Australia is a phenomenally beautiful country, and every time I go away and come back, it never ceases to amaze me.

I think actors do make really, really wonderful directors.

Some people would say I've made it now.

Well you just have to own it, I suppose. Own the character, which is difficult.

In very general terms 'Top Of The Lake' is about good and evil. It's a deep dark mystery. It also deals with lots of fascinating human relationships, and it's also about the battle of the sexes.

I always loved putting on shows - when you're the youngest of seven and five are older sisters, you've got to get noticed somehow! I did puppet shows and magic shows... even ventriloquism. My doll's name was 'Dan,' and I used to write these scripts, and my schoolmate hid under the table and supplied Dan's voice.

I do regard myself as very lucky.