Erinsborough

Erinsborough High School

Company type	Fictional secondary school
Industry	Education (fictional)
Founded	Shortly after World War II (fictional)
Headquarters	Erinsborough (fictional) , Australia (fictional)
Products	Secondary education (fictional)

Erinsborough High School

Erinsborough High School is a fictional co-ed secondary school that has appeared in Neighbours since the show's inception in 1985. According to the storyline, it opened shortly after the conclusion of World War II and has played a pivotal role in numerous character developments. Exterior scenes have been filmed at locations including the Blackburn English Language Centre and Coburg High School. At the series' outset, Kenneth Muir held the position of principal. The school featured regularly until 1986, coinciding with the graduation of several main characters, and made a return on screen in late 1988.

The school's set comprises a hallway, stairwell, administrative office, and a classroom; additional areas such as the playground and locker rooms have been introduced gradually. In 2010, both the classroom design and school emblem underwent modernization. The school's crest and motto, "Sapienter Si Sincere" (meaning wisdom and success), stand among the longest-standing props within the series. Throughout its history on screen, Erinsborough High has faced potential closure multiple times—in 1991, 1997, 2015, and 2023—and has merged with institutions like West Waratah Tech and West Waratah High.

Uniforms have seen changes over the years, though the maroon jumper remains a staple element. A significant plotline in 2015 depicted a fire that damaged part of the premises and trapped several characters inside.

In November 2019, a digital spin-off titled Neighbours: Erinsborough High was launched, addressing themes such as bullying, mental health challenges, sexuality, cultural diversity, and dynamics between teachers and students.

According to a 2011 survey conducted by Inside Soap, Erinsborough High was ranked fourth among fictional schools that readers expressed interest in attending, securing 16% of the vote.

Within the 2023 reboot of the series, Jane Harris assumes the role of principal while Mike Young works as a teacher. Former head Susan Kennedy has retired from her position. Current students include Nell Rebecchi along with siblings JJ and Dex Varga-Murphy from Ramsay Street.

Behind the scenes, interior school sets are shared with those used for Erinsborough Hospital.

Eirini Rising

Eirini Rising is a retirement living complex established in 2024 by Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou) on the former site of Erinsborough High School. After an initial plan to develop property on Power Road was rejected by local council authorities, Terese redirected her efforts to this location following the school's closure. This development allows for the reintroduction of prominent characters from past storylines. Among its earliest residents is Harold Bishop (Ian Smith), marking his return to the show; Hilary Robinson (Anne Scott-Pendlebury) also secures an apartment there. Terese appoints Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) as the onsite doctor and wellness consultant, with his wife Susan (Jackie Woodburne) joining as Operations Manager. Later in 2024, Terese steps down after a relapse into alcoholism places residents at risk, transferring management responsibilities to Susan and Karl before eventually resuming her role.

Erinsborough Hospital

Erinsborough Hospital functions as the community’s primary emergency medical center and frequently appears in storylines involving health crises and urgent care situations. It has been both the birthplace and final resting place for numerous characters, employing several regular cast members.

Filming for hospital scenes has occurred at various Melbourne medical facilities such as Austin Hospital, Dandenong Hospital, Maroondah Hospital, and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The exterior shots representing Erinsborough Hospital are actually filmed at the entrance to the Neighbours production offices located in Nunawading, which has also served as settings for a law firm reception area and a funeral home. In 2010, the hospital set underwent refurbishment that included a redesigned reception area.

Lassiters complex

The Lassiters complex, established in 1986, encompasses a hotel, bar, law offices, a courtyard, and Lassiters Lake. Initially adapted from the sets of Holiday Island (1981–82), it incorporated Daphne Clarke's coffee shop and evolved into a central commercial hub for many characters. The Daniels Corporation headquarters were moved there by Rosemary Daniels. This variety of venues facilitated numerous business dealings and social exchanges within the narrative.

In late 2004, Lassiters was catastrophically destroyed by returning figure Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), who also killed antagonist Gus Cleary at the pub. The resulting blaze damaged nearby trees. This incident ranked fifth among the Herald Sun's top ten Neighbours highlights, representing a major plot climax and set overhaul. The fire is remembered as one of the series’ most iconic moments and was even mentioned in David Walliams' 2008 book, The Boy in the Dress.

Ahead of the 25th anniversary in early 2010, the Lassiters set underwent extensive refurbishment. The lake was drained to facilitate construction of a new walkway, and additional features such as an Erinsborough News office were introduced.

Harold's Café

Harold's Café—previously known as Daphne's, The Hungry Bite, The Holy Roll, The Coffee Shop, The General Store, and Harold's Store—has transformed throughout its existence. Following a 2004 fire that destroyed the original café and other businesses within Lassiters Complex, it was rebuilt to include an official Post Office in partnership with Australia Post. The Rebecchi family assumed control of the café in 2017. In the 2023 reboot, Shiv Palekar joined as Haz Devkar, the new manager, with Nicolette Stone resuming management duties after his departure.

Lassiters Hotel

The Lassiters Hotel is a ten-story tower located in Erinsborough, part of an international chain with branches in Darwin, London, Montana, and New York. The hotel grounds constitute the Lassiters Complex and accommodate various independently operated businesses. Initially owned by Jack Lassiter, ownership shifted to The Daniels Corporation in 1987; they retain majority shares alongside Paul Robinson and his former spouse Terese Willis, who managed the hotel starting in 2013. A major renovation occurred in 2010, introducing a mezzanine dining area featured during the show’s 6000th episode whodunit storyline. In 2013, upper floors were converted into The Eclipse Apartments with Paul Robinson moving into the penthouse. A devastating explosion in 2016 destroyed much of the hotel, resulting in the deaths of key characters Josh and Doug Willis. Shane Ramsay acquired Lassiters from Paul Robinson in 2022 after Paul lost it gambling blackjack. Krista Sinclair became executive consultant and later co-manager with Paul following her investment.

Police Station

The Erinsborough Police Station functions as the local law enforcement headquarters. It was renovated extensively in 2010 with expanded interior and exterior sets but closed in 2012 to be repurposed as the Erinsborough Community Centre. A new police station opened one year later inside the former Erinsborough News building. The Lassiters complex site previously housed several businesses such as A Good Hair Day Salon, Erinsborough Veterinary Clinic, and Erinsborough News—each playing significant roles in various storylines and character arcs.

The Sonya Rebecchi Foundation

Originally a florist shop within Lassiters Complex, this space has served multiple purposes: offices for Daniels Corporation; Home James chauffeur service; medical practice led by Karl Kennedy; physiotherapy by Ruth Wilkinson; legal firms including Tim Collins and Associates and Rebecchi Legal. Eventually, Toadfish Rebecchi became sole owner under Rebecchi Kapoor Law before founding the Sonya Rebecchi Foundation to honor his late wife Sonya. After eviction from the Community Centre, the foundation relocated back to this office space.

The Waterhole

The Waterhole—previously known as Chez Chez, Lou's Place, Scarlet Bar, and Charlie's—is a central bar and restaurant that has provided employment for numerous characters since its inception in 1986. Originally part of Lassiters Hotel under Madge Bishop’s management, it has undergone several rebrandings and ownership changes including Cheryl Stark’s independent purchase; Lou Carpenter’s inheritance; Max and Izzy Hoyland’s transformation into Scarlet Bar; Stephanie Scully’s Charlie's; followed by ownership transfers to Elle Robinson and Rebecca Robinson. The venue has hosted various guest musical acts and experienced a significant refurbishment in 2014 returning to its original name with an industrial design theme. It remains a key social gathering spot within the series.

Flamingo Bar

Launched in 2021 along Lassiters Lake’s edge, the Flamingo Bar operated as a beachside venue hosting events like volleyball tournaments. Amy Greenwood managed it upon her return alongside staff members Roxy Willis, Jesse Porter, and Ned Willis. Early in 2022, storm damage destroyed the bar resulting in Britney Barnes' death.

Power Road

The 82

The 82 is a bar and diner situated inside a stationary W-class Melbourne tram acquired by the show in 2018. It serves as a community revitalization project initiated by Karl Kennedy’s sister gifting it to him. The tram set provides an unusual setting for storylines including a dramatic accident involving characters Dipi Rebecchi and Amy Greenwood.

Fitzgerald Motors

Formerly Carpenter's Mechanics, Fitzgerald Motors has been Erinsborough’s primary garage since Lou Carpenter purchased it in 1997. Ownership passed through various hands including Drew Kirk; Stephanie Scully (acting manager); Janae Timmins with Janelle Timmins buying out shares; Lucas Fitzgerald who renamed it Fitzgerald Motors; Elle Robinson; Dennis Dimato (businessman); and Mark Brennan (manager). Apprenticeships have been an important theme featuring Chris Pappas and Bea Nilsson among others. In 2024 Shane Ramsay bought the garage for his son Max Ramsay to run; it was later destroyed by arson during the show’s fortieth anniversary celebrations.

Grease Monkeys

Established in 1999 opposite Carpenter's Mechanics, this fast-food restaurant was initially opened by Portia Grant then managed by Madge Bishop and Harold Bishop. Dennis Dimato acquired Grease Monkeys in 2015 using it as a front for illicit activities until his imprisonment.

The Handywoman

An independent builder’s yard operated by Amy Williams. Previously Lou Carpenter’s used car business named Carpenter’s Cars (opened 1992), later rebranded Erinsborough Motors when Lou reacquired it during a set refurbishment in 2010. Lou briefly partnered with Kyle Canning’s handyman enterprise Dial-A-Kyle before Amy took over renaming it The Handywoman.

Ramsay Street

Ramsay Street is a residential cul-de-sac central to numerous storylines since 1985. Named after Jack Ramsay—the grandfather of original character Max Ramsay—it features six primary houses visible on screen (numbers 22–32) plus Number 34 which appeared during the soap’s milestone 8000th episode. Filmed at Pin Oak Court in Vermont South, Victoria, Ramsay Street has become an iconic location attracting visitors.

Other locations

• Blaze Outreach (formerly PirateNet) is a youth initiative initially managed by Brad Willis then Father Jack Callahan; originally a radio station set hosting notable guest appearances.
• Bounce is a swimwear store inherited by Toadfish Rebecchi which he operated alongside Connor O'Neill then Serena Bishop.
• Eastside Dingoes Football and Sporting Club serves as home to the local football team and gymnasium; overseen first by Brad Willis then his son Josh Willis.
• Erinsborough Community Centre replaced the police station building following its closure in 2012.
• The Flametree Retreat is a health centre owned jointly by Stephanie and Lyn Scully; formerly operated as Paul Robinson’s motel.
• Goodwood Women's Prison functions as the regional female detention facility.
• The Hive (previously Men’s Shed/Erinsborough Backpackers) evolved from community club to backpackers hostel to art exhibition space; owned successively by Leo Tanaka then Ned Willis; recently purchased by Sheila Canning.
• Pacific Bank prominently featured as workplace for characters Des Clarke and Julie Robinson.
• The Power Hour Shed is a gym co-owned by Mishti Sharma and Aaron Brennan.
• Erinsborough Primary School has served local children since series inception.
• Sonya's Nursery is a florist/community garden founded by Sonya Mitchell in 2011; maintained after her passing by Toadie Rebecchi though neglected by 2024.
• Warrinor Prison serves as local male detention centre.

Locations outside Erinsborough

• Yorokobi (Baker’s Hill Winery) is a vintage vineyard introduced in 2019 under Pierce Greyson’s ownership; used for weddings and events; acquired by Leo Tanaka in 2021; co-invested by Byron Stone, Nicolette Stone, and Kiri Durant as of 2024.
• Back Lane Bar is an urban bar popular among younger residents; briefly managed or owned by Tyler Brennan then Leo Tanaka with Roxy Willis.
• Eden Hills is an affluent suburb featuring Eden Hills Grammar school and Eden University which have played significant roles since around 2010.
• Anson's Corner and Elliot Park are adjacent suburbs frequently referenced; Anson’s Corner includes a large shopping mall.
• West Waratah, along with neighbouring suburbs Waratah and Waratah Heights, are lower-income residential areas featuring caravan parks.
• Greensborough lies approximately twenty minutes from Erinsborough.

Reception

A reporter from Sunday Mail observed that characters often encounter hardship when venturing beyond Erinsborough’s safe boundaries. When submitted for consideration as "Most Liveable Suburb," critics noted frequent dramatic occurrences such as infidelity, family conflicts, crime waves, health emergencies, financial struggles, and marital breakdowns despite its agreeable climate.

External links

• Map of Erinsborough provided by the BBC
• Official website of Erinsborough News