Where Big Little Lies Was Filmed: Key Locations
Big Little Lies, the acclaimed HBO series based on Liane Moriarty’s novel, is set in Monterey, California. Most principal photography took place in and around Sydney, Australia, with additional scenes captured in California and other locations. This production choice shaped the show’s visual style while presenting logistical considerations for fans visiting or researching filming sites. Below is a verified breakdown of primary and secondary locations used across the series, including neighborhood names, streets, and public versus private venues.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Show Setting | Monterey, California | Official synopsis and production notes |
| Principal Photography Location | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | Production reports and industry databases |
| Key Additional Filming Region | Northern California (coastal areas) | Location permits and news coverage |
| Production Design Approach | Australian locations double for Monterey | Interviews with production designer |
Monterey, California: Narrative Setting
The story is explicitly set in Monterey, a coastal town in California. This setting supports the series’ focus on wealth, community dynamics, and school life. While the show conveys a strong sense of place, production did not film in Monterey. Instead, creators used Australian locations to evoke a similar coastal aesthetic. The decision allowed more controlled filming conditions and access to experienced crews and infrastructure, which is common in international filming for U.S. television.
Sydney, New South Wales: Primary Filming Hub
Most episodes were shot in and around Sydney. Specific suburbs such as Mosman and the Northern Beaches are frequently referenced by location scouts and crew members as standing in for Monterey neighborhoods. Local streets, schools, and domestic interiors were adapted through production design and camera work. Sydney offered established studio facilities, experienced crews, and favorable financial conditions, enabling the high production values seen in the series.
Northern California: Additional Scenes and Atmosphere
Certain scenes, especially those requiring genuine coastal landscapes or school environments, were filmed in Northern California. These shoots often required careful scheduling to align with weather patterns and logistical needs. The production balanced local authenticity with practical considerations, using these California locations to capture specific visual textures that are harder to replicate elsewhere.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Because the show is set in Monterey, many assume all filming occurred there. In practice, location shooting was concentrated in Australia, with supplementary work in California. This section clarifies where scenes were and were not filmed, addressing frequent questions from viewers planning visits or researching production details.
Key Filming Location Comparisons
| Location Used On Screen | Actual Filming Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monterey coastline and beaches | Sydney coastline and Northern California shoots | Designed to resemble Monterey |
| Local public school | Mosman Public School and other NSW locations | Set dressed to match Monterey schools |
| Residential streets | Suburban streets in Sydney, including Mosman and Newport | Used for establishing shots and street scenes |
| High-end interiors and community buildings | Sydney studios and select California venues | Mix of soundstage and practical locations |
Why Production Choices Matter
Filming in Australia allowed the production to maintain high technical standards while managing budget and schedule constraints. The choice influenced the visual language of the show, from street layouts to light quality, creating a hybrid look that blends California mood with Australian urban and coastal geography. Understanding this helps viewers interpret what they see and contextualize behind-the-scenes information about the series.
Practical Information for Viewers
While Big Little Lies is not a travel guide, fans interested in visiting real-world analogues can explore Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Mosman, and coastal areas in Northern California that resemble the show’s setting. Local councils and tourism boards sometimes highlight these spots, though the production does not officially endorse specific visitor routes. The show’s ongoing cultural relevance continues to drive interest in its filming locales and production history.
Conclusion
Big Little Lies filmed primarily in Sydney, Australia, with supplementary shoots in Northern California. The series uses these locations to evoke Monterey, leveraging production design, cinematography, and careful location selection. For viewers, this breakdown clarifies where key scenes were captured and how logistical and creative decisions shaped the visual authenticity of the show.