It’s 20 years ago this year since I went off backpacking around Australia and New Zealand. It was always my dream to visit Australia and I’m sure Neighbours played a huge part in that.
So, with the show airing it’s final episode this week after an incredible 37 years it got me reminiscing on my visit to Ramsey Street back in 2003.
Born long before social media was even thought of, Neighbours was instrumental in how those of us of a certain age imagined life down under. It was a glimpse into another world. And who didn’t want to be friends with Scott and Charlene?
I remember rushing home from school to make sure any homework was done before settling down for the nightly instalment of the comings and goings of Ramsey Street.
Eventually, college and work took over and Neighbours seemed a distance memory.
However, the pull of Australia remained. Finally, at the grand old age of 26, I made my dream reality and headed down under.
Obviously seeing the Sydney Opera House, Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef were high up on my list of things to do. However, so was a visit to another cultural icon, Ramsey Street.
Visiting Ramsey Street
For Brits backpacking around Oz, a visit to Ramsey Street or the Neighbours night at the Elephant and Wheelbarrow in Melbourne or was almost a rite of passage.
While Ramsey Street might be a fictional street, the outside scenes are (or should that be were) filmed on a real life street. Walking along the residential cul-de-sac of Pin Oak Court, 29 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne, you could be forgiven for thinking you are in Erinsbrough.
The residents that live here agreed to Neighbours filming in the street and their gardens. Under this agreement they couldn’t change the facade of their homes and had to keep the outside tidy. They also couldn’t walk outside their front door or park their car on their drive during filming.
That’s not quite as bad as it sounds as they did receive a fee. They also had the thrill (or maybe annoyance) of living on one of the most famous streets in TV land.
A night with Neighbours
As well as visiting Ramsey Street, the other must do in Melbourne for fans was the Neighbours Night held most Mondays in a pub in St Kilda.
Hundreds of British backpackers descended on the Elephant and Wheelbarrow, a replica English pub (of course) to put their Neighbours knowledge to the test and mingle with some of the cast.
A totally cheesy but brilliant night.
The last word
While I haven’t watched Neighbours for years, well apart from the Scott and Charlene wedding rerun on an anniversary a few years back, I’m sad to see it go.
It’s quite amazing to think what an impact it had over the years and how many people got their big break on that show. Many of who are still a part of our lives today.
As for me , I’ve returned to Australia many since my first trip and the thrill of visiting the land of Neighbours never gets old. Neither did finally meeting Scott and Charlene :o)
Farewell Ramsey Street
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