Where is Summer Bay filmed?

Summer Bay is filmed at Palm Beach, Sydney's northernmost beach, located 41 kilometres north of Sydney CBD on a peninsula between Pittwater and Broken Bay. The beach scenes, Surf Club exterior, Alf's Bait Shop area, and many outdoor locations are all filmed here. Indoor scenes are filmed at the Australian Technology Park in Redfern, Sydney.

What days does Home & Away film at Palm Beach?

Filming typically occurs on Mondays and Tuesdays (filming very likely) with approximately 50% chance of seeing live filming. Wednesdays offer around 33% chance. There is usually a 2-week filming break in late June or early July. The filming schedule is not publicly released and cannot be guaranteed.

What can I see on the Home & Away tour?

The tour includes all outdoor Summer Bay locations: Summer Bay Beach, the iconic Surf Club exterior, The Pier Diner area (formerly Alf's Bait Shop/Boathouse), Barrenjoey Lighthouse, residential house exteriors, and Pittwater. The tour also passes Whale Beach, Avalon Beach, and Bilgola Lookout along the stunning Northern Beaches coastal road.

Summer Bay Tour | Home & Away Palm Beach

Where is Home and Away filmed?

Australia's longest-running drama series has filmed at the stunning Palm Beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches since 1988. This iconic location — officially Summer Bay — is situated on a scenic peninsula between calm Pittwater and Broken Bay, just 41km north of Sydney's CBD. Now you can visit the actual filming locations with our exclusive guided experience. Watch new episodes on Channel 7 Plus.

Why Choose Our Palm Beach Tour?

Experience the magic of Summer Bay with exclusive access to filming locations

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Visit Summer Bay Beach

Walk the actual golden sand where beach scenes are filmed — one of Sydney's most beautiful and photographed locations.

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Watch Filming

Tours run Monday–Tuesday for maximum chance (~50% likelihood) of seeing live filming and potentially meeting cast members.

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Iconic Locations

Visit the Surf Club exterior, The Pier Diner area (Alf's Bait Shop location), Barrenjoey Lighthouse, and character house exteriors.

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Photo Opportunities

Capture memories at the most photographed TV filming locations in Australian television history — bring a fully charged camera!

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Expert Guides

Learn behind-the-scenes stories, filming secrets, actor gossip, and show history from passionate and knowledgeable local guides.

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Manly Ferry Return

Tour concludes at world-famous Manly Beach — return to Circular Quay via the iconic Sydney ferry with stunning harbour views.

Palm Beach, NSW — Iconic Summer Bay Locations

Explore the real outdoor sets where filming takes place on Sydney's Northern Beaches

Iconic

Palm Beach Sydney where Home and Away Summer Bay is filmed

Summer Bay Beach (Palm Beach)

The heart of the show — this pristine stretch of golden sand is where most beach scenes are filmed. Situated on a peninsula between calm Pittwater and the Pacific Ocean, the beach delivers spectacular views of the surrounding headlands. Consistently rated one of Sydney's most beautiful beaches.

Explore Northern Beaches →

Popular

The iconic Surf Club from Home and Away at Palm Beach Sydney

Summer Bay Surf Club

The iconic Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club — the exterior has appeared in countless Home & Away scenes since 1989. Recognised globally as the Summer Bay Surf Club, this is where town meetings are held, young residents socialise, and JP's Juice Bar (formerly Noah's Bar) operates in the show's storylines.

Classic

Alf Stewart's Bait Shop exterior filming location Palm Beach

The Pier Diner (Alf's Bait Shop Area)

"Stone the flaming crows!" — Visit the iconic area where Alf Stewart's legendary bait shop and The Pier Diner have been filmed. The original Boathouse on Palm Beach served as the exterior for decades until its 2021 demolition. The show adapted brilliantly, creating the Pier Diner Coffee Cart outdoor set that continues filming today.

Scenic

Barrenjoey Headland & Lighthouse

Walk to the historic 1881 Barrenjoey Lighthouse (800m Access Trail, Grade 2) for spectacular 360-degree views across Broken Bay, Pittwater, and the Pacific Ocean. This dramatic headland features in establishing shots and emotional Home & Away storyline scenes. The panorama from the top is extraordinary.

Historic

Residential houses used as Summer Bay character homes filming locations

Summer Bay Character Houses

See the exteriors of various character homes throughout the Palm Beach area — including the Parata house on Beach Road and many others recognisable from the show. While interiors are filmed at the Australian Technology Park in Redfern, these real Palm Beach houses provide the authentic residential backdrop for Summer Bay.

Beautiful

Pittwater estuary calm waters boat ramp filming location

Pittwater & The Boat Ramp

The calm waters of Pittwater — on the western side of the Palm Beach peninsula — feature in boating scenes and provide a serene contrast to the ocean beaches. The boat ramp and jetty areas have appeared in countless water-based storylines and are perfect for photography with Pittwater stretching beautifully into the distance.

When Does Home & Away Film at Palm Beach?

Maximise your chances of seeing filming and cast members in action

📅 Filming Days & Likelihood

Filming primarily occurs Mondays and Tuesdays (approximately 50% chance of seeing live filming) with Wednesdays offering around 33% chance. Indoor scenes are filmed separately at the Australian Technology Park in Redfern, Sydney, and are not accessible to visitors.

🎬 Filming Break Periods

There's typically a 2-week filming break in late June or early July each year. Weather conditions, actor availability, and production schedules determine exact filming days, so it cannot be guaranteed. Filming approximately 260 episodes per year requires meticulous scheduling.

⭐ Spotting Cast Members

Actors travel between Palm Beach outdoor locations and the Redfern studios throughout filming days. The longer you spend at Palm Beach, the better your chances! Which actors appear varies daily based on current storyline requirements — so every visit is unique.

📸 No Filming? No Problem!

Even without active filming, all outdoor sets remain in place — Surf Club, Pier Diner area, boat ramp, and beach locations. Plus, Palm Beach is one of Sydney's most stunning beaches year-round. The tour also passes scenic Whale Beach, Avalon Beach, and Bilgola Lookout along the Northern Beaches coastal road.

Essential Tips for Your Summer Bay Visit

Make the most of your Home & Away experience at Palm Beach

What to Bring

Camera or smartphone with fully charged battery
Comfortable walking shoes for beach and headland
Sunscreen SPF 50+, hat, and sunglasses
Light jacket (sea breeze can be cool even in summer)
Reusable water bottle — stay hydrated!
Swimwear if you want to swim at Palm Beach

Best Time to Visit

Monday–Tuesday for best filming likelihood (~50%)
Morning arrivals often see more filming activity
Autumn (Mar–May) provides beautiful golden light for photos
Spring (Sep–Nov) has mild temperatures and fewer crowds
Summer (Dec–Feb) offers warmest weather for swimming
Avoid late June/early July filming break period

Respectful Viewing

Keep distance from active filming areas and crew
No flash photography during filming takes
Respect actors' privacy — they're at work, not on holiday
Follow all crew instructions at all times
Stay quiet during takes — sound carries on the beach
Don't approach actors during filming scenes

Tour Inclusions

Comfortable air-conditioned coach transport
Expert local guide with behind-the-scenes knowledge
3–4 hours at Palm Beach — all filming locations
Scenic Northern Beaches coastal road (Whale Beach, Avalon)
Photo opportunities at every location
Tour drops off at iconic Manly Beach for ferry return

Home and Away Facts & History

Discover fascinating facts about Australia's most beloved long-running drama

1988

First Aired on Channel 7

8,000+

Episodes Produced

37+

Years on Air

90+

Countries Broadcast

Did You Know?

🎬The show has launched the careers of numerous Australian actors including Chris Hemsworth, Heath Ledger, Guy Pearce, Naomi Watts, Ryan Kwanten, Isla Fisher, and many more
🏖️Palm Beach — locally nicknamed "Palmy" — has been Summer Bay since 1988 and remains the filming location to this day
🎭The show films approximately 260 episodes per year, requiring meticulous production scheduling across Palm Beach and Redfern studios
🔨The original Boathouse used as Alf's Bait Shop exterior was demolished in 2021 — production adapted brilliantly by creating the new Pier Diner Coffee Cart outdoor set
🌍The series is particularly popular in the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, with millions of international fans making this pilgrimage to Palm Beach each year — 7News Home & Away →

A Day in Summer Bay

Palm Beach & Home and Away Experience

Step into one of Australia's most recognisable coastal stories on a guided day tour to Palm Beach, New South Wales — the real-life filming location of Home and Away.

From Sydney to the Northern Beaches

The journey begins as Sydney's skyline fades behind you and the road winds north toward the Northern Beaches, passing scenic lookouts at Bilgola and glimpses of beautiful Avalon Beach and Whale Beach along the way. Harbour views give way to open coastline, quiet bays, and the unmistakable sense of escape that defines Palm Beach NSW.

Arriving at Palm Beach

By mid-morning, Palm Beach reveals itself — a pristine stretch of sand bordered by calm Pittwater on one side and the rolling Pacific Ocean on the other. Even for first-time visitors, the setting feels instantly familiar. This is Summer Bay — a place known to audiences in over 90 countries around the world.

Home and Away Filming Locations

A walk along the beachfront brings the iconic Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club into view, recognised globally as the Summer Bay Surf Club since 1989. The tour explores all famous filming locations including the jetty, beachfront paths, The Pier Diner area (formerly Alf's Bait Shop), grassy headlands, and coastal walkways that have featured throughout the show's 37-year history.

Local Life & Coastal Culture

Beyond its television fame, Palm Beach remains a genuinely relaxed coastal community — "Palmy" to locals. Cafés line the shore, affluent beach houses dot the headlands, and the beach lifestyle unfolds naturally. Many of Australia's most recognisable faces holiday here, making celebrity sightings a regular occurrence even without filming.

Lunch by the Water

Lunch is enjoyed overlooking the water, featuring fresh coastal flavours and uninterrupted ocean views — a chance to relax, share stories, and soak up the Summer Bay atmosphere. The Palm Beach café scene is genuinely excellent.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk

The afternoon includes a scenic walk to historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse (1881). From the summit, visitors are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views across Broken Bay, Pittwater, and the Pacific Ocean — one of the great vistas of coastal Sydney.

Manly Beach & The Sydney Ferry

The tour concludes at world-famous Manly Beach — enjoy the Corso and the beachfront before catching the iconic 30-minute Manly Ferry back to Circular Quay, sailing past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. (Ferry ticket not included.)

Discover Palm Beach NSW, walk through Summer Bay, and experience one of Australia's most famous coastal destinations.

Book Your Palm Beach & Home and Away Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the Summer Bay tour

Home and Away is filmed at Palm Beach, located on Sydney's Northern Beaches approximately 41 kilometres north of Sydney CBD. The outdoor scenes are at Palm Beach (beach, Surf Club exterior, Pier Diner/bait shop area, house exteriors), while interior scenes are filmed at the Australian Technology Park in Redfern. Our tours focus on the accessible Palm Beach outdoor locations where most recognisable scenes are filmed.

Summer Bay, the fictional setting for Home and Away, is actually Palm Beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Palm Beach is situated on a scenic peninsula between calm Pittwater and Broken Bay, with the Pacific Ocean beach on the east and sheltered Pittwater waters on the west. Locally nicknamed "Palmy," it's consistently ranked among Sydney's most beautiful beaches and is home to many of Australia's most affluent residents.

Filming typically occurs on Mondays and Tuesdays (approximately 50% chance of seeing live filming) and Wednesdays (around 33% chance). The exact filming schedule is kept confidential and varies based on weather, storyline requirements, and actor availability. There's usually a 2-week filming break in late June or early July each year. Even without filming, all outdoor sets remain in place and Palm Beach is spectacular to visit year-round.

While we cannot guarantee cast sightings, there's a good chance of spotting actors during filming days (Monday–Tuesday). Actors travel between Palm Beach outdoor locations and the Australian Technology Park in Redfern throughout filming days. The longer you spend at Palm Beach, the better your chances! Please respect actors' privacy and working time — they're on set to work. Our guides can advise on respectful viewing practices.

No filming doesn't mean no fun! All the outdoor sets remain in place including the Surf Club exterior, Pier Diner/Bait Shop area, and various character house exteriors. Palm Beach is one of Sydney's most beautiful locations with pristine sand, crystal water, and the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse. The tour also travels along the scenic Northern Beaches coastal road via Whale Beach, Avalon Beach, and Bilgola Lookout, and concludes at Manly Beach for the iconic ferry return.

Tours typically include 3–4 hours at Palm Beach, giving you plenty of time to explore all Summer Bay filming locations, walk the beach, visit Barrenjoey Lighthouse, have lunch at local cafés, and maximise chances of spotting filming activity. The full tour including travel from Sydney is approximately 5–6 hours. The tour concludes at Manly Beach, from where you can catch the 30-minute ferry back to Circular Quay (ferry ticket not included).

Yes! If you bring swimwear, you can swim at Palm Beach during free time. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards in summer and offers excellent swimming conditions — it's the same beautiful beach you see in episodes! Always swim between the flags and follow all beach safety guidelines. Most visitors find exploring filming locations fills their time perfectly, but a quick swim is a special way to truly experience the Summer Bay lifestyle!

Unfortunately, the Australian Technology Park in Redfern where interior scenes are filmed is not open to the public and no studio tours are available. This is standard for active TV production facilities due to security and privacy requirements. However, our Palm Beach tour lets you see all outdoor filming locations — the most iconic and globally recognisable locations from the show — which is where the vast majority of memorable scenes are filmed.

Absolutely! The show has passionate fans worldwide — particularly from the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand where it has been enormously popular for decades. Our tours welcome international visitors and our guides are experienced in sharing Australian TV history and local context. Many international visitors rate this as a highlight of their Sydney experience. The Northern Beaches coastal road is one of the world's great scenic drives, making this a fantastic day out even for non-fans.

Tour price includes comfortable air-conditioned coach transport from Sydney, expert local guide with extensive knowledge of the show and area, 3–4 hours at Palm Beach visiting all outdoor filming locations, scenic Northern Beaches coastal road, and photo opportunities throughout. The tour concludes at Manly Beach. Lunch and the Manly Ferry ticket (approximately $7.60) are not included. Optional extras may include Barrenjoey Lighthouse entry and personal purchases.

Yes — you can photograph filming from public viewing areas, but please respect these guidelines: no flash photography during takes, maintain distance from active filming areas, stay quiet during scenes, and don't obstruct crew or equipment. Our guides will advise on the best respectful viewing spots. The crew works to tight production schedules, so your cooperation ensures smooth filming continues and that locations remain accessible for future visitors.

We offer a range of Sydney and NSW tours including:

Blue Mountains Day Tours — The Three Sisters, Scenic World, and Blue Mountains World Heritage
Palm Beach NSW Guide — Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Pittwater, and local coastal culture
View all Cooee Tours experiences

Ready to Visit Summer Bay?

Join thousands of fans from Australia, the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand who've experienced the magic of Summer Bay with Cooee Tours. Book your 2026 tour today and step into Australia's most iconic TV filming location!

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