Transvestite performers Banlina (Terence Stamp) and Midge (Hugo Weaving) reunite because of the death of a friend. Midge gets a performance opportunity in a central Australian city and invites Banlina to go with him. His companion Felicie (Guy Pearce) asks to be a partner to fulfill his dream of becoming the "Queen of the Desert" and borrows a modified bus as a means of transportation. The three of them set off on a journey in a hurry. The elderly Banlina is very secretive about the past on the road, and has many trivial quarrels with the young and restless Felicie, while Midge is often caught up in memories of his marriage. They show off their seductiveness in the small towns along the way, and receive many surprised looks, and of course praise. Because of a breakdown, the repairman Lao Ba, who can't forget Banlina's past performance, is able to join their journey. Everyone finally arrived at their destination. Although the audience was not very enthusiastic, Midge finally saw her son, and Banlina decided to be with Lao Ba... This film won the 1995 Academy Award for Best Costume Design and many other awards.