Discover the breathtaking filming locations of Netflix's gripping murder mystery 'The Survivors,' where the stunning Tasmanian landscapes become a central character in the story.

Netflix's gripping murder mystery series 'The Survivors' isn't just another whodunit; it's a masterclass in how a physical location can become a character itself. The story centers on Kieran (Charlie Vickers) and Mia (Yerin Ha) as they return to their hometown after 15 years for a memorial, only to be plunged into new tragedy with the murder of Bronte (Shannon Berry). The show masterfully weaves past and present traumas—the drowning deaths of two young men, including Kieran's brother, and the long-ago disappearance of Mia's friend Gabby. By the series' climax, it's clear the truth was far more complex than the residents of the fictional Evelyn Bay ever imagined.

Setting the Scene: The Crucial Role of Location

From the very first frame, the environment is everything. The narrative hinges on deaths connected to water and the coast, so nailing the setting was non-negotiable for the show's success. The murder mystery literally washes up on the beach, making the rugged coastline, treacherous caves, and pounding waves more than just a backdrop—they're an active participant in the story's tension and atmosphere. Showrunner Tony Ayres nailed it when he told Tudum, "Big emotions play out in this big landscape."

The dramatic Tasmanian cliffs immediately establish a mood of isolation and danger for the characters.

Where Was 'The Survivors' Actually Filmed?

While the on-screen drama unfolds in the fictional Evelyn Bay, the production smartly utilized multiple real-world locations to make it feel chillingly authentic. Forget California or a studio lot—the crew went down under to capture the raw essence of the story.

Primary Filming Location: Tasmania, Australia

Production was heavily based in Australia's island state of Tasmania. Its capital city, Hobart, served as a key production hub. However, the most iconic shots of the rugged, perilous shoreline were captured at the spectacular Eaglehawk Neck. This location is pure gold, providing the instantly recognizable, dramatic cliffs and crashing waves that make viewers feel just as trapped and overwhelmed as Kieran and Mia do.

Key Filming Locales Breakdown

Location	Purpose / Scene Type	Vibe / Contribution
Hobart, Tasmania	Primary production hub & various scenes.	Grounded the shoot in the region's reality.
Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania	Stunning coastline, cliffs, and ocean shots.	Delivered the "wow" factor and sense of dangerous beauty.
Docklands Studios, Melbourne	Interior shots, controlled environment scenes.	Allowed focus on character emotions without losing authenticity.

The decision to use Docklands Studios in Melbourne for some interiors was a smart move. It gave the production team ultimate control for intimate, dialogue-heavy scenes, ensuring the actors' performances took center stage without sacrificing the overall gritty, authentic feel established by the Tasmanian exteriors.

The Town That Never Was: Inside Fictional Evelyn Bay

Here's the twist: Despite feeling incredibly real, the main setting of Evelyn Bay is 100% fictional. The series is adapted from Jane Harper's bestselling novel, and the town is her brainchild. As Tony Ayres revealed, "Evelyn Bay doesn't actually exist. Jane [Harper] made it up out of a number of different places." This creative freedom lets the story operate on a high-stakes, dramatic level.

Evelyn Bay is a classic tight-knit, small-town community where everyone knows everyone, and secrets fester for decades. It's a place suspended in time, perfectly mirroring the characters' own arrested development and unresolved grief. Kieran's family, like many others there, is still stuck in the past, harboring anger and suspicion, making the town itself a psychological prison.

Why This Location Scouting is Next-Level

In 2026, audiences are super savvy about location work, and 'The Survivors' delivers. It doesn't just show pretty scenery; it uses the landscape to tell the story visually. The crushing waves and jagged cliffs aren't just there for a postcard shot—they visually represent the claustrophobia and inescapable past haunting the protagonists.

The show's use of real Tasmanian locations to depict a fictional town is a masterstroke. It creates a unique, immersive world that feels lived-in and tangible. The authentic danger of the coastline bleeds into the narrative, making the characters' fear and peril feel genuinely earned, not just a plot device.

The poster encapsulates the show's mood: mystery, drama, and a landscape that looms large.

Final Verdict: A Lesson in Atmospheric Storytelling

'The Survivors' proves that in a great mystery, the where can be just as important as the who. By expertly blending real Tasmanian locations with a compelling fictional setting, it builds a world where emotion is etched into the very geography. The locations do the heavy lifting, evoking a feeling of isolated dread and historical weight that a green screen never could.

So, while you can't book a vacation to Evelyn Bay, you can absolutely get lost in its haunting beauty on Netflix. Just remember, the real star of the show might just be the rocky, unforgiving, and breathtaking coast of Tasmania. The show's success is a testament to the power of choosing the right place to tell your story, making the environment a silent yet pivotal character in the unfolding drama. In the end, the landscape isn't just where the story happens—it is the story.