10 Australian Place Names You’ve Probably Been Saying Wrong

From capital cities (yes, seriously) to iconic neighbourhoods, Aussie-bred mispronunciations are frighteningly common.

Our laidback drawl is globally adored but did you know we’re pronouncing our own hometowns inaccurately? A recent study conducted by Preply , an online language learning platform, combed through search data for 332 Australian hot spots and discovered the number of times people have Googled ‘How to pronounce’ or ‘How to say’ our most recognisable destinations. While it may be distinctly un-Australian to get all of them right, some are downright cringe-worthy. Drumroll, please…

10. Derby, Western Australia

Don’t say: Dar-bee

Do say: Der-bee

Spectacular dirt terrain, tropical mangrove swamps and one consistently misarticulated moniker. Poor old Derby in Western Australia may serve as one of the most unforgettable things to do in the Kimberley but it’s come in as the tenth most mispronounced place in the country. Resist the temptation to switch the ‘e’ for an ‘a’ and take a more refined approach without a second thought.

a Boab tree in Derby, Australian place names — Swoon over the magnificent Boab Tree in Derby. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

9. Warwick, Queensland

Don’t say: Wor-rick

Do say: Wa-rick

Boot-scootin’ babies can’t get enough of Warwick in Queensland’s Southern Downs, particularly fans of the Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft, one of the best events happening this month, but many haven’t the foggiest idea how to say it. Shimmying in at number nine on the list, this country town is more ahh and less ohh.

the Warwick Post Office in Queensland — Visit the heritage-listed Warwick Post Office. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

8. Ngunnawal, Australian Capital Territory

Don’t say: Nun-uh-wahl

Do say: Nun-nah-wol

It’s home to one of Australia’s best emerging city experiences, but pronouncing Ngunnawal is proving a bit of a mouthful. Registering in eighth place is the land within Canberra and a name that also represents the Traditional Owners of the Canberra region. Ditch the inclination to follow Ngunnawal’s literal ‘a’ at the second last letter and steer it towards an ‘o’ sound.

people under the shade f a tree in Ngunnawal, Australian Capital Territory — Practice perfecting the name Ngunnawal before you visit the ACT. (Image: Tourism Australia)

7. Balmain, New South Wales

Don’t say: Bal-mah or Bal-mahn

Do say: Bal-mane

Sadly, we’re quite some distance from chic Paris. As tempting as it is to pronounce Balmain with the type of Je ne sais quoi that fancies up Target to Tar-jay (just us?), articulating the inner west suburb of Sydney is way more literal. Next time you’re referring friends to Balmain and its epic secret summer swimming spot, call it directly as it reads.

the Dawn Fraser Baths in Balmain, New South Wales — Dawn Fraser Baths is a cool swimming pool complex in Balmain. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Don’t say: Can-berra

Do say: Can-bra

It doesn’t get more ocker than this. Yes, Canberra may technically contain eight letters but there’s only six letters worth bothering with. Proving once and for all that we Australians roll right over the pronunciation of an ‘er’, Canberra’s correct articulation ignores the suffix completely. Gotta love Straya’.

hot air balloons floating over Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory — The best way to explore Canberra is by hot air ballooning over Lake Burley Griffin. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Gloucester, New South Wales

Don’t say: Glow-kester or Glou-sester

Do say: Gloss-ter

One of the prettiest Lower Mid North Coast NSW towns on the map, Gloucester on the Barrington Coast is often mispronounced for its likeness to the British town of Gloucestershire. Punch up ‘ouces’ as ‘oss’ and you’ll score top points whenever you’re referring to the magical mecca of bushwalks, cellar doors and outstanding camping.

an aerial view of the Gloucester countryside on the Barrington Coast — Gloucester is surrounded by scenic landscapes. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Launceston, Tasmania

Don’t say: Lawn-ses-ten or Lawns-ten

Do say: Lon-ses-ten

You may get away with pronouncing Launceston similarly to how it’s spelt but you’ll need to check yourself if you’re chatting to Tassie locals. The wonderful river-facing city, home to so many beautiful historical sites and stunning scenery, should be articulated with a ‘lon’ rather than a ‘lawn’.

two people crossing the Cataract Gorge on the Gorge Scenic Chairlift in Launceston — Cataract Gorge Scenic Chairlift in Launceston is one of the longest chairlifts in the world. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Melbourne, Victoria

Don’t say: Mel-born

Do say: Melben

Slipping in at third position is one of our native language’s most criticised pronunciations – Melbourne. Commonly referred to as ‘Mel-born’ around the world, and for understandable reasons given the spelling, our beloved culture capital is more widely accepted with a rounded off ‘ben’ sound. Again, Straya’.

the Flinders Street Station, Melbourne, VIC — Melbourne is home to Australia’s oldest train station. (Image: Visit Victoria)

2. Prahran, Victoria

Don’t say: Praa-ran

Do say: Pran

Keeping the curiosity within Victoria, the trendy suburb of Prahran has proved another bone of contention, arriving on the list in second place. Renowned for its outstanding shopping, dining and entertainment, making it a must-explore on any multi-day itinerary of Melbourne, Prahan should be shortened to just a smidge over one syllable to earn authenticity points off locals.

fresh fruits and veggies on display at Prahran Market, VIC — Prahran Market is a one-stop shop for fresh produce in Melbourne. (Image: Visit Victoria)

1. Cairns, Queensland

Don’t say: Kerns or Can

Do say: Cans

Are you one of the savvy few who don’t stumble over Cairns when you’re saying it out loud? You’re sitting in the minority. Coming in at first place is Far North Queensland’s tropical gateway. Perhaps we should blame the Frenchies for tagging their big Cannes film festival with too-similar a name, but the ongoing debate surrounding the pronunciation of Cairns is as robust as the verdict on pineapple-topped pizza. Here it is, once and for all: Cans. Now, there’s no excuse.

Woman coming out of the water at Ellis Beach in Cairns — It’s the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef but Cairns is a mouthful for many. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

10 Australian place names you’ve probably been saying wrong