From the red, rugged landscape of the Kimberley to the historic town of Bowen in Queensland, get ready to experience the romance and adventure of Baz Luhrmann's epic new movie Australia.
Due for release in November, Australia, the much-awaited new feature film by flamboyant home-grown director Baz Luhrmann, is poised to rekindle our love affair with the Outback. The sweeping cinematic saga stars Nicole Kidman as an English aristocrat who reluctantly joins forces with rough-hewn local stockman (Hugh Jackman) to save the property she inherited from being taken over by cattle barons. Together they embark on an epic journey to drive 2000 cattle across Australia's Top End, only to get caught up in the 1942 Japanese bombing of Darwin.
Scene one: Sydney
For his first film since
Moulin Rouge (2001), Luhrmann returned home to Sydney in 2006 and secretly began filming at
Camelot, a historic property in Camden on the outskirts of the city, reputably built with the winnings from the 1877 Melbourne Cup. The filming of the scenes here were so hush-hush that even Camden Mayor Chris Patterson who lives four doors away wasn't aware that Nic and Hugh were in town!
Sydney's star Australia attraction, however, is Strickland House, a heritage property located in the exclusive eastern suburb of Vaucluse, which doubled as Darwin's Government House in the film. Designed by John Hilly and built in the 1850s, Vaucluse House was the home of Sydney's first mayor, John Hosking. The grounds of this magnificent villa are open to the public daily. You can also view the house from the track along Hermitage Reserve, which is part of the Sydney Harbour National Park.
Scene two: Bowen
From Sydney the shoot moved to tropical
Bowen on Queensland's Whitsunday Coast. For several months in 2007 this sleepy seaside town was transformed into 1940s-era Darwin, as construction crews took over a vacant lot on the shores of
Port Denison to recreate some of that city's famous landmarks, including the
Territory Hotel. Red dirt was even shipped in to give it that authentic outback feel!
Best known as the home of the Big Mango, Bowen, which was quickly dubbed 'Bowenwood', basked in the glow as A-list celebrities, film crews and hordes of tourists inundated its quiet streets. Sadly, the only evidence that remains of Bowen's 15 minutes of fame is a large pictorial board erected by the council on the site where the movie set once stood. For the best source of information on the Australia production, stop by Jochheim's Pies for a quick chat with owner Merle Jochheim. A descendent of Bowen's founding father, Merle played a major part in securing Bowen's starring role after Luhrmann stumbled upon her shop while scouting for locations. During filming she even created several special treats, like the Jackman Special Pie and the Crunchy Baz Baguette.
Scene three: Darwin
With the city of Darwin playing such a pivotal role in the wartime drama, it was only fitting that it be given an opportunity to shine. Several of the film's major scenes were shot at
Stokes Hill Wharf, including the arrival of Kidman's character Lady Sarah Ashley on a Qantas flying boat. At the wharf you can relive her grand entrance on one of Darwin's famous
sunset cruises.
While you're indulging in the Australia experience, be sure to delve into Darwin's wartime history. During WWII Darwin endured 64 Japanese air raids, the most prolonged attack on Australian soil. The city has plenty of excellent war-related attractions, including the ammunition bunkers in Charles Darwin National Park and the East Point Military Museum.
Scene four: The Kimberley
When it comes to cinematic scenery, there could be no better backdrop for Luhrmann's epic film than Western Australia's
Eastern Kimberley. Often referred to as the world's last great wilderness, its wide-open, blue skies, rich red rock formations and rugged bush landscape made it an obvious choice.
Most of the filming took place at the Packer-owned Carlton Hill Station, approximately an hour's drive from Kununurra, a dusty Outback town located roughly halfway between Broome and Darwin. The sprawling 3675 square kilometre property was transformed into the fictitious Faraway Downs, the cattle station inherited by Kidman's character after the death of her husband. Other scenes were shot at El Questro Wilderness Park, Diggers Rest Station and Pentecost River by Home Valley Station, the location for an impressive droving sequence.
Meanwhile, back in Kununurra — an Aboriginal word meaning "big waters" — the lavishly renovated four-star Kimberley Grande Hotel played host to the cast and crew. In the town's Celebrity Tree Park you'll find various species of trees planted by visiting celebrities, including a baobab planted by Hugh Jackman.
The best way to view the film's locations is from the air on a charter flight with Slingair. You'll not only get a better perspective on the immensity of the region, but also discover a hidden world of yawning gorges and quiet rock pools. But for a taste of the real outback spirit, don't miss the Ord Valley Muster. Held each year in May, the Muster is a two week festival featuring over 40 individual events culminating in the Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience.
Further information:
If you'd like to organise your own epic Australia adventure, see the following sites for inspiration:
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