Good news for Blockheads! It’s almost time for Australia’s favourite renovation show to hit our screens, and this year, it’s arriving sooner than expected.
In the lead-up to the show’s premiere, I flew down to the picturesque Mornington Peninsula coastline to see the newly renovated luxury homes and contestants for myself. As I met with water views and interiors a woman can only dream of, I was also able to confirm firsthand that the 22nd season of The Block is sure to not only impress fans (and fill you with home envy), but also keep you on your toes.
Without spoiling much, all I can say is that the stress and pressure that comes with home renovation will certainly have its moment with each and every contestant this year. Luckily for us, we get a front row seat to the chaos from the comfort of our couches at home!
With a brand new filming location and five teams ready to face-off, here’s everything you need to know about The Block 2026.
What changes are in store for The Block this year?
This year, the five teams will take on five luxury homes in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, across two precincts: Uptown and Downtown.
When the contestants first arrived on site, they found the structural frames for the homes already completed, designed by award-winning Block architect Julian Brenchley. Their challenge was to ensure no detail was overlooked as they transformed every corner of these exclusive homes to win over the three judges: interior designers Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer, and real estate mogul Marty Fox.
Labelled as one of the toughest design briefs ever, this year I was promised by the contestants themselves that there are some twists and turns in store.
“Unlike last year’s more remote location where noise was not a concern, Mount Eliza is a premium residential neighbourhood, and we need to adhere to strict council regulations,” executive Producer and series creator Julian Cress said.
Speaking of series firsts, the five couples also won’t be living on-site this year, but instead living side-by-side in a nearby sharehouse provided by former contestants Emma and Ben from Season 21 in Daylesford.
“While living together offers opportunities for shared meals and camaraderie, it also ensures the competitive tension remains constant as contestants spend nearly every waking hour in each other’s company,” Cress added.
You can only imagine what will unfold!
When does The Block 2026 start?
The Block will premiere on Sunday, August 2, at 7:00 pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Where is The Block 2026 being filmed?
The Block 2026 is being filmed against the beautiful backdrop of the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, and after visiting the site myself, I can confirm the beauty is not an exaggeration.
Scott Cam, a long-time host of The Block, revealed that the filming is taking place in the suburbs of Mount Eliza on an interview with The Fox’s Fifi, Fev and Nick in late 2025.
“I’m going to go down there next week; I’m going to pop into Mount Eliza and have a look for a house to rent for three months,” he said. “So, if you have a house that I could rent in Mt Eliza for three months, give me a call.”
From rolling hills to spa retreats, scoring a newly renovated home in this location would certainly be a massive win.
Who are the contestants?
This year’s contestants consist of five teams:
Chantel (32) and Wyatt (30) from the Gold Coast, QLD, are a business duo. Chantel is a stay-at-home mum and business owner, and Wyatt is an online fitness coach and personal trainer.
Adam (48) and Jolene (42) are cattle station managers and a married couple from Roxby Downs, SA.
Courtney (34) and Sev (37) are best friends from Brisbane, QLD, and one of the most-suited renovation duos for the job as Courtney is a construction site manager and Sev is an interior designer.
Paramedic Lisa (34) and FIFO oil and gas logistics expert Rosco (38) are a married couple from Perth, WA.
Builder Rick (63) and personal trailer and brow business owner Tayla (32) are a father-daughter duo from Altona, VIC, who are sure to make a splash this year.
Who is hosting The Block 2026?
Long-time The Block hosts and fan favourites Scotty Cam and Shelley Craft are set to return for the 2026 season.
Cam has hosted the series for two decades, with this season marking his 20th at the helm.
“The new contestants as they arrive on day one are excited and green and nervous. I enjoy that process,” he said in a statement released by Channel Nine. “I love building and I love TV, so it’s the perfect combination. I also enjoy creating family viewing. I am a family man at heart, and I like to make something that mum, dad and the three kids can watch together. That’s exactly what The Block does.”
Speaking about Craft’s 19th season on The Block, she gushed about why the show is such a success.
“Honestly, it’s the people. Cast and crew,” she also said in a Channel Nine statement. “Every season is completely different because the contestants are different. There’s something inspiring about the way they put it all on the line, with the hope of creating new opportunities for their future.”
Dan Reilly will also be returning as Foreman with his tools in tow, keeping a watchful eye over the contestants.
Who are the judges of The Block 2026?
The iconic judging panel from past seasons of The Block has returned this year.
Judges Darren Palmer, Shaynna Blaze, and Marty Fox were all spotted in Mount Eliza prior to the show’s filming and seem to be enjoying the show’s new water views just as much as the contestants.
With experience across interior design and real estate, these judges have an eye for what sells and what does not.
When will The Block 2026 houses go to auction?
The tense auctioning episodes that occur at the end of the season have always taken place around October or November. While the official auction dates have not yet been released, we can expect a similar timeline for The Block 2026.
Who won The Block 2025?
In 2025, contestants Britt and Taz took home the prize and winning title for The Block, earning themselves a $520,000 cash prize at the auction. Right now, fans can stay in the winning home from last year, as it’s been converted into an Airbnb.
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