Filming and Photography in the Tweed

Why film in the Tweed?

The Tweed is an ideal location for shooting short films, documentaries, major feature films, television series and commercials. It is also a popular location for still photography shoots.

Located between Gold Coast and Byron Bay the area offers a range of scenic rural and natural locations that are quiet and attractive to filmmakers.

As well as coastal locations, there are mountains, rainforests and national parks in the hinterland. Our rural villages and farmland have featured in various films and photography projects.

Murwillumbah, Kingscliff, Salt Village, Duranbah and Tweed Heads have all featured in telecasts, documentaries and dramas.

Hosting filmmakers

Council encourages filming in the Tweed and recognises the benefits that come from hosting filmmakers in our unique destination.

Along with major film producers from Australia, UK, Europe, USA and increasingly from Asia, Tweed welcomes local filmmakers, students and small scale projects.

Council is required to monitor film production and filmmakers must fill in an application form with accurate site mapping of intended locations, times and dates of shooting, size of production and certificates of insurance.

Council wants to ensure the benefits to the Shire are maximised and that film producers consider their impact on the community, residents or businesses and that public safety and environment health is well protected.

Productions filmed in the Tweed:

Granada ITV I'm a Celebrity Get me Out of Here
Mental Productions PJ Hogan's Mental
Camp Matchbox Pictures NBCTV CAMP
TEOS Productions Patrick White's Eye of the Storm
Lou Productions Belinda Chayko's Lou
Village Roadshow Terra Nova
Sea Patrol Productions Sea Patrol
Village Roadshow Nim's Island
Arbre Films The Tree
Freehand Productions BBC Scorpion Island
ITV Studio Granada Peter Andre My Life

Filming Licences

Prior to commencing any filming, a licence and applicable fees are required for filming on council owned property including open spaces and outdoor areas such as footpaths, roads, beaches and parks within the Tweed Shire Council area.

Before applying for a film licence, filmmakers should read the NSW Film Protocol (external link) which has been adopted by Council.

Still photography, media current affairs and news coverage does not require a permit but notification and a request to Council is required where access to Council managed land is required, this includes parks, beaches and roads.

Filming application form

The online filming application form, guidelines and applicable fees are available in the sidebar on this page or at Council Forms under Festivals, Events and Filming section.

For more information contact Council on 02 6670 2400.