An unknown Australian actress has won the title role in TIM BURTON's eagerly awaited adaptation of ALICE IN WONDERLAND.

Teenager Mia Wasikowska is set to hit the big time after being picked to play the heroine in moviemaker Burton's take on Lewis Carroll's classic.

The director is reportedly lining up long-time muse Johnny Depp to play the Mad Hatter in the film, which is slated for release in 2010.

And newcomer Wasikowska, 18, will be treading on the toes of Lindsay Lohan, after the Mean Girls star begged Burton not to choose an unknown for the role, insisting she was "ideal" to play the part.

Wasikowska says, "I'm so so excited. The book's really intrigued me when I was little and I've always loved the story. I really love (Burton films) Edward Scissorhands and Big Fish."

Earlier this year (08), Wasikowska was chosen as one of only two Australian actresses to receive a Heath Ledger scholarship - a fund to help young up-and-coming Aussie performers in memory of the late actor.