Netflix’s “Thrash” throws viewers into pure chaos from the opening scene. The shark survival thriller takes place in Annieville, South Carolina, where a devastating Category 5 hurricane tears through the coastal town. The violent storm surge floods homes, streets and businesses in a matter of minutes. As if that disaster is not terrifying enough, bull sharks invade the rising waters and turn Annieville into a nightmare. Residents fight for survival while the storm rages around them, creating a suspenseful thrill ride packed with danger, panic and jaw-dropping action.
While “Thrash” takes place in South Carolina, the production filmed most of the movie in Melbourne, Australia. The filmmakers used local neighborhoods, studio tanks and coastal areas to recreate the flooded town. Melbourne’s picturesque locales make it a perfect travel destination for movie fans. Between world-class coffee, colorful laneways, bold street art and unforgettable food, the city offers far more than just exciting landscapes. Fans can visit nearly every major public site seen in the movie, and this guide covers the best hotels, restaurants and attractions to help you plan the ultimate “Thrash” filming locations vacation.
Where Does ‘Thrash’ (2026) Take Place?
PrimeTimer reports that “Thrash” takes place in the fictional town of Annieville, South Carolina, where Hurricane Henry causes catastrophic flooding and drives bull sharks into residential streets. The filmmakers chose Melbourne to create Annieville because the city offered versatile urban spaces, advanced production studios and nearby coastal settings. Docklands Studios provided the controlled water tanks needed for the storm scenes, while suburbs like Canterbury stood in for Annieville’s neighborhoods. Mount Macedon added dramatic landscape shots, and Mornington Pier created the town’s waterfront feel.
How To Make The Most Of Your Time Near Melbourne Filming Locations
Key Scenes: Many of the most intense “Thrash” filming locations sit in and around Melbourne, according to Decider. Docklands Studios hosted the major flood scenes, with custom water tanks creating Annieville’s submerged streets. Canterbury doubled as a quiet residential neighborhood where several survival scenes unfold. Mornington Pier provided the setting for the coastal evacuation scenes and wide ocean shots. Mount Macedon supplied stormy landscape footage that added scale to the disaster. Melbourne’s flexible locations let the filmmakers create an American coastal town without leaving Australia.
Best Time to Visit: You can visit Melbourne from March to May for mild weather, colorful autumn scenery and fewer tourists. September through November also offers sunny days and blooming gardens, making it perfect for sightseeing. Summer, from December to February, brings warm temperatures ideal for basking in panoramic views at Mornington Pier, but expect larger crowds.
Transportation Options: Renting a car gives you the most freedom, especially if you plan to visit Mount Macedon or Mornington Pier. Public transportation also works well. Melbourne’s trains connect the city to Canterbury and outer suburbs, while trams cover central neighborhoods with ease. Uber and taxis provide convenient rides if you want a simple option without driving.
Producer Kevin Messick said Melbourne gave the “Thrash” team the perfect mix of control and realism for the storm-heavy thriller. “This was definitely a very tricky puzzle, figuring out where in the world we were going to shoot. We landed in Australia,” he said in a Netflix production notes interview, per Decider. “Where all the action takes place, in that Annieville town square, that is a parking lot of Dockland Studios in Melbourne surrounded by high rises. We used a tank that we built for the movie. You wouldn’t believe with all the visual effects that we put into the movie that what looks like this flooded South Carolina town landscape, you’re in a parking lot in the downtown Melbourne area.”
Director Tommy Wirkola added, “Shooting in water has so many challenges, but I guess the biggest one is simply that it’s so time-consuming. We had a schedule of 32 days, which is not a lot for a movie like this.” He continued, “It was very challenging getting everything we wanted and needed.”
It’s worth noting that production for “Thrash” took place during winter in Australia, bringing forth conditions that weren’t always ideal for filming. “Sometimes there was no ‘acting’ required at all,” actress Phoebe Dynevor shared. “Especially in some of the hardest scenes, when we were shooting in the water with the added elements of rain and wind coming in.”
Things to Do: Start with a walk through Hosier Lane to see the city’s iconic street art and urban energy. Explore Queen Victoria Market for local snacks, fresh produce and souvenirs. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens for a peaceful afternoon among beautiful landscapes. Head to St. Kilda Beach for ocean views and sunset walks. If you visit Mornington, enjoy coastal cafés and waterfront scenery after touring “Thrash” filming locations.
Where to Eat: Start your morning with coffee and brunch at Higher Ground, known for its stylish design and excellent menu. For lunch, try Chin Chin for bold Southeast Asian flavors and lively atmosphere. Or, stop at The Rocks Mornington for fresh seafood and water views. Lune Croissanterie serves some of the city’s most famous pastries and is worth the line. Melbourne’s restaurant culture mixes creativity with comfort, giving travelers endless options.
Where to Stay: Stay at Crown Towers for luxury, city views and easy access to Docklands Studios. The Langham offers elegant accommodations near Southbank attractions and excellent dining. For a stylish boutique option, QT Melbourne places you close to the city’s laneways and nightlife. Travelers heading toward Mornington can enjoy relaxing coastal stays at Jackalope Hotel on the peninsula. Each option gives you convenient access to major filming locations while placing you near Melbourne’s top attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Thrash” based on a true story?
No, “Thrash” is not based on a true story. The movie tells a fictional survival story set in the made-up town of Annieville, South Carolina. The filmmakers used realistic storm scenarios and survival fears to make the story feel believable.
Where can I watch “Thrash”?
You can watch “Thrash” exclusively on Netflix.
