With its heartfelt storyline and gorgeous outback scenery, hit Aussie show Upright dazzled audiences around the globe—and it certainly sparked the wanderlust of many travel enthusiasts worldwide.
The show follows the story of Lucky Flynn, who meets tough-as-nails teenage misfit Meg while travelling from Sydney to Perth to see his dying Mum—and transporting an old upright piano. While filled with misadventure, there’s no denying the raw beauty of this 4000km road trip—particularly parts of rural South Australia and Western Australia.
While these tiny towns might be often overlooked, they’re a fabulous holiday destination if you’re looking for an immersive outback experience, complete with jaw-dropping views and country charm. And with Upright Season 2 about to hit Foxtel Now, it’s never been a better time to take a look at the locations from Season 1 that took our breath away.
If you do decide to visit one of these destinations, you’re going to need entertainment for the road. There’s no better show to watch than Upright, and Foxtel is giving you the chance to get stuck into the drama by offering a 10-day trial, where you’ll gain access to the full suite of Foxtel shows.
Quorn, South Australia
Located 335km north of Adelaide, this small historic railway town is nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Flinders Ranges. With its old-style charm, quirky heritage buildings and historical hotels, Quorn has also been the location for many movies, including parts of Wolf Creek and Gallipoli. It’s also home to the nearby Pichi Pichi Railway, where heritage steam trains snake through the stunning Pichi Pichi Pass.
Home to the Nukunu people, the traditional custodians of the land, Quorn is beautiful all year round—but spring is particularly stunning, with blooming native flora all around. It’s the perfect spot for history buffs and nature-lovers, with many natural attractions and nearby bushwalking trails.
Hawker, South Australia
Another historic railway town, Hawker is known for its rugged beauty and outback charm. Located in the lands of the Adnyamathanha traditional custodians, 378km north of Adelaide, the semi-arid landscape is home to many farms, as well as nearby gorges and valleys, perfect for hikes, picnics and camping.
Take a tour of the heritage sites around town—including historic houses and the iconic Railway Station Complex. You can also visit the hauntingly beautiful nearby ruins, abandoned by settlers past during times of drought—including the Kanyaka Ruins.
Port Augusta, South Australia
If you’re after spectacular waterside views, look no further than Port Augusta. Located 322km north of Adelaide and home to the traditional custodians of the Barngarla people, Port Augusta is situated on the west side of the Eyre Peninsula.
Here, you’ll be introduced to coastal life in the Aussie outback, with plenty of places to swim, fish, sail and canoe. If you’re lucky, you might see some of the local fauna, including dolphins, whales, sunfish, swordfish and even turtles.
The town features numerous art galleries, parks and gardens, with gorgeous places to put your feet up and relax. Garden-lovers will want to visit the nearby Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, with more than 200 hectares of low-rainfall native Australian plants.
Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
Home to the Wangkatha people, Kalgoorlie is an outback hotspot, perfect for lovers of history and nature. While it’s a pretty long trip—595kms, and 6-and-a-half hours from Perth—it’s well worth the drive. Families will love the gold mining tours where you can pan for your own gold.
But Kalgoorlie’s natural beauty is its real draw, like nearby Hammond Park, which showcases gorgeous native flora and fauna and is home to an animal sanctuary, where you can get up close and personal with emus, peacocks, kangaroos and more. You can also brush up on your golfing skills and play a round at Nullarbor Links, Australia’s longest golf course. Or, take in the sunset at the breath-taking Mount Charlotte look out—it’s even wheelchair accessible.
Cottesloe Beach, Western Australia
Upright Season 1 ends here—and so does our list. With its soft white sands, dreamy coastline and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Cottesloe is one of Perth’s most iconic beaches. Home to the Noongar people and less than 30 minutes’ drive from Perth, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the sun.
Whether you’re into swimming, snorkelling, cycling or surfing, there’s plenty of options. If you’re after something a little bit fancy, you can also take a scenic helicopter flight to take in these jaw-dropping views. And, if you visit in March, you’ll even be able to catch the annual free art exhibition, Sculpture by the Sea.
Want to re-visit the magic of Upright Season 1? Stream it on Foxtel Now. Upright Season 2 premiers on 15 November 2022. Catch it on Foxtel Now (available on phone, tablet and laptop + more) and if you’re new, you can sign up for a 10-day trial where you’ll gain access to the full suite of Foxtel shows. Sign up here to tune in.
