Where Was “Penguin Bloom” Filmed?

Adore the film and are wondering: where was “Penguin Bloom” filmed? In 2021, “Penguin Bloom” charmed audiences in Australia and beyond with its touching depiction of resilience after hardship.

The story follows a woman named Sam Bloom, played by Naomi Watts, who suffers an accident that leaves her without the use of her legs. She learns to persevere and find comfort in the world by nurturing an injured magpie, named Penguin. Also starring is Andrew Lincoln, known for playing Rick Grimes in “The Walking Dead”, as Sam’s husband.

Upon its release in Australia, the film quickly took to the number-one spot, followed by an international release on Netflix that garnered even more positive acclaim. Part of the appeal of the story is the setting of Sydney’s Northern beaches. It provides a stunning backdrop for the drama.

While the story unfolds, it’s easy to get lost in the scenery and ask yourself: where was “Penguin Bloom” filmed? We’re going to answer that question today. We’ll also share how Peerspace can help you find your own “Penguin Bloom”-inspired filming locations. Let’s get started!

Did they actually film “Penguin Bloom” in Australia?

The story of “Penguin Bloom” takes place in Newport, a suburb close to the capital city of Australia, Sydney. Known for its beautiful beaches and surf scene, the suburb was a natural place for the protagonist of the film, Sam Bloom, to live and indulge in her love of watersports.

However, many movies aren’t actually filmed in the place where they take place, since not every location has proper filming infrastructure. This, along with seeing the world through Sam’s eyes begs the question of the viewer: where was “Penguin Bloom” filmed?

According to Oprah Daily, not only was the film shot in Newport, it was shot in the Blooms’ actual home. Getting the feeling of Sam’s isolation was an important part of Naomi Watts’ performance. She is quoted in the same article: “The beaches were her entire youth. Every imaginable water sport took place there. It was all a horrific reminder of what she couldn’t exist in anymore,”

Those who have seen the movie or read the book know that eventually, Sam Bloom was able to get back into watersports. She even represented Australia in the 2015 para canoeing championship, held in Italy. Around the time of the movie’s release, she was competing as a member of the Australian Adaptive Surf Team.

As for the Bloom’s home, they still reside in Newport and their address remains hidden for privacy reasons. Fans of the movie will have to settle for rewatching it or taking a trip to one of the beaches featured in the film.

Check out these amazing rooftops in Sydney that you can hire for an event or production!

Where are the beaches in “Penguin Bloom”?

Sam’s love of surfing and watersports is a key part of her development. So it’s no wonder there are plenty of beautiful shots of Sydney’s Northern Beaches in the movie. It’s easy for the viewer to get lost in these breathtaking moments and ask themselves: where was “Penguin Bloom” filmed?

According to IMDB, they filmed water scenes at Palm Beach, one of the most famous in the Sydney area. Also seen on the screen as the fictional town of Summer Bay in the classic Australian soap opera “Home and Away”, as well as the 2019 movie “Palm Beach”. Additionally, the picturesque slice of the beach is famous for the heritage-listed Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Not to mention Little Head – a cluster of limestone rocks that stick out of the water.

Sydney’s Avalon Beach was also prominent in certain scenes. Castalkie.com reports that locals saw the cast and crew filming several scenes on Bilgola Beach. It’s a spot that held special significance for Sam in her youth. Not far from Palm Beach, Bilgola is another one of Sydney’s famous surfing spots.

Discover all of “Home and Away’s” major filming locations here!

Where did they film the balcony scene in “Penguin Bloom”?

Sam’s accident that left her without the use of her legs stemmed from a family trip to Thailand in 2013. During her stay, Sam leaned on a neglected and weak balcony railing, which gave way and plunged her below. This incident is what shapes the rest of the story, with her perseverance and resilience inspiring audiences all over the world.

Despite the accident that Sam suffers in Thailand, it’s difficult not to marvel at the beautiful location they’re staying. Seeing the family on their vacation before the accident is sure to make you ask the question: where was “Penguin Bloom” filmed? The Cinemaholic reports that they shot these scenes on location in Phuket, Thailand.

The area is famous for being home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand and is a popular vacation spot for tourists. According to IMDB, the area is also no stranger to major motion pictures. Hit movies like “ Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith”, multiple James Bond movies, and recent films like 2023’s “Meg 2: The Trench”, have all filmed scenes in Phuket.

Find your own “Penguin Bloom”-inspired filming location

Sam Bloom’s story of nursing Penguin the Magpie back to health has inspired audiences worldwide to share their own stories of triumph. Are you one of the people who resonated with Sam’s experience? Then you may want to create your own piece of art on one of Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Finding places where you could film or take photos may seem like a daunting task. But don’t worry, Peerspace is here to help!

As the world’s largest digital platform for short-term event venue and production rentals, Peerspace can connect you with incredible filming and photoshoot locations in Australia and beyond! There are hidden gem venues in every part of the country, including Sydney’s iconic Northern Beaches.

To give you an example of what’s out there, take a moment to go on a tour of this stunning designer house near Palm Beach and Avalon. One of the best parts of this beautiful home is that it’s located on the Bilgola Plateau, home to Bilgola Beach. If you want to experience some of the same beaches that Sam Bloom has been to, find them on Peerspace!

Find unique filming locations on Peerspace