Home and Away fans, brace yourselves — the River Boys are back! After nearly a decade away from Summer Bay, Stephen Peacocke and Bonnie Sveen have officially begun filming their highly anticipated return as Darryl “Brax” Braxton and Ricky Sharpe.

Even more exciting? The first on-set photos from Western Australia have surfaced — and they confirm that Tane Parata (Ethan Browne) will be joining them in this massive 2026 storyline.

A Landmark Return for Home and Away

Filming for the special five-part event began this week in Perth, marking the first time Home and Away has ever shot in Western Australia. Producers are calling it “an ambitious, high-stakes storyline that redefines the scope of the show.”

The episodes will reveal where life has taken Brax and Ricky since their emotional 2016 farewell, with the storyline described as “high-stakes drama and emotional payoffs set against the backdrop of WA’s breathtaking outback.”

Makeup department head Laura Vazquez hinted at the move west earlier this month, posting a series of behind-the-scenes updates on Instagram, including one captioned “Perth bound ” followed by “Team Makeup WA  First day down .”

Tane Joins the River Boys Reunion

While fans were thrilled at the news of Brax and Ricky’s return, the biggest surprise so far has been the confirmation that Tane Parata will be part of the action.

Photos shared by Perth locals show Stephen Peacocke and Ethan Browne filming together near The Bell Tower and Elizabeth Quay, chatting with crew between takes.

“It looks like a huge production,” one fan posted. “Seeing Brax and Tane together — that’s something I never thought I’d see!”

This unexpected crossover has sparked wild speculation that the upcoming storyline could involve the River Boys — the legendary surf gang that once ruled Summer Bay.

A Look Back at Brax, Heath, and the River Boys

Fans will remember that Tane has crossed paths with Brax’s brother Heath (Dan Ewing) before. In a 2021 episode, Heath and the River Boys helped Tane and his late brother Ari (Rob Kipa-Williams) escape a violent drug gang after a job went wrong.

That cameo was short but memorable — and now, Tane’s involvement in Brax and Ricky’s return has fans wondering whether the River Boys might be reforming once again.

“Will Tane get pulled back into danger?” teased one insider. “Or will he be the one who helps Brax this time around?”

Stephen Peacocke & Bonnie Sveen on Returning

Speaking about his comeback, Stephen Peacocke shared his excitement and nerves:

“I’ll always be grateful to Home and Away for being the launchpad of my career. When the producers asked if I’d revisit Brax, it felt like a fun opportunity — and one I think the audience will really enjoy,” he told TV Week.

“Filming in spectacular outback Western Australia is the icing on the cake. I just hope the fans love seeing where Brax is now.”

Bonnie Sveen echoed those sentiments:

“Bringing Ricky back wasn’t something I ever expected, so I’m beyond thrilled to reunite with Steve and the Home and Away family,” she said. “Exploring where Ricky and Brax are 10 years later will be something really special.”

What to Expect in 2026

Executive Producer Julie McGauran teased that the special episodes will answer long-standing fan questions — and deliver a few shocks along the way.

“It’s an absolute joy to have Steve and Bonnie back. They’ve both left such a lasting mark on Home and Away, and their return after a decade is sure to make fans very happy,” she said. “Questions about Brax and Ricky’s life now — and how things have changed — will be answered. And, of course, there are plenty of surprises.”

With five episodes set entirely in Western Australia, fans can expect a cinematic experience featuring Perth’s cityscapes, rugged coastlines, and the state’s dramatic red desert.