Where was ‘Kangaroo' filmed? The iconic Australian locations you can actually visit

Time Out

08-08-2025

Lights, camera, outback! Australia's newest homegrown film, Kangaroo, is about to hit the big screens. Inspired by the real-life rescue work of the world-famous Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), this heartwarming movie is a tribute to the Northern Territory 's stunning and culturally rich landscapes.
The family comedy stars Aussie actor Ryan Corr (best known for Packed to the Rafters) in the role of Chris 'Brolga' Barns – the legend who established a baby kangaroo rescue centre in 2005, which later became The Kangaroo Sanctuary. From the breathtaking Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges and Ilparpa Claypans to Indigenous art galleries and outback eateries, here's where Kangaroo was filmed across Australia.
What happens in Kangaroo?
Kangaroo is inspired by the true story of Chris 'Brolga' Barns – the man who founded the Baby Kangaroo Rescue Centre in Alice Springs in 2005, before going on to build The Kangaroo Sanctuary – an 188-acre wildlife haven for rescued orphaned joeys and adult kangaroos that officially opened in 2011.
The actual film follows Chris Masterman (played by Ryan Corr), an ex-TV personality who finds himself stranded in a remote town just outside Alice Springs. There, he forms an unlikely friendship with 12-year-old Indigenous Australian girl Charlie (played by Lily Whiteley). Together, the duo embark on a mission to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys in the fictional outback town of Silver Gum - an adventure that transforms their lives and brings lasting change to the local community.
When is the Kangaroo movie coming out?
Kangaroo will come out in cinemas across Australia and New Zealand on Thursday, September 18.
Where was Kangaroo filmed?
Mainly filmed on location in and around Alice Springs (Mparntwe), Kangaroo showcases many of the Northern Territory's most majestic natural landscapes, along with vibrant local galleries and eateries. While Bondi Beach makes a brief cameo at the start, audiences can expect to spot both iconic landmarks and hidden NT gems throughout the film, including:
Bondi Beach, Sydney
Kangaroo opens with TV weatherman Chris Masterman broadcasting live from Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach, where he's interviewing lifeguard Jacko (played by Bondi Rescue 's Ryan Clark). But when Chris is suddenly fired, he swaps the golden sands for the red outback dirt, setting off in his trusty Corvette for a new gig.
Ilparpa, Alice Springs
Just ten minutes north of Alice Springs city centre, Ilparpa was a key filming location for Kangaroo – specifically the site of 'The Shed'. Inspired by the actual shack where Brolga lived when he founded The Kangaroo Sanctuary, this is where all of Chris' home scenes were shot. You'll see him sleeping alongside joeys, bathing them and being joined by young Charlie after school to help with feeding time.
Mount Ertwa, Alice Springs
Outside The Shed, a large fenced enclosure was built for Roger, the red kangaroo being nursed by Chris. From here, you can admire vistas of the majestic Mount Ertwa, which stands tall at roughly 807 metres above sea level.
Simpsons Gap, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges
The road into Simpsons Gap set the stage for one of the film's most pivotal scenes – when Chris' Corvette hits an adult kangaroo. Spoiler alert: he rescues the joey, Liz, from her mother's pouch. On the day, the role was played by a baby kangaroo named Sharona, who stepped in for Margot – the star joey who plays Liz throughout the film. Margot grew up so fast during production, so Sharona became her (adorable) stunt double.
Larapinta Drive
Stretching from Alice Springs to Hermannsburg, Larapinta Drive is easily one of Central Australia's most spectacular roads. Its dramatic backdrop set the scene for several driving shots in the film, including trips between Silver Gum and the vet with the rescued roos.
St Mary's Hostel, Alice Springs
'Kangaroo' is set in the fictional town of Silver Gum/Tangitjarr, with many key scenes unfolding at the Silver Gum Hotel. Inspired by classic outback pubs across the NT, the hotel was built inside the former mess hall of the Anglican hostel St Mary's – a place that provided accommodation and schooling for Aboriginal children placed by their families or committed to the Hostel by the Director of Native Affairs from 1947 onward.
The inside of the Silver Gum Hotel was fully furnished with NT products, including beer on tap!
Undoolya Station, Alice Springs
The Northern Territory's oldest cattle station was the perfect location for the 'Kangaroo Highway' in the film. Two memorable scenes were shot here: one where Charlie runs alongside a mob of kangaroos at dusk, and another where Chris rescues an injured male roo while driving a tourist bus. While Undoolya isn't open to the public, visitors can soak up incredible views of the station when visiting Emily Gap and Jesse Gap.
Eastside, Alice Springs
Charlie's house is located in Eastside – one of the first suburbs established in Alice Springs – showcasing original architecture of the town, complete with beautiful desert gardens. Local galleries like Tangentyere Artists and Hermannsburg Potters supplied real artworks that appear throughout the film's sets.
Blatherskite Park, Alice Springs
Alice Springs' biggest indoor and outdoor venue served as a base for the film's production, design and art departments. Blatherskite Park's huge sheds were filled with everything from street signs and props to locally sourced products used in the Silver Gum Hotel set. When it's not doubling as a film set, Blatherskite Park is a hub for local events. It hosts the annual Alice Springs Show, camel races, concerts and community gatherings – including the Friday night BMX Club and the Alice Springs Pony Club.
The Kangaroo Sanctuary, Alice Springs
The Kangaroo Sanctuary is the heart and soul of the film, with every joey you see on screen having been raised there. Founder Brolga, his wife Tahnee and a team of volunteers work around the clock – feeding the orphaned and injured joeys every three hours – to nurture them back to health. Once old and strong enough, the joeys are released back into the wild, or if they're not fit for release, they become a cherished part of the Sanctuary's resident mob.
Although it wasn't a filming location, the 188-acre wildlife sanctuary remains one of Alice Springs' most popular and sought-after visitor experiences.
Kangaroo comes out in cinemas across Australia on September 18, and you can watch the trailer here.
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