Where was The Pacific filmed?
2010
City Locations
Melbourne (Australia)
Location Types
Film Studio, Riverside, School
Location Styles
Beachfront, Camper, Retreat, Colonial, Building Dated/Retro, Exotic/Tropical
About The Pacific
Return to 2010, when The Pacific, an epic war drama miniseries, aired on our television screens. Along with the groundbreaking 2001 series Band of Brothers, DreamWorks, Playtone, and HBO unveiled this series. The Pacific, which required a budget of over $200 million, was the most costly television miniseries ever created at the time, owing to the imbuement of the story by renowned co-producers Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman.
The series dramatically illustrates the United States Marine Corps's efforts in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. Particular emphasis is laid on the experiences of two real-life Marines, Eugene Sledge (Joseph Mazzello) and Robert Leckie (James Badge Dale), whose memoirs were the crucial source for the main characters' development. The viewer is transported to notable battlegrounds such as Guadalcanal, Peleliu, Cape Gloucester, and Okinawa, experiencing the intensity, camaraderie, and raw courage underlining the Marines' experience.
While the narrative is deeply anchored in history, it is not just the historical accuracy that stands out. Still, the power-packed performances are headed by a stellar ensemble cast that brings the characters and their hardships to life.
This perfect amalgamation of storytelling, performance, and production was celebrated internationally, earning The Pacific widespread critical acclaim. More than just applause and appreciation, the series swept numerous prestigious awards, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and the coveted Peabody Award, etching its place in television's Hall of Fame.
The Pacific Locations
Despite the title, the series' convincing depiction of wartorn Pacific landscapes and environments is attributed to the scenic diversity of Australia, where the entire series was filmed. Leveraging Australia's versatile geography, this production has been lauded for its historical accuracy, successfully bringing the Pacific's gripping story to life despite the geographical mismatches.
The beachy and tropical region of Queensland in Australia served as the primary filming location, with key scenes shot in areas like Port Douglas, Mowbray National Park, Mossman, and Rocky Point. With its lush forests, waterfalls, beach settings, and rural landscapes, Queensland perfectly catered to the series’ tropical, beachy environments requirement. These scenes contributed to recreating the war’s harsh reality, as seen in the episodes where the men are stationed on the beach and the jungle's hot and rainy environment.
Moving on to Victoria, the series employed a variety of sites, including Lara and a sand quarry on Sandy Creek Road. You Yangs' picturesque granite ridges and the sand quarry's harsh, broad areas were perfect references for the series' need for various environments. Scenes with soldiers advancing through dense vegetation framed by towering mountains or across expansive sandy landscapes were shot at these sites.
The metropolitan and suburban regions of Melbourne were also important shooting locations. Episodes depicting Christmas meals and troops' return to America were filmed in suburban districts such as Bundoora, Central City Studios, and Flinders Street. In addition, the suburbs and public buildings of the city added realism to the scenes where the soldiers had a little break from the conflict.
Visiting these sets would be a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself in the series' historical story and the characters it depicts. Australia is an excellent vacation spot for nature lovers and those who love the Pacific due to its varied geography and abundant natural beauty.
The Guadalcanal campaign scene in The Pacific
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
The second episode takes place during the Guadalcanal conflict and places viewers amid a desperate predicament faced by Marine Sergeant John Basilone (Jon Seda). The challenging task of defeating superior Japanese forces was made much more daunting by their poor supply levels and sheer numbers.
The backdrop for this pivotal moment in the series is the stunning and tropical Port Douglas in Queensland, Australia. With its picturesque beaches and lush surroundings, Port Douglas stands in for the rugged and hostile landscapes the Marines endured during their time on Guadalcanal. The area's natural beauty contrasts sharply with the brutality of the conflict depicted, highlighting the harsh realities of war set against a seemingly serene setting.
Situated on the Coral Sea in the far north of Queensland, Port Douglas is accessible by road from Cairns, around an hour's drive via Captain Cook Hwy/State Route 44. Cairns has an international airport, making it relatively easy for visitors from both within Australia and overseas to reach this gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park.
The beach scenes in The Pacific
Rocky Point, Queensland, Australia
In the tension-filled second episode, cautious optimism emerges when Lieutenant Colonel Puller (William Sadler) informs his Marines that the Army will soon airdrop much-needed supplies. With their resources dwindling and the constant threat of Japanese ambush looming over them, this news brings a glimmer of hope to the weary soldiers. However, the anticipation of the supply drop is tinged with the danger of a potential Japanese air raid, adding a layer of suspense to their wait.
These crucial scenes were filmed at Rocky Point, a coastal rural location in the Shire of Douglas. This location, with its natural rugged beauty and relative seclusion, perfectly encapsulates the Marines' isolated and vulnerable position on Guadalcanal.
Rocky Point offers a unique blend of serene beauty and historical resonance. Although the exact filming sites are not specified, visitors can explore the area around Mossman Daintree Road, where they might find the breakwater and boat ramp mentioned.
To reach Rocky Point, travelers can fly into Cairns International Airport and then embark on a scenic drive north along the coast towards Captain Cook Hwy/State Route 44. Traveling by private car will require 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the destination.
Marines are given rest and recreation in the Melbourne scene in The Pacific
Flinders St, Melbourne VIC, Australia
In episode 3, the narrative shifts from the intense battlefields of Guadalcanal to a much-welcomed respite for the weary Marines. Arriving in Melbourne, they are met with an outpouring of warmth, friendly faces, and the simple pleasures of cold beer and leisure time, starkly contrasting their hardships.
A critical location that captures the essence of this period of rest and recreation in Melbourne is the iconic Flinders Street Railway Station. Known for its distinctive architectural features, including a prominent green copper dome, a striking yellow facade, an arched entrance, and the famous row of clocks above its main entrance, Flinders Street Station is a historic landmark in the heart of Melbourne.
Flinders Street Station is conveniently located at the junction of Flinders and Swanston Streets in Melbourne. As the central railway station of Melbourne's metropolitan rail network, it is easily accessible by train from various parts of the city and beyond. Traveling from Rocky Point or Port Douglas by car would take approximately 30 hours, making air travel the recommended option.
Stella's house scene in The Pacific
Docklands Studios Melbourne, 476 Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC, Australia
In the same episode, the audience is given a brief respite from the chaos of war as Robert Leckie (James Badge Dale) visits the home of Stella (Claire Van Der Boom), a Greek Australian. Here, he's warmly welcomed into her family's home, engaging in friendly conversation and sharing a meal with her parents. The family extends their hospitality further by inviting Leckie to stay overnight in exchange for some help around the house, an offer he graciously accepts.
A key filming site was the Central City Studios in Melbourne Docklands. This venue was chosen for scenes of everyday life, such as the Basilone family's Christmas dinner and John Basilone's return to the United States to promote war bonds. Melbourne Central City Studios is a fully operational facility equipped with five specially designed, modern sound stages and plans for more. Consequently, it does not offer tours to the public.
For those interested in visiting or learning more about the area, the Melbourne Docklands is in the city's heart and is easily accessible via public transportation or by car. While the studios may not be open for tours, the Docklands area offers a glimpse into Melbourne's vibrant urban renewal, with a mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment facilities. From Flinders St, it's a 12-minute drive or a 20-minute bus ride.
Basilone is honored with the medal scene in The Pacific
Melbourne High School, Forrest Hill, South Yarra VIC, Australia
In episode 3, a poignant scene unfolds at a stadium where Sergeant John Basilone (Jon Seda) is awarded the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions during the battle of Guadalcanal.
Shortly after that, Lieutenant Colonel Puller (William Sadler) delivers news to Basilone that he is being sent home to help raise funds for the war effort through the sale of war bonds. This marks a significant shift in his role from a frontline soldier to a critical figure in the home front mobilization.
This memorable scene was filmed at Melbourne High School, an institution with a rich history dating back to its roots in 1854. By the 1920s, the decision was made to split the school into separate boys' and girls' campuses, leading to the establishment of Melbourne Boys’ High School in 1927 at Forrest Hill, South Yarra. Today, Melbourne High School stands proudly at its South Yarra location, maintaining its status as a landmark of education and history.
Fans interested in visiting the site where these significant scenes were shot should contact the school's administration for potential visitation opportunities. While access may be limited due to its operational status, you can explore the exteriors. Traveling from the city center, you can reach your destination in just 13 minutes by car via Alexandra Ave. Alternatively, public transportation options such as bus or train are available from Flinders Street Railway Station, with the journey taking approximately 15 minutes.
Conclusion
The Pacific is a striking depiction of the harsh realities that soldiers confront on the Pacific front. Filming took place in the visually diverse country of Australia, which adds to the series' dedication to realism. Melbourne's urban setting, together with locations like Port Douglas in Queensland, Mowbray National Park, Mossman, and Rocky Point, created a realistic backdrop that enhanced the tale with its visual accuracy to the Pacific Islands.
Due to its realistic portrayal of the effects of war on humans, The Pacific has raised the standard for historical war plays. It rejects idealized depictions of war in favor of a story that hits close to home on the brutality of battle and its aftermath. For fans of the show and history enthusiasts interested in the Pacific theater of war, a trip to Australia, home to numerous filming sites, might provide a once-in-a-lifetime chance to immerse themselves in the story.