Australia's 10 Most Iconic Actresses

Australian actresses are in high demand in Hollywood and these 10 leading ladies are the cream of the crop. From the striking talents of Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman and Judy Davis through to the comedic Rose Byrne and newbie Margot Robbie these actresses are celebrated members of the industry and continue to define what it means to be iconic.

Nicole Kidman

Since making her film debut in 1983, Nicole Kidman has amassed 80 acting credits including critically acclaimed roles in Moulin Rouge, The Others, The Hours and Cold Mountain. Most recently the Hawaiian born, Australian actress has been commended for her work in the biographical drama Lion and HBO mini-series Big Little Lies. The actress has received four Oscar nominations, and in 2002 she won an Oscar and a BAFTA for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in The Hours. Kidman currently has two films in post-production and is filming the crime thriller Destroyer.

Cate Blanchett

Naomi Watts

Born in Kent, England Naomi Watts forged an acting career after moving to Australia with her family in 1982. It was in Australia that she befriended Nicole Kidman. In 1986 she landed her first role in the film For Love Alone, before appearing in televisions shows such as Hey Dad..! and Home and Away. After struggling throughout the 90s, Watts was cast in David Lynch’s psychological thriller Mulholland Drive. Success followed with starring roles in The Ring, 21 Grams, King Kong and The Impossible. She also received two Academy Awards nominations for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role. Watts currently has two films in post-production and is filming The Wolf Hour.

Rose Byrne

Long before she was a Bridesmaid, Rose Byrne starred in a string of Australian television shows before landing a small role in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. She later appeared in Troy, Insidious, X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Apocalypse, Bridesmaids and Bad Neighbours. She also starred alongside Glenn Close in the legal thriller Damages between 2007 and 2012. Byrne currently has two films in post-production and is set to star in the comedy Instant Family.

Margot Robbie

Following in the footsteps of many successful Australian actors, Margot Robbie began her career on the soap opera Neighbours. After moving abroad, she found international mainstream success in films such as in Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street as well as Focus, The Legend of Tarzan and Suicide Squad. Her recent portrayal of ice skater Tonya Harding in I, Tonya has received significant praise from critics. Robbie currently has three films in post-production and is filming the drama thriller Dreamland.

Toni Collette

Working steadily since 1992, Toni Collette has generously contributed her talents to the screen and stage, even picking up an Emmy and Golden Globe Award along the way. After landing the title role in Muriel’s Wedding, Collette was catapulted to stardom and went on to star in films including The Sixth Sense, About a Boy, The Hours and Little Miss Sunshine. In 1994, Collette received a Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her role in The Wild Party. She was also nominated for an Academy Award for The Sixth Sense. Collette currently has two films in post-production and is filming the TV series Wanderlust.

Jackie Weaver

Born in Sydney, Jackie Weaver has been a dominating presence on Australian film, stage, and television since the early 1960s. In 2010 she starred in the Melbourne crime thriller Animal Kingdom, for which she earned a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Two years later she received the same nomination for the film Silver Linings Playbook. In 2014 Weaver was awarded the prestigious Order of Australia medal. She currently has four films in post-production with several others in the works.

Judy Davis

Described by Woody Allen as “one of the most exciting actresses in the world,” Judy Davis has lent her talents to film, television, and stage. A graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art, Davis has an assemblage of credits to her name including roles in A Passage to India, Husbands and Wives, Barton Fink, and High Tide. She has also worked successfully on television and was most recently seem as Hedda Hopper in Feud: Bette and Joan. For her work, she has collected eight AACTA Awards, three Emmy Awards, two BAFTA Awards, two Golden Globe Awards and earned two Oscar nominations. Davis is currently filming the TV mini-series Mystery Road: The Series.

Rachel Griffiths

Rising to prominence in the beloved Australian comedy Muriel’s Wedding, Rachel Griffiths has been an in-demand actress since 1994. Her film credits include My Best Friend’s Wedding opposite Cameron Diaz and Julie Roberts, Blow opposite Johnny Depp and Hacksaw Ridge opposite Andrew Garfield. In 1998 Griffiths received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film Hilary and Jackie. She is also well known for her acclaimed work in Six Feet Under and Brothers and Sisters.

Isla Fisher

Often mistaken for Amy Adams, Isla Fisher is known for her comedic and dramatic flair in films including Wedding Crashers, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Now You See Me and The Great Gatsby. Born in Muscat, Oman, Fisher grew up in Perth and began acting at the age of nine. At 18 she published two teen novels, before landing the role of Shannon Reed on Home and Away which helped launch her career. In 2016 she received the Trailblazer Award at the 6th AACTA Awards. Fisher currently has one film in post-production and is filming her next comedic project The Beach Bum.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.