Where is rfds filmed

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: RFDS is filmed primarily in South Australia, with major production taking place in Adelaide and regional locations like Port Augusta and Quorn. Filming began in 2021 for the first season, which premiered in 2022 on Channel 7 and 7plus.

Key Facts

RFDS is filmed in South Australia, primarily in Adelaide and regional areas like Port Augusta and Quorn
Principal photography for Season 1 began in August 2021 and lasted through early 2022
The show is produced by ITV Studios Australia and filmed on location to capture authentic outback settings
Adelaide Studios serves as the central production and soundstage hub for interior scenes
Season 2 began filming in early 2023, continuing the use of South Australian locations

Overview

RFDS, or Royal Flying Doctor Service, is an Australian drama series that highlights the vital work of the iconic air medical service. The show blends fictional storylines with real-life emergency scenarios, offering viewers an immersive look at healthcare in remote regions.

Set against the vast Australian outback, the series relies heavily on authentic locations to convey the isolation and challenges faced by medical crews. Filming takes place across South Australia, leveraging both urban and remote settings to accurately represent the RFDS’s operational environment.

Primary filming locations include Adelaide, Port Augusta, and Quorn, chosen for their diverse landscapes and proximity to outback terrain, enhancing realism.
Adelaide Studios serves as the production base, housing soundstages where hospital interiors and aircraft mock-ups are constructed for consistent indoor scenes.
Filming for Season 1 began in August 2021 and continued into 2022, aligning with the show’s October 2022 premiere on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Regional South Australia offers tax incentives for film production, making it a cost-effective choice for ITV Studios Australia, which produces the series.
Quorn, a small town in the Flinders Ranges, has become a recurring filming site due to its historic railway station and rugged scenery, standing in for remote outposts.

How It Works

The production of RFDS combines on-location shooting with studio-based sets to create a seamless depiction of medical emergencies and daily life in remote Australia. The series uses a mix of real aircraft, medical consultants, and local extras to maintain authenticity.

On-Location Filming: Crews travel to remote areas like Port Augusta and Coober Pedy to capture genuine outback backdrops, which are central to the show’s visual identity.
Soundstage Use: Interior scenes, including hospital wards and RFDS base operations, are filmed at Adelaide Studios using detailed, custom-built sets.
Aircraft Accuracy: The show uses a replica of a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, accurately outfitted with medical equipment used by the real Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Medical Advisors: Active RFDS doctors and nurses consult on scripts to ensure medical procedures and emergency responses are portrayed realistically and safely.
Production Schedule: Filming occurs in blocks, with outdoor scenes shot first in favorable weather, followed by studio work to maintain continuity.
Local Collaboration: Production teams partner with regional councils and communities to minimize disruption while supporting local economies through employment and services.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of filming locations and production details across RFDS seasons:

Season	Filming Start Date	Primary Locations	Production Studio	Network
Season 1	August 2021	Adelaide, Port Augusta, Quorn	ITV Studios Australia	Channel 7
Season 2	February 2023	Adelaide, Coober Pedy, Marree	ITV Studios Australia	Channel 7
Season 3	Planned 2024	TBA, likely recurring sites	ITV Studios Australia	Channel 7
Spin-off Potential	N/A	Under discussion	ITV Studios Australia	Undetermined
International Release	2023	Streaming on 7plus globally	ITV Studios Global	Amazon Prime Video

The table shows a consistent reliance on South Australia for authenticity and production support. Each season expands slightly in geographic scope while maintaining Adelaide as the logistical hub. This strategy ensures visual variety without sacrificing production efficiency.

Why It Matters

RFDS not only entertains but also raises awareness about healthcare disparities in remote Australia. Its filming choices directly support regional economies and highlight the importance of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Regional Economic Boost: Production spending in towns like Quorn and Port Augusta supports local businesses, from accommodations to catering services.
Job Creation: Each season employs over 150 local crew members and hires extras from nearby communities, providing valuable income.
Tourism Promotion: The show’s visuals have increased interest in South Australia’s outback, with tourism boards leveraging RFDS for marketing campaigns.
Cultural Representation: By filming in authentic locations, the series preserves and shares the unique lifestyle and challenges of remote Australian communities.
Medical Awareness: Accurate portrayals of emergency evacuations and rural healthcare educate viewers about the RFDS’s life-saving mission.
Industry Growth: Success of RFDS has encouraged other productions to consider South Australia, boosting the state’s profile as a filming destination.

By combining compelling storytelling with real-world impact, RFDS sets a benchmark for location-based drama production in Australia.