The newly released Netflix action-thriller ‘Apex,’ starring Charlize Theron, is not just captivating audiences with its heart-pounding plot, but also with its breathtaking and formidable backdrop: the untamed wilderness of New South Wales, Australia. The film masterfully turns some of the country’s most idyllic natural landscapes into a character of their own—a hostile paradise that is both stunningly beautiful and dangerously unforgiving. This high-profile production is set to shine a global spotlight on these locations, potentially reshaping the tourism landscape of the region.
Crafting a Hostile Paradise: The Filming Locations of ‘Apex’
Director Baltasar Kormákur made a deliberate choice to immerse the production in challenging and remote terrains to amplify the film’s intense survival narrative. Instead of relying on studio sets, the cast and crew ventured into some of New South Wales’ most iconic and rugged environments.
The Blue Mountains National Park
A significant portion of the filming took place in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Viewers will recognize the dramatic cliffs and deep ravines of the Grand Canyon walking track, a popular hiking route transformed into a nerve-wracking chase scene. The park, located just a 90-minute drive from Sydney, is known for its eucalyptus forests that create a distinctive blue haze, but ‘Apex’ showcases its more perilous and raw side.
Ginninderra Falls
Another key location is the majestic Ginninderra Falls, situated near the border of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). This powerful waterfall and its surrounding gorge provided a dramatic setting for the film’s high-stakes sequences. While historically a popular spot, access to the falls has been limited in recent years, and its appearance in a major Netflix production is likely to renew interest in the area’s natural splendor.
Background: Why Australia is Hollywood’s New Go-To Location
The selection of New South Wales for ‘Apex’ is part of a larger trend of major international productions choosing Australia as their filming base. This surge is driven by a combination of factors that create a highly attractive environment for filmmakers.
Financial incentives play a major role. The Australian Federal Government offers a 16.5% Location Offset, and state governments like New South Wales provide additional support. Screen NSW, the state’s film agency, offers a further 10% rebate for Post, Digital, and Visual Effects (PDV), making the region financially competitive. These incentives have helped attract blockbuster productions like Marvel’s Thor: Love and Thunder and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Beyond finances, Australia offers an unparalleled diversity of landscapes. Within one country, filmmakers can find everything from arid outback deserts and lush tropical rainforests to modern cityscapes and the rugged wilderness seen in ‘Apex’. This, combined with highly skilled local crews and world-class production facilities, has solidified Australia’s reputation as a premier filming destination. In the 2022-23 financial year alone, foreign film and TV productions spent over AUD $850 million in Australia, highlighting the country’s growing importance in the global film industry.
Future Outlook: The Rise of ‘Apex’-Inspired Film Tourism
The global exposure from a hit Netflix show like ‘Apex’ is predicted to have a significant and lasting impact on tourism in New South Wales, a phenomenon known as “set-jetting.” When viewers are captivated by a location on screen, they are often inspired to visit it in person.
We can look to New Zealand’s “Lord of the Rings effect” as a powerful precedent. The film trilogy is credited with causing a massive surge in tourism, with some estimates suggesting it boosted international visitor arrivals by over 50% in the years following its release. ‘Apex’ has the potential to create a similar, albeit smaller-scale, effect for its featured locations.
We can anticipate a notable increase in visitors to the Blue Mountains National Park, with hikers specifically seeking out the trails featured in the film. Tour operators may begin offering “‘Apex’ location tours,” guiding fans through the dramatic landscapes where Charlize Theron’s character fought for survival. This increased interest will likely generate significant economic benefits for local communities through accommodation, hospitality, and tour services.
‘Apex’ serves as more than just a thriller; it’s a powerful advertisement for the raw, adventurous spirit of the Australian wilderness. As millions of viewers stream the film worldwide, they are also discovering a travel destination that offers both serene beauty and the thrill of the wild. Your next adventure might just be inspired by a white-knuckle scene filmed in the heart of New South Wales.
