Home and Away's Brax and Ricky Return in Historic WA-Filmed Episode
Home and Away fans have eagerly awaited this moment for a decade, and now the beloved Summer Bay couple has made a triumphant return, marking a historic chapter for the long-running series set against the stunning backdrop of Western Australia's outback.
Historic Episode Filmed at Bullara Station
In Episode 41 of season 38, which aired at 7pm on March 9, Brax, portrayed by Stephen Peacocke, and Ricky, played by Bonnie Sveen, reappear in a serene rural setting far removed from the drama of Summer Bay. The scenes were filmed at Bullara Station in Exmouth Gulf, showcasing the rugged beauty of Western Australia's northern region.
For those needing a refresher, Brax and Ricky last appeared on the series ten years ago when Brax faked his death during a prison break and reunited with Ricky. She chose to leave everything behind, and the couple drove off into the sunset with their son, Casey, to build a new life on the run.
New Life in the Outback
The episode opens with Brax riding a motorbike to round up cattle, followed by Ricky arriving in a car with their school-aged son, Casey, jumping out. Ricky, sporting a wavy-haired, cowgirl look, embodies their tranquil new existence working on the cattle station.
However, this rural idyll is disrupted when Ricky reveals that Dean Thompson, Brax's successor as leader of the River Boys, has made contact. After aerial shots establish the breathtaking scenery of WA's northwest, Brax confesses to Ricky that he is considering doing a favor for the River Boys by allowing someone needing "a place to lay low" to stay at their farm.
Ricky protests vehemently, arguing that their hard-won new life could be "destroyed" if the police discover their whereabouts. In a poignant moment by a campfire under a star-filled sky, Ricky acknowledges Brax's likely decision, joking that "once a River Boy, always a River Boy."
Teaser for Upcoming Episodes
As the credits roll, a teaser for the next episode shows Brax meeting Tane Parata in the city, with Elizabeth Quay in Perth serving as the backdrop, hinting at further adventures to come.
Production and Tourism Impact
Julie McGauran, the show's long-serving executive producer, collaborated with Tourism WA to bring the production to Western Australia. She noted that the 38 cast and crew members who traveled for the shoot thoroughly enjoyed the experience, despite the remote filming location.
"Every single person who we took to film there would have two hands shooting up, ready to go back again," McGauran said.
While this initial WA-filmed episode focuses on Exmouth Gulf and the cattle station scenes, upcoming episodes will feature some of Western Australia's most iconic locations. These include the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, Coral Bay, Charles Knife Canyon, Yardie Creek, Turquoise Bay, and Shot Hole Canyon in Cape Range National Park.
Boost for WA Tourism
Tourism Minister Reece Whitby emphasized that the focus on Western Australia in a series that attracts one million viewers per episode and is hugely popular in the UK represents a "major win" for the state's tourism industry.
"These episodes will put our State's natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle, and unique experiences in front of millions of viewers in Australia and key international markets, inspiring future travel and reinforcing Western Australia's global appeal," he stated.
Home and Away continues to air at 7pm Monday through Thursday on Seven and 7Plus, bringing this exciting new chapter to audiences worldwide.
