Naman Shrestha
Adapted from the eponymous novel by Miles Franklin and a remake of the 1979 movie directed by Gillian Armstrong, Netflix’s ‘My Brilliant Career’ is an Australian period drama series created by Liz Doran. Set in early 20th-century Australia, the narrative centers on a fierce, progressive, and modern young woman named Sybylla Melvyn, with dreams of becoming a writer in an era when women are expected to settle down with a man and handle household chores.
While her family tries to marry her off, Sybylla is determined to stay independent and write her own story. However, when she crosses paths with a charming man named Harry and falls head over heels in love with him, she begins to second-guess her ambitions. Ultimately, she must choose between chasing a creative life or marrying the love of her life. The tale of romance and creative freedom unfolds in a rural town in Australia in 1900, with the open field and larger-than-life mansions reflecting Sybylla’s ambitious desires and her potential as an independent writer.
My Brilliant Career Filming Locations
‘My Brilliant Career’ is filmed in its entirety in Australia, particularly in the Adelaide metropolitan area, Penola, Barossa Valley, and Pine Hill. According to reports, principal photography for the inaugural iteration of the period series got underway in June 2025 and continued for a couple of months before wrapping up in August of the same year. The Netflix production reportedly employed approximately 400 local cast and crew members, injecting about $17 million into South Australia’s economy.
Philippa Northeast, who steps into the role of Sybylla, took to social media and expressed her words of gratitude, stating, “That’s a shooting wrap on My Brilliant Career. To step into this story, into the dream role of Sybylla Melvyn, has been the greatest experience and joy of my life. To work in this capacity, without a shooting day off, alongside the most talented crew and this exceptional cast, has been the rarest of opportunities, that I’ll forever be grateful for.”
Adelaide Metropolitan Area, Australia
The filming of ‘My Brilliant Career’ led the production team to several spots within the Adelaide Metropolitan Area in South Australia. A portion of the shooting was conducted at Adelaide Studios, located at 1 Mulberry Road in Glenside. The state-of-the-art facilities, sound stages, supportive crew members, production spaces, and other amenities provided by the shooting complex contributed to a seamless and efficient filming experience. Movies and shows like ‘Jimpa,’ ‘The Tourist,’ ‘The Royal Hotel,’ ‘Gold,’ ‘Pine Gap,’ ‘Oranges and Sunshine,’ and ‘Stateless’ were also shot at the facility.
The cast and crew also headed to Gawler West, particularly at Para Para Mansion, to tape a few sequences. The majestic architecture, expansive grounds enveloping the property, and the elegant period interiors of the luxurious 19th-century estate provided an authentic and compelling setting for depicting rural Australia in the early 20th century, where Sybylla Melvyn embarks on her journey.
Other Locations in Australia
Aside from the Adelaide Metropolitan Area, the team settled on a few more places to further shape the visual canvas of ‘My Brilliant Career.’ After carefully scouting sites that matched the requirements, they also transformed some spots in the southern part of the country to create the distinctive atmosphere, tone, and aesthetic of the period narrative. Filming also took place at Yallum Park Homestead on Millicent-Penola Road, a few kilometers west of Penola. The historic two-story Victorian mansion hosted the filming of the scenes that unfold in the world of the estate, reflecting the comfort and societal expectations of the privileged environment Sybylla encounters.
The diverse landscape of Pine Hill, with its open spaces and lush greenery, offered a dramatic rural backdrop whose pastoral character captured the country’s historic farming regions, all of which proved essential to complement Sybylla Melvyn’s journey through the countryside. In addition, some shots were lensed in the Southern Barossa Valley within the Barossa Valley region. The region’s stunning natural beauty, vast landscapes, rolling hills, and picturesque farmlands added a sense of timelessness and visual richness to the series.
Kate Croser, CEO of the South Australian Film Corporation, expressed her elation and gratitude to the team behind the Netflix show as it opened up brilliant employment opportunities for talented individuals in South Australia and also recorded the breathtaking beauty of the region. “We are proud to support My Brilliant Career, which showcases South Australia’s world-class crew, talent, and stunning locations,” she stated.
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