Free Spirits’ Favourite Filming Locations to Visit on Holiday

The Mamanuca Islands, Fiji – Cast Away

Sometimes we wish to escape to a desert island for some peace and quiet. However, working out how to survive on a deserted island alone would be a different kind of break. In Cast Away, Tom Hanks shows us how challenging this could be on the deserted filming location of Modriki (also called Monuriki Island).

This inhabited island is situated within the Pacific Ocean and is part of the Fijian Mamanuca islands. Today, the volcanic and tropical archipelago is still an alluring escape. Home to rainforest, sandy beaches and coconut palms it’s possible to transport ourselves safely here. Reached by flying to Fiji’s Nadi International Airport (via Los Angles). Then from Port Denarau by ferry or catamaran. To see all the islands above the clouds, fly via helicopter to a relaxing resort.

The closest country to Fiji is Australia, which is another destination home to many magnificent filming locations. These include Kakadu National Park, in Northern Territory outside Darwin, where Crocodile Dundee was filmed. However, a film that showcases more of Australia’s character is ‘Australia’ the film.

Australia, ‘Australia’ – the Film

Australia is an adventure film, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. It’s shot across four states and territories – Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, and New South Wales. Plan a carefree train holiday from Sydney in New South Wales if you’d like to see each state during one trip. Then watch the landscape change at your leisure.

In Australia the film locations you can visit include:

• Bowen, Queensland; within The Whitsundays. It’s a relaxed, natural paradise where two months of filming took place. Visit it by bus from Hydeaway Bay.
• Stokes Hill Wharf in Darwin was the location for the local scenes within the film. On the Wharf, try fishing, before some alfresco dining. Then sit back and enjoy sea views as the locals do.
• Within Australia’s, North West around Kununurra is where the fictional Faraway Downs Station appears in the film. Also, the remote Kimberley Stations, Home Valley Station, and Diggers Rest Station can be found in Australia’s outback within the Kimberley region, Western Australia. During the dry season from beautiful Broome, you can book a tour to discover spectacular, striped beehive-shaped sandstone domes (the Bungle Bungle Range) in Purnululu National Park.

Salzburg, Austria – The Sound of Music

A film that usually appears on television between Christmas and New Year is The Sound of Music. If you’ve watched the film more times than you care to count, perhaps it is time to to walk through the stunning film locations.

Salzburg has many Sound of Music Tours, to experience the sights and filming locations for yourself. One extensive tour gives you the chance to admire not just the filming locations but to learn facts about Austria’s culture and attractions too.

Here are some of the filming locations you can visit on tour:

• The Nonnberg Convent, where Maria lived before she left for the Von Trapp family.
• A collection of Palaces (singing scenes). These include the Schloss Leopoldskron or the “Sound of Music” palace (which is also a hotel), and Schloss Frohnburg.
• The Mirabell Palace Gardens, where the children danced around its prestigious Pegasus Fountain.

To visit the beautiful Basilika St Michael, where Maria and the Baron got married head 15 miles east of Salzburg to find the tourist town of Mondsee. Mondsee is a lakeside town and an attractive destination for hiking. While Basilika continues to be the cultural and spiritual heart of the region.

The Lake District – The Tales of Beatrix Potter

Did you grow up listening to the tales of Beatrix Potter – which include Peter Rabbit? If you wish to see the inspiration and backdrop behind the stories, you won’t need to travel far. Just book a short break in the Lake District. Stay at Lindeth Howe near Lake Windermere – once home to Potter- and you’ll find her farm, books, and film locations close by. There are several tours available too.

Hill Top Farm holds afternoon tours where you can visit the medieval village of Hawkshead and Hill Top Gardens. After afternoon tea in Hawkshead see the inspiration behind Potter’s illustrations, such as Jonny Town-Mouse. Also, this is where you can admire all of Potter’s artwork at the Beatrix Potter Gallery.

The “Tale of Peter Rabbit” film, as well as the Lake District becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site has seen the park grow in popularity. So, make sure you book accommodation and any tours ahead of time, as well as your travel insurance.