PHOTO: Australian TV series McLeod’s Daughters
🌏 A TV Legacy That Refuses to Fade
It’s been 25 years since filming began for the iconic Australian TV series McLeod’s Daughters — but its impact is still being felt today.
What started as a rural drama has become something much bigger:
👉 A global tourism driver
👉 A cultural icon
👉 A lasting connection between audiences and place
And at the heart of it all?
📍 The stunning Barossa region in South Australia
🇳🇿 Why Kiwis Still Love McLeod’s Daughters
From its debut in 2001, the show struck a chord with New Zealand audiences.
Featuring Lisa Chappell alongside Bridie Carter, the story of Claire and Tess running Drovers Run became a household favourite.
💬 Strong female leads
🌾 Authentic rural storytelling
🌄 Breathtaking landscapes
👉 It wasn’t just a show — it was an experience
✈️ The Rise of “Set-Jetting” Tourism
Fast forward to today, and a new travel trend is booming:
🎬 “Set-jetting” — travelling to locations seen on screen
And McLeod’s Daughters is a perfect example.
📈 Fans are actively choosing holidays based on filming locations
👀 Gen Z and Millennials are driving the trend
🌍 Visitors are travelling globally to relive iconic scenes
🏡 Visit Drovers Run in Real Life
One of the biggest drawcards?
📍 Kingsford The Barossa
Known to fans as Drovers Run homestead, this heritage property has been transformed into a luxury retreat — while still holding the magic of the show.
✨ Stay where scenes were filmed
🍷 Experience the Barossa lifestyle
🌄 Walk through iconic landscapes
📍 Iconic Locations Fans Can Explore
Beyond the homestead, fans can visit:
🏘 Freeling – The Real Gungellan
The famous Gungellan Hotel
Town Hall and ANZAC Park
Filming landmarks still visible today
🌄 Kapunda & Adelaide Hills
Featured as neighbouring towns
Showcasing South Australia’s rural beauty
👉 These locations bring the show to life for visitors
📈 Tourism Boom Driven by TV
According to tourism officials:
💬 Screen productions like McLeod’s Daughters continue to inspire travel decades later
👉 The Barossa has become a destination built on storytelling
Visitors aren’t just coming for wine…
They’re coming for nostalgia and connection
🧠 Why This Matters (Big Picture)
This story highlights a powerful shift:
🎬 Entertainment → Tourism
📺 Storytelling → Economic impact
👉 TV shows are now long-term tourism assets
🔥 Still Relevant in 2026
Even today:
📺 The show continues streaming (including in NZ)
🌍 New audiences are discovering it
✈️ Travel demand remains strong
👉 25 years later… it’s still working
🧾 Final Take
“Ahh McLeod’s Daughters… you’ve done it again”
What started as a TV drama has become:
✔ A tourism engine
✔ A cultural legacy
✔ A reminder of the power of storytelling