Creative Industries

Wollongong is where creative industries turn ideas into productions, performances and experiences with screen-ready locations, major cultural venues and affordable space to create, just one hour from Sydney.

A growing base for creative production and talent

Wollongong’s creative industries are gaining momentum, supported by skilled talent, distinctive environments and a growing reputation as a place where creative work gets made. From screen production and digital content to performing arts, design and creative services, Wollongong offers the space, capability and support creatives need to work locally and reach national and global markets.

Space to create Coastal, urban and natural settings that support screen production, live performance and creative work of all kinds.

Strong community of creatives A growing pool of creative professionals across screen, design, digital content, performance and production.

Connected ecosystem Established organisations, venues and festivals that support collaboration, testing ideas and building audiences.

A growing screen and production industry

Wollongong is emerging as a recognised location for screen production, with the Illawarra increasingly attracting larger and more complex projects.

Over the past five years, Wollongong has received over 450 film permits for increasingly larger productions, with Wollongong and surrounding locations used as backdrops for major productions. This activity is helping build local capability across production support, logistics, location management and specialist services. Films and TV shows shot in Wollongong include:

Disney's 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes'
'The Beast in Me' with Russell Crowe
BBC's 'Return to Paradise'
'Place To Be' with Pamela Anderson

Screen Illawarra and production industry

Screen Illawarra is central to the growth of the region’s screen industry. Led by experienced and passionate board members and industry volunteers, the organisation works to elevate the region’s screen sector by showcasing its remarkable locations, talented creatives, and vibrant filmmaking community, opening pathways into the industry.

Through networking and workshops supported by Screen NSW, mentorship initiatives, and teachings on accessing funding for independent projects, the organisation empowers local creatives with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to develop their voices and bring their stories to life.

Working closely with producers, line managers, and leading Australian casting Directors when major productions film in the region, Screen Illawarra actively connects industry with its growing directory of local professionals to help ensure Illawarra talent and crew are considered for every opportunity - accessing meaningful opportunities within the Illawarra.

Wollongong has also hosted visiting screen executives from organisations including Netflix, BBC Studios, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Screen Australia and Screen NSW, reflecting growing confidence in the region as a dependable production location.

A connected creative ecosystem

While screen production is a major strength, Wollongong’s creative industries extend well beyond film and television. The city’s creative economy spans performing arts, live music and festivals, visual arts, design, digital content and creative services, supported by a network of venues, organisations and programs that help creative work move from concept to audience.

Wollongong’s Arts Precinct is central to that ecosystem. Merrigong Theatre Company operates key venues including the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre and Wollongong Town Hall, while Wollongong Art Gallery and Creative Wollongong Studios add to a visible and active creative presence in the CBD. Together, these assets support both creative practice and public participation.

Creative festivals and public programs also play an important role. Events such as the Creative Wollongong Short Film Competition and Festival and Culture Mix bring together filmmakers, performers, designers and cultural practitioners, activating public space and strengthening the city’s creative identity. A growing night-time economy is adding to that momentum, creating more opportunities for live performance, music, events and after-hours activity in the CBD.

Case Study

Image: Return to Paradise, courtesy of BBC Studio Australia

Return to Paradise is an Australian-British television series and an original spin-off series of the global smash-hit murder mystery franchise Death in Paradise. The series premiered on ABC and ABC iView in September 2024 and is producedby BBC Studios Productions Australia with Red Planet Pictures.

Wollongong and the Illawarra were central to the production of three seasons, with Screen Illawarra supporting the project through locations assistance, production coordination and access to local crews and talent.

Wollongong's creative ecosystem continues to host high profile international screen projects and deliver complex creative work at scale.