Discover Melbourne through Media

Welcome to Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital and an illustrious hub of cinematic history. This guide will take you on a fascinating journey through the city’s rich filmography, exploring the setting of 10 famous films shot in Melbourne and revealing the secrets behind popular TV shows, animated films, and books set in this vibrant metropolis.

Melbourne’s Contribution to Film History

Known for its unique blend of contemporary and Victorian architecture, Melbourne has served as the perfect backdrop for numerous iconic films. Offering a diverse landscape of bustling city streets, serene parks, and historic landmarks, Melbourne has been transformed into various global locations on the silver screen, further enhancing its appeal to filmmakers worldwide.

10 Famous Films Shot in Melbourne

From international blockbusters to critically acclaimed indie films, Melbourne’s cinematic portfolio is diverse and impressive. Here are 10 famous films that were shot in the heart of this Australian city:

1. Mad Max  (1979): George Miller’s dystopian action film, which catapulted Mel Gibson to stardom, was filmed in and around Melbourne. The film’s iconic car chase scenes were shot on Melbourne’s country roads.
2. Ghost Rider  (2007): This Marvel Comics adaptation starring Nicolas Cage, was largely filmed in Melbourne, with the city’s streets transformed into a supernatural battleground.
3. Ned Kelly  (2003): Starring Heath Ledger, this biographical film about the infamous Australian outlaw was shot in various locations across Victoria, including Melbourne’s historic buildings.
4. The Dressmaker  (2015): This drama-comedy starring Kate Winslet was filmed in Melbourne and rural Victoria, capturing the essence of 1950s Australia.
5. Chopper  (2000): The true story of notorious criminal Mark “Chopper” Read was filmed across various Melbourne locations, including the infamous Pentridge Prison.
6. Romulus, My Father  (2007): Filmed in rural areas outside Melbourne, this AFI-winning drama features stunning Victorian landscapes.
7. Knowing  (2009): This sci-fi thriller starring Nicolas Cage showcased Melbourne’s Metropolitan Fire Brigade grounds and Melbourne University.
8. Where the Wild Things Are  (2009): Spike Jonze’s adaptation of the beloved children’s book was filmed in Melbourne and its surrounding areas.
9. Animal Kingdom  (2010): This gripping crime drama was filmed on location in Melbourne, showcasing the city’s residential suburbs.
10. Predestination  (2014): This time-bending thriller starring Ethan Hawke was shot in various Melbourne locations, including the iconic State Library of Victoria.

5 TV Shows Set in Melbourne

Melbourne’s charm extends beyond the big screen, featuring prominently in these 5 TV shows set in Melbourne:

1. Neighbours  (1985-present): Australia’s longest-running drama series features the fictional suburb of Erinsborough, filmed in Melbourne’s Nunawading Studios and Pin Oak Court.
2. Underbelly  (2008-2013): Each season of this true crime drama series explores a different chapter of Australia’s criminal history, with many scenes shot in Melbourne.
3. Jack Irish  (2012-present): This crime drama series, based on Peter Temple’s novels, showcases Melbourne’s gritty side, with numerous scenes shot in Fitzroy, Collingwood, and Brunswick.
4. Offspring  (2010-2017): This popular drama-comedy series is set in Melbourne’s inner north, featuring vibrant suburbs like Fitzroy and Carlton.
5. The Secret Life of Us  (2001-2005): This award-winning drama series, set in St Kilda, captures Melbourne’s beachside lifestyle.

5 Animated Films Set in Melbourne

Melbourne’s enchanting landscapes have also served as the backdrop for several animated films:

1. Mary and Max  (2009): This heartwarming stop-motion film tells the story of pen pals Mary, from Melbourne, and Max, from New York.
2. Dot and the Kangaroo  (1977): This classic Australian animated film, although not entirely set in Melbourne, features a journey through various Australian landscapes.
3. Exchange Student Zero  (2012): This animated television film, later adapted into a series, is set in South Port, a fictional suburb of Melbourne.
4. FernGully: The Last Rainforest  (1992): While not set directly in Melbourne, this film was produced by Melbourne’s Kroyer Films and features the Australian rainforest.
5. The Magic Pudding  (2000): This animated musical comedy, based on the classic Australian children’s book, was produced by Melbourne’s Media World Features.

Famous Books Set in Melbourne

Melbourne’s captivating aura has inspired numerous authors to set their stories against its cityscape. Here are 3 classic and 3 contemporary famous books set in Melbourne:

Classic Books:

1. Power Without Glory  by Frank Hardy: This controversial novel, set in a fictional Melbourne suburb, explores the city’s political and criminal underbelly.
2. Picnic at Hanging Rock  by Joan Lindsay: Although not entirely set in Melbourne, this classic Australian novel begins at a girls’ boarding school on the outskirts of the city.
3. Monkey Grip  by Helen Garner: Set in Melbourne’s inner-city, this novel explores love, addiction, and the bohemian lifestyle of the 1970s.

Contemporary Books:

1. The Slap  by Christos Tsiolkas: This multi-award-winning novel is set in contemporary suburban Melbourne, exploring multiculturalism, parenting, and middle-class life.
2. The Dry  by Jane Harper: This gripping crime mystery, while set in a fictional rural town, begins and ends in Melbourne.
3. Big Little Lies  by Liane Moriarty: Although not set entirely in Melbourne, the story’s main character hails from the city, with several scenes taking place there.

Exploring Melbourne Filming Locations – Where to Go

To immerse yourself in Melbourne’s cinematic history, here are key locations you must visit:

1. Melbourne City Centre: Featured in numerous films, the city centre offers iconic locations like Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, and the State Library of Victoria.
2. Docklands Studios: Take a tour of Melbourne’s state-of-the-art film and television studio complex, where countless films and TV shows have been produced.
3. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): This world-renowned sports venue has featured in several sports films and documentaries.
4. The University of Melbourne: With its historic architecture, this university has been the setting for numerous films and TV shows.
5. Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens: This UNESCO World Heritage Site has served as a backdrop for several period films.
6. St Kilda: Melbourne’s famous seaside suburb, with its vibrant beach, historic Luna Park, and bustling Acland Street, has been featured in many films and TV shows.

Hidden Gems in Melbourne

Moving beyond the well-trodden path, Melbourne offers lesser-known filming locations that are equally fascinating:

1. The Astor Theatre: This single-screen cinema, built in the 1930s, has been featured in several films and is a must-visit for film enthusiasts.
2. Healesville Sanctuary: This bushland haven for Australian wildlife has served as a filming location for various wildlife documentaries.
3. The Nylex Clock: A cultural icon, this giant neon sign is a symbol of Melbourne’s industrial history and has featured in several music videos and films.
4. Coburg Drive-In: One of the last remaining drive-in cinemas in Melbourne, it provides a nostalgic backdrop for films set in the mid-20th century.
5. Wandiligong Maze: Located a few hours’ drive from Melbourne, this enchanting hedge maze has been a filming location for various fantasy films.

Where to Sleep in Melbourne

For accommodation, Melbourne offers a range of options to suit every budget and preference. Here are 3 cheap and 3 luxury places to stay in Melbourne:

Budget:

1. The Nunnery: This guesthouse, located in Fitzroy, offers affordable rooms in a charming former nunnery.
2. Space Hotel: This modern budget hotel in the city centre offers dormitory rooms, a cinema lounge, and a rooftop deck.
3. Urban Central: Located in Southbank, this budget accommodation offers dorms and private rooms, with a bar and a travel desk.

Luxury:

1. The Langham: Overlooking the Yarra River, this luxury hotel offers sophisticated rooms, a spa, and an elegant restaurant.
2. Crown Towers: This opulent hotel in the Southbank precinct offers luxurious rooms, a rooftop bar, and access to the Crown Casino.
3. Park Hyatt: Set in a sleek high-rise building, this luxury hotel offers an outdoor pool, a spa, and dining options, located close to the city centre.

Where to Eat in Melbourne

From cheap eats to fine dining, Melbourne’s food scene caters to all palates. Here are 3 budget and 3 luxury places to eat in Melbourne:

Budget:

1. Queen Victoria Market: This iconic market offers a plethora of food stalls serving a variety of cuisines at affordable prices.
2. Lentil As Anything: A not-for-profit community restaurant in St Kilda and Abbotsford, it serves vegetarian meals and operates on a pay-what-you-feel model.
3. Bimbo: Located in Fitzroy, this budget-friendly bar offers $4 pizzas and a rooftop deck.

Luxury:

1. Vue de Monde: This upscale restaurant on the 55th floor of the Rialto Towers offers panoramic city views and a menu of modern Australian cuisine.
2. Attica: Ranked among the world’s top 50 restaurants, this Ripponlea fine dining venue offers a tasting menu focusing on Australian ingredients.
3. Flower Drum: This award-winning restaurant in Chinatown serves Cantonese cuisine in an elegant setting.

Detailed Itinerary Day by Day

To explore Melbourne’s filming locations, follow this detailed itinerary:

Day 1: Central Melbourne

Start your day at Federation Square, then explore the city centre’s iconic landmarks like Flinders Street Station and the State Library. After lunch, wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens, featured in many films. End your day with dinner in Chinatown, a popular filming location.

Day 2: St Kilda and Southbank

Spend your morning in St Kilda, exploring the beach, Luna Park, and Acland Street. After lunch, head to Southbank to visit the Arts Centre, MCG, and the Crown Casino, all of which have featured in various films.

Day 3: Carlton and Fitzroy

Start your day at the University of Melbourne, then head to Carlton to explore the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens. After lunch, visit the vibrant suburb of Fitzroy, the setting for numerous TV shows.

Day 4: Docklands and Around

Visit the Docklands Studios in the morning, then explore Melbourne’s western suburbs, which have served as the backdrop for several films. After lunch, take a trip to Williamstown, a historic suburb with numerous filming locations.

What to Pack for a Trip to Melbourne

Packing for Melbourne requires considering the city’s unpredictable weather. Essential items include a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. For colder months, pack a warm coat, gloves, and a scarf. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture your cinematic explorations!

Transportation Tips

Melbourne’s public transport system, comprising trams, trains, and buses, offers a convenient way to explore the city. Consider getting a myki card for unlimited travel. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also readily available. For a unique experience, take a trip on the free City Circle Tram, which runs along major tourist attractions.

Cryptid Legends and Curiosities

Melbourne’s film and literature history is filled with intriguing legends and curiosities. One such legend is the tale of the Bunyip, a mythical creature from Australian Aboriginal mythology, believed to lurk in swamps, billabongs, and riverbeds. This cryptid has been featured in various films and books set in Melbourne, adding to the city’s mystique.

Conclusion

From iconic films to captivating books, Melbourne’s cultural landscape offers a treasure trove of cinematic and literary explorations. Whether you’re a film buff, a bookworm, or simply a curious traveler, this guide will help you explore Melbourne through a unique lens, uncovering the stories that have shaped this city’s global image. So pack your bags, strap on your walking shoes, and get ready to explore Melbourne’s cinematic streets and literary laneways.