Location spotlight: Pemberton
Pemberton. Photo credit Frances Andrijich.
Long known for its dramatic karri forests and towering timbers, Pemberton is making a name for itself as a sought-after location for film and television production in Western Australia.
Just 320km south-west of Perth, the town was handpicked as the setting of Mystery Road: Origin Season 2, and feature film Jasper Jones.
Pemberton was originally occupied by the Bibbulmun people who knew the area as Wandergarup, meaning ‘plenty of water’. Now, the heritage township and natural surrounds – from its beautiful forests, green pastures, rolling vineyards and inviting waterways – are proving drawcards for local screen production.
Historically, Pemberton was a log sawmilling town with roots in agriculture, before it diversified into viticulture, tourism and agritourism, including truffles.
It is home to some significant natural finds including lofty trees – the world’s tallest fire lookout tree the 61m tall Gloucester Tree, and the Dave Evans Bicentennial tree at 71m.
Other natural attractions include the Bibbulmun Track, stretching 1000km from the Perth Hills to Albany on the south coast, and the Warren, Beedelup and D’Entrecasteaux national parks as well as the impressive landlocked Yeagarup sand dunes.
Released on September 21, season two of Mystery Road: Origin filmed around the Pemberton township, including at Big Brook Dam, Pemberton Caravan Park and nearby Deanhill. The production transformed Pemberton’s heritage-listed old school into a hospital for the show.
The town was also chosen to portray the fictional town of Corrigan in Jasper Jones, a feature film adapted from Craig Silvey’s best-selling book, and released in 2017.
Mystery Road: Origin Producers Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey said: “What was really lovely about filming in the small town of Pemberton was how much the community came together to support us. When a big production rolls into town, it’s important that everyone feels included – that we’re not just showing up, using the local resources, and then disappearing. We made a real effort to ensure the community felt part of something special.”
Jasper Jones.
Jasper Jones Producer Vincent Sheehan said of Pemberton: “It’s a town that, for a number of streets, looks exactly as it was in the 1960s. It’s quite magical. It’s a very particular, almost Twain-esque setting, completely different to the rest of Australia in that time period. It was perfect for the setting of Jasper Jones.”
Cate Brooks, South West Development Commission Chief Executive Officer said: “The picturesque South West of Western Australia offers a diverse variety of locations for film and television productions. Pemberton – with its towering trees, rich heritage, unique buildings and supportive community – is proving to be one of the popular filming locations in the region.”
For more information about filming in Western Australia, contact Screenwest Acting Head of Industry Development Gabrielle Cole at gabrielle.cole@screenwest.com.au or visit the Western Australian Locations Gallery, click here.