Overview
Watching a Sir David Attenborough documentary means being left with two strong feelings: wanting to see the world exactly the way that the iconic broadcaster does, and wishing to always hear his narration as you walk across the planet. Consider the BBC Earth Experience the closest thing to making both happen. It takes footage from Attenborough's Seven Worlds, One Planet series, turns it into a 360-degree walk-through audiovisual event, and has the natural historian and living treasure echo while you wander.
The BBC Earth Experience debuted in London in March 2023, which is excellent news if a UK holiday has been on your agenda. Here's a better development: this spring, it's heading Down Under. Melbourne will become only the second city in the world to host this spectacular sight, kicking off on Friday, October 27 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in what'll be an Australian-exclusive season.
The experience uses cutting-edge digital-projection technology to surround attendees in visuals from the earth's seven continents, with everything from fireflies in North America to cassowary fathers and their chicks in Australia on display. In London, the attraction sprawls across more than 1600 square metres, featuring spaces dedicated to the planet seen at microscopic scale, via drone footage and on the ocean floor, too, as part of a self-guided tour that also heroes starfish, elephant seals, snub-nosed monkeys, hamsters and more.
If you've already watched Seven Worlds, One Planet, you won't just be greeted by material you've already seen, but larger. The scale of the event's imagery is hefty — epic, even — but BBC Earth Experience also includes extended scenes from the show, plus bespoke narration by Attenborough.
The mission is truly to make the audience feel like they've stepped right into the footage, all thanks to multi-angle screens. And, it's designed to cater to existing Seven Worlds, One Planet fans and newcomers alike.
Alex Board, BBC Natural History Unit.
In Melbourne, offering up an educational experience for young patrons is also a big aim. There'll be a classroom space onsite, plus resources curated for teachers.
Given how long that Attenborough has been making nature documentaries, including with the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, here's hoping that more of his work gets this kind of experience-focused treatment. Bringing Prehistoric Planet and its sequel series to life? Add that to the wish list.
"Melbourne is the only city in Australia that will host the incredible BBC Earth Experience, which will attract thousands of visitors to enjoy everything on offer in our city while supporting jobs across the tourism and events sector," said Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, announcing the event's stint Down Under.
"This collaboration with Visit Victoria, BBC Studios and Moon Eye Productions will deliver a spectacular and educational experience unlike any other," added Live Nation Australia Vice President of Touring Luke Hede.
"Sir David Attenborough is a global treasure, and the BBC Earth Experience marries his message about the challenges nature faces in today's world alongside the world's most incredible footage. Victorians and visitors to the state are in for a real treat."
The BBC Earth Experience will open in Australia at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf, Melbourne on Friday, October 27, 2023 — head to the event website for further details and tickets.
BBC Earth Experience images: Philip Volkers / BBC.