If you’re thinking about buying property in Australia, films can give you a surprisingly useful sense of place – from outback isolation to suburban life and cultural identity. Here are ten movies that help you understand what living in Australia really feels like before you make the move.
If you’ve spent time in Australia, you’ll know how different each region feels – and how much of daily life is shaped by distance, climate and community. The gap between coastal city and rural outback isn’t just geographical; it’s a difference in pace, culture and mindset that no property listing can capture.
Film won’t replace a viewing trip, but it can sharpen your instincts before you go. The movies below each offer a different window into Australian life, from remote cattle stations to inner-city suburbs – and the more clearly you can picture where you’d actually want to live, the better placed you are to start your search.
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Contents
Watching your way into life in Australia through film in the outback
Australia (2008)
Set against the backdrop of the second world war, this sweeping drama follows an English landowner managing a vast cattle station in the Northern Territory. As you watch, you’ll get a feel for the sheer scale of rural Australia and the logistical challenges that come with it. For property buyers considering remote land or agricultural investment, it highlights both the opportunity and the isolation that come with distance from major cities.
Walkabout (1971)
This story of two stranded children navigating the outback with the help of an Aboriginal boy introduces you to Australia’s relationship with land and survival. It offers insight into Indigenous traditions and the realities of living far from infrastructure. If you’re drawn to rural plots or off-grid living, this film reinforces how important local knowledge is.
Tracks (2014)
Based on a true story, this movie follows a 2,700km journey from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean. It’s a stark reminder of the distances involved in Australia. If you’re thinking about buying in remote areas, access to services, transport and supply chains should be at the top of your checklist.
Understanding family life and community in Australia
Paper Planes (2015)
Set in a small town, this film focuses on a boy entering a paper plane competition. It captures the slower pace and strong community ties you’ll often find outside major cities. If you’re relocating with children, it’s a useful lens into schooling, local support networks and the rhythm of regional life.
The Castle (1997)
A firm favourite for understanding suburban Australia, this comedy centres on a working-class family fighting to keep their home. It reflects how strongly Australians value property ownership and community roots. If you’re navigating planning laws or development zones, the themes here may feel closer to reality than you expect.
The Dry (2020)
Set in a drought-affected rural town, this more recent film brings climate into focus. Water scarcity, changing weather patterns and pressure on local economies all play a role. If you’re considering regional property, especially inland, these are real factors that can influence both lifestyle and long-term value.
The Dish (2000)
Set around a remote observatory during the moon landing, this film highlights the understated humour and practical mindset often associated with Australian communities. It also shows how even small towns can play a role in global events – something worth noting if you’re considering less obvious locations.
Culture, identity and social change in Australia
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
Following performers travelling across the outback, this movie explores identity and acceptance in both urban and remote Australia. It’s a reminder that attitudes can vary significantly depending on location – something to keep in mind when choosing where to buy.
Lion (2016)
One of the most widely recognised modern Australian films, Lion offers a look at suburban life in Tasmania alongside its broader story. It’s particularly useful for understanding quieter residential areas – the kind of places many overseas buyers overlook in favour of major cities.
Crocodile Dundee (1986)
This well-known story contrasts outback life with New York city living. While exaggerated, it reflects how Australians often see themselves – practical, direct and closely connected to nature. For buyers, it reinforces the cultural gap between urban and rural living.
Ned Kelly (2003)
Based on the life of one of Australia’s most famous outlaws, this film gives you a sense of the country’s colonial past and tensions that shaped modern identity. Understanding this history can help you better appreciate regional differences and local pride.
Rural landscapes and agricultural life
Babe (1997)
Filmed in New South Wales, this story set on a farm offers a lighter look at rural living. Beyond the humour, it shows the structure of farm life and the importance of land management. If you’re considering a lifestyle property, it’s a gentle introduction to what daily routines might involve.
What these movies can tell you before you buy
Watching these films won’t replace speaking to local agents or visiting properties, but they do help you read between the lines. You’ll start to notice how distance affects services, how communities interact and how climate shapes daily routines. These are all factors that influence property value and long-term satisfaction.
Before making a purchase, combine this cultural insight with practical steps – reviewing local planning rules, understanding ownership structures and factoring in ongoing costs. The more rounded your view, the better your decision will be.
