Luhrmann releases 'his child' 'Australia'

Baz Luhrmann spoke of his mixed emotions at last night's premiere of his epic Australia, describing the experience as a "curious mix of relief, joy and sadness".

The film has been four years in the making and is reported to have cost $120 million (£80 million), making it the most expensive ever made on the continent.

"I have been full of trepidation all day," the director told The Australian. "But you know, we have all given so much into this film that it's time to let this child of ours go, and release it into the world. We're a bit glad, a bit sad."

The film follows an English aristocrat (Nicole Kidman) who falls in love with Hugh Jackman's rugged cattleman against the backdrop of World War II.

Jackman said he was overwhelmed by the reception at the Sydney premiere, adding: "This is not a red carpet, this is a one-off for me."

Luhrmann revealed last Wednesday that he had not finished the epic and would be undertaking a 24-hour stint at the mixing desk to complete it in time.

Tourism officials hope the film, mostly shot in the north-west of Australia, will attract visitors to the country. "We have amazing landscapes and historical events," Luhrmann said. "Epics are made of these things."