After more than three decades rooted in one of Australia’s most recognizable coastal settings, Home and Away is preparing for a transformation no one imagined. The series, long anchored to the sunlit shores of Summer Bay, is about to take its greatest creative leap yet—leaving behind the iconic Palm Beach backdrop that has defined it since 1988. For the first time in 36 years, the production is venturing far beyond the familiar seaside town, signaling the beginning of a bold new chapter.

A monumental farewell to Palm Beach

Palm Beach has been more than just a filming location; it has become part of the show’s identity. Its golden coastline, picturesque cliffs, and oceanside charm have shaped the atmosphere of Home and Away since its earliest episodes. But producers have confirmed that the series will soon step away from its traditional setting to embrace an entirely different landscape beginning in 2026. This shift represents far more than a fresh backdrop—it is a deliberate reinvention of the show’s storytelling scope.

A westward journey into striking new territory

The upcoming episodes will transport the cast and viewers across the continent to Western Australia, a region known for its dramatic contrasts: urban sophistication, rugged coastlines, and vast red desert expanses. Filming will occur across multiple environments, providing a visual palette unlike anything Home and Away has showcased before.

A collaborative partnership with Tourism Western Australia helped set the stage for this unprecedented move. Instead of the usual palm trees and ocean waves, audiences will soon be immersed in vibrant Perth streetscapes, sweeping stretches of WA’s coastline, and the sun-scorched beauty of the interior desert. The production team sees the region’s diversity as the perfect foundation for emotionally rich and visually ambitious story arcs.

Producers promise a new creative frontier

Series producer Lucy Addario expressed her excitement about the venture, emphasizing that Western Australia offers an enormous storytelling canvas filled with cultural richness and natural wonders. She described the upcoming shift as a rare opportunity to elevate the scale of the show and introduce journeys that could transform the characters in unpredictable and meaningful ways.

While the crew remains secretive about the exact narrative developments that will drive the move, inside sources report that a major event within the storyline sparks the transition. This pivotal moment will uproot familiar faces from the comfort of Summer Bay and thrust them into situations that demand personal growth, confrontation, and resilience. The challenges awaiting them in this new environment may redefine relationships and alter futures.

Government support and global exposure

Western Australia’s tourism minister, Rhys Whitby, publicly praised the partnership, acknowledging Home and Away as a cherished national institution. He celebrated the chance to display WA’s natural and cultural beauty to millions of viewers both within Australia and internationally. The collaboration is expected to shine a spotlight on landscapes rarely captured by mainstream television, from remote red deserts to hidden coastal gems.

Production timeline and what fans can expect

Filming in Western Australia is slated to begin in October, with the highly anticipated episodes airing in early 2026. The move will not permanently replace Palm Beach but will serve as a significant story arc that temporarily shifts the show’s center of gravity. The new material promises to highlight a side of Australia seldom portrayed in soaps, enriching the show’s visual style and broadening its thematic reach.

As the cast ventures into dramatically different surroundings, fans are buzzing with questions. How will this unfamiliar setting affect long-established relationships? Could the vast, isolating landscapes of the outback unearth hidden emotions or ignite long-dormant conflicts? And will the sweeping change welcome new faces into the Home and Away universe, ushering in unexpected alliances or rivalries?

A daring reboot of identity

One thing is clear: the series is embracing a fearless evolution. By stepping away from the confines of its classic coastal town, Home and Away is choosing reinvention over nostalgia. The shift represents not only a visual refresh but a deeper exploration of Australian identity—diverse, expansive, and rich with untapped stories.

As Summer Bay’s beloved characters prepare to embark on this journey into the red heart of the West, the audience is invited to come along for the ride. With its trademark drama and emotional intensity set against striking new horizons, the show is poised to deliver some of its most memorable storytelling yet.

The only question that remains is whether longtime fans are ready to follow these cherished characters into uncharted territory—far from Palm Beach, and straight into the blazing wilds of Western Australia.