quite a statement in the cinematic world. And will soon grace screens once more with its much anticipated fourth film.

9 Ghost Rider (2007)

Melbourne doesn’t get much spotlight in the filming industry. In the film Ghost Rider (2007) Nicolas Cage stars as Johnny Blaze, the poor unfortunate soul who saved the life of his father through a contract with the devil, only for his father to die in different circumstances.

St. Paul’s Cathedral, Southbank, The Telstra Dome which is now known as Marvel Stadium, and Yarra Footbridge are just some of the filming locations within Melbourne City that make an appearance in the film.

8 Scooby-Doo (2002)

That’s right. Iconic childhood film Scooby Doo (2002) starring Sarah Michelle Geller, Freddie Prinze Jr., Matthew Lillard, Linda Cardellini and Neil Fanning as the Mystery Incorporated Scooby Gang, was filmed in Australia.

Queensland is a filming favorite for most Hollywood movies filmed in Australia for its sun, sand and picture-perfect wavy blue beaches. Some people might argue that Australia with its deathly poisonous creatures isn’t that far away from being a real-life Spooky Island.

7 Fools Gold (2008)

Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson reunite in this film after they collaborated in the romantic comedy film How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (2003). Fools Gold (2008) was filmed in gorgeous sun-loving Queensland.

Because when the Caribbean isn’t available and a tropical location is required, where else is better than the Gold Coast? The film explores the action and adventure that’s bound to happen when treasure’s involved. But who doesn’t love a treasure hunt with high stakes and a dash of comedy?

6 Moulin Rouge (2001)

Next time someone searches Paris into Google, it might just come up with a map of good old Sydney, Australia. Moulin Rouge (2001) is a beautiful, dramatic musical starring Ewen McGregor and Australia’s own Nicole Kidman.

Set in France during the year 1900, the dramatic scenery was given a surreal fantastical appearance with the magic of Fox Studios. But what else could be expected from Australian Director Baz Luhrmann?

5 X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

Hugh Jackman has been a long time Australian representative in the acting world. His ability to work the stage and screen have given him a wide variety of roles throughout his career.

The Sydney born artist was on set in New South Wales for the filming of X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) in one of the earliest filmings of Wolverine for the X-Men film series. The movie also filmed in Canada and New Zealand.

4 Babe (1995)

British accents and rolling fields aside, don’t be fooled. Babe The Gallant Pig (1995) was filmed in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia. The story follows that of Babe, a pig that exceeds all expectations and who desires to be a sheepdog.

The film won the 1996 Academy Award for Best Visual Effects which could have something to do with its incredibly realistic talking animals. Similarily another film about a pig that is “gifted” is Charlotte’s Web (2006), which was also filmed in Australia.

3 The Great Gatsby (2013)

Baz Luhrmann does it again. The Great Gatsby (2013)  featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, and Tobey Macguire is set in 1920s New York.

But here’s a secret. Start calling Australia New York because the film is actually set in New South Wales, Australia using locations such as the White Bay Power Station as the Valley Of Ashes and The International College Of Management as the exterior of Gatsby’s mansion.

2 Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)

Captain Jack Sparrow couldn’t help but appear on the big screen once more bringing with him the high seas and as usual, luscious scenery. Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) was primarily filmed on location in Queensland.

Rivaling the filming locations of previous locations such as Dominica, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii, Australia’s Moreton Bay, Southport, and various other locations used for the film are just as beautiful.

1 Unbroken (2014)

Angelia Jolie’s Unbroken (2014) was filmed in various locations throughout Queensland and New South Wales. The film is based on the non-fiction book titled Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand.

The story follows Louis Zamperini and his journey through the extremes of war, survival in the direst circumstances, desperation and how to hope when everything seems futile.

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