Nicole Kidman has bought an outback cattle ranch after being inspired by her role herding cows for Baz Luhrmann's Australia.

Oscar-winner Kidman, who co-stars in the movie with Hugh Jackman, insisted that despite her initial reservations about the gruelling stunts, she now loves the lifestyle so much she has bought her own ranch.

"I was terrified beforehand. I even had to learn how to cut cattle.

"But once you master it it's so much fun. Now I can crack a whip, herd cattle, cut cattle out of the herd, which is amazing. I can't believe I can do it."

In the interview with Contactmusic, Nicole explained "I've bought a company out in the country outside of Sydney. We don't have to muster them though, because there's only 40.

"They are basically on the property to keep the grass short," she added.

Set during World War II, Australia is Baz Luhrmann's upcoming period epic shot primarily on location in Bowen, North Queensland. The film stars Nicole Kidman as Lady Sarah Ashley, an English aristocrat who is left in control of an isolated outback cattle station. There she becomes romantically interested in a local drover (Hugh Jackman).

Nicole will be in Sydney on November 18 for the premiere of Australia and will be joined by co-star Hugh Jackman and director Baz Luthrmann.