Tasmania is renowned for its spectacular natural scenery, but its historic towns are equally beautiful, and continue to be a major drawcard for productions. Tasmania boasts a diversity of architecture, and whether inland or dotted along the coast, you’ll find Federation homes sidled in next to Art Deco delights and Georgian sandstone houses complementing mid-century gems – it’s safe to say many eras are accounted for. Screen Tasmania’s new Island Screen Incentive aims to attract more non-Tasmanian productions to experience the magic of the Apple Isle: its landscapes, built heritage and lifestyle.
North-west and west
In the far north-west of the state, out on a small kernel of land sits the fishing village of Stanley. Overlooked by the Nut, a large bluff that offers panoramic views of the Bass Strait and the town, Stanley has long been a sought-after destination. It’s that feeling of remoteness and windswept character that made it the perfect location for The Light Between Oceans (2016).
South of Stanley, on the West Coast, is the idyllic port town of Strahan, and an hour south of that is Queenstown – famed for its spectacular location and mining heritage. The remoteness and stark beauty of both towns appealed to the producers of ABC drama Bay of Fires.
The Midlands
The charming village of Richmond is just 25 kilometres north-east of Hobart and a short drive from the airport. This colonial-era town is popular with tourists and with more than 50 Georgian buildings, makes for a beautiful backdrop – so much so that long-running ABC series Rosehaven filmed extensively in the town.
Along the Midlands Highway is Campbell Town, which is known to locals as the halfway point between Hobart and Launceston. While many people passing through will stop for a bakery treat and be on their way, the wide streets are worth perusing, and are lined with colonial-era buildings housing antique and specialty shops, as well as a pleasant grassy park and recreation area. Productions that have made use of this historic town include The Nightingale (2018).
Another Midlands favourite is the small village of Ross. Known to anime fans as the home of the famous Ross Bakery, which is believed to be the inspiration behind the bakery depicted in Hayao Miyazaki’s film Kiki’s Delivery Service, Ross was also used as one of the locations for Rosehaven.
South and south-east
In the heart of the Derwent Valley, along the River Derwent lies New Norfolk, located 30 minutes from Hobart and 45 minutes from the Hobart Airport. As the third-oldest settlement in Tasmania, it has some of the state’s oldest buildings, such as the Bush Inn, and is also known for the former hospital Willow Court – a series of buildings which have now been renovated and house shops and cafes, as well as the renowned Agrarian Kitchen restaurant. Productions to have filmed in the town include The Gloaming, Deadloch and multiple seasons of Rosehaven.
Kettering, which is along the D’Entrecasteaux Channel in the south-east, has few buildings in the town centre but is home to the scenic Oyster Cover Marina, where you can also catch the ferry to Bruny Island. Productions to have filmed in this quiet town include The Kettering Incident, The Gloaming and Deadloch.
The luscious, green Huon Valley has been host to many productions over the last few years. South of Huonville is the creative hub of Cygnet. Amazon Prime series Deadloch based much of its filming in Cygnet, featuring its cosy streetscape of cafes, craft and antique shops. Further south in the valley, and a one-hour drive from Hobart, is the small timber town of Geeveston – recognisable to Rosehaven fans as the main street of the fictitious town.
Learn more about Screen Tasmania’s Island Screen Incentive at: https://screen.tas.gov.au/funding/island_screen_incentive
Cover Image credit: Jess Oakenfull
