The Narrow Road to the Deep North, a highly anticipated Australian drama miniseries, brings Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel to life. Set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on April 18, 2025, this series captures the harrowing experiences of Dorrigo Evans, an Australian army surgeon, during World War II. At NetFilming, we dive into the stunning filming locations in New South Wales, Australia, that shaped this emotional tale of love, loss, and survival. From historic sites to scenic landscapes, these locations add depth and authenticity to the story.
Overview of The Narrow Road to the Deep North
The series follows Dorrigo Evans, portrayed by Jacob Elordi (young Dorrigo) and Ciarán Hinds (older Dorrigo), as he endures the brutal conditions of a prisoner-of-war camp on the Thai-Burma Railway. Alongside the war’s horrors, the story weaves in Dorrigo’s forbidden romance with Amy Mulvaney (Odessa Young), his uncle’s wife, which leaves a lasting impact on his life. With a stellar cast, including Olivia DeJonge, Simon Baker, and Thomas Weatherall, and directed by Justin Kurzel, the series promises a powerful blend of historical drama and personal reflection. It will also air on the BBC in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Where Was The Narrow Road to the Deep North Filmed?
Filming for the series took place entirely in New South Wales, Australia, with a focus on locations that reflect the story’s emotional and historical weight. Principal photography began in November 2023 and wrapped in February 2024, utilizing diverse settings to depict wartime camps, hospitals, and post-war life. Below, we explore the key filming locations that brought this story to the screen.
Sydney, New South Wales
Sydney served as the primary hub for filming, offering a versatile range of settings to capture the series’ multiple timelines. Neighborhoods like The Rocks, Glebe, Kurnell, and Lilyfield provided urban, coastal, and residential backdrops. These areas helped recreate the vibrancy of pre-war Australia, the desolation of wartime, and the reflective tone of the 1980s. Sydney’s rich history and scenic beauty made it an ideal choice for a story that spans decades and emotions.
- The Rocks: Used for scenes likely depicting pre-war or post-war urban settings.
- Glebe: Contributed to the series’ residential or community scenes.
- Kurnell: Likely used for coastal or open landscapes, given its scenic location.
- Lilyfield: In addition to Callan Park, other parts of this suburb may have been used for supplementary scenes.
Callan Park, Lilyfield
A key filming location, Callan Park, a former psychiatric hospital (once known as Callan Park Hospital for the Insane, later Rozelle Hospital), was used for significant scenes. Its 19th-century sandstone buildings and sprawling grounds served as a stand-in for hospital and POW camp settings. The location’s historical weight and melancholic atmosphere aligned with the story’s themes of memory and grief, making it a fitting backdrop for Dorrigo’s inner world.
Captains Flat, Southern Tablelands
Filming also took place in Captains Flat, a small town in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. This rural location, with its rugged terrain and quiet isolation, likely served as a stand-in for wartime or remote settings. Its simplicity and raw beauty helped ground the series’ more intense scenes, offering a contrast to Sydney’s urban environments.
Otford Farm, Royal National Park
Located just 40 minutes from Sydney, Otford Farm at the edge of the Royal National Park provided a natural setting for the series. This scenic spot, surrounded by lush greenery and open landscapes, was likely used for moments of solitude or flashbacks in the narrative. The Royal National Park’s untouched beauty added an authentic layer to the story’s quieter, reflective scenes.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North: Behind the Scenes
The production of The Narrow Road to the Deep North was a meticulous process, blending emotional storytelling with authentic settings. Filming in New South Wales from November 2023 to February 2024, the team, led by director Justin Kurzel, aimed to honor Richard Flanagan’s novel.
Kurzel emphasized the locations’ role, stating, “The landscapes of New South Wales, especially Callan Park, gave us a raw, haunting canvas to explore Dorrigo’s inner turmoil” (Screen Australia interview, 2023). The historic Callan Park, with its weathered sandstone, became a character in itself, reflecting the story’s themes of memory and loss.
Actor Jacob Elordi, who plays young Dorrigo, shared, “Filming in these real, textured places made the suffering and love feel so immediate” (Variety, 2024). The crew faced challenges recreating the Thai-Burma Railway’s harsh conditions in Australia, using Captains Flat’s rugged terrain for authenticity. Producer Jo Porter noted, “Every location was chosen to evoke the novel’s soul” (Screen NSW, 2023). This dedication ensures the series resonates deeply with viewers.
Why The Narrow Road to the Deep North Stands Out
This series is more than a war drama; it’s a meditation on love, memory, and resilience. The choice of New South Wales locations, supported by Screen Australia and Screen NSW’s Made in NSW and PDV Funds, underscores the production’s commitment to authenticity. By filming in places like Callan Park and Otford Farm, the creators ensured that the settings feel as real and layered as the characters themselves.
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