tasmania
ALMG’s Tasmanian State Representative
Locations Overview
Capital City: Hobart
Population (Greater Hobart): approx. 250,000
Filming in Tasmania is generally a highly positive experience, with local communities welcoming productions and taking pride in seeing their neighbourhoods and landscapes on screen. Tasmania offers distinctive heritage architecture, rugged coastlines, temperate rainforests, alpine terrain and remote wilderness locations that cannot be replicated elsewhere in Australia.
Hobart’s compact capital city footprint, combined with close proximity to regional and remote environments, allows Location Professionals to access dramatically different landscapes within relatively short travel times. Tasmania has supported a growing slate of feature films, television drama, documentary and commercial productions, particularly those seeking strong visual identity and cinematic scale.
While the state is widely regarded as film-friendly, productions are expected to work respectfully within local regulations, community expectations and established processes. Approaches that assume interstate practices automatically apply are not well received. Engaging a local fixer or Location Manager who lives and works in Tasmania is strongly recommended to support clear communication, efficient approvals and culturally appropriate engagement.
Practical Considerations When Filming in Tasmania
Tasmania offers remarkable locations, but filming often involves environmental, heritage and logistical considerations that require early planning.
Remote areas — particularly the North West Coast and protected environments — present additional challenges around access, services and timelines. Filming on land managed by Parks & Wildlife Services requires strict adherence to permitting processes and detailed applications to minimise delays.
Tasmania does not have in-state unit trucks. All unit trucks currently service productions via mainland transport using Spirit of Tasmania or Strait Link freight, arriving and departing through Devonport only. This should be factored into schedules, budgets and contingency planning.
In Hobart, central unit truck parking is limited. The former Macquarie Point unit base is no longer available, requiring productions to allow additional travel time between set, unit bases and vehicles when filming in and around the CBD and waterfront precincts.
Over the past 18 months, reduced production activity has impacted local crew availability. While some practitioners remain active across multiple roles, others have relocated interstate or transitioned to different industries. Productions working to short timelines should plan carefully and confirm crew availability early.
Working with Councils & Agencies in Tasmania
Local knowledge materially improves outcomes in Tasmania.
There are no councils considered “challenging”, however realistic lead times are essential. Hobart City Council generally requires two to three weeks for filming approvals.
Regional councils may take longer to respond, and some — including the City of Launceston — do not issue formal filming permits unless traffic management or public infrastructure is impacted. In these cases, written confirmation may be sufficient.
Agencies to Allow Extra Time For
Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania: Approximately 28 working days required for permits. Timeframes are generally strict. Detailed applications are strongly recommended to minimise follow-up requests.
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania: Manages Crown land and environmentally protected areas. Environmental assessments may apply depending on activity and location.
AGENCIES Known for Practical Filming Pathways
TasPorts https://www.tasports.com.au
Manages waterfront areas throughout Tasmania.
• Typically requires 3 days for filming permits
• Can accommodate short-notice rescheduling
• Online applications should be followed up directly if requesting multiple non-consecutive dates
Hydro Tasmania https://www.hydro.com.au
Manages man-made dams and surrounding landscapes.
Generally more flexible than Parks & Wildlife, with shorter lead times.
Wellington Park Management Trust https://www.wellingtonpark.org.au
Manages Kunanyi/Mount Wellington and surrounding areas. Generally straightforward if activity aligns with guidelines. Hobart City Council sign-off required, though final approval rests with the Trust.
Sensitive or Restricted Locations
Some University of Tasmania heritage and period buildings have been used successfully as filming locations in the past. However, previous incidents involving unreported property damage have resulted in more restricted access.
Filming is still possible, but approvals now require increased oversight and alternative engagement pathways.
Infrastructure & Roads
Main roads across Tasmania are State Roads managed by the Department of State Growth, regardless of council boundaries.
No filming permit is required unless traffic management is involved.
Parks & Wildlife manage Crown Land across the state.Studios
STUDIOS
Tasmania does not operate large-scale soundstage facilities comparable to mainland studio hubs.
The state offers:
• Purpose-adapted studio and production spaces in Hobart and Launceston
• Strong post-production, sound and editorial services
• Experienced crews accustomed to working in challenging environments
Large-scale productions typically combine Tasmanian location shooting with interstate studio facilities.
State Screen Authority — Screen Tasmania
Screen Tasmania is Tasmania’s state screen agency, supporting production through funding, incentives and practical production liaison. The agency works closely with Location Professionals, producers and councils to assist with approvals, location strategy and navigating environmental and cultural considerations, particularly for regional, remote and high-impact productions.
First Nations & Cultural Heritage Considerations — tasmania
Location Professionals working in Tasmania must consider First Nations engagement, cultural heritage obligations and Country-specific protocols as an integral part of the location process.
Requirements vary depending on land status, council, state agency and Traditional Owner group. Filming on parks, waterways, coastal areas, regional land, reserves and culturally sensitive sites may require consultation or approval.
Early and respectful engagement is essential. The Tasmania Aboriginal Centre is the primary point of contact for advice and guidance. https://www.tacinc.com.au
Location teams should allow adequate time for consultation processes and follow any guidance provided regarding access, activity restrictions or cultural sensitivities.
Understanding when consultation is required — and who to speak with — is a core responsibility of Location Professionals working in Tasmania, particularly on projects involving regional, environmental or culturally significant locations.
SCREEN TASMANIA
Screen Tasmania is Tasmania’s state screen agency, supporting Location Professionals and productions through funding, incentives and practical production liaison across the state. The agency works closely with councils, state agencies and land managers to assist with approvals, location strategy and navigating environmental, heritage and regional considerations.
Screen Tasmania plays a key role in supporting productions filming in Tasmania’s unique natural and built environments, particularly those involving regional, remote or environmentally sensitive locations. The agency provides guidance on permitting pathways, local crew engagement and incentive eligibility, and supports both domestic and international projects working in the state.
Email: enquiries@screen.tas.gov.au
Phone: +61 3 6165 5070
Address:
Level 1, Hobart Town Hall, Macquarie Street, Hobart TAS 7000
MAIN CONTACT: Alex Sangston | Manager, Screen Tasmania
alex.sangston@screen.tas.gov.au
Screen Tasmania Production & Location Support
Funding, incentives guidance and production liaison services