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australia
Australia’s war history, the Japanese bombing
of Darwin during World War II.
Much of the war action was filmed around
Darwin, including one of the city’s most
significant sites, Stokes Hill Wharf. But this was
actually the only real location in the film.
Darwin was mainly “played” by somewhere else
– Bowen, a picturesque historic town in
Queensland, north of the Whitsunday Islands.
Most of Bowen’s landmarks were used in var-
ious scenes, but this is in fact a lovely beach-
comber’s paradise, boasting seven
award-winning palm-fringed beaches, and a
reputation for great fishing, diving, snorkelling
and sailing.
For anyone interested in finding out more
about Australia’s role in World War II, tell
them that the Adelaide River township, 116km
south of Darwin, was the site of a large military
base. The war cemetery created there is the
final resting place for 434 military personnel
First impressions may lead you to think it’s a and civilians involved in the war effort.
dustbowl with little life, it is in fact a natural
wonder, rich with water and teeming with life HAVE AN ADVENTURE
(see page 20 for more on the outback). Australia is made for adventure – whether
There’ll be no need for “roughing it” like the you’re in the outback or the Australian Alps.
Top tips characters in the film – unless you want to, Much of Australia remains wild and sparsely
Australia, the opportunities maybe joining a cattle drive and camping – as populated and visitors can see it on horseback,
there are plenty of options for outback luxury, or on some of the most rugged 4WD tracks you
■ Tourism Australia expects that the including resort-style homesteads and stations can imagine. Camping out under the stars,
movie and supporting promotional that offer indulgent spa treatments. climbing aboard a desert camel train, or
activities will encourage large numbers canoeing down one of the continent’s mighty
of people to travel to Australia now, LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION rivers are just some of the adventurous options.
creating a great opportunity to The dramatic and rugged landscape of Western To get a feeling of old times, head to Coober
increase your sales and promotional Australia’s East Kimberley region is one of the Pedy in South Australia for opal mining;
activities throughout 2009 film’s featured locations, with the town of opal prospectors there came up with a great
Kununurra often popping up (the Hotel way to escape the desert heat – not only did
■ Release date for the film in the UK and Kununurra was also where the cast and crew they work underground, they lived there, too.
Ireland is December 26, a real liked to hang out after filming). Working cattle The film – and the new Aussie Specialist
Christmas treat when everyone is in station El Questro, the sandstone escarpments Programme module – also picks up on the
the midst of a winter hangover of the Cockburn Range and striped beehive-like concept of Australian journeys, of which there
mounds of the Bungle Bungle Range in World are thousands to follow in the vast country.
■ Think about the possibilities the film Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park are Aboriginal people have always been aware that
presents for your agency – why not get more of the film’s locations across the the only way to truly know their country was
in touch with your local cinema about Kimberley. to walk through it letting nature and spirits
joint promotional opportunities, or Sydney also features in the film, with scenes shape their journey. The routes they followed
maybe take your best clients to see the shot at Vaucluse, a water-side suburb on were their “songlines”.
movie as a thank you for their support Sydney Harbour. Strickland House, which Today’s songlines are also called into being
stretches out over 10 hectares of picturesque by travellers who take the time to discover the
■ The Australia, the movie, Aussie gardens and grounds in Vaucluse, was trans- diversity and wonder of Australia and its
Specialist module is designed to formed into “Darwin Government House”. The people. Anyone who visits should wander the
increase your knowledge on the historic New South Wales town of Camden was countryside, explore the red desert, swim in a
movie’s themes (see page 5, or go to also used as a location for the film. waterhole, spend time in the vineyards and
www.specialist.australia.com) including plunge into the surf, feeling inspired by the
outback, romance, Aboriginal culture, BACK IN TIME journey Kidman and Jackman undertake.
adventure, journeys and history Darwin is known as the gateway to the
Northern Territory’s outback and natural icons
■ See a trailer of the film at such as World Heritage-listed Kakadu National
www.australiamovie.com Park. But the city has another story to tell too.
All images courtesy of:
The film highlights an often forgotten piece of
TM & © 2008 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM
CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
12
Published in association with Tourism Australia
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