Australia’s biggest renovation show is heading for the coast.

The Block host Scott Cam makes a dramatic return for the 2026 season, flying in by helicopter over the new Mount Eliza site.

Channel 9 has officially confirmed Mt Eliza as the site of The Block’s 22nd season, marking the first time the hit series has filmed on the Mornington Peninsula.

The network will transform a prime Old Mornington Rd property into five multimillion-dollar family homes with bay views, in what insiders say will be one of its most ambitious builds yet.

News Corp Australia first revealed in August that Nine executives had been spotted inspecting the Mt Eliza site, long before the network confirmed the bayside suburb’s blockbuster role.

“Mt Eliza is known for its secluded beaches, boutique shops 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 are set to return in 2026.

Since its 2003 debut, the show has awarded more than $39.6m in prize money and 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 aspirational without being out of reach,” Mr Cress said.
“The houses are big, the lifestyle is coastal, but it still feels achievable for viewers.”
Nine’s head of content Adrian Swift said the location struck the right balance between glamour 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 always has to feel like The Block, aspirational, relatable and real.”

Advantage Property Consulting director Frank Valentic says Mount Eliza is “the ultimate Block backdrop”, combining prestige, lifestyle and long-term buyer appeal.

Buyers’ advocate and Block regular Mr Valentic, who has 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’ve driven past the site, it’s elevated with nice bay views, 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 to holiday-home investors.

“It’s close enough to Melbourne but still offers that relaxed beachside lifestyle,” he said.
“It’ll appeal to families and professionals, a lived-in community, not just weekender buyers.”

Whitefox director and Block judge Marty Fox says Mount Eliza is “coastal, aspirational and still 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 perfectly aligned with its audience.

“It’s coastal, it’s aspirational, and it’s still Melbourne, that’s what makes it such a smart move,” Mr Fox said.
“The Peninsula market has bounced back since Covid and this will only lift it further.

“Mt Eliza offers everything buyers love — great schools, incredible lifestyle, and proximity to the city — so it’s the ideal backdrop for a blockbuster season.”

Prominent Melbourne advocate Madeleine Roberts said the announcement had already energised the local market.

“Locals are worried about traffic and disruption, which is fair, but overall it’s fantastic for the area,” Ms Roberts said.

“It’ll put Mt Eliza and the broader Peninsula on the map. It’s such a beautiful part of Victoria, quiet, leafy, full of character, so it’s exciting to see it showcased.”

Television critic Colin Vickery said Mt Eliza was a natural creative choice for a series still rating strongly.

“The Mornington Peninsula is a perfect fit,” Mr Vickery said.
“It’s aspirational, scenic and close enough to Melbourne that people will travel down to see it once filming starts.

“During Covid everyone dreamt of escaping the city, the Peninsula embodies that dream.”

Buyer’s advocate Madeleine Roberts says Mount Eliza’s quiet, leafy charm and strong community spirit make it “the perfect stage for The Block’s next chapter.”

Mr Vickery said the area’s coastline and architecture would translate beautifully on screen.

“Visually it gives the producers stunning seaside imagery and a fresh backdrop,” he said.
“It’ll feel different without losing its core, and that’s exactly what The Block needs to stay strong.”

Nine described Mt Eliza as a “serene seaside suburb that marks the gateway to the stunning 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 was shaping as one of the franchise’s most promising, and would likely 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’ radars, and Mt Eliza is one of the most tightly held suburbs in Victoria.”

The Block regular said the suburb’s blend of coastal calm and city proximity made it “the ultimate Block backdrop”.

“Mt Eliza fits the brand perfectly,” he said.
“It’s luxury but still relatable, that’s why people love this show.

“If the houses are done well, we’ll see serious buyers line up to bid.”