The Great White Whale - Film and Q&A

11 August 2025

The struggle to climb Big Ben on Heard Island

It's one of the least known yet most audacious Australian adventures of the 20th century.

This film is about the first attempts to climb Big Ben, the smoking glacier ringed volcano on Heard Island, Australia's loneliest, most remote outpost. It's a tale told with quirky humour by those who were there, backed up with their beautifully shot archival footage. Paul Jarman's brilliant musical score pays tribute to the utter boldness of the quest, bringing to life this little known moment in Australian history.

One night only screening. Joining us for the Q&A is lifetime adventurer Ian Dillon, who has traversed Heard Island with Dr Grahame Budd and sailed with Bill Tilman. Both those legendary men, featured in this film, have now passed away, but Ian will share inspiring and amusing stories of his time in their company.

Palace Electric Cinema, Monday 11 August, 6:30pm

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