Sydney Travel Guide - Experiences

Sydney stars in ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ – here are the filming locations you can visit

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I know what you did last summer feature
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Isabelle James
Isabelle James
My interest in writing grew after completing work experience at The Guardian Newspaper in London. I then studied English Literature at University, where I was the Director of Commentary at Wayzgoose Magazine, which focused on student life, arts and culture. After moving to Sydney in 2023, I became fascinated with travel journalism and the diverse number of events and activities that Sydney has to offer.
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Sydney never looked so spooky in the cult classic’s chilling new sequel, proving that the Harbour City isn’t just a pretty face, but a killer film location too.

I Know What You Did Last Summer is an iconic American slasher film that follows four teenagers stalked by a vengeful murderer, one year after they cover up a fatal hit-and-run. Almost three decades since its release, the sequel has hit cinemas, starring Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders and Tyriq Withers, alongside original cast members Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr.

You’d be surprised to learn that the sequel of one of the biggest American horror films was shot right here in Sydney, posing as the coastal town of Southport, North Carolina. Filming took place at the start of summer in Sydney, in late 2024, before resuming in Los Angeles between February and March 2025.

From the Northern Beaches to the chic streets of Paddington and the harbourside Watson’s Bay, the city’s world-famous coastline becomes the haunting backdrop for the stalking and murders in the cult classic’s reboot.

We’ve rounded up all the Sydney locations that make an appearance in the new film, and whether or not we think they’re worth a visit.

Watsons Bay in I know what you did last summer
Stills from the trailer show a waterfront mansion — anyone recognise the location? (Image: Sony Pictures Entertainment).

Watson’s Bay

One of Sydney’s most beautiful neighbourhoods, Watson’s Bay becomes menacing in the movie, featuring prominently in waterfront scenes, which include spooky stalking sequences. In one particular scene, the gang discuss the killings in an incredible harbourfront mansion — very Eastern suburbs.

Watson’s Bay is definitely worth a visit, whether you’re grabbing fish and chips at Doyle’s or completing the stunning Rose Bay to Watson’s Bay coastal walk. It’s no surprise that in the film, the spoiled son of an influential politician, Teddy Spencer, lives in the glitzy suburb. With its stunning scenery and status as one of Sydney’s most affluent neighbourhoods, it’s the perfect backdrop for his privileged world.

Spooky night scene IKWYDLS
The famous hit-and-run scene is thought to have been filmed in Newport. (Image: Sony Pictures Entertainment).

Newport Beach

This Northern Beaches staple boasts a stunning strip of beach and clear water, perfect for those idyllic shots, pre-murders. Its picturesque setting, contrasted with the gruesome murders that unfold there, reflects one of the film’s central themes: nothing is ever as perfect as it seems.

Do you know what is perfect, though? Bert’s Bar and Brasserie in Newport. The chic eatery is well worth a visit. There’s a fresh oyster bar and meat is expertly roasted in their charcoal oven. If you’re heading to the Northern Beaches, walk along Newport Beach and take a dip in the saltwater rockpool before stopping at Bert’s for lunch.

READ MORE: Is Sydney getting a second IMAX screen thanks to Hoyts?

Paddington Sydney
Paddington is a chic and popular neighbourhood that features in urban scenes in the film. (Image: Shutterstock).

Paddington

Another Sydney neighbourhood that is in high demand, Paddington’s streets can be seen in the movie, when characters are walking or driving through the city. A class I Know What You Did Last Summer chase scene was also shot in Paddington — I remember the buzz around the area last year, when parts of Oxford Street were closed off to make way for filming.

A standard visit to Sydney will often include a trip to Paddington, whether you’re shopping at a boutique in the intersection, grabbing a coffee or matcha at one of their popular cafes or going for a boogie at the Paddo Inn. This stylish neighbourhood is one of the most popular inner city areas in Sydney. Make sure to drop by Paddington Alimentari for fresh Italian bites and hit up the Paddington Markets on a Saturday (10am–4pm).

Moore Park’s Disney Studios

Moore Park’s Disney Studios is only a short walk from Paddington and was used to film interiors, including dark halls and some frightening close-ups of the killer. The studios have an impressive filmography, including Moulin Rouge!, The Matrix, The Great Gatsby, Hacksaw Ridge and Happy Feet.

Unfortunately, you can’t go on a tour of the film studios, however, Moore Park has a great precinct called the Entertainment Quarter, where you’ll find cinemas, markets and live events too. Head to the EQ markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays for fresh produce and tasty street food. Head to HOYTS EQ to watch I Know What You Did Last Summer (you can try and work out which parts of the film were shot just around the corner).

READ MORE: Australia’s 10 best city hotels have been revealed and five are in Sydney – these are the top places to stay

Breakfast Point Sydney
An aerial view of Breakfast Point. (Image: Shutterstock).

Breakfast Point

One of the lesser-known suburbs on the list, Breakfast Point, is the location for the Southport Community Centre. The waterfront suburb is located in the Inner West, not too far from the Sydney Olympic Park, and was the perfect place to evoke that small-town, quiet community atmosphere.

Stroll around the beautiful Silkstone Park and enjoy tree-lined streets and harbour views. Grab a coffee and a bacon egg roll at Cafe Breakfast Point and enjoy the peaceful vibe of the tiny suburb.

READ MORE: Is Sydney Olympic Park finally heading in the right direction?

I know what you did last summer
I Know What You Did Last Summer is now available to watch on the big screen. (Image: Sony Pictures Entertainment).

White Bay

White Bay in Rozelle is known for its industrial cruise terminal, making it perfect for dramatic scenes, including scenes involving the fisherman killer. Perfect for spooky nighttime scenes, White Bay is used to film one sequence where the killer corners the entire group (don’t worry, no spoilers here!)

White Bay Cruise Terminal is now quickly becoming a cultural and recreational hub, with big events such as the Makers and Shakers Market and The Other Art Fair recently being held there. The waterfront venue’s high ceilings and spacious rooms make it ideal for hosting shows, markets and large-scale corporate events.

Whether you’re a fan of I Know What You Did Last Summer, or just interested to look at Sydney through a different lens, these filming locations are well worth a visit. From hauntingly beautiful beaches to eerie suburban streets, Sydney doubles seamlessly as small-town America, proving that the Harbour City isn’t just a pretty face, but a killer film location too.

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