Celebrating 40 years of the ‘Dundee effect’ on Australian tourism

Today marks 40 years since Crocodile Dundee made its debut in US cinemas in 1986, inspiring a wave of ‘set jetters’ travelling to visit the iconic locations featured in the film and driving a boom in tourism to Australia

Already a household name in Australia and the star of international tourism campaigns, Paul Hogan’s character, Mick Dundee, captured the imagination of travellers worldwide as Australia’s stunning natural beauty and its warm and welcoming people played out on the big screen.

Produced on an A$8.6 million budget, the film became a global hit, finishing second only to Top Gun at the US box office and remains the highest-grossing Australian film of all time. But its true legacy is its lasting effect in inspiring travellers to explore Australia, with international visitor numbers doubling to more than 2 million annually by 1990. 

'Set jetting' or screen tourism remains a key driver for international visitors, with Crocodile Dundee still one of the most influential films for travellers booking a holiday Down Under.

Tourism Australia Managing Director, Robin Mack, said Paul Hogan and producer John Cornell didn't just sell a movie, they showcased the Australian experience as a destination to the world.

“Crocodile Dundee really conveyed the sense of wonder that an Australian holiday can offer – from the spectacular natural beauty of our landscapes and wildlife to the warm and welcoming nature of our people. Forty years on these attributes continue to inspire international travellers to see Australia for themselves.”

In August 2022 Paul Hogan was presented with Tourism Australia’s inaugural ‘Legend of Australia’ award, recognising his enduring contribution to promoting Australia as a tourism destination to the world. 

Crocodile Dundee was primarily filmed in Kakadu National Park and other locations in the Northern Territory. Forty years on, Crocodile Dundee proves that while a film may age, a perfectly captured landscape like Kakadu is truly timeless, and the following experiences are a testament to this.

Follow Dundee’s footsteps: Kakadu Tourism has developed a self-guided touring program, along with guided tours, showcasing many of the most famous locations.

Dundee icons on a 4WD tour: Kakadu Adventure Tours takes guests on an experience to see the icons of the National Park in off-road 4WD tours from May through to October. The tours focus on Gunlom, but may also feature Maguk Falls, Jim Jim Falls, the Kubara Pools, Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge), and more.

Crocodile Dundee inspired accommodation: Stay at the Croc-shaped Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel or Cooinda Lodge, where there is a choice of hotel rooms, air-conditioned Outback Retreat glamping tents with ensuites, luxe Yellow Water Villas and extensive shaded camping grounds. 

Spot a croc: Guided by knowledgeable locals, a Yellow Water Cruise is one of the greatest wildlife experiences through Yellow Water Billabong, a tributary of the South Alligator River. Spot the abundant whistling Ducks and Magpie Geese, alongside saltwater crocodiles and a rich variety of other wildlife.

A suite of Crocodile Dundee inspired imagery can be downloaded for publication here.