Australia's Unknown
“"A wonderful record of a wonderful trip into the wilds of the Never-Never."”
Synopsis
This silent travelogue chronicles Francis Birtles' and Frank Hurley's 6,000-mile motorized expedition through the unmapped Australian wilderness. Filmed over four months in 1914, it serves as a historic natural and ethological study across Central Queensland, the Gulf of Carpentaria, and the Northern Territory. The surviving written records detail outback landscapes, swamps, and water-lily lagoons. In addition to flora, it extensively records fauna including crocodiles, alligators, snakes, wallabies, wild boars, camel teams, lizards, pelicans, and various bird species. This documentary also provides footage of Indigenous people and their practices, capturing ceremonial dances, fish spearing, hunting methods, traditional corroborees and a native tree burial. This film is considered entirely lost.
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Francis Birtles, Frank Hurley
- Screenplay & Story
- Francis Birtles
- Original Title
- Australia's Unknown
- Country of Origin
- Australia
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 0m
- Production Studios
- Australasian Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Francis Birtles, Frank Hurley
Francis Birtles
Department Leadership Roster
Francis Birtles
Director
Francis Birtles
Writer
Frank Hurley
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Australia's Unknown.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Australia's Unknown
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Australia's Unknown about?
This silent travelogue chronicles Francis Birtles' and Frank Hurley's 6,000-mile motorized expedition through the unmapped Australian wilderness. Filmed over four months in 1914, it serves as a historic natural and ethological study across Central Queensland, the Gulf of Carpentaria, and the Northern Territory. The surviving written records detail outback landscapes, swamps, and water-lily lagoons. In addition to flora, it extensively records fauna including crocodiles, alligators, snakes, wallabies, wild boars, camel teams, lizards, pelicans, and various bird species. This documentary also provides footage of Indigenous people and their practices, capturing ceremonial dances, fish spearing, hunting methods, traditional corroborees and a native tree burial. This film is considered entirely lost.
Who directed Australia's Unknown?
Australia's Unknown was directed by Francis Birtles, Frank Hurley.
Who stars in Australia's Unknown?
The principal cast of Australia's Unknown includes Not specified.
When was Australia's Unknown released and how long is it?
Australia's Unknown was released in 1915 with a total runtime of 1h 0m.