The Block host Scott Cam makes a dramatic return for the 2026 season, flying over the new Mount Eliza location by helicopter.
Australia’s largest renovation show is heading to shore.
Channel 9 has officially confirmed Mt Eliza as the location of the 22nd season of The Block, marking the first time the hit series has been filmed on the Mornington Peninsula.
The network will transform a prime property on Old Mornington Rd into five multi-million dollar family homes overlooking the bay, in what insiders say will be one of the most ambitious builds to date.
News Corp Australia revealed for the first time in August, it was noted that nine executives had been spotted inspecting the Mount Eliza site, long before the network confirmed the bayside suburb’s blockbuster role.
“Mt Eliza is known for its secluded beaches, boutique shopping and strong sense of community,” Nine said.
“It’s the gateway to the peninsula, serene, scenic and close to Melbourne.”
Block hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft will return in 2026.
RELATED: Serial Block buyer receives a $3.9 million payout
Revealed: How Much Block Participants Really Earned
Block presenter Scott Cam lets slip new location on the radio
Since its debut in 2003, the show has awarded more than $39.6 million in prize money and has become one of Australian television’s most enduring franchises.
Block co-creator Julian Cress said Mt Eliza captured what had made the series special after 21 seasons.
“It’s ambitious without being out of reach,” Cress said.
“The houses are big, the lifestyle is coastal, but it still feels attainable to viewers.”
Nine’s head of content, Adrian Swift, said the venue struck the right balance between glamor and grit.
“We’re already planning next year’s series in Mt Eliza, and we’ve got some pretty good twists lined up,” Mr Swift said.
“Every season needs a new challenge, but it should always feel like The Block: ambitious, relatable and real.”
Frank Valentic, director of Advantage Property Consulting, says Mount Eliza is “the ultimate Block backdrop,” combining prestige, lifestyle and long-term buyer appeal.
Buyer advocate and Block regular Mr Valentic, who inspected the site, said it was an excellent choice.
“Mt Eliza has that mix of prestige and coastal lifestyle that works perfectly for The Block,” Mr Valentic said.
“I drove past the site, it is high up and has nice views of the bay, and it fits the brand well from both a budget and buyer perspective.”
Mr Valentic said the location would appeal more to permanent residents than holiday home investors.
“It’s close enough to Melbourne but still offers that relaxed beach lifestyle,” he said.
“It will appeal to families and professionals, a lived-in community, and not just weekender buyers.”
Whitefox director and Block judge Marty Fox says Mount Eliza is “coastal, ambitious yet Melbourne, the perfect backdrop for a blockbuster season.”
Whitefox director and Block judge Marty Fox said Mt Eliza was a natural evolution for the series and suited the audience perfectly.
“It’s on the coast, it’s ambitious, and it’s still Melbourne, which makes it such a smart move,” Fox said.
“The Peninsula market has recovered since Covid and this will only improve it further.
“Mt Eliza offers everything buyers love – great schools, an incredible lifestyle and close proximity to the city – so it’s the ideal backdrop for a blockbuster season.”
Prominent Melbourne advocate Madeleine Roberts said the announcement had already boosted the local market.
“Locals are concerned about the traffic and disruption, which is right, but overall it’s fantastic for the area,” Ms Roberts said.
“It will put Mount Eliza and the wider peninsula on the map. It’s such a beautiful part of Victoria, peaceful, green and full of character, so it’s exciting to see it on display.”
Television critic Colin Vickery said Mt Eliza was a natural creative choice for a series that continues to rank highly.
“The Mornington Peninsula is a perfect fit for this,” Mr Vickery said.
“It’s ambitious, scenic and so close to Melbourne that people will be traveling there once filming starts.
“During Covid, everyone dreamed of escaping the city, the peninsula embodies that dream.”
Buyer advocate Madeleine Roberts says Mount Eliza’s quiet, green charm and strong community spirit make it “the perfect stage for The Block’s next chapter.”
Mr Vickery said the coastline and architecture of the area would be beautifully displayed on the screen.
“Visually it gives the producers stunning coastal images and a fresh backdrop,” he said.
“It will feel different without losing the core, which is exactly what The Block needs to stay strong.”
Nine described Mount Eliza as a “serene coastal suburb that marks the gateway to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula”.
The Old Mornington Rd development will see five teams compete to add luxury resort-style features to family homes overlooking the bay.
Mr Valentic said the Mt Eliza season is shaping up to be one of the franchise’s most promising, and is likely to attract both investors and owner-occupiers once the homes hit the market.
“The next auctions will give us a good sense of confidence heading into 2026,” he said.
“The Peninsula is already on buyers’ radar, and Mount Eliza is one of Victoria’s densest suburbs.”
The Block host said the mix of coastal tranquility and proximity to the city made it “the ultimate Block backdrop.”
“Mt Eliza is a perfect fit for the brand,” he said.
“It’s luxurious yet recognizable, that’s why people love this show.
“If the houses are delivered properly, there will be serious buyers lining up to bid.”
Sign up for the Herald Sun weekly property update. Click here to receive the latest news from the Victorian property market straight to your inbox.
MORE: A couple uses DIY skills to transform homes
Why first home buyers rushed to buy Melb land
Hammer Madness: Melb houses go wild
david.bonaddio@news.com.au
#Block #Eliza #site #realestate.com.au