The revival of McLeod’s Daughters will be filmed almost entirely in regional Victoria, moving the next chapter of the popular Australian drama away from the South Australian landscapes that defined the original series.
Stan and VicScreen have announced the new production, which is expected to generate up to $35 million in expenditure and create as many as 900 jobs across regional Victorian communities.
The decision represents a major change for a franchise closely associated with South Australia. Kingsford, near Gawler, provided the setting for the fictional Drovers Run and became a draw for fans of the show.
The revived drama will introduce a new generation of McLeod women while retaining the central themes of family, resilience and life on the land.
McLeod’s Daughters revival brings investment to regional Victoria
Producers said the relocation would not alter the spirit of the programme. “Though the horizon shifts into Victoria’s picturesque regional countryside, the heart of Drovers Run remains untouched,” the announcement said.
Michael Healy, Nine Entertainment’s executive director of entertainment, said the response to the initial revival announcement had demonstrated strong demand for the series to return.
“The overwhelming and passionate response to our initial announcement made it clear that Australia is more than ready for the return of McLeod’s Daughters,” he said.
“We are thrilled to bring this iconic series to a new home in regional Victoria, placing its stunning landscapes and vibrant local communities at the very heart of this next chapter.”
Producer Joanna Werner said regional Victoria offered “stunning landscapes, outstanding talent and world-class crews” as work on the production prepares to begin.
VicScreen chief executive Caroline Pitcher said the series would support employment, develop local screen-making skills and provide significant economic benefits for regional Victoria.
The announcement comes less than a year after the death of Rachael Carpani, who played Jodi Fountain and became one of the original series’ breakout stars. Carpani died in December 2025 aged 45 after a battle with chronic illness.
McLeod’s Daughters first aired in 2001 and ran for eight seasons and 224 episodes, reaching audiences in more than 100 countries. The series followed sisters Tess and Claire McLeod as they dealt with family, relationships and hardship on a cattle property.
The new production will be made by Werner Film Productions, part of BBC Studios, with major investment from VicScreen.
