From Screen to Scene: Visit Miranda Tapsell’s beloved Darwin

She brought Darwin and the Tiwi Islands to the world through her delightful rom-com, Top End Wedding. And now Miranda Tapsell is introducing a whole new audience to her stunning hometown, via the delightful new Prime Video TV series, Top End Bub.

The series, which continues Ned (Gwilym Lee) and Lauren’s (Tapsell) story, sees the couple relocate to the Top End of Australia after they’re called on to help raise Lauren’s orphaned niece, Bub (Gladys-May Kelly).

Darwin and surrounds are front and centre in the series, and it’s not hard to imagine millions of viewers right around the world will want to flock to the Territory after seeing it in all its glory through the series.

Bringing Darwin to a global audience

Miranda, a proud Larrakia and Tiwi woman who was born in Darwin and spent part of her childhood living in Kakadu National Park, saw the show as a beautiful way to showcase this part of the world — a place she holds so dear to her heart — to a broader audience.

“I get so home sick,” says the 37-year-old star, who is now based in Sydney with husband, James Colley and their two small children.

“Darwin is the place I go to, to rest and recuperate and recalibrate.

“The rat-race of Sydney can be a bit discombobulating, so it’s always lovely to return home. And it was just delicious to use work as a reason to come back.”

Shooting in the Top End

Production filmed on location for several months in 2024, shooting in and around Darwin, as well as Litchfield National Park, the Tiwi Islands — which plays a pivotal role in the film and in the series — and Adelaide.

Production vans were spotted far and wide, at popular tourist hotspots like Mindil Beach Sunset Markets in Darwin, Nightcliff Jetty, East Point Reserve, the world-renowned Darwin Ski Club, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, the iconic Humpty Doo Hotel and at the stunning Buley Rockhole at Litchfield National Park.

Uniquely itself

“The Northern Territory is like no other place in the world,” says the series’ producer, Rosemary Blight.

“A lot of Australians haven’t been there, but once you go, you fall in love with it.

“There is a slow pace to it. There is an extreme beauty to it. There is scale like nothing else.

“Whether it’s a sunset or a crocodile or a beach or a waterfall or a ferry crossing the Arafura Strait, which is heading towards the Tiwi Islands, what you can capture on camera and then deliver to your audiences around the world is magical.”

Tiwi shines bright

Part of the series sees the cast board the Sealink Tiwi Mentawai ferry for Tiwi (Bathurst Island). Series’ co-producer Libby Collins, who grew up in that part of the world, says it was vital that the series was filmed on country, using local locations, and in collaboration with local people.

“The fact that we filmed in Darwin and on the Islands speaks to the level of authenticity that we wanted to bring to the story,” she explains.

“And to be able to provide opportunities to local mob to participate in our production in a way that was also part of the storytelling was really one of the best things I could have been involved in.”

On Country

Series director, Shari Sebbens, who starred in the original film and who went to school in Darwin, shares her sentiments.

“I was so excited to shoot back home,” she explains.

“So many people only think of the Northern Territory as the dusty red outback, with snakes and thorny devils, but it’s also luscious green tropicana.

“People forget that there’s a beautiful coastline where you can watch the sunrise and the sunset.

“There are so many things about Darwin that are really special, and we wanted to showcase that.”

Miranda’s must-see under-the-radar Top End spots

Ubirr Lookout

“If you have got the time, Ubirr Lookout in Kakadu — it makes you feel like you’re Mufasa and Simba on the rock (in The Lion King). You look out onto the flood plains, and if you’re lucky, you will see wild buffalo, it’s just magic. And there’s rock art that dates back 40 to 60,000 years — it’s just incredible! There is a famous one there of a thylacine.“

Nitmiluk National Park

“Everyone has to go to Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk Gorge). We didn’t film there, it’s just one of those breathtaking places. And it’s definitely worth the four-hour drive from Darwin. Nitmiluk National Park has so many beautiful places to swim.”

Gunlom Falls, Kakadu

“This has just reopened and it’s like a natural infinity pool. If you get there in the morning and walk up the hill, you will be rewarded with the most beautiful midday swim.”

Stokes Hill Wharf

“Whenever I go back up to Darwin, I always love going to Stokes Hill Wharf. It’s beautiful to watch the sunset. If you’ve got the money, going on a harbour sunset cruise is just the best way to end your trip.”

Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls

“I am always pitching swimming places, but I think your trip is so much more enjoyable in a hot place when you have somewhere to swim. In Litchfield National park you have Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls, and they are both only a 50-minute drive out of Darwin, so you can really make a day out of it.”

Top End Bub is on Prime Video now