Byron Baes: Where Netflix really filmed the show
Byron Baes may appear to show an idyllic scenery from the ever popular Instagram location, but tourists hoping to visit some of the spots seen in the show may be bitterly disappointed. See why.
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Byron Baes may appear to show an idyllic scenery from the ever popular Instagram location, but tourists hoping to visit some of the spots seen in the show may be bitterly disappointed to find out how much was not shot in Byron.
The reality TV show follows the lives of Byron Bay influencers in an eight part docu-series.
It stars Byron locals Elias Chigros, Nathan Favro, Alex Reid, Jessica and Lauren Johansen-Bell, Hannah Brauer, Cai Leplaw, Simba Ali, Saskia Wotton, David ‘Frimmy’ Frim, Elle Watson and Gold Coast movers Sara St James and Jade Kevin Foster.
Upon announcing the show, Byron locals have protested its production, holding a paddle out protest and launching a petition which gathered more than 9000 signatures to try to stop the production.
Rumours of a season two have also stirred up locals who have said watching the first season had made them uncomfortable.
But with many businesses refusing to allow filming on their property and the local council reviewing how they approach film production, how did the eight episode series come about?
Not all of it was filmed in Byron.
The series does feature many scenes at the cast’s homes as well as at Crystal Castle in Mullumbimby, Counterpunch Boxing Studio in Byron Bay and Eleme Day Spa in Byron Bay, all within the shire.
However several scenes are shot outside.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the set locations outside of the Byron Shire.
Shelly Beach
In numerous episodes the cast are seen spending time at one of Ballina’s most iconic beaches Shelly Beach – about 30 minutes drive from the heart of Byron Bay.
In the first episode Jade Kevin Foster, sisters Lauren and Jessica Johansen-Bell are seen dining at the Shelly Beach Cafe which overlooks the East Ballina beach.
In episode six, Elias Chigros and Nathan Favro meet at the Shelly Beach car park after an argument, where viewers can clearly see a sign indicating where the scene is being filmed.
The cast had also been seen by paparazzi during filming at Shelly Beach.
Seven Mile Beach
In episode three, Simba Ali, Elias Chigros and Nathan Favro are seen driving on one of the north’s only 4WD accessible beaches in Ballina suburb Lennox Head, Seven Mile Beach.
The beach, about 20 minutes south of Byron Bay, appears again in episode five where Alex and Sara run into Saskia Wotton and David ‘Frimmy’ Frim horse riding along the beach.
Casuarina
Sara St James and Alex Reid catch up for a coffee and a chat in episode 3 of Byron Baes at popular cafe Tucker, located at The Commons in Casuarina – about 40 minutes north of Byron Bay.
The Tweed Shire suburb appears multiple times in the show.
In episode 5, Nathan Favro and Sara St James are seen on a date at Mexican restaurant Lolitas, which appears again in episode 7 where the girls meet up again for drinks.
The Commons features again in episode 6 where Elle Watson and Saskia Wotton meet up at the Crafty Cow for a drink.
Tweed Valley
Although the exact location is unclear, the views of Wollumbin (Mt Warning) at the party in the season finale make it clear the shoot was somewhere in the Tweed Valley.
The views suggest the scene could have been shot in the area surrounding Murwillumbah, possibly on a private property.
Netflix was contacted for a response but declined to comment.
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