🏷 Discover The Best Australian Bush Movies & TV Shows To Watch Today

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The Australian bush is a land of untamed beauty, rich Indigenous heritage, and dramatic landscapes—perfect for cinematic storytelling. From heart-pounding survival thrillers to poignant character dramas, films and TV shows set in this rugged wilderness captivate audiences worldwide. Whether you're craving adventure, mystery, or a deep dive into Australia's cultural identity, these productions bring the bush's raw essence to life. Explore our curated list of the best movies and TV shows that celebrate and explore the Australian bush, where every frame tells a story of resilience, danger, and breathtaking scenery.

Cast

Eric Bana

Anna Torv

Deborra-Lee Furness

Robin McLeavy

Force of Nature: The Dry 2 (2024)

6.3 283 votes

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Country: Australia, United States of America

Duration: 112 min.

Audience: R

Story: When five women take part in a corporate hiking retreat and only four come out on the other side, Federal Agents Aaron Falk and Carmen Cooper head deep into the Victorian mountain ranges to investigate in the hopes of finding their whistle-blowing informant, Alice Russell, alive.

Plot: based on novel or book, unsolved mystery, crime investigation, australian bush

Place: australia

Cast

Aaron Pedersen

Aaron Glenane

Harriet Dyer

Ian Meadows

Killing Ground (2017)

6.1 292 votes

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Country: Australia

Duration: 88 min.

Audience: R

Story: A couple's camping trip turns into a frightening ordeal when they stumble across the scene of a horrific crime.

Plot: new year's eve, marriage proposal, baby, rape, police, pig, loss of loved one, camping, ...

True History of the Kelly Gang (2019)

5.9 359 votes

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Country: Australia, France

Duration: 125 min.

Audience: R

Story: Set against the badlands of Australia where the English rule with a bloody fist and the Irish endure, Ned Kelly discovers he comes from a line of Irish rebels — an uncompromising army of cross dressing bandits immortalised for terrorising their oppressors back in Ireland. Fuelled by the unfair arrest of his mother, Kelly recruits a wild bunch of warriors to plot one of the most audacious attacks of anarchy and rebellion the country has ever seen.

Plot: based on novel or book, biography, australian bush, bushranger, ned kelly, australian western

Time: 19th century

Top Movies Set in the Australian Bush

The Australian bush has been the setting for many iconic films that showcase its beauty, danger, and cultural significance. These productions not only entertain but also offer a glimpse into the country's unique landscapes and stories.

Classic Australian Bush Films

Walkabout (1971) – A hauntingly beautiful film about a young girl and her brother who survive in the outback with the help of an Indigenous Australian boy. Directed by Nicolas Roeg, this movie is a masterpiece of visual storytelling.
Mad Max (1979) – George Miller's post-apocalyptic classic follows Max Rockatansky as he navigates the harsh Australian desert in a quest for survival. The film's iconic car chases and dystopian themes have made it a cult classic.

Modern Bush Adventures

The Babadook (2014) – While not exclusively set in the bush, this psychological horror film uses the Australian landscape to create an eerie atmosphere. The outback's isolation amplifies the film's themes of grief and madness.
Australia (2008) – Baz Luhrmann's epic romance-drama stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman as they traverse the outback during World War II. The film is a love letter to Australia, featuring stunning cinematography and a powerful narrative.

Must-Watch TV Shows Featuring the Australian Bush

Television has also embraced the Australian bush as a backdrop for compelling stories. These shows offer a mix of drama, mystery, and adventure, all set against the backdrop of Australia's vast wilderness.

Drama and Mystery Series

McLeod's Daughters (2001-2009) – This long-running drama follows the lives of two sisters who inherit a cattle station in the Australian outback. The show is a heartfelt exploration of family, love, and the challenges of rural life.
Mystery Road (2018-2020) – Starring Aaron Pedersen as Indigenous detective Jay Swan, this crime drama delves into the complexities of life in a remote Australian town. The bush serves as both a character and a setting for the series' gripping mysteries.

Adventure and Survival Series

Outback Wrangler (2012-2020) – This reality TV series follows the adventures of a wildlife expert and his team as they rescue and rehabilitate animals in the Australian outback. The show highlights the harsh realities of life in the bush while showcasing its stunning beauty.
Australia: Earth's Magical Kingdom (2021) – Narrated by Rachel Ward, this documentary series explores the diverse ecosystems of Australia, from the arid bush to the lush rainforests. It's a visual feast that highlights the country's unique wildlife and landscapes.

The Australian bush is more than just a setting—it's a character in its own right. Whether through the lens of a feature film or the narrative of a TV series, these stories bring the outback's magic, danger, and beauty to life. From classic tales of survival to modern dramas that explore the complexities of rural life, there's something for every viewer who craves the spirit of the Australian wilderness.