Where was the Netflix film True Spirit filmed? We discuss the popular Netflix movie and its potential filming locations
True Spirit is a 2023 Netflix original film based on the true story of Jessica Watson. At just 16 years old, the Australian became the youngest person to sail solo around the world. She embarks on a dangerous but life-changing journey full of storms and beautiful sights.
True Spirit stars Teagan Croft, Anna Paquin, and Cliff Curtis. Since its release on February 3, it received a score of 76% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Because most of the film takes place on a wide, breathtaking ocean, fans must be wondering where True Spirit was filmed. While most filming took place in Queensland, Australia, there were a few more specific areas that the crew relied on to achieve their visually stunning cinematography.
Where was the Netflix film True Spirit filmed – a breakdown of locations
Gold Coast, Queensland
A few sequences in True Spirit were filmed in Gold Coast, Queensland. A city on Australia’s east coast, it’s known for its long sandy beaches and being the perfect spot for surfing. The vast blue waters contributed to the film’s dreamy atmosphere.
Writer/director Sarah Spillane talked about the filming difficulties in an interview with Movie Web. She explained that when shooting the ocean scenes at Surfers Paradise, a beach located 4.5 kilometers from the Gold Coast, most of the actors got seasick and they had to wrap filming there in just two days.
Other productions with filming locations in Gold Coast include Ticket to Paradise, Godzilla vs. Kong, and Spiderhead. It’s a perfect spot for movie crews and tourists as it has many theme parks like Dreamworld and Sea World.
Oxenford, Queensland
Most sequences in True Spirit, such as ocean turbulence and storms, were filmed at the Village Roadshow Studios in Oxenford, Queensland. In the same interview, Spillane said that the crew shot many sequences on a huge water tank at the studio, which was fit for calm sequences. When it came to the storms, she said the crew built a few gigantic rigs in the studio’s parking lot. Spillane described them as a “giant theme park ride” with the boat being on a gimbal moving around. Spillane mentioned that Teagan Croft, who played Jessica, had a lot of fun filming these scenes because it felt like being in a theme park.
Sydney, New South Wales
In addition to Queensland, a few scenes were also filmed in Sydney. As the capital of New South Wales, it is one of Australia’s biggest cities. It’s a great tourist attraction, with gorgeous beaches, landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, and a hub for recreational activities, Darling Harbour.
Other films with shooting locations in Sydney include The Great Gatsby, The Matrix, and Thor: Love and Thunder.
