Films Shot In Kiama
People always ask us what films have been shot in Kiama. The breathtaking natural beauty of our region makes an alluring backdrop for international films and music videos. Here are our favourite locations that have won over the entertainment world – and directions so you can visit during your stay.
Disney delight
Kiama is the place Disney star Debby Ryan credits for her transition from teen star to Hollywood actor. The former Jessie actor visited us in 2016 to shoot Rip Tide, which tells the story of a teenage model who is sent to live with her aunt in Australia after an embarrassing video goes viral in the States. She swooned about the setting in an interview with The Daily Telegraph: “I’d go for a surf at lunch and be hanging out with the crew and the cast there. It really gave time to my development and evolution, just having a little bit of space and being so far away.” The flick features local spots including our beautiful town centre and nearby The Farm at Killalea.
See it for yourself: Follow Debby’s footsteps and make your way into our centre to wander the streets, sampling the gourmet delights and boutiques as you go.
Aussie royalty
Ben Mendelsohn was blown away by our natural landmark while filming heartfelt 2001 Aussie drama Mullet. Picturesque Kiama features as the hometown of Mendelsohn, who in the movie returns to the south coast after leaving for the city without explanation three years prior. You’ll also spot fellow big name Susie Porter in the film, who plays the role of Mendelsohn’s ex-girlfriend.
See it for yourself: Find the Kiama Blowhole on Blowhole Point Headland, Blowhole Point Road, next to the lighthouse. And make sure you don’t miss the lesser-known but equally fascinating Little Blowhole. It’s located about 2km south on Tingara Crescent.
Peak power
It was the location of an action-packed storyline in 1995 film Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie where a giant egg was unearthed at a construction site. And Bombo Quarry has had its fair share of the spotlight in the music industry, too. The Aunty Jack Song that closed each episode of the second series was filmed there, and more recently, Aussie band Boy and Bear shot scenes for their hit Blood to Gold.
See it for yourself: You’ll find the quarry off Cliff Drive. Take the Kiama Downs turn off the Princess Highway and cross under railway bridge at Bombo Beach.
Bollywood charm
Kiama got swept up in the beauty of Bollywood drama when a Mumbai-based crew flocked to town to create The Return of Sardaar Ji. A selection of locals were thrilled to take on small parts in the movie which was shot at Jamberoo Pub, Ocean Groove, Terragong House and Honey Farm. The sensational scene was set with sports cars, machine guns, Mr Whippy vans and horseback riders.
See it for yourself: The Jamberoo Pub is an easy 15-minute drive from the centre of Kiama. Find it at 12 Allowrie Street.