South West locals won’t have to wait until the credits roll to determine where in Western Australia the latest series of Mystery Road: Origin was filmed. The unique buildings and towering trees give it away. The highly anticipated second season of the hit show, which premiered on the ABC on 21 September, 2025 was filmed in Pemberton.
Like the film adaptation of the Craig Silvey novel Jasper Jones, the series makes use of the unique settings available in and around the heritage town. Continuing the legacy of the successful series, the production injected an estimated $7.3 million into the Western Australian economy, including $5 million directly into the South West region during the low season for tourism. Backed by the Western Australian Regional Screen Fund in association with Screenwest, Lotterywest and Screen Australia, the filming created employment opportunities and supported local accommodation, transport, catering and hospitality businesses. Pemberton is becoming a sought-after filming location for film and television productions, offering a unique heritage buildings against a backdrop of trees, lakes, cascade, railways and bridges.
Also placing the region in the spotlight is an episode from Season 2 of Shipwreck Hunters Australia, which premiered on 27 August 2025. The season incorporates a trip to the South West which sees the crew dive deep into Geographe Bay – and South West history. Tune into Disney+ to find out what the team from Shipwreck Hunters discovered.
These productions are part of a growing list of productions using the diverse backdrops available in the region to help bring screen stories to life. Both Shipwreck Hunters and Mystery Road: Origin was part of the ‘Meet the Makers’ events at this year’s CinefestOZ film festival, sponsored by SWDC. As WA’s premier screen industry gathering, the conference offered a chance to connect with peers, gain insights from industry leaders, and celebrate the power of great storytelling on screen.
We are pleased to continue working with Screenwest and supporting productions in the region as part of our ongoing commitment to growing industry.