Journey over the edges of waterfalls, cross magical coastlines, and venture into the heart of an ancient landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth as the Western Australian Museum prepares to bring the world-premiere of ‘The Great Kimberley Wilderness’, to audiences across Western Australia.
Narrated by Luke Hemsworth (known for his starring role as ‘Ashley Stubbs’ in HBO’s Westworld and his appearance in Marvel’s Thor: Love and Thunder) and produced by award-winning Australian production company White Spark Pictures,‘The Great Kimberley Wilderness’ is a 35-minute immersive Virtual Reality (VR) documentary that transports viewers to one of the most spectacular and pristine landscapes in the world.
Some of the planet’s most astounding natural phenomena await in stunning 360-degree VR. Guided by scientists and Traditional Owners, audiences will explore the vibrantly striped domes and majestic gorges of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park and travel back over 350 million years to the great Devonian Reef.
White Spark Pictures’ Founder and Creative Director, Briege Whitehead, said: “The Kimberley is one of the most awe-inspiring, last great wilderness regions we have left in the world, and it’s been a privilege creating this film with Traditional Owners, scientists, and the wider community to showcase it. Through this immersive VR experience, audiences can explore its breathtaking landscapes, diverse natural wonders, and rich cultural history in a way never before possible. Through the power of VR storytelling my hope is that audiences experience the unique spirit and profound connection of the Kimberley, that will endure for generations to come.”
The WA Museum, a leader in digital immersive storytelling, is bringing this experience to life by pairing the power of technology with the authenticity of compelling storytelling, across four of the Museum’s public sites (the WA Museum Boola Bardip, the Museum of the Great Southern, the Museum of Geraldton and the Museum of the Goldfields).
The WA Museum Boola Bardip promises a premium shared visitor experience like no other in its immersive 250 sqm gallery, which includes a 60 seat Surround Sync™ enabled, VR cinema, with 7.1 surround sound system and large-scale digital projections across wall surfaces.
Visitors to the Museum’s regional locations will also be captivated by the VR documentary through a uniquely shared, immersive experience with synchronized noise-cancelling headphones and VR headsets.
“Our passion lies in sharing significant West Australian stories with local, national and global audiences. Many people will never have the opportunity to visit the Kimberley, so this will give them a chance to experience one of the world’s greatest natural and cultural treasures. We are proud to work with White Spark Pictures to launch this extraordinary experience at four of our museums simultaneously, allowing audiences to ‘visit’ the remote areas of the Kimberley in unison – but without the need for a four-wheel drive vehicle!” said, WA Museum CEO, Alec Coles OBE.
The making of The Great Kimberley Wilderness was made possible by principle production funding from Screenwest and Lotterywest. Financed with support from the Western Australian Museum, National Museum of Australia, Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum, WAITOC, Kimberley Experiences, Water Corporation, Redsands Campers and Camera Electronic.
“Congratulations to Briege and the White Spark Pictures team for achieving new ground in the world of VR, this time showcasing our beautiful Kimberley. Screenwest is proud to support the creativity, ingenuity, and tenacity of Western Australian filmmakers and crew who produce such captivating content within our home state.” said Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO.
The Great Kimberley Wilderness season runs from November 23, 2024 – April 28, 2025 at WA Museum sites including Geraldton, Great Southern and the Goldfields before seasons at the National Museum of Australia from December and Tamaki Paenga Auckland War Memorial Museum in April 2025.
Tickets available from visit.museum.wa.gov.au.
