For the first time in its 37-year history, Home and Away is heading west—and fans are being promised a spectacular, high-stakes storyline that will change the fabric of Summer Bay forever. In a bold and unprecedented production move, Channel 7 has confirmed that the beloved Australian soap will film five special episodes in Western Australia (WA) this October, marking a milestone collaboration between the series and Tourism Western Australia.

The groundbreaking location shoot will span some of the state’s most iconic landscapes—from the glittering skyline of Perth to its rugged coastline and the breathtaking red expanse of the outback. The episodes, scheduled to air in early 2026, will form part of a “game-changing” storyline that promises to blend romance, danger, and survival against a backdrop unlike anything the show has ever attempted before.

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A New Era for Home and Away

Series producer Lucy Addario described the Western Australian shoot as one of the most ambitious projects in the show’s history. “Western Australia’s awe-inspiring beauty, diverse landscapes, and sheer scale make it the perfect backdrop for this huge storyline,” she said, teasing that the episodes will push both characters and crew to their limits.

While Addario stopped short of revealing plot details, insiders close to the production have hinted at an arc “filled with cinematic tension and emotional stakes,” involving a select group of Summer Bay favorites who find themselves drawn into a mystery far from home. The special event will reportedly incorporate Home and Away’s signature blend of sun-soaked drama, heartfelt relationships, and adrenaline-fueled danger—set against some of Australia’s most visually striking locations.

The storyline’s secrecy has only heightened anticipation. Will the characters travel west for a romantic getaway, a rescue mission, or something far more sinister? “All we can say,” teased one production insider, “is that what takes them there will change their lives—and Summer Bay—forever.”

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From Summer Bay to the West: A Logistical Triumph

The scale of the Western Australian shoot reflects the show’s growing global ambition. It comes on the heels of Home and Away’s Far North Queensland storyline, which saw Mackenzie Booth and Ziggy Astoni kidnapped by escaped convicts in a pulse-pounding arc that left fans on edge. The success of that location sequence proved that the series could move beyond the familiar shores of Palm Beach to deliver blockbuster-level storytelling within the soap format.

But the WA shoot promises to go even further. Filming will take place across multiple sites—including Perth’s Elizabeth Quay, the Coral Coast, and the Cape Range National Park—each location offering its own cinematic texture, from golden beaches to ochre cliffs and turquoise reefs.

Cast and crew will spend several weeks traveling across the state, with local production teams and tourism partners assisting in logistics and safety planning. The move also underscores Home and Away’s ongoing commitment to showcasing Australian landscapes and culture to its massive international audience.

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The Characters Caught in the Storm

Though official casting details remain under wraps, multiple sources have confirmed that several of the show’s biggest names—including Ethan Browne (Tane Parata), Emily Weir (Mackenzie Booth), and James Stewart (Justin Morgan)—are expected to play central roles in the storyline.

Rumors suggest that Tane, still recovering from the traumatic events of the 2025 train crash, may be drawn into a dangerous rescue or pursuit that spans the WA wilderness. The potential inclusion of Bree Langham and her ex-boyfriend Eddie (played by newcomer Steven Madson) could also add emotional depth and romantic tension to the unfolding drama.

“Expect love, loss, and moral choices in the desert,” one source teased. “The WA storyline is about testing what these characters are truly made of.”

Adding to the intrigue, several episodes will feature Indigenous Australian characters and cultural elements, offering a deeper exploration of identity and connection to land—something producers have said they wanted to honor through authentic storytelling and collaboration with local communities.

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A UK Connection—and the Ultimate Fan Prize

To celebrate the historic WA storyline, Home and Away’s UK broadcaster, Channel 5, is joining forces with Tourism Western Australia to launch a once-in-a-lifetime competition for fans abroad. One lucky UK viewer—and a guest—will win an eight-night adventure across Western Australia’s Coral Coast in October, coinciding with the show’s filming schedule.

The prize will include an exclusive behind-the-scenes set visit, giving the winners a front-row seat to the making of the special episodes. Other highlights on the itinerary include:

• A guided Aboriginal cultural experience in Perth, showcasing the region’s ancient heritage.

• Snorkelling at the Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s most stunning marine environments.

• A hiking expedition through Cape Range National Park, famed for its dramatic canyons and wildlife.

Ethan Browne, who will play a key role in the storyline, praised the initiative, calling it “an incredible way to celebrate our connection with the UK audience.” He added, “It’s awesome to be able to bring one of our UK fans along for the ride too. This storyline is something truly special—it’s about discovery, connection, and survival.”

The competition also highlights the strong cultural and economic ties between the UK and Western Australia, with the British market remaining the state’s largest international visitor demographic. Tourism WA hopes the collaboration will spark renewed global interest in the region’s natural wonders and cinematic potential.

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A Bold Future for the Bay

For a show that has weathered nearly four decades of heartbreaks, weddings, rescues, and disasters, Home and Away continues to reinvent itself with remarkable energy. The upcoming Western Australian episodes mark not just a new location but a new era—one that embraces scale, adventure, and emotional storytelling on a global stage.

With the dust from the 2025 train crash barely settled, the Western Australian saga promises to propel Summer Bay’s residents into uncharted territory—literally and figuratively. Whether it’s a new villain, a tragic loss, or a rekindled romance waiting among the red sands, one thing is certain: the Home and Away 2026 season will begin with the most visually breathtaking and narratively daring chapter the series has ever delivered.

As Lucy Addario puts it, “We’ve taken Summer Bay to the edge of Australia—and beyond.”

For fans, that means only one question remains:
When the Bay goes west, who will make it home again?