Australian entertainment to tune into from home
Embrace and experience the Aussie spirit from home with some of the best Australian movies, music, books and podcasts to tune into.
Australians are a creative bunch, so it’s no surprise that unique Aussie perspectives have made their way into some exceptional movies, music, books and podcasts. Full of unforgettable stories, fascinating characters and, of course, a healthy dose of humour, Aussie entertainment is the perfect way to bring the essence of Australia into your home.
Here are some of the best films, music, books and podcasts to come out of Australia.
Soak up culture from the couch with an Aussie film
Tip
After you’ve watched sea turtles, clownfish and sharks in Finding Nemo, let the kids follow underwater animals with Reef Tracks, a live marine life tracker.
The sweeping plains and rugged mountain scenery captured in The Man from Snowy River will have you both entertained and inspired to plan a horseback adventure through Victoria’s Snowy Mountains. The film brings to the big screen famous literature from Australian bush poet Banjo Paterson. Based on a poem by the same name, The Man from Snowy River follows young Jim Craig, who takes a job as a horse rancher, where he finds love while having to overcome obstacles.
Want more? Make it a double feature with iconic Australian film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Or enjoy the heart-warming story of a legendary community canine in Red Dog, and ignite a love of the Great Barrier Reef in the next generation with Finding Nemo.
Let Aussie music transport you from home
Australia’s Princess of Pop
An Aussie icon, Kylie Minogue is synonymous with Australian pop music. Tune into Kylie’s hits from the 80s through to the 2000s with Spotify’s “This Is: Kylie Minogue” playlist.
Each January, Australian radio station Triple J hosts Australia’s most anticipated music poll, the Triple J Hottest 100, which determines the ‘hottest’ tracks of the previous year. Listen online to discover new songs or indulge in nostalgic tunes from the past three decades. Don’t miss Triple J Unearthed for incredible Indigenous Australian music as well as many other up-and-coming artists; the station has launched the careers of many now-famous musicians, including Aboriginal artists such as Baker Boy from Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.
Want more? There's endless Australian music to discover from the comfort of home. Sounds Australia, an initiative dedicated to sharing Aussie music with the world, supports Australian artists on the international stage, while Sydney Symphony Orchestra has a huge catalogue of live classical concert videos to explore. As night falls, escape to the Australian bush and doze off to Australian Nature Sounds' playlists on Spotify.
Inspire your next trip with a podcast
Fun fact
Of over 850 bird species in Australia, 45 per cent are found nowhere else in the world. Emus, cassowaries and tawny frogmouths are just a few birds endemic to Australia.
Aussie accents and kookaburra laughs aren’t the only distinctly Australian sounds; discover more with Off Track by presenter and producer Ann Jones. In this podcast, which combines incredible wildlife stories with relaxing soundscapes, you’ll be transported to the Australian wilderness with rustling gum trees and chirping crickets. Get a true local's perspective with the Earworms from planet earth XI episode, where you can hear Australia as recorded by the podcast's listeners across the country.
Want more? Choose from some of the best Australian podcasts to keep you entertained at home. Talking Australia by Australian Geographic shares the stories of Australia’s most inspiring explorers, conservationists and adventurers. The Pass is your insider’s guide to the best culinary experiences as chosen by experts. To learn about modern Indigenous writing, art and media, tune into AWAYE! by Daniel Browning, which presents diverse and vibrant Aboriginal arts and culture from across Australia.
Let your imagination wander with a book
Start dreaming
Follow in author Bill Bryson’s footsteps aboard the unforgettable Indian Pacific train journey from Sydney to Perth.
When author Bill Bryson journeyed to Australia, he promptly fell in love with the country. His novel Down Under transports readers to Australia’s coastal cities, red outback and sun-drenched beaches. Of course, there are also cricket matches, vegemite, wildlife and the kind of quirky anecdotes you’ll only find in Australia. For Australians, it brings out a sense of national pride. For travellers, it’s the beginning of a bucket list for future trips to Australia.
Want more? There are more Australian authors to be explored. Tuck the kids into bed with The Tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie by May Gibbs – regarded as one of the most-loved Australian children’s books of all time. Fuel your love of the open road with Ultimate Road Trips Australia by Lee Atkinson, or take a new look at Australian history with Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe.
