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Lights, camera, action in Sydney and NSW

Destination NSW has prepared a list of 11 of the most recognisable film destinations made famous by classic and new Australian films to celebrate Tropfest Australia (December 6) and the 5th AACTA Awards (December 9).

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said: “Sydney and regional New South Wales towns are picturesque, diverse, and iconic destinations so it’s no surprise or coincidence that these locations have played pivotal roles in celebrated award-winning Australian films over the years.

These destinations present a perfect opportunity for travellers to be the star of their own New South Wales escapes. Visitors can take a boat across the Harbour to party like Jay Gatsby in Manly, book a Priscilla Suite in Broken Hill, or channel an inner secret agent and explore Bare Island for a Mission Impossible adventure.”

The AACTA Awards for Sydney were secured by NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. Destination NSW is a strategic partner of Tropfest Australia.

Here are 11 of Destination NSW’s many film locations to visit:

1. Manly – The Great Gatsby
The grand International College of Management in Manly was given a Hollywood makeover and transformed into Gatsby’s (Leonardo Dicaprio) extravagant Disney like mansion.
2. Bare Island – Mission: Impossible II
It was at Bare Island on the shores of Botany Bay that Tom Cruise famously rode a motorbike over the ramparts in Mission: Impossible II.
3. Darling Point – Muriel’s Wedding
St Mark’s Church in Darling Point was the setting for Muriel’s special day in the 1994 AFI Award winning film Muriel’s Wedding
4. Newtown – Not Suitable for Children
The share house at the center of this romantic comedy is in Newtown on Forbes street.
5. Tamarama – Ruben Guthrie
Tamarama Surf Club is where talented yet troubled advertising creative Ruben Guthrie attends his first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
6. Cockatoo Island – X-Men Origins & Unbroken
Cockatoo Island was transformed into the notorious ‘Three Mile Island’ nuclear complex where the pivotal escape scene was shot in Wolverine. It was also transformed into a Japanese prisoner- of –war camp in Unbroken.
7. Harris Park – UnINDIAN
Filmed exclusively in NSW, Brett Lee put Parramatta and Harris Park on the map with filming taking place on the banks of the Parramatta River as part of the holi scene, an Indian tradition.
8. Kiama – Mullet
Kiama and Gerringong were the towns featured in heartfelt drama Mullet.
9. Bermagui – The Man Who Sued God
The sleepy fishing village of Bermagui on the NSW south coast shone alongside Billy Connolly in feel-good comedy The Man Who Sued God.
10. Robertson – Babe
‘Hoggett’s Farm’ the home of the sheep pig known as Babe was built in the rolling green countryside of Robertson, 128km south of Sydney, in the Southern Highlands.
11. Broken Hill – The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
The Palace Hotel on Argent Street is where Tick, Mitzi and Bernadette stayed in the 1994 cult classic.

Tropfest Australia is the world’s largest film festival that takes place in Centennial Park in Sydney on December 6. Each year the festival launches the next crop of talented filmmakers to great heights, whilst simultaneously bringing quality, provocative and distinctive short films to audiences picnicking in Centennial Park.

The AACTA Awards celebrate and recognise film, television and documentary screen craft excellence. The AACTA Awards are held annually in Sydney and will take place at The Star Event Centre.