For more than three decades, Home and Away has been synonymous with the golden sands, rolling waves, and iconic headlands of Sydney’s Palm Beach. Since its debut in 1988,

the coastal town has served as the heartbeat of Summer Bay, a place where romance, family drama, and intrigue have unfolded against the backdrop of sparkling surf and sun-drenched skies.

But 2026 marks a seismic shift for the long-running soap, as producers prepare to take viewers on a journey far from the familiar shores of Palm Beach into the striking, untamed landscapes of Western Australia.

This historic move is more than just a change of scenery. It represents a daring creative leap for a show that has long been defined by its coastal charm. In partnership with Tourism Western Australia, the production team is crafting a storyline designed to expand the emotional and visual landscape of Home and Away, taking its characters far beyond the confines of their beloved seaside sanctuary.

Series producer Lucy Adario explained the motivation behind the bold shift:
“Western Australia offers a vast canvas—from its natural wonders to its cultural depth. It provides the perfect setting for a story of this scale. For the first time in the show’s history, we can explore the heart of Australia, not just its coast.”

A New Chapter: From Beaches to the Red Desert

The move will see familiar faces navigating Perth’s bustling streets, the raw beauty of Western Australia’s expansive coastline, and the dramatic red desert that defines much of the state’s interior. While plot specifics remain under wraps, insiders indicate the relocation is tied to a major event within the show’s universe—an incident set to push characters into unfamiliar and, at times, life-altering situations.

Fans can expect to witness the characters tested like never before. Longstanding relationships will be strained under new pressures, hidden truths may be unearthed, and the vast, often unforgiving outback could serve as a backdrop for both peril and revelation. The shift promises not only to broaden the soap’s visual identity but also to deepen its narrative complexity, taking viewers into uncharted emotional territory.

Western Australia’s Tourism Minister Rhys Whitby hailed the partnership as a win-win for the state and the show:
“Home and Away is a national treasure, and by filming here, it gives viewers around the world a chance to experience the unique landscapes and culture of Western Australia. From its deserts to its coastline, this is an incredible opportunity to showcase Australia at its most breathtaking.”

Filming is scheduled to commence in October 2025, with episodes set to air early in 2026. These segments promise to be a visual spectacle, introducing audiences to corners of Australia rarely depicted on mainstream television. From sunsets over the red desert to the sparkling waters off Perth’s coast, every frame is designed to be cinematic, reflecting a bold new era for the series.

Impact on Characters and Storylines

The relocation raises tantalizing questions about how these changes will affect the cast. Will the outback expose secrets long buried in Summer Bay? Could the harsh and isolated landscapes catalyze new conflicts or, conversely, foster unexpected alliances? And what of the ripple effect on the community’s interpersonal dynamics—will some relationships falter while others are strengthened?

Speculation is rife that the shift will also introduce compelling new characters, drawn from the rich tapestry of Western Australia’s diverse communities. These arrivals are expected to challenge, inspire, and possibly even endanger some of Summer Bay’s most iconic residents, adding a fresh layer of drama to the familiar ensemble.

For veteran fans, the prospect of leaving Palm Beach—even temporarily—is emotional. The sunlit beaches, the surf club, and the local landmarks have been silent witnesses to decades of love affairs, family feuds, and life-altering decisions. Yet, producers emphasize that this move is not a goodbye to the coast but an expansion of the world that viewers have cherished for so long.

“We’re not abandoning Summer Bay,” Adario reassures. “We’re simply giving it room to grow, to explore, and to challenge our characters in ways we couldn’t achieve by staying in one place. This is about evolution, not erasure.”

A Bold Evolution for a Beloved Soap

The decision to relocate represents one of the most ambitious moves in Australian television history. Never before has Home and Away ventured so far from its coastal roots, and the production’s commitment to authenticity—shooting on location across Western Australia rather than relying on sets—underscores the scale of the undertaking.

Fans can expect breathtaking visuals: the sweeping red sands of the outback, the rugged cliffs of the west coast, and the vibrant, modern streets of Perth. Each setting will serve not only as a backdrop but also as a catalyst for storytelling, shaping characters’ choices and influencing the trajectory of key plotlines.

The relocation also reflects a broader vision for the show’s future storytelling potential. By breaking free of its coastal confines, Home and Away can explore themes and challenges that were previously difficult to depict in Summer Bay. Adventure, danger, cultural encounters, and high-stakes drama are all on the table, ensuring that the series remains fresh and compelling for both long-time viewers and newcomers.

Fan Reactions and Anticipation

The announcement of the move has generated a mixture of excitement and apprehension among fans. Social media is buzzing with speculation: How will beloved characters adapt to the outback? Will familiar faces survive the drastic changes? And which new arrivals will shake up the community?

Industry insiders suggest that this bold move may attract new international audiences, as Western Australia’s dramatic scenery offers a visual spectacle that is unparalleled in television. For a show that has always celebrated the Australian lifestyle, the relocation represents a chance to showcase the diversity, beauty, and complexity of the nation beyond its iconic beaches.

Looking Ahead: Summer Bay Meets the West

As the Red Desert stretches ahead, Home and Away enters uncharted territory. Palm Beach may be left behind, but the spirit of Summer Bay—the friendships, romances, and enduring resilience of its residents—will travel with the characters into the blazing heart of Western Australia.

Producers promise a 2026 season filled with high-stakes drama, emotional revelations, and breathtaking visuals, challenging both the characters and viewers to embrace the unknown. With filming already underway and episodes set to air early in the New Year, audiences are invited to witness one of the most ambitious evolutions in the show’s history.

The question now is simple: Are viewers ready to trade the familiar sands of Palm Beach for the awe-inspiring, perilous landscapes of the Red Desert? One thing is certain—Home and Away has never been bolder, and its journey into Western Australia promises to redefine what television audiences can expect from this beloved series.

As fans bid farewell to the sun-kissed beaches, they will soon discover that adventure, drama, and unforgettable stories await in a world where the horizon is limitless, and the stakes are higher than ever.