Home and Away is a long‑running Australian television soap opera set in the fictional coastal town of Summer Bay, following the intertwined lives, romances, and dramas of local families since its debut on 17 January 1988. Viewers tune in for half‑hour weekday episodes that blend beachside escapism with storylines about family, friendship, community, and contemporary social issues. This guide explains what Home and Away is about, where and how it is filmed, when and where you can watch it in the UK and Australia, how to visit real‑life Summer Bay, and practical tips for planning a Home and Away‑themed trip. By the end, you will understand the show’s history, key locations, broadcast times, and travel logistics, plus find answers to the most searched Home and Away questions.
What is Home and Away?
Home and Away is an Australian TV soap created by producer Alan Bateman, inspired by debates over a proposed foster home in New South Wales, and first broadcast on the Seven Network in January 1988. It quickly became one of Australia’s most popular dramas and is now the country’s second longest‑running television drama series after Neighbours. Each episode runs for about 22 minutes, airing as a weekday serial that follows multiple ongoing story arcs.
The early focus of the series was the Fletcher family, a couple who moved to Summer Bay with their foster children to run a caravan park, setting the tone for storylines about foster care, blended families, and community acceptance. Over the years, Home and Away has launched the careers of many Australian actors, while continuing to revolve around the Surf Club, the beach, the caravan park, and staple characters such as Alf Stewart.
Setting and filming locations
Home and Away is set in the fictional town of Summer Bay, described as a small coastal community in rural New South Wales. The town features familiar locations like the Surf Club, the diner, the beach, the high school, and various family homes, all of which form the backdrop for daily life and major storylines.
Most outdoor scenes representing Summer Bay are filmed at Palm Beach, the northernmost beach in Sydney, roughly an hour’s drive from central Sydney by car. Over the years, other northern beaches locations and the Lane Cove River Tourist Park near Macquarie Park have been used for the caravan park and surrounding bushland scenes. Interior scenes are filmed in studios in Sydney, which are not open to the public.
Visiting “Summer Bay” in real life
Fans can visit Palm Beach to see many of the external locations used for Summer Bay, including the beach, headland, and recognizable buildings such as the Surf Club exterior and Alf’s bait shop frontage. Palm Beach is a public beach, so visitors can walk the sand, swim, or hike to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse while looking out for filming activity on weekdays.
Several tour companies run official Home and Away tours from central Sydney, typically operating on selected weekdays, with itineraries that include Palm Beach, nearby viewpoints, and photo stops at key filming spots. Alternatively, travellers can create a self‑guided trip by driving or taking public transport to Palm Beach and exploring the area at their own pace, often at lower cost than a guided tour.
When and where to watch
In Australia, Home and Away currently airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:00 pm on the Seven Network, with episodes also available to stream on Seven’s 7plus service. This prime‑time slot makes it a staple of early‑evening viewing, and the show traditionally takes a seasonal break in late November or early December, returning in early January.
In the UK, Home and Away is broadcast on Channel 5’s portfolio, with new episodes airing on Channel 5 and first‑look and repeat screenings on 5STAR; typical daytime slots include early afternoon and early evening. In 2025, Channel 5 confirmed the final UK episode of the year, episode 8600, would air on Friday 5 December 2025 before the show pauses for its end‑of‑year break. Selected classic episodes and back catalogue seasons are also available via streaming platforms such as Prime Video in the UK.
Practical information and planning
When planning a visit to Home and Away locations, it helps to check filming and tour details in advance, especially if you hope to see live production. Filming at Palm Beach usually occurs on set weekdays rather than weekends, but schedules can change due to weather or story requirements, and there is no public access to the indoor studios.
- Opening times and access: Palm Beach is an open public beach, accessible year‑round, with typical daylight hours suitable for visits from early morning to late afternoon. Local facilities include cafes, toilets, and parking near the beach and wharf, although spaces can be limited on busy summer weekends and holidays.
- Tour prices and costs: Official guided Home and Away tours from Sydney generally run as half‑day trips, with prices commonly in the range of standard city sightseeing tours, reflecting transport, guiding, and any added experiences; exact costs depend on the operator and season. Self‑guided visits mainly involve transport and parking or public‑transport fares, making them a budget‑friendlier option for many fans.
- Getting there: From Sydney CBD, visitors can drive north to Palm Beach in around 60–90 minutes depending on traffic, following signposted routes through the Northern Beaches region. Alternatively, buses connect central Sydney and major hubs like Manly or Wynyard to Palm Beach, offering a scenic coastal journey for those without a car.
- What to expect: On non‑filming days, you will see the recognizable beach and exterior buildings but may not encounter cast or crew; on active filming days, some areas may be cordoned off, and visitors are usually able to observe from a respectful distance. The area is also popular for swimming, surfing, and walking, so a visit can combine TV fandom with a classic Sydney beach day.
- Tips for visitors: Check tour websites or local fan sites for up‑to‑date information about filming days, and bring sun protection, water, and comfortable shoes for walking up the headland or along the sand. If driving, arrive early during peak season to secure parking, and allow extra travel time to make scheduled tour departures from Sydney.
Home and Away today
Home and Away continues to evolve with new characters and storylines while retaining core themes of family, second chances, and small‑town loyalty. Recent years have seen plots involving teen issues, crime, relationship breakdowns, and community resilience, often set against dramatic events such as storms, accidents, or new arrivals to the Bay.
The show has earned numerous Australian television awards, including multiple Logie Awards, and remains a key export for Australian TV, airing in markets across Europe, the UK, and other regions. Reviews and audience ratings vary over time, but the series maintains a dedicated long‑term fanbase and regular coverage in entertainment media and spoiler sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Home and Away about?
Home and Away follows the daily lives and relationships of residents in the fictional seaside town of Summer Bay, focusing on families, foster care, romance, and community dramas. Episodes weave long‑running story arcs with smaller subplots, creating a continuous serial format.
When did Home and Away start?
Home and Away first aired on Australia’s Seven Network on 17 January 1988, following production that began in Sydney in 1987. It has remained on the same network ever since, making it one of the country’s longest‑running drama series.
Where is Summer Bay filmed?
The fictional town of Summer Bay is primarily filmed on location at Palm Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with additional northern beaches sites used for surrounding areas. Some caravan park scenes have also been shot at Lane Cove River Tourist Park near Macquarie Park, and interiors are filmed at Sydney studios.
How can I visit the Home and Away set?
Members of the public can visit Palm Beach, where many outdoor scenes are filmed, and may occasionally see filming taking place, but studio interiors are not open to visitors. Official guided tours from Sydney offer structured itineraries to Palm Beach and nearby locations, or fans can plan a self‑guided day trip.
What time is Home and Away on TV?
In Australia, new episodes usually air Monday to Thursday at 7:00 pm on the Seven Network and stream on 7plus. In the UK, the soap airs on Channel 5 and 5STAR on weekday afternoons and evenings, with schedules sometimes adjusted for seasonal breaks or programming changes.
Where can I watch Home and Away online?
Australian viewers can stream episodes for free on 7plus after broadcast, while UK viewers can watch via Channel 5’s platforms and selected streaming services such as Prime Video for older seasons. Availability may vary by region and licensing agreements.
Is Home and Away still running in 2025?
Yes, Home and Away continues to air in 2025, with new episodes broadcast in Australia and the UK and an announced UK end‑of‑year episode 8600 on 5 December 2025. Seasonal breaks typically occur at the end of the calendar year, with returns in early January.
How long is each Home and Away episode?
Each standard episode of Home and Away runs for around 22 minutes of content, scheduled within a 30‑minute broadcast slot including adverts. The show originally launched with a longer telefeature‑style premiere before settling into the regular episode length.
Can I meet the Home and Away cast on tours?
Some official tours advertise the chance of seeing filming or spotting cast members, but cast appearances are never guaranteed and depend entirely on that day’s production schedule. Visitors should treat any interaction as a bonus and respect filming boundaries and staff instructions.
Why is Home and Away so popular?
Home and Away’s popularity stems from its mix of beachside scenery, relatable family and relationship stories, and a familiar routine of weekday episodes that many viewers grow up with. Its role in launching major Australian acting careers and its long history also contribute to strong nostalgia and fan loyalty.
How much do Home and Away tours cost?
Guided Home and Away location tours from Sydney are typically priced similarly to other half‑day sightseeing excursions, reflecting coach transport, guiding, and time on location, with prices varying by operator and season. Self‑guided visits mainly involve fuel, parking fees, or bus fares, which can significantly reduce overall cost.
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