Take a step into the world of the Kimberley in the northern part of Western Australia without even leaving Canberra.
You can experience this through the virtual reality (VR) documentary, The Great Kimberley Wilderness, which opens at the National Museum of Australia (NMA) today, Boxing Day, 26 December.
The Great Kimberley Wilderness is narrated by the eldest Hemsworth brother, Luke, with appearances of scientists and traditional owners.
The documentary showcases a variety of landscapes, from coastlines to gorges, and explores stunning locations such as King George Falls and the UNESCO-listed Purnululu National Park.
White Spark Pictures managing director Benn Ellard said the VR headsets were provided upon entering the theatre.
“It’s a completely seated experience, no headphones,” Mr Ellard said.
“It’s a documentary that runs for 35 minutes, so you experience the film through the headset, 360 degrees up, down and all around.
“Then you’ve got the external audio of the actual theatre. It’s an immersive 360-degree sound, so if you hear a cricket or a bird behind you, there’s a cricket or a bird in that direction.”
He said not having to wear headphones meant it was a shared experience with the rest of the audience.
“You can hear the oohs and aahs of everyone else’s reactions to things that are happening on the screen like you would when you go to a movie,” Mr Ellard said.
“For us, we think that’s a really important way to create that sense of a shared experience in VR, which has been missing in a lot of experiences that you usually do.
“It’s either someone doing it by themselves or in a game, or even when it is shared, it’s with headphones.”
CD took a test run, strapping on the headset and watching the film alongside others ahead of its opening.
One minute you are the passenger of a helicopter looking down on the spectacular scenery of the Kimberley, the next minute you’re standing on the edge of a cliff or in a cave looking at Indigenous art.
It was so cool being able to turn your head from left to right, up and down, to view everything that was surrounding you. However, being seated, it was a little bit more difficult to look at what was behind you.
The Kimberley is a place I have wanted to visit for a while and watching this film made me want to go even more.
I would suggest anyone who gets motion sickness or vertigo or is afraid of heights to take caution.
For session times, to book tickets or for more information, visit nma.gov.au/whats-on/tours-experiences/the-great-kimberley-wilderness
