Upcoming Australian film ‘Kangaroo’ is set to ignite a new wave of travel interest in the Northern Territory and Australian culture.
From STUDIOCANAL, home of the global smash hit Paddington films comes Kangaroo, a heart-warming family comedy about ex-TV personality, Chris Masterman, who becomes stranded in a town outside Alice Springs (Mparntwe).
There, he teams up with 12-year-old Indigenous Australian girl Charlie. The pair form an unlikely friendship and work together to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys in the remote but stunning Outback community, an endeavour that proves to be life-changing for them both.
Inspired by the internationally renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary, the film is a tribute to the Northern Territory (NT), capturing the spirit, beauty, people, and cultural richness of Central Australia.
Filmed entirely on location in and around Alice Springs (Mparntwe), Kangaroo showcases some of the NT’s most breathtaking and culturally significant landscapes – including the stunning Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges, iconic red desert scenery, and local galleries and eateries that give the region its remarkable character.
Backed by Screen Territory, the Northern Territory Government’s screen agency, Kangaroo taps into one of 2025’s biggest travel trends: set-jetting. According to the latest Unpack ’25 trend report from Expedia Group, two-thirds of travellers say movies and TV shows have influenced their travel choices, with more than a third (36 percent) saying screen content now shapes their travel plans more than it did a year ago. Kangaroo’s stunning locations are set to inspire the next wave of Red Centre holidays, offering audiences the chance to turn cinematic magic into real-life adventures.
The production drew heavily on local stories and landscapes, with the fictional town of Silver Gum inspired by the Caterpillar Dreaming (Yeperenye) creation story, a powerful Arrernte tale that explains the region’s distinctive rock formations.
Much like its Paddington pedigree, Kangaroo is a true family film, full of humour, heart and adventure. It’s an ideal watch for audiences of all ages, and a timely reminder of the joys of exploring Australia’s backyard together. For families seeking meaningful experiences and quality time, the Red Centre delivers: from wildlife encounters at The Kangaroo Sanctuary to waterholes and easy walks in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges, there are countless ways to turn a film-inspired trip into a fun, memory-making family holiday.
“The Northern Territory is more than just a backdrop in Kangaroo – it’s the beating heart of the film. We’re so proud to see our landscapes, stories, and communities brought to life on the big screen in such an authentic and respectful way. It’s a powerful reminder of the Territory’s unique ability to captivate, connect and inspire travellers from all over the world,” said Suzana Bishop, CEO, Northern Territory Government Department of Tourism and Hospitality.
Audiences will spot both iconic and hidden-gem NT locations throughout the film, including:
- The Kangaroo Sanctuary, home to Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns and the real-life rescue work that inspired the film
- Ilparpa Claypans, a national botanical treasure and filming location for several pivotal scenes
- Galleries like Tangentyere Artists and Hermannsburg Potters, which supplied real artworks featured in the film’s fictional gallery, highlighting local Central Desert artists
- Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges, including Simpsons Gap, which offers travellers a chance to retrace the characters’ journeys in real life
“The team behind Kangaroo spent a lot of time out here in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, getting to know our roos and joeys, our work, and the way we live. It’s been a privilege to share our world with them. Tahnee and I are proud to be part of something that’ll introduce these amazing animals to families everywhere – and hopefully help people see just how special they really are,” said Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, Founder of The Kangaroo Sanctuary.
With its universal themes, unforgettable locations, and family-friendly charm, Kangaroo is set to capture imaginations, and travel itineraries, worldwide.
Kangaroo hits cinemas across the country on Thursday, 18 September 2025.
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