The drizzly weather didn't prevent a host of local celebrities dressed in their evening best from seeing the grandly named film, which also premiered tonight at two of its central filming locations: Bowen, Queensland, and Darwin. Minutes before opening, a small army of workman constructed enough portable shelters above the red carpet to keep the celebrities dry, including Lisa and Jess Origliasso of The Veronicas, MTV VJ Ruby Rose, former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins, Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe and leading lady Nicole Kidman's proud parents, Antony and Janelle Kidman, both in black, who strode the red carpet arm in arm.



They were joined by hundreds of anxious fans who lined the red carpet, which saw one of Sydney's most important streets closed to traffic.



With his hair slicked back, sideburns trimmed and wearing a suit, Hugh Jackman admitted he was nervous as he's yet to see the film, telling A Current Affair's Tracey Grimshaw, "I'm probably a little bit more toey that I normally am. You can't be in a movie called Australia and not feel a little extra pressure."

On hand to lend support was Jackman's wife, Deborah-Lee Furness, who was clad in a floor-length dove-grey Lisa Ho gown with a feathered stole. She described the making of the film as somewhat of a family bonding experience for the couple and their two children, Oscar, 8, and Ava, 3: "Whenever we make a film it's a family adventure," she told reporters. "We're there for the whole experience."


Lady of the hour Nicole Kidman didn't let bad weather dampen her spirits. Wearing a white embellished shift dress and with her hair blown out, Kidman exited her car to warm cheers from the crowd, and obligingly signed their autographs. However, aside from an interview with A Current Affair program, the star managed to avoid the enormous media crowd.

Her younger sister Antonia, 38, who was accompanied by nine-year-old daughter Lucia, told WHO she was more excited than nervous for her sister. "I don't know, I was just so excited all day," she said. "It's just like Australia fever has swept the whole city!"

Lucia admitted it would be an adjustment watching a film with no singing (her favourite song is "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes), but admitted she was certainly fond of her new cousin, four-month-old Sunday: "Yeah I'm really happy about that!" she told reporters.



Happy too, was a tanned Keith Urban, who was wearing a grey pinstriped suit and vest with a purple tie. On the warm reception: "It's great to see. I mean gosh, they've shut the street down. It's pretty amazing. It's awesome."

On whether there was any jealousy over Kidman's on-screen kisses with her hunky co-star: "Oh she's a professional," he laughed. "Hugh's a good mate so that's all good!"