The beloved shores of Summer Bay may be thousands of kilometres away, but Home and Away is making waves in Western Australia for the first time in its 38-year history.

Fans of the iconic soap were thrilled earlier this week as much-loved former stars Steven Peacock and Bonnie Sveen touched down in Perth to film a series of highly anticipated special episodes.

The pair, reprising their roles as River Boy Daryl “Brax” Braxton and the fiercely independent Erica “Ricky” Sharp, are back to explore what has happened in the decade

since they drove out of Summer Bay with their infant son Casey in 2016.

From the moment Peacock and Sveen arrived on set, excitement was palpable. While storylines remain tightly under wraps, the pair have been spotted filming across multiple locations in and around Perth, sending eagle-eyed fans into a frenzy on social media. Production has already begun venturing north to WA’s spectacular Coral Coast, adding a new, breathtaking backdrop to the enduring saga of the Brax and Ricky family. For the first time, the series has taken its cameras out of New South Wales and into Western Australia, in collaboration with Tourism Western Australia, which helped bring the iconic soap to the region’s stunning landscapes.

For Peacock, returning to the role of Brax has been an emotional homecoming. “As soon as I heard about the episodes being filmed in WA and we worked out if logistically it could all happen, I just knew I really wanted to do it,” he told the West Australian. “I was excited to get back into the oldies. Fortunately, they’ve worked out a quicker way to do my character’s tattoos, so it’s all looking great.” The actor, whose career has seen him star in shows like The Newsreader and Five Bedrooms, says the WA shoot offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with the character and explore new dimensions of Brax’s life in the years since audiences last saw him.

Sveen, who returns as Ricky Sharp, shares Peacock’s enthusiasm. “It’s been everything,” she said. “It’s like nothing has changed and everything has changed at the same time. It’s really comforting to be back with the cast and crew, seeing old faces, and stepping back into Ricky’s skin after all these years.” For Sveen, the chance to explore Ricky’s life in isolation in WA has offered a rich canvas for storytelling, providing both nostalgia and fresh narrative intrigue.

The special episodes are also introducing viewers to a grown-up Casey, now 11, who is being portrayed by a young, as-yet-unannounced actor from the Eastern States. Series executive producer Julie McGarin confirmed that Casey’s first day on set was a triumph. “He just hit it out of the park,” McGarin said. “Everyone gave him a cheer when he finished his scenes. Fans are going to fall in love with him all over again.” The presence of Casey adds a new generational layer to the Brax and Ricky storyline, offering opportunities for family dynamics that are both heartwarming and tension-filled.

Series producer Lucia Dario emphasized the significance of bringing Peacock and Sveen back to the series. “Just to see Bonnie and Steven back as Brax and Ricky has been fantastic,” she said. “We’ve been planning these specials for some time, and filming in WA has allowed us to answer the burning question for fans: what have Brax and Ricky been up to for the past decade?”

The Perth shoot also provides the actors with a chance to explore WA’s stunning natural landscapes. Sveen said she’s looking forward to discovering the region’s iconic beaches and wild scenery during her downtime. Peacock, meanwhile, has been equally captivated by the prospect of exploring WA’s unique combination of vibrant cityscapes and rugged outback. “Perth has an awesome city, and the beaches are spectacular, but you’ve also got this incredible red outback,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting out there and checking it all out.” Their excitement is mirrored on-screen as the characters of Brax and Ricky navigate the challenges of life in a new environment, adding authenticity and vibrancy to the narrative.

While fans have been treated to glimpses of the couple filming across the city, the Coral Coast segment of the shoot remains shrouded in secrecy. With breathtaking cliffs, pristine beaches, and secluded coves, WA’s natural beauty promises to enhance the drama, romance, and action for which Home and Away is renowned. The production’s collaboration with Tourism Western Australia not only showcases the region’s appeal but also ensures the episodes are visually spectacular, blending the soap’s classic storytelling with cinematic quality.

Beyond the scenic locales, the special episodes offer rich storytelling potential. Peacock and Sveen’s return allows the series to explore how Brax and Ricky have grown, both individually and as a family. Ricky’s years in isolation provide fertile ground for character development, while Brax’s return to action hints at renewed tension, protective instincts, and perhaps even old rivalries resurfacing. Casey’s growth from a toddler to an articulate, intelligent pre-teen opens narrative doors for sibling bonds, parental challenges, and intergenerational drama.

The chemistry between Peacock and Sveen is a key highlight. Fans who remember the fiery, passionate relationship between Brax and Ricky will see that spark reignited, tempered now by experience, responsibility, and the realities of parenting. Social media has already been buzzing with speculation about how the couple will navigate the challenges of returning to Summer Bay—or if they’ll even make it back. Will the Brax and Ricky reunion be purely nostalgic, or will it spark new storylines filled with romance, tension, and intrigue? The upcoming episodes promise both.

From a production standpoint, the WA specials mark a bold evolution for Home and Away. By stepping outside the familiar confines of Summer Bay, the show demonstrates its commitment to innovation while honoring its loyal fan base. Executive producer McGarin emphasized that these episodes are not just a trip west—they are a significant storytelling milestone. “It’s a chance to deepen our characters, explore new relationships, and give fans something spectacular and cinematic,” she said. “WA provides a backdrop unlike anything we’ve ever done before, and it elevates the story in every way.”

Fans of the show will also appreciate the subtle nods to continuity. Peacock and Sveen’s return is carefully framed to respect the characters’ history while offering new surprises. The special episodes promise to answer long-standing questions, provide emotional payoffs, and introduce new arcs that could influence the main series moving forward. Casey’s inclusion, in particular, signals that the Brax-Ricky legacy is alive and evolving, ensuring that both nostalgia and forward momentum coexist seamlessly.

Ultimately, the WA specials are about more than location—they are about legacy, relationships, and the enduring power of storytelling. From Brax’s protective instincts to Ricky’s resilience, from Casey’s emerging voice to the breathtaking landscapes of WA, every element is designed to captivate viewers and reaffirm why Home and Away has remained a national treasure for nearly four decades.

With filming underway and fans eagerly following every update, the excitement surrounding the WA episodes is palpable. Peacock and Sveen’s return is more than a reunion—it’s a reminder of the soap’s enduring ability to blend heart, drama, and spectacle. Whether it’s the sun-drenched beaches of Perth, the wild expanse of the Coral Coast, or the intimate family moments between Brax, Ricky, and Casey, viewers can expect a Home and Away experience that is both familiar and thrillingly new.

For the first time in its history, the show has gone west, and with Peacock and Sveen leading the charge, the adventures of Brax and Ricky are set to leave an indelible mark on Summer Bay—and on WA. Fans can look forward to high-stakes drama, heartwarming family moments, and cinematic visuals that transform the soap into a nationwide event. From Perth to the Coral Coast, Home and Away is proving that no distance is too great when it comes to bringing beloved characters back to life.