Landscape ranges from desert and salt lakes to mountains and gorges. Man made locations include an array of townships, sheep and cattle stations, highways, railway sidings and dirt roads

The settlement of Parachilna sits on the Flinders Ranges plain and is central to a variety of locations and facilities. Jane and Ross Fargher, who own and operate the award winning Prairie Hotel, play a vital role in assisting productions coming to the region.

Location Pics

The wide variety of landscapes are within a 45 minute drive from Parachilna

A history of films

Small and large-scale productions have been wholly or partly shot in and around the Flinders Ranges. They include

• Rabbit Proof Fence
• Disappearance
• One Night the Moon
• Holy Smoke
• Kings in Grass Castles
• Napoleon
• Epsilon
• Serenades
• The Territorians
• Robbery under Arms
• The Lighthorseman
• Gallipoli
• As well as a wide range of international car commercials

More recent films in production

World renowned Director Phillip Noyce and Director of Photography Chris Doyle shot the feature film "Rabbit-Proof Fence" in the Flinders Ranges in November 2000.

Where are the Flinders Ranges

The Flinders Ranges are an ancient mountain range in the outback of South Australia. The central ranges commence approximately 400km north of Adelaide and are approximately 100kms in length, finishing near the northern township of Leigh Creek. Parachilna is 490km north of Adelaide and 200 kms north of the city of Port Augusta. Leigh Creek is 66 kms north of Parachilna

Click on map to zoom in.

Getting to Parachilna

From Adelaide
By Road: 5 hours car time and 8 hours truck time by highway from Adelaide

By Air: 1 hour and 40 minutes on commercial flights from Adelaide to Port Augusta (transfers from Port Augusta airstrip to Parachilna can be arranged) Charter and helicopter flights can land at Parachilna or larger planes at Leigh Creek)

From Sydney or Melbourne
Commercial flights from Sydney or Melbourne to Adelaide, then on to Flinders Ranges in the same day by car or charter flights direct to Leigh Creek or Parachilna

Production Facilities

Facilities for small to medium sized productions and commercials are available at Parachilna, with further facilities at Leigh Creek, 66kms north. Crewing is out of Adelaide, contact SA Freelancers (P) 61 8 8398 2585 or the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) www.safilm.com.au for more detail regarding crews.

Parachilna

• Location scout (Ross Fargher)
• Catering (large and small scale from the famed Prairie Hotel restaurant)
• Production office space
• Accommodation
  Single person accommodation ranging from 12 luxury hotel rooms at the Prairie Hotel, to cabins and cottages at the Parachilna Overflow and Nilpena Station to fit up to approximately 40 people.

Leigh Creek

• Production Office, Art Department and Costume Space
• Possible studio space
• Accommodation for over 150 people

Communications

• CDMA Mobile network now available in region

Rushes Run

By scheduled or charter air or by road to Sydney or Melbourne

Sydney –Atlab (P) 61 2 9906 0100
Melbourne – Cinevex (P 61 3 9528 6188
Overnight or same day service is available if required

Local Extras Casting, Crew and Labour, Prop Hire and Construction

Can be arranged through Ross Fargher

Vehicle Hire

16 passenger bus and driver available at Parachilna. 4Wheel-drive hire is available through Port Augusta or Adelaide, or can be arranged by the Prairie Hotel.

Weather

Usually fine and clear throughout the year, with a light which attracts photographers from all over the world. Annual rainfall is one of the lowest in Australia. Check the SAFC website for more detail www.safilm.com.au (click on "Introducing South Australia", then "Climate" for more detail)

Ross and Jane Fargher

Ross and Jane own the Prairie Hotel and live at Nilpena Station 39kms north west of Parachilna

Ross Fargher is a fourth generation station owner whose knowledge of the Flinders region is invaluable to film makers. Experienced in location scouting, aboriginal liaison, art department and construction, Ross more recenly worked on the feature film Rabbit-Proof Fence as Second Unit Assistant Director.

Jane and her staff at the Prairie Hotel provide production support including base liaison, transport, catering, accommodation and communications

For more information and location photos call these experts

Ross Fargher (Production liaison/Location scout)
(Parachilna) (P) 61 8 8648 4894

Mason Curtis (Location Manager) 
(Adelaide) (P) 0418 820 201

Maud Heath (Location Manager) 
(Sydney)  (P) 61 2 9982 2489

The SAFC can provide location images for your specific requirements on a password protected page on their website. Your information remains confidential and can accessed by your decision makers worldwide.

For more information about shooting in South Australia see the SAFC website at www.safilm.com.au