Airdate: Magical Land of Oz

Three part natural history series Magical Land of Oz, narrated by Barry Humphries, will begin on ABC in February.

The series by Northern Pictures showcases uniquely-Australian wildlife and landscapes.

Across Australia, as the dawn rises the marsupials go to bed – except for the ones that don’t – because there are exceptions to every rule in this land of ancient wonders, big skies and jewelled seas. Magic does not have rules. It has splendid dragons, saltwater monsters and dancing spiders.

Magical Land of Oz offers a blue chip, continent wide series ranging from the land’s highest snow peaks to the depths of the frigid and wild southern seas; from its last populations of wild numbats to its largest diorama of giant cuttlefish. It’s a land of diverse beauty, that delights and surprises. The series both entertains and deepens our understanding of how the natural world is made up of not just unique species, but distinct individuals, whose lives are far from predictable.

Using the latest camera technology, we capture animal populations only recently discovered and behaviours not associated with species we thought we knew well. We meet animal characters so enigmatic, most Australians are unaware they share not just their island continent – but their own suburban backyards.

We reveal the challenges these animals must navigate in a land of extremes, and extreme human-induced change. To do this, we fill the screen with colour, dance, acrobatics, music, mating and murder – all performed by the animals which make Australia a truly magical land.

The stage is set for the story to begin…

Episode One: Oceans

Most of Australia lies underwater. Its marine wilderness is double that of its landmass.
Journeying in this episode through Australia’s three surrounding oceans and their islands, we discover an explosion of life in the cold, spectacular southern sea, the sanctuary of the Pacific and the Indian Ocean with its awe-inspiring predators.

Sunday 10 February at 7.40pm on ABC.