News| Jul 31, 2024

Exploring West MacDonnell Ranges in a 4WD

Imagine your audience mesmerized by the sweeping, awe-inspiring vistas of the Australian outback. The iconic “Red Centre” of Alice Springs surrounds your production with its vast desert horizons, rugged mountain ranges, and dramatic rock formations, creating an unforgettable visual narrative that can’t help but stir the soul.

Covering an expansive 231,660 square miles (600,000 km²), the “Red Centre” of Alice Springs’ desert scenery mirrors the striking landscapes of the American Southwest, reminiscent of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. Think red rock formations, dry riverbeds, and sparse vegetation—all against a backdrop of flawless, blue skies.

Finke Gorge National Park mirrors America’s Southwest

Capture the magic of every moment with Alice Springs’ consistent, clear skies and dramatic lighting. This region’s dry, desert climate offers ideal filming conditions year-round, punctuated by stunning sunrises and sunsets that elevate every frame. Reliable weather means your production stays on track, harnessing the unique visual splendour of Australia’s heartland.

Palm Valley, Finke Gorge

Situated in the core of Australia’s Northern Territory, Alice Springs is a powerhouse of stark desert landscapes, rich Aboriginal culture, and a vibrant multi-cultural community. It’s a location that offers a range of unique settings, adding a distinct aesthetic for any narrative.

The MacDonnell Ranges stretch out to the east and west of Alice Springs, flaunting awe-inspiring scenery, gorges, and waterholes. Key spots include Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Standley Chasm, Rainbow Valley and Ormiston Gorge, each breathtaking in their own right.

The MacDonnell Ranges

Just a stone’s throw away is Finke Gorge National Park, which covers an area of 46,000 hectares and is renowned for its rugged terrain and the picturesque Palm Valley. Here, ancient palm trees flourish in a desert oasis, and the Finke River — one of the world’s oldest — flows through this extraordinary landscape.

Also within easy reach is Ooramina Station, approximately 35 kilometers south of Alice Springs and spanning across 600 acres. The station boasts vast open plains, rugged terrains, and picturesque desert scenery as well as a well-preserved historic homestead that dates back to the early 20th century – the perfect authentic period settings for historical dramas and westerns, which is why it was the perfect choice for Warrick Thornton’s award winning period film Sweet Country.

Sam Neill and Shanika Cole in Sweet Country

However, despite its remote allure, Alice Springs is not short on modern amenities and production essentials. The town boasts extensive accommodation options, and experienced local crews now versed in high end production. The town also boasts an airport with no curfews which connects the red centre with direct flights to every major Australian city.

Once in town, the compact size allows for easy navigation between locations, minimizing travel time and maximizing production efficiency. The town is also connected via the Stuart Highway to Darwin in the north and Adelaide in the south, allowing for easy road freight logistics to support production requirements.

The region’s dry, desert climate, with hot summers (on average 89°F) and mild winters (average 71°F) ensures consistent filming conditions throughout the year. The generally clear skies amplify the beauty of sunrise and sunset shots, adding an extra layer of visual appeal to any project, and minimises the need for wet weather coverage.

BTS on anthology film We Are Still Here starring Robert Taylor

Recent high-profile productions include StudioCanal’s multi-million dollar feature, Kangaroo. Directed by award winning director Kate Woods, the heart-warming family comedy is about an ex-TV personality stranded in the outback who teams up with an 11-year-old girl to rescue orphaned joeys. The Northern Territory Government backed this with a $1.2 million investment through its production attraction incentive program.

Dylan River, Sherry-Lee Watson and Will McDonald on location for Thou Shalt Not Steal

The Stan Original series Thou Shalt Not Steal featuring an all-star Australian cast also filmed in Alice Springs recently, helmed by the much-in-demand and AACTA Award-winning director Dylan River who grew up in the town. The eight-episode series stars Sherry-Lee Watson (Heartbreak High), Will McDonald (Heartbreak High, Young Rock), Miranda Otto (The Clearing, Talk To Me, Stan Original Film The Portable Door) and Noah Taylor (Peaky Blinders, Game of Thrones) and is being co-produced by Ludo Studio (Bluey).

Amazon’s hit series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart starring Sigourney Weaver also selected the Alice Springs region to leverage its unique landscape and captivating sunsets following a location scout of the area. Netflix series MaveriX and Pine Gap, crime thriller True Colours, as well as segments of First Nations anthology feature We Are Still Here all chose Alice Springs as their filming location as well.

On location for Netflix series MaveriX

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Interested in utilising the Red Centre for your next project?

Contact Screen Territory to discuss the highly competitive Production Attraction Incentive Program.