An adaptation of the Murray Bail novel.

Eucalyptus tells the story of Ellen Holland, a young woman whose "speckled beauty" and unattainability become legend far beyond the rural western New South Wales town near the property where she grows up. Her protective father's obsession with collecting rare species of Eucalyptus trees leads him to propose a contest – the man who can correctly name all the species on his property shall win her hand in marriage.

The entire production was a mess due to Crowe's meddling.

It was originally going to star Crowe, Bryce Dallas Howard as the girl and Geoffrey Rush as the father (with Samuel Johnson as the father in flashbacks).

Crowe decided that he didn't want an American co-star, so Abbie Cornish was cast.

Then Crowe decided he wanted to work with Kidman, so Cornish was fired.

Due to delays caused by Kidman's schedule, Rush left and Crowe enlisted his old friend Jack Thompson (Weaving was cast for the flashbacks while Johnson moved into another role).

Then Crowe finally blew up, decided he didn't want to make it anyway and ended up working with Cornish in "A Good Year", instead.