McLeod's Daughters was launched on the Nine Network in August 2001, and was the first Australian prime-time drama series to be filmed entirely in South Australia. It was an instant hit. It has been nominated for, and won, many Logie awards.
After such a long and successful run, its many fans were sad to hear the news that the series is about to make a graceful exit.
The story began with two McLeod sisters who are reunited when they inherit a vast and heavily-mortgaged cattle station upon the death of their father. Thrown together after 20 years apart, and with a lot of mutual resentment, they pull together an all-female workforce and commit to running Drovers Run, 180km from the nearest town and 400km from the city.
Their lives were difficult and they faced enormous hardships, fires and droughts, romance and heartbreak and all the elements needed for a family saga.
McLeod's Daughters opened doors for established and aspiring actors, many of whom have become very successful and gone on to prove themselves in other roles.
Fans became involved in the lives of Claire and Tess McLeod, Grace, Regan and Jasmine McLeod, Stevie Hall, Becky Howard and Meg and Jodi Fountain. Alex and Nick Ryan from Killarney Station and Dave Brewer added testosterone to the daily life at Drovers Run. Relationships between the two properties weren't always smooth.
The pub in Gungellan was where everyone met for a drink after a hard day's work, and The Truck Stop was visited for supplies and fuel. The Town Hall hosted major events, plays and the Miss Gungellan title.
For many fans, there is no such thing as too much McLeod's, and they can indulge in a day trip through South Australia's Barossa Valley region and see where it all happened. The tour was the idea of two passionate South Australian women, and was cleverly devised to appeal to even those who've never seen the program.
Guests are collected by a tour guide at 9am to begin the 250km round-tour of McLeod's country in an air-conditioned bus. One of the most exciting stop-offs is at the Gungellan Hotel, in real life the Railway Hotel.
Along the way various locals board the bus to talk about the local area and how McLeod's Daughters changed their lives. You will hear from people whose properties were used and from some who worked behind the scenes.
Morning tea prepared by locals and lunch at a little country pub will be enjoyed along the way.
Guides will tell you a little of the history of South Australia's Light region and they are prepared for questions you may have. Everyone ends the day with a complimentary Day Trippers' Bag of goodies.
Location
The home of
McLeod's Daughters in the Light region of South Australia.
Cost
Di-Anne Enterprises' All-Day Coach tours for $117, two-and-a-half-hour Walk 'n' Drive tours for $50 and six-hour Personal Guided tours for $160, all per person. Morning tea, lunch and entrance fees to properties are included on coach tours and entrance fees to properties only are included on other tours.
Prices correct at November 27, 2008.
For further information
Di-Anne Enterprises Pty Ltd
1 Parsons Road
Dernancourt 5075
Ph: (08) 8261 8274
www.mcleodscountry.com.au
di.DAE@bigpond.com
To give you an idea of the success and popularity of McLeod's Daughters, it is seen in:
- The United Kingdom
- New Zealand
- Germany
- Ireland
- Austria
- Hungary
- France
- The Netherlands
- Belgium
- Italy
- Bulgaria
- Poland
- Israel
- Spain
- Norway
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Finland
- Estonia
- Romania
- Croatia
- Serbia
- The Czech Republic
- Kuwait
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Canada
- Latin America
Check out our celebrity Getaway blog or our photo gallery for more Getaway adventure pics.
