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| Where Was THE BLUFF Filmed? Full Shooting Locations Revealed. (Photo: Prime Video) |
The Bluff (2026) may be set in the 19th-century Caribbean, but most of its sweeping pirate-era action was actually filmed in Australia. While not every exact spot was publicly disclosed during production — partly to avoid unwanted interruptions on set — enough details have surfaced to map out the film’s major shooting locations. And yes, some of them are absolutely visit-worthy.
Starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Karl Urban, the Amazon MGM Studios action-thriller transforms Queensland into a rugged Cayman Islands backdrop. With dramatic coastlines, rainforest landscapes and world-class studio tanks, the production turned the Gold Coast into a full-blown pirate’s paradise.
Confirmed The Bluff Filming Locations
Here’s where The Bluff was filmed — and why fans are adding these spots to their travel bucket lists.
1. Village Roadshow Studios – Oxenford, Gold Coast
This is the production heart of The Bluff.
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Major sequences were filmed at Village Roadshow Studios in Oxenford, including large-scale water scenes shot in Australia’s biggest studio water tanks. These tanks allowed the crew to recreate open sea battles and pirate-era ship moments without leaving the country.
Screen Queensland confirmed that the production utilised the studio’s advanced facilities for water work, stunts, design and costume builds.
Jacqui Feeney, CEO of Screen Queensland, said local practitioners’ vast experience in water work, stunts, design and costumes will shine on The Bluff. She added that Queensland crews are “rightly in demand by the world’s leading filmmakers.”
If you're into film tourism, Oxenford itself is near theme parks and coastal attractions, making it an easy add-on to a Gold Coast itinerary.
2. Gold Coast, Queensland
The coastline doubled as the 19th-century Caribbean.
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The Gold Coast became the pirate-era Cayman Islands on screen. From dramatic cliffs to sandy shorelines, the region’s natural diversity helped sell the Caribbean illusion.
Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch revealed that securing The Bluff contributes an estimated $42.3 million to the local economy and supports around 600 Queensland screen jobs.
She said the state is proud to continue investing in Queensland’s reputation as a global screen production hub, adding that high-profile films like this help build long-term screen careers locally.
Nearby related place worth visiting: Surfers Paradise, just a short drive away, offers iconic beachfront views and vibrant nightlife if you want to mix film nostalgia with holiday vibes.
3. North Burleigh Headland
Rugged cliffs, dramatic sea views.
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Scenes were shot at North Burleigh Headland, known for its sweeping ocean views and natural rock formations. On screen, it fits perfectly into the pirate-era aesthetic.
This is one of the locations accessible to the public — meaning fans can absolutely walk the same cliffs featured in the film.
4. Tamborine Mountain
Lush rainforest setting.
Tamborine Mountain provided dense greenery and elevated lookouts to shape the film’s inland Caribbean atmosphere.
Waterfalls, rainforest trails and mountain views help create the layered visual storytelling beyond just beach scenes.
Nearest related destination: Lamington National Park, another rainforest hotspot, sits close by and offers similar dramatic scenery for those wanting extended nature exploration.
5. Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)
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Remote island atmosphere.
Minjerribah added that raw, isolated island feel essential to the film’s pirate narrative. With windswept beaches and untamed landscapes, it helped simulate the historic Caribbean setting.
This island remains accessible by ferry, making it a potential adventure for fans wanting a more immersive trip.
6. Helensvale, Queensland
Production base support zone.
Helensvale supported studio-based production logistics and crew activity during filming. It’s closely connected to Village Roadshow Studios and forms part of the wider production footprint.
7. Moorvale (Additional Filming)
While most attention focuses on Queensland, additional filming reportedly expanded beyond Moorvale to add visual variety. These scenes helped diversify the overall look of the film’s world.
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Setting vs Reality: The Cayman Islands
Although The Bluff is set in the Cayman Islands during the 19th century, the actual filming remained largely in Australia. Queensland’s rugged coastlines convincingly doubled for Caribbean terrain.
Producer Angela Russo-Otstot from AGBO described Queensland’s landscapes as “an unparalleled backdrop for storytelling.” She praised the region’s world-class facilities and highly skilled local crews.
Director Frank E. Flowers helmed the film from a script co-written with Joe Ballarini, while producers include Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, Michael Disco and Priyanka Chopra Jonas herself.
Production Timeline
Principal photography began in June 2024 and wrapped in early August 2024, turning the Gold Coast into a temporary pirate-era world for nearly two months.
Some fans were surprised:
“Wait, that wasn’t the Caribbean? Australia really fooled us.”
Others praised the production choice:
“Queensland landscapes look cinematic. Honestly, it works.”
Travel-loving viewers are already planning visits:
“If those cliffs are real, I’m adding Gold Coast to my list.”
Meanwhile, a few netizens pointed out that not all exact filming coordinates were made public during production, which is common for major films to avoid on-set disruptions. Most agree it adds a layer of mystique to the process.
Full Filming Locations List
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Village Roadshow Studios, Oxenford (Queensland, Australia) – Major studio and water tank filming
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Gold Coast (Queensland, Australia) – Primary coastal double for the Caribbean
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North Burleigh Headland – Cliffside ocean scenes
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Tamborine Mountain – Rainforest and mountain backdrops
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Minjerribah / North Stradbroke Island – Remote island aesthetic
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Helensvale (Queensland) – Production support area
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Moorvale (Additional sequences) – Expanded visual settings
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Cayman Islands (Story Setting Only) – Narrative location, not main filming site
Nearby related destinations to consider:
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Surfers Paradise
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Lamington National Park
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Springbrook National Park (close to the rainforest region used for additional scenery texture)
So… Would You Visit These Locations?
With cinematic coastlines, rainforest trails and studio landmarks, The Bluff quietly turned Queensland into a pirate-era fantasy. Some locations are fully accessible to the public, making it possible to retrace your favourite scenes in real life.
If you’ve watched The Bluff, which location caught your eye the most? Gold Coast cliffs or rainforest hideouts? Let us know your pick — and if you’d actually book that flight to walk in your favourite character’s footsteps. Stay tuned on Tonboriday.com as we continue uncovering more filming details