Popular Films

Finding Nemo (2003)
This beloved Pixar film follows an adventurous clownfish named Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) as he searches for his lost son Nemo (voiced by Alexander Gould). Clownfish Marlin lives in an anemone in the Great Barrier Reef with his mate, Coral, and their eggs. After Coral and nearly all the eggs are eaten by a barracuda, Marlin becomes overprotective of his son Nemo, born of one remaining egg. With its colorful coral reefs and vibrant marine life, it’s no wonder that Queensland served as an inspiration for this classic animated film.

Australia (2008)
In this epic drama directed by Baz Luhrmann, Nicole Kidman stars as Lady Sarah Ashley—an English aristocrat who travels from England to Australia to save her family’s cattle station during World War II. The movie was filmed at various locations across Australia, including Bowen in North Queensland and Ipswich near Brisbane. It’s a sweeping tale of romance and adventure that showcases some beautiful scenery amidst all the drama.

Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)
Inspired by true events, Rabbit-Proof Fence tells the story of three mixed-race Aboriginal girls who escape from government custody in Western Australia during 1931. Most of the movie was filmed in Carnarvon Gorge—a stunning natural landmark located just south of Rockhampton in Central Queensland—and viewers get to experience firsthand the vast beauty of this region through this powerful cinematic experience.

More Films to Explore!

The Thorn Birds is a 1983 television miniseries about a young girl named Meggie who falls in love with a Catholic priest, Father Ralph de Bricassart, and the consequences of their relationship. It takes place in rural New South Wales, Australia, but was mostly shot in Queensland.

Fields of Fire is a 1987 television film about a group of Australian soldiers sent to fight in Vietnam. It was shot in Queensland and other Australian states.

The Proposition (2005) is a western film about a man named Charlie Burns who is approached by a lawman named Captain Stanley with a proposition: kill his older brother or see his younger brother hang. The film was shot in several Queensland locations, including Mitchell, Longreach, and Winton.

Don’t Tell (2017) is based on the true story of a girl who was sexually abused by her schoolteacher and the subsequent legal battle. The film was shot in several Queensland locations, including the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Sister Kenny (1946) is a biographical film about Australian nurse Sister Elizabeth Kenny, who revolutionised polio treatment. It was shot in various locations throughout Queensland and Australia.

Beneath Hill 60 (2010) is a film about the experiences of Australian soldiers who fought in World War I’s Battle of Hill 60. It was shot in Queensland and other Australian states.

A Cry in the Dark (1988) is a film based on the true story of Lindy Chamberlain, an Australian woman who was convicted of murdering her daughter, Azaria, but was later acquitted. The film was shot in various locations throughout Queensland and Australia.

On the Beach (TV Movie 2000) is a television film about the aftermath of a nuclear war and the efforts of a group of survivors to find safety. It was shot in various locations throughout Queensland and Australia.

The Irishman (1978) is a drama about an Irish-Australian criminal who rises through the ranks of Sydney’s underworld. It was shot in various locations throughout Queensland and Australia.

Nim’s Island (2008) is a family film about Nim, a young girl who lives on an island and communicates with Alexandra, a writer. The film was shot in several Queensland locations, including the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

The Craic is a 1999 comedy film about an Irish musician who visits Australia to perform. It was shot in various locations throughout Queensland and Australia.

Dear Claudia (1999) is a television film about a young girl who writes letters to an unknown person named Claudia and the impact this has on her life. It was shot in various locations throughout Queensland and Australia.

The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course (2002) is an action-comedy film about Australian wildlife expert Steve Irwin and his attempts to save a crocodile from poachers. The film was shot in various locations throughout Queensland and Australia.

Two Lost Worlds (1951) is a film about two shipwrecked survivors who end up on a strange island inhabited by dinosaurs. The film was shot in various locations throughout Queensland and Australia.

If you’re looking for ways to explore Queensland without having to leave your couch, these films can be great virtual tours to help provide an insight into what life is like in this part of Australia. So if you have some spare time on your hands and want to learn more about Queensland, why not curl up with one or two of these movies? You’ll be sure to come away with a greater appreciation for both its culture and its natural beauty!

For centuries, books have been used as a way to explore the world and discover new places. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, reading can take you on an adventure without ever having to leave your home. If you’re looking for a great way to get to know the Australian state of Queensland better, why not start with a good book? Here are some of the best fiction and non-fiction books inspired by this unique region of Australia.

Fiction Books Set in Queensland

If you love stories set in exotic locations, then you’ll certainly want to add some of these novels set in Queensland to your reading list.

Colleen McCullough’s story “The Thorn Birds” – This novel, set in rural Queensland, follows three generations of the Cleary family and their struggles with love, passion, and ambition.

“The Cedar Cutter” by Glenda Adams – Set in the Queensland rainforest, this novel follows the story of a young girl on a quest to find her father and save the forest from logging.

Craig Silvey’s “The Quiet Earth” – This novel is a coming-of-age story set in rural Queensland about a young man who is forced to confront the realities of adulthood and the meaning of life after a mysterious event leaves him as one of the only people on Earth.

“Eucalyptus” by Murray Bail – Set in rural Queensland, this novel follows the story of a man who plants thousands of eucalyptus trees on his property, creating a unique and mysterious landscape that catches the eye of a young woman.

“A Fraction of the Whole” by Steve Toltz – Set in Queensland, this novel follows two estranged brothers and their eccentric father as they navigate the complexities of family, love, and identity.

Non-Fiction Books About Queensland

If you’d prefer a more fact-based approach, why not pick up one of these informative non-fiction titles about Queensland? From natural history guides to art books and everything in between, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest!

Robert Hughes’ “The Fatal Shore: The Epic of Australia’s Founding” – This book examines the history of Australia’s penal colonies in detail, including the establishment of the colony in Queensland. It delves into the harsh conditions endured by the convicts and the impact these conditions had on the nation’s development.

Ross Fitzgerald’s “Queensland: A Social and Economic History” – This book provides a comprehensive overview of Queensland’s social and economic history, from the early days of European settlement to the present. It discusses significant events and figures, as well as the impact of the region’s unique geography on its development.

Iain McCalman’s “The Reef: A Passionate History” delves into the history of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most famous and biologically diverse ecosystems. It examines the reef’s scientific, cultural, and political history, as well as its impact on Queenslanders.

“The New Nature of the Tropical North: A Cultural Geography of Queensland’s Wet Tropics,” by Peter Jacks – This book is a cultural and geographical exploration of Queensland’s Wet Tropics, one of the world’s most biologically diverse areas. It discusses the region’s distinct geography, wildlife, and human culture, as well as its impact on regional development.

D.J. Tapp’s “Queensland’s Frontiers: A History of Colonial Development” – This book provides a comprehensive overview of Queensland’s history, from its early days of European settlement to the present day. It discusses significant events and figures, as well as the impact of the region’s unique geography on its development.

“Tropical Queensland: A Social and Economic History” by Alan Powell – This book examines Queensland’s social and economic history, with a focus on the region’s tropical environment and its impact on the region’s development. It discusses significant events and figures, as well as the impact of the region’s unique geography on its development.

Tony Perrottet’s “Queensland Curiosities: Tales, Traditions, and Treasures” – This book offers an entertaining and informative look at Queensland’s unique history and culture, including its traditions, oddities, and hidden treasures.

“The History of Brisbane” by James Morton – This book provides a comprehensive history of Brisbane, Queensland’s capital city. It discusses significant events and figures, as well as the impact of the city’s unique geography and location on its development.

Support Local Bookstores

Whatever type of book appeals to you most, there is no shortage of wonderful works inspired by the beautiful state of Queensland. Whether it is fiction or non-fiction, each book offers readers an opportunity to explore this unique part of Australia from the comfort of their own homes. So why not grab one today—you never know where it will take you!