Despite tepid local reviews and being panned overseas, Baz Luhrmann's epic Australia has surpassed Moulin Rouge as the director's best performing film in this country.
Twentieth Century Fox says that on New Year's Day Australia surpassed his 2001 musical at the Australian box office, with the film benefiting from word of mouth.
To date Australia has taken $28.8 million in just five-and-a-half weeks, beating Moulin Rouge's total box office of $27.7 million, raked in over 24 weeks.
Bill McDermid, National Film Manager for Greater Union, said Australia continued to pack in audiences across the cinema chain.
"An epic film such as this one has proven to be one of the most popular films to see in our luxury cinema offering Gold Class, with sessions continually selling out, even six weeks into release," Mr McDermid said.
"Positive word of mouth in our regional cinemas is driving excellent attendances - it's still the number one film in our cinemas in Canberra, Toowoomba, Cairns and Mackay."
While Australians have embraced the outback romance, the film has failed to ignite much interest overseas.
After its premiere in London one reviewer labelled the film an "epic folly", while star Nicole Kidman has been savaged for her portrayal of English aristocrat Sarah Ashley.
Australia is the most expensive movie ever made in this country, with a price tag of $197 million.
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