Nicole Kidman (Lady Sarah Ashley): Nicole Kidman was the very first cast member to be associated with Australia as far back as June 2005. At the time, Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe were being lined up for the lead roles. However, Crowe was replaced by Hugh Jackman in June 2006. Filming of Australia was originally supposed to begin in early 2006, however the movie shoot was pushed back by a year due to various reasons. On 26 April 2007, the very first pictures of Kidman and Jackman rehearsing together were released. And on 2 May 2007, the very first official picture of Kidman as Lady Sarah Ashley was revealed. Kidman's portrayal of Lady Ashley has been described as one of her best ever roles.


Hugh Jackman (The Drover): Hugh Jackman plays the lead male character in Australia, simply referred to as "The Drover". Originally, Russell Crowe was set to play this leading role, but he dropped out of the project in April 2006 due to creative differences with the studio. Jackman was announced as his replacement in June 2006. On 26 April 2007, the very first pictures of Jackman rehearsing were released, which were taken at Strickland House, Sydney, and featured Hugh Jackman in character wearing a white tuxedo. In 2007 when the film was being made, the Drover's 'real' name was at the centre of much internet speculation. It was later revealed by a viewer at an early test screening that his name was mentioned in an early version of the film, however this dialogue was cut from the final film. We can therefore only assume that the Drover's real name was not of any real significance after all. Hugh Jackman's portrayal of the Drover has been hailed as one of his best performances to date.


David Wenham (Neil Fletcher): On 21 January 2007, the Sydney Morning Herald revealed that David Wenham was going to be in the film. And on 25 January 2007, The Daily Telegraph reported, "...it is understood David Wenham has joined the cast as the third lead, and will raise the dramatic stakes of the plot as Neil Fletcher, a station manager who plots to possess Faraway Downs." Wenham delivers a chilling performance as the ultimate villain in this film.


Jack Thompson (Kipling Flynn): On 12 December 2006, the Courier Mail, revealed that Jack Thompson was going to be in the movie. On 17 January 2007, the Bowen Independent reported, "[Jack Thompson] plays a cattle baron in the Baz Luhrmann epic, so it is most likely his scenes will be shot in Kununurra in Western Australia." And on 25 January 2007, The Daily Telegraph reported, "In a role almost seems penned especially for him, Thompson has been announced to play Kipling Flynn, a drunken accountant and flamboyant bon vivant." Thompson is fabulous as the drunken yet loyal accountant who does his best to help Lady Ashley in difficult circumstances.


Bryan Brown (King Carney): The Matrix star returns to his strong suit - the sci-fi realm - to play the role of Klaatu, a humanoid alien who arrives on Earth to warn humans that their continued aggression and destruction will lead to annihilation by species watching from afar.


Brandon Walters (Nullah): 11-year-old newcomer Brandon Walters plays a young Aboriginal musterer. On 17 April 2007, ABC Kimberley reported, "Young Brandon plays the Aboriginal boy Nullah, who lives on Lady Ashley's property and becomes a central figure in Jackman-Kidman relationship. It's a role the director describes as substantial. Baz Luhrmann says Brandon hasn't acted before but will bring something unique to the role. There was already an on-screen magic between him and Nicole." The article was accompanied by the above picture by Bazmark, and also a 6 minute, 47 second audio interview with Baz Luhrmann talking entirely about Brandon Walters. Click here to view the full story and listen to the informative audio from Luhrmann. Walters' portrayal of Nullah has mesmerised audiences across the world. He brings a striking depth to the character and shows that this could be the start of a brilliant acting career.