Fallen in love with Kangaroo and want more? We’ve got you covered. The heart-warming story of Chris and Charlie might be playing out on the big screen, but the people, places, and joeys that inspired it are 100% real and they’re waiting for you in the Northern Territory.
Kangaroo was filmed in and around Alice Springs, drawing directly from the incredible true story of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, founder of The Kangaroo Sanctuary. The wide-open landscapes, red dirt roads, and unforgettable characters? That’s the Territory, and it’s just as stunning and life-changing in real life.
Meet the real-life joeys from the Kangaroo movie (and a few other local legends)
There’s a reason The Kangaroo Sanctuary is a must-visit in Alice Springs. It’s your chance to meet the real-life joeys and Brolga (Chris Barns), the man who inspired the movie Kangaroo.
But the love for animals and the land doesn’t stop there. In and around Alice Springs, you’ll find a community full of passionate people working to protect wildlife and care for Country. Visit Earth Sanctuary, where sustainability meets stargazing, or Alice Springs Desert Park, where you can learn about desert ecosystems and see native animals up close. Then head out to Standley Chasm, a stunning natural gorge that’s rich in cultural significance and run by the local Arrernte community, a place where nature, culture, and connection come together.
Whether you’re here for the joeys, the stories, or the stunning landscapes, Alice Springs is filled with passionate people ready to share their knowledge about nature and wildlife.
Visit locations from the movie!
So many of the scenes of Kangaroo was filmed across the striking landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges. From the dramatic cliffs of Simpsons Gap to the tranquil, waterhole-lined beauty of Ormiston Gorge, these real-life locations offer just as much magic off-screen.
The otherworldly Illparpa Claypans, with their wide open skies and reflective surfaces, also feature in the film, showcasing the raw beauty of Central Australia. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of the cast and crew by touring the West Macs on a day tour with Emu Run or AAT Kings, where ancient geology, rich Aboriginal culture, and epic scenery come together in unforgettable ways.
Explore the arts scene in Alice Springs
Art is a central theme in Kangaroo, with the character Rosie running a local gallery. This is a nod to the Red Centre’s rich arts and cultural identify. When you’re in Alice Springs, don’t miss the Araluen Arts Centre, a vibrant hub showcasing incredible works from local and national artists.
For a truly immersive experience, join Art Tours of Australia. Spend the afternoon exploring the art of watercolour painting, try your hand at it yourself, and cap off the day with a stunning sunset at Simpsons Gap.
Attend events in Alice Springs
In Kangaroo, the characters find themselves at the iconic Henley-on-Todd Regatta, a one-of-a-kind boat race held on the dry, sandy bed of the Todd River in Alice Springs. With teams running their "boats" Flintstones-style, water cannons firing, and plenty of outback humour, it’s easily one of Australia’s quirkiest and most-loved events. And yes, it’s the only regatta in the world cancelled when there’s actually water in the river.
But that’s just the beginning of the Red Centre’s event calendar. Every year, Parrtjima – A Festival in Light transforms the desert into a glowing celebration of Aboriginal art, culture, and storytelling. The Kwarta Tuma Festival fills Ormiston Gorge and Taarna Valley with music and powerful performances that honour the region’s diverse voices and languages. And for something with a bit more rev, Red CentreNATS brings together car lovers for a weekend of street parades, drag racing, and burnouts.
Keep exploring
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