Visit Summer Bay: Home & Away Tour 2025

Home and Away is filmed at Palm Beach, located on Sydney's Northern Beaches approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Sydney CBD. There are two main filming locations: the outdoor scenes at Palm Beach (including beach, Surf Club exterior, Alf's Bait Shop, and house exteriors) and the indoor studio sets at Redfern in Sydney (for interior scenes). Our tours focus on the accessible Palm Beach outdoor locations where most recognizable scenes are filmed.

Summer Bay, the setting for Home and Away, is actually Palm Beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Its fictional name comes from Scottish settlers in 1852, who named it "Summer Bay" because it was summertime in the UK when they arrived, despite winter in Australia.

Filming typically occurs at Palm Beach on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. However, the exact filming schedule is kept confidential and varies based on weather, storyline requirements, and actor availability. Our records show approximately 50% chance of seeing filming on Monday or Tuesday, and about 33% chance on Wednesday. There's usually a 2-week filming break in late June or early July. Even without filming, all outdoor sets remain in place and Palm Beach is spectacular to visit.

While we cannot guarantee cast sightings, there's a good chance of spotting actors during filming days (Monday-Wednesday). Actors travel between Palm Beach outdoor locations and Redfern studios throughout the day. The longer you spend at Palm Beach, the better your chances! However, please respect actors' privacy and working time - they're on set to work, not for autographs. 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, Alf's Bait Shop, and various character houses. Palm Beach itself is one of Sydney's most beautiful locations with pristine sand, clear water, and the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Our tours also include other Sydney filming locations and Northern Beaches attractions, making it a fantastic day out regardless of filming activity.

Tours typically include 3-4 hours at Palm Beach, giving you plenty of time to explore all Summer Bay filming locations, walk the beach, climb to the lighthouse if desired, have lunch at local cafes, and maximize chances of spotting filming activity. This extended time ensures you can see everything at a relaxed pace and truly immerse yourself in the Summer Bay experience.

Yes! If you bring swimwear, you can swim at Palm Beach during free time. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards in summer months and offers excellent swimming conditions. It's the same beautiful beach you see in episodes! Just ensure you swim between the flags and follow all beach safety guidelines. Most visitors find walking the beach and exploring filming locations fills their time perfectly.

Unfortunately, the Redfern studios where interior scenes are filmed are not open to the public and no studio tours are available. This is common for active TV production facilities due to security, privacy, and production requirements. However, our Palm Beach tour lets you see all the outdoor locations where exterior scenes are filmed, which are the most iconic and recognizable locations from the show.

Absolutely! The show has passionate fans worldwide, particularly from the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand where it is hugely popular. Our tours welcome international visitors and our guides are experienced in sharing Australian TV history and local context. It's a perfect way to see one of Sydney's most beautiful areas while experiencing a piece of Australian popular culture. Many international visitors rate it as a highlight of their Australian holiday!

Tour price includes luxury air-conditioned coach transport from Sydney, expert guide with extensive knowledge, 3-4 hours at Palm Beach with visits to all outdoor filming locations, stops at scenic Northern Beaches locations, and photo opportunities throughout. Lunch is not included but there are excellent cafes and restaurants at Palm Beach. Optional extras may include lighthouse entry fees and personal purchases.

Yes, you can take photos of filming from public viewing areas, but please be respectful and follow 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 best viewing spots and respectful practices. Remember, the crew is working to tight schedules, so your cooperation helps ensure smooth production.

We offer a range of Sydney tours including:

• Blue Mountains Day Tours - Experience the Three Sisters and Scenic World
• Sydney Harbour Cruises - See the Opera House and Harbour Bridge
• Sydney City Tours - Explore iconic city landmarks
• View all Sydney tours