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Miles Franklin’s 1901 masterpiece My Brilliant Career is one of the most iconic Australian novels of all time. Since its publication in 1901, the coming-of-age story has been adapted for film and stage, with a six-part television adaptation having just dropped on Netflix.
Set in the rugged Australian outback during the 1890s, this brand-new series follows Sybylla Melvyn (Philippa Northeast), a fiercely independent young woman determined to forge her own path despite growing up in rural poverty. When she moves in with her wealthy grandmother, Sybylla finds herself torn between societal expectations, family hardship and a romance with the self-made Harry Beecham (Christopher Chung). Bound by her dream of becoming a writer, she faces the ultimate choice: surrender to the conventional married life laid out for her or risk it all for the "brilliant career" she longs for.
South Australia plays a starring role in My Brilliant Career, with filming locations spanning historic houses in the Barossa Valley to leading city studios that were given a period makeover. Making history as the largest single-season TV production ever shot in the state, the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) estimates the series poured a massive $19 million into the local economy. Here are all the key filming locations in South Australia.
Where was ‘My Brilliant Career’ filmed?
Adelaide Studios
A chunk of the show’s lavish interior scenes were filmed at South Australia’s premier screen production facility, Adelaide Studios. From fancy drawing rooms and grand dance halls to moody bedrooms, the 19th-century period sets are the backdrop for the show’s high-society balls and tense family showdowns.
Barossa Valley
Located just an hour’s drive from the Adelaide CBD, the world-class Barossa Valley wine region provided the ultimate backdrop for the show’s rural outdoor scenes. This includes Sybylla’s earlier years farming and her later literary – and romantic – pursuits.
Para Para Mansion, Gawler
On the fringes of the Barossa, this majestic 19th-century mansion is the backdrop for many of Sybylla’s high-society run-ins. With its grand Georgian architecture, ornamental gardens and vibrant lavender beds, Para Para Mansion feels like Australia’s answer to Bridgerton. The historic estate opens to the public on select days as part of Open Gardens SA’s spring 2026 and autumn 2027 program.
Yallum Park, Penola
This heritage-listed 1878 Victorian mansion in the state’s South East doubles as the posh home of Sybylla’s uptight grandma. Considered one of Australia’s best-preserved Victorian homes, the two-storey homestead features original wallpapers, stained glass windows, soaring 4.3-metre ceilings, marble mantelpieces and expansive landscaped gardens. Yallum Park opens for public tours on the fourth Sunday of each month at 11am and 2pm.