Location

The main action takes place in a fictional coastal town called Coalcliff. This location is based on the real-life suburb of Coalcliff, which is positioned between Sydney and Wollongong at the base of the Sea Cliff Bridge.

Coalcliff was one of the first South Coast mining towns established on the South Coast. Its residents relied on the coal seams for their livelihood, and looked to the ocean for their recreation.

The beach faces a steep, narrow valley, with cliffs rising 300m to the backing plateau. The coal mine is located towards the rear of the valley.

The fictional town is depicted as being grittier and rougher than the actual town, with the main source of employment for series’ residents being the local brickworks.

Fictional Coalcliff is defined by its strong surf culture, and the surrounding breaks are heavily coveted and protected by local surfers.

Film location reference: Lords Of Dogtown (2005)