Where Is Return to Paradise Filmed? Series 2 Locations Revealed
Discover where Return to Paradise Series 2 was filmed. Explore Dolphin Cove’s stunning real-life locations and behind-the-scenes insights. Read now!
Fans of cozy crime dramas have been returning to Dolphin Cove as Return to Paradise hits BBC screens for its second series. Starring Anna Samson as DI Mackenzie Clarke, the spin-off from Death in Paradise has captivated viewers not just with its clever mysteries, but with breathtaking landscapes that make the fictional Australian town feel completely real.
Unlike Death in Paradise, which is set in the sun-drenched Caribbean island of Saint Marie, or Beyond Paradise in Devon’s Shipton Abbott, Return to Paradise takes us down under. Here, dramatic coastlines, surf beaches, and charming seaside streets become integral to the show’s atmosphere, making the setting almost a character in its own right.
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Behind the Scenes: Filming Locations for Series 2
Return to Paradise is set in the fictional town of Dolphin Cove, but where is it actually filmed? Production has taken full advantage of Australia’s natural beauty, shooting primarily in the Illawarra region, just south of Sydney. This area provides a mix of dramatic ocean cliffs, serene beaches, and leafy streets perfect for a cozy crime setting.
Key filming spots include:
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Bilgola – Mackenzie Clarke’s home scenes are shot here, with the suburb’s lush greenery and beach access making it ideal for close-up residential shots.
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Avalon – This Northern Beaches suburb doubles as the town’s surf club and public areas, offering iconic coastal visuals.
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Illawarra Escarpment – Its dramatic cliffs and scenic viewpoints give the series a cinematic edge, often featured in establishing shots.
Peter Mattessi, the show’s writer, told RadioTimes.com:
“It has a warmth and a welcoming vibe. And then geographically it had everything – beautiful beaches, the escarpment which is so dramatic, the ocean pools, beautiful trees and charming houses.”
By combining these locations, the series achieves a balance of cosy, community-driven storytelling and visually stunning scenery—an essential ingredient for keeping viewers engaged.
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Why the Australian Setting Matters
The shift from Saint Marie’s Caribbean paradise to Australia isn’t just aesthetic—it influences the show’s tone, characters, and storylines:
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Authenticity for Local Stories – Shooting in Australia allows writers to integrate genuine coastal culture, surf clubs, and small-town dynamics into the mysteries.
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Visual Storytelling – Dramatic beaches, cliffs, and ocean pools add cinematic value, heightening tension during key investigative scenes.
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Character Connection – DI Mackenzie Clarke’s return to her hometown resonates more when real, recognisable locations are used rather than purely studio sets.
Fans on social media have noticed how the location feels almost like another character, contributing to the show’s charm. X posts are full of screenshots and comparisons, with hashtags like #ReturnToParadise, #DIClarke, and #DolphinCove trending during each Friday night broadcast.
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How Series 2 Compares to Series 1
Series 2 builds on the success of the first run by expanding the town’s locations and diversifying the visual storytelling:
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More Beach Scenes – From Bilgola to Avalon, seaside sequences are more frequent, giving viewers a stronger sense of place.
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Escarpment and Ocean Pools – Dramatic cliffside sequences heighten suspense during investigations, showing the production team’s creative use of geography.
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Town Streets and Community Spaces – Local cafés, markets, and streetscapes offer authenticity, grounding the mysteries in real-life settings.
The filming choices help reinforce the “cozy crime” vibe while maintaining visual excitement—key to why the series is trending on X and Instagram simultaneously.
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Behind the Camera: Production Insights
Filming in Australia presented unique logistical challenges and creative opportunities:
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Weather Considerations – Illawarra’s coastal climate required careful scheduling to capture sunny, clear shots for continuity.
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Local Collaborations – Production teams hired local crew and extras, giving the show a genuine community feel.
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Transporting Equipment – Coastal and cliffside locations demanded specialised equipment for camera stability and aerial shots.
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Authentic Settings – Choosing real houses, surf clubs, and streets over studio sets enhanced realism and fan immersion.
These behind-the-scenes efforts are why viewers consistently praise the show’s look and feel on social media platforms.
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Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Fans are actively discussing filming locations and how the Australian setting differentiates the spin-off from its predecessors:
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“The beaches are gorgeous! It feels like you could live in Dolphin Cove 😍”
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“DI Clarke’s hometown has so much character thanks to the filming locations.”
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“Love seeing real Australian scenery instead of studio backdrops. Makes the show feel alive.”
Instagram posts and Stories featuring Bilgola and Avalon have seen spikes in engagement during each episode, showing the power of real-world filming locations in fan-driven content.
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Tips for Fans Visiting Filming Locations
If you’re inspired to see Dolphin Cove in real life:
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Plan Ahead – Bilgola and Avalon are public areas but check for local filming schedules to avoid interruptions.
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Respect Private Properties – Many homes used in the show are real residences. Approach respectfully.
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Capture Scenic Spots – The Illawarra Escarpment and ocean pools offer Instagram-worthy views perfect for recreating show moments.
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Local Culture Matters – Visiting surf clubs or cafés gives context to the series’ community vibe.
Fans often share photos with hashtags #ReturnToParadiseLocations or #DolphinCoveIRL, boosting the show’s social media presence.
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FAQs About Return to Paradise Filming Locations
Q1: Where is Return to Paradise filmed?
Series 2 is primarily filmed in Australia, specifically the Illawarra region south of Sydney, including Northern Beaches suburbs like Bilgola and Avalon.
Q2: Is Dolphin Cove a real town?
No, Dolphin Cove is fictional, but its filming locations in Australia make it feel authentic and visually stunning.
Q3: How long is Series 2?
The second series consists of six episodes, airing Fridays at 8pm on BBC One and streaming on BBC iPlayer.
Q4: Can fans visit the filming locations?
Yes! Public areas like beaches and escarpments are accessible, but private properties used in the series should be respected.
Q5: How do filming locations impact the show?
Authentic Australian settings enhance the series’ cozy crime vibe, provide cinematic visuals, and make DI Clarke’s hometown story more relatable.
Conclusion
Return to Paradise Series 2 proves that location is more than just a backdrop—it’s a character. From Bilgola’s leafy streets to Avalon’s sandy beaches and the Illawarra Escarpment’s dramatic cliffs, the Australian scenery enriches every episode. Fans are not only enjoying the mysteries but also connecting with the real-life locations that bring Dolphin Cove to life.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Death in Paradise universe or a newcomer, exploring these filming spots enhances the viewing experience. Comment your favourite location, share this article with friends, and join our paid fan group — first 50 members get exclusive behind-the-scenes insights!
