Whitsundays hits the big screen

The Whitsundays is set to feature on the big screen with the release of blockbuster movie “Fool’s Gold” on 7th February. “Fool’s Gold” is set in the Caribbean and was originally planned to also be shot there. However, logistical concerns and the impending hurricane season forced filmmakers to change their plans.

They found everything that they needed and more in and around Queensland, Australia with much of the filming taking place in the Whitsundays, the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

Starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson, “Fool’s Gold” is a treasure hunt for the legendary 18th Century Queen’s Dowry, 40 chests of exotic treasure that was lost at sea in 1715.

Most of the action sequences of the movie were filmed near, on or under the water. Proving the Whitsunday as an ideal haven for calm waters, bordered by the Great Barrier Reef and sheltered by the 74 islands of the region. For the cast working under water, meant that everyone was required to gain their diving certificates.

Hudson experienced her first dive on the Great Barrier Reef admitting that she was a little nervous initially but said “Once you get down there, it’s just incredible. I mean, to be able to do my first dive on the Great Barrier Reef is mind blowing. The sea life is phenomenal. It was like being in a whole other world. Now I’m in love with diving; I can’t wait to get back into the water”.

Andy Tennant, the director, reflected “I got to work in Australia and shoot under water and do some big action sequences. It was a great time”.

The Whitsundays has also been home recently to epic film “Australia” a Baz Luhrmann film starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. It would appear the stunning natural beauty of the Whitsundays is the ideal locale for film producers and photo shoots with future projects under consideration.

To find out more, visit Tourismwhitsundays.com.au.