Australian Geographic in partnership with global presenting partner, Tourism Australia, launches Australian Geographic: Our Country Immersive Experience (Our Country). A first-of-its-kind event for the iconic brand, it will provide a multi-sensory experience showcased through impressive large format multi-screens to take its audience into the beating heart of Australia’s vast wilderness.
Together with TEG Live, the international touring event will launch its world premiere in Sydney on 19 November 2022 at Hall 7, ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre in strategic partnership with the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The event is supported by Official Partner, AAT Kings.
In collaboration with Australian production company, Northern Pictures and Indigenous owned and led social enterprise, Old Ways, New, Our Country brings together natural history filmmakers alongside the stewardship of Elders, celebrated Indigenous musicians and creative technologists to create the Our Country immersive experience.
Our Country explores the natural landscapes of Australia, from rainforests, oceans and deserts, celebrating the grandeur and diversity of Australia’s wild places, with storms, lightning, fire and ice in their elemental forces. Made up of the works of 25 specialist cinematographers, Australian Geographic has created a compelling and emotional event, stimulating all those who see it to want to immerse themselves in Australia first-hand.
Tourism Australia Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison said this was a unique opportunity for Australians and potential overseas visitors to see the breadth and diversity of Australia’s great land in one spot. “Australian Geographic has a long tradition of showcasing the very best of Australia’s natural environment, wildlife, people and places through stunning photography and storytelling. “Our Country will display Australia’s incredible diversity and help to drive widespread visitation by highlighting all we have to offer on a global stage.”
The experience was created by Karina Holden, UNESCO Sydney City of Film, Filmmaker of the Year and Head of Factual at Northern Pictures, in collaboration with Professor Angie Abdilla, a Palawa-Trawlwoolway woman, technologist and Founder and CEO of Old Ways, New. It celebrates all parts of Australia, incorporating exquisite details of nature’s textures mapped across screens and backed by the sounds of Country.
Featuring highly crafted cinematography and a powerful 360-degree surround soundscape, the immersive experience will encourage audiences to connect to Our Country and develop a personal relationship with the natural world. NSW Minister for Tourism, Ben Franklin said the world premiere of Our Country was an exciting drawcard for Sydneysiders and visitors to the Harbour City.
“As the gateway to Australia and its premier tourism and events destination, Sydney is proud to be the first to showcase Our Country to the world and position it as a highlight attraction for domestic and international visitors. “This is an exciting addition to NSW’s world-class events calendar for the upcoming summer and school holiday months, which will provide incredible inspiration for Sydneysiders and NSW visitors to travel right across our state and beyond.”
David Haslingden, Chair of Australian Geographic Society said: “It’s an honour to showcase Australia in all its glory. Australian Geographic, in partnership with sister company, Northern Pictures, specialise in capturing the most incredible content whether for factual or visual purpose. Our Country is something to be proud of and we want everyone to walk away feeling like they belong in this vast landscape we call home.”
Ben Hall, chief executive officer of AAT Kings Group said: “AAT Kings is delighted to partner with Australian Geographic on the remarkable event – Our Country. As an iconic travel brand with more than 120 experiences across beautiful Australian country, we welcome the opportunity to showcase both the celebrated and hidden destinations in a spectacular format that is sure to whet the travel appetite.”
Specialists in exhibitions, entertainment and touring, TEG’s Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Jones said that he was thrilled to bring such an innovative event to Sydney. “This is a unique immersive exhibition and one that will bring together all Australians to appreciate the great country we live in. An exhibition for young and old, don’t miss this extraordinary event, made possible by our partners Australian Geographic, Tourism Australia, Destination NSW and AAT Kings.”
Our Country will be mapped over 40 impressive screens up to six metres tall. Using large screen 4K technology, motion controlled timelapse cameras and UHD aerial drones, it will be a spectacle not to be missed. Australian Geographic Our Country Immersive Experience will be at Hall 7, ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre from 19 November 2022. Following the world premiere in Sydney, Our Country will tour internationally. Telstra Plus member pre-sale, including Early Bird special prices will run from 10am, 29 September through to 9am, 4 October. Tickets go on-sale to the general public from 10am, Thursday, 6 October.
