Since its 2021 debut on NBC, “La Brea” has hooked viewers with a premise that’s nothing short of ambitious: a gargantuan sinkhole opens in the heart of Los Angeles, dragging unsuspecting citizens into a perilous prehistoric realm. The series carved out a niche for itself as a must-watch sci-fi drama by skillfully balancing time-travel mechanics and survivalist action with relatable family struggles. Anchored by strong performances from Natalie Zea, Eoin Macken and Chiké Okonkwo, the show’s mysterious primeval world sparked a dedicated fan culture built on deep-dive theories and online debates.
Part of what made the series feel so immersive was its stunning landscape. Even though the story is set around the famous La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles (which is also an LA neighborhood), the lush forests, rugged terrain and wide-open scenery look nothing like Southern California. That contrast sparked a major question among viewers: Where is “La Brea” actually filmed? The answer takes fans thousands of miles away from Hollywood and on a wild trip Down Under. Here’s our breakdown of the “La Brea” filming locations that fans can visit themselves.
Why Was ‘La Brea’ Filmed In Australia?
While “La Brea” is famously set in the heart of Los Angeles, the vast majority of the series was actually filmed across the Pacific in Victoria, Australia. Aside from some initial establishing shots in California and a brief move to Queensland for season three, the show’s production called Victoria home. As showrunner, David Appelbaum, told NBC, “There’s a rugged, untouched quality to a lot of the Australian landscape. I think that really matched the idea of an untapped land of 10,000 B.C. The landscapes, the rivers, the mountainous areas, really offers a lot of gorgeous scenery, which is really perfect for shooting a show that takes place before civilization.”
There were likely practical reasons behind the move overseas as well. During the early stages of production in 2021 Australia had fewer COVID-related production shutdowns compared to many parts of the United States. Plus, Melbourne’s film industry infrastructure is well established, with major studio facilities and experienced crews. This made the city an attractive option for a large-scale network production.
Victoria, in particular, worked so well for filming “La Brea” because certain parts of Melbourne visually resemble Los Angeles. The city has modern architecture, coastal roads, suburban neighborhoods and urban landscapes that could be adapted through camera angles and CGI. Production teams used this flexibility to recreate L.A. while still taking advantage of Australia’s expansive filming spaces.
Check Out ‘La Brea’ Filming Locations In The Victoria Area
Key Scenes: Many of the survival sequences involving the Harris family and other sinkhole survivors were filmed in regional Victoria. Forest chases, prehistoric camp scenes and outdoor exploration moments were often shot around Mount Macedon and nearby wilderness areas, per PrimeTimer. The isolated environment helped create the feeling that the characters had truly traveled to another world. Some scenes featuring rivers and open landscapes were also filmed across rural Victoria to add visual variety throughout the show.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit regional Victoria is between September and November or from March to May. Spring offers blooming gardens and mild weather, while fall delivers cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage around Mount Macedon. Summer can be quite hot and dry, especially for hiking, so hikers beware. Winter brings colder temperatures and foggy scenery that actually resembles the mysterious tone of “La Brea.”
Transportation Options: Travelers can rent a car in Melbourne (the capital of Victoria) and drive about an hour north to filming locations such as Mount Macedon. Some visitors also choose guided day tours departing from Melbourne to experience the Macedon Ranges and nearby wineries.
Victoria became the visual backbone of “La Brea,” especially when the show needed expansive natural scenery for the prehistoric world beneath the sinkhole. Regional areas outside Melbourne provided forests, hills, rivers and isolated landscapes that looked untouched by modern development.
One of the most important filming locations was around Mount Macedon, a quaint and striking mountain village (also named after its popular attraction). This is where production crews captured many of the wilderness scenes featured throughout the series, as PrimeTimer reports.
The forested and wild environments of Greater Victoria are popular beyond the screen, since the area is known for its natural beauty and immersive experiences.
Things to Do: Travelers can visit the famous Macedon Ranges wineries, hike through Hanging Rock Reserve or take scenic drives through the countryside. Nature lovers may also enjoy nearby waterfalls, botanical gardens and Indigenous cultural experiences throughout regional Victoria. If you want to extend your trip, the Mornington Peninsula offers beaches, hot springs and coastal dining only a few hours away.
Where to Eat: Visitors exploring Mount Macedon can stop at local favorites like Mount Macedon Trading Post for coffee and brunch after hiking nearby trails. Travelers also frequently visit The Olive Jones, known for seasonal Australian cuisine and relaxed countryside vibes.
Where to Stay: For accommodations, travelers can book boutique stays like Macedon Ranges Hotel & Spa or countryside cottages near Mount Macedon. Those craving a rustic experience often choose vineyard retreats or spa resorts throughout the region. Staying overnight allows fans to enjoy both the filming scenery and Victoria’s slower-paced rural culture without rushing back to Melbourne.
Melbourne Also Doubles As Los Angeles In The Series
Key Scenes: Per PrimeTimer, Docklands Studios was used heavily for interior scenes. These scenes include large-scale sinkhole sequences and controlled-action moments that require special effects. Melbourne’s urban neighborhoods doubled as Los Angeles streets. The Port Melbourne area reportedly appeared in early disaster scenes connected to the sinkhole storyline. The University of Melbourne and suburban areas such as Pascoe Vale and Coburg were also transformed into fictional American neighborhoods for the series.
Best Time to Visit: Melbourne is enjoyable year-round. But many travelers prefer visiting between October and April for warmer weather and outdoor festivals. Summer in Melbourne delivers rooftop dining, beach access and major cultural events. Spring offers pleasant temperatures for sightseeing around filming locations. Because Melbourne weather changes quickly, packing layers is always a smart idea.
Transportation Options: Melbourne has one of Australia’s best public transportation systems. Travelers staying downtown can easily access Docklands, Carlton, Kew and the University of Melbourne using public transit. Rental cars are optional but useful for fans planning to combine Melbourne attractions with day trips to regional Victoria.
While regional Victoria created the prehistoric wilderness in “La Brea”, Melbourne handled much of the modern-day production. The city became a stand-in for Los Angeles in several scenes. Neighborhoods and production studios were transformed through visual effects and creative camera work. According to PrimeTimer, Docklands Studios Melbourne served as the central production hub for the series. It was particularly useful for indoor sequences and sinkhole set construction.
Melbourne suburbs, including Clayton, Kew and areas around the University of Melbourne, also appeared throughout the show. Some locals (on Reddit) have even joked that the city’s potholes looked realistic enough to inspire the sinkhole itself.
Things to Do: Stops like Fed Square, Queen Victoria Market and St Kilda Beach make excellent additions to any itinerary. Sports lovers can tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground, while art enthusiasts may enjoy the National Gallery of Victoria. Black travelers interested in culture and nightlife will also find thriving music scenes, Afro-fusion restaurants and multicultural neighborhoods throughout the city.
Where to Eat: Melbourne is internationally known for its food scene. Visitors staying near Docklands Studios can dine at Berth for waterfront views and modern Australian cuisine. Travelers exploring Melbourne Central should also check out Higher Ground, a stylish café popular for brunch and coffee culture.
Where to Stay: Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands offers convenient access to the studio district. The Crown Towers Melbourne provides luxury accommodations close to many downtown attractions. Budget-conscious travelers can also find stylish boutique hotels and apartment rentals throughout the city center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “La Brea” mean in English?
“La Brea” translates to “tar pit” (with “brea” meaning “tar”) from Spanish. The name references the real-life La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. This location is famous for preserving prehistoric fossils and Ice Age animals, per NBC.
Is “La Brea” a true story?
No, “La Brea” is completely fictional. The real La Brea Tar Pits exist in Los Angeles and are famous for scientific discoveries. But the NBC series creates a fantasy storyline involving time travel, prehistoric worlds and supernatural sinkholes.
Will there be a season four of “La Brea”?
No, there will not be a season four of the series. After some production struggles during season three (which concluded in February 2024) and mixed reviews, “La Brea” was canceled. However, it has developed a passionate online fanbase and recently found renewed popularity on streaming platforms.
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