Channel Nine has confirmed that the 2024 season of The Block will be filmed at Phillip Island, a popular tourist destination just 90 minutes away from the Melbourne CBD.
When the news was first announced in November 2023, Executive Producer Julian Cress said the team was “delighted” to find such a “perfect destination” to mark 20 seasons of the renovation reality show.
“We’ve purchased a holiday park just around the corner from the world-famous Penguin Parade, and so far the community has shown huge support for us and we are hoping for a really warm welcome for our new crop of contestants in the 20th year,” he added.
Described as an idyllic seaside escape, Phillip Island is connected to the mainland via a bridge, offering residents the best of both worlds when it comes to enjoying island life and city living.
Curiously, however, Phillip Island wasn’t the originally planned filming location for the upcoming season of The Block.
In fact, just over three months before filming was due to commence, Channel Nine was forced to change locations after receiving intense backlash from locals.
The network originally purchased five pavilion-style homes in the quaint country town of Daylesford, even though the last time they tried to sell in a country town created heart-breaking auction night results in The Block 2022.
Located just 90 minutes north of the Melbourne CBD, Daylesford is well known for its mineral springs, spas, and delicious gourmet cuisine, and is a popular weekend destination.
Commenting on the decision to change locations, a The Block insider revealed to the Herald Sun at the time that the production doesn’t “go where we are not welcome.”
The complaints from Daylesford snowballed into local residents leading VCAT objection cases against The Block which ultimately led to the end of Channel Nine’s plans to film in the area.
Daylesford is estimated to have lost $500,000 in accommodation bookings for the cast and crew, as well as business opportunities from the show’s enduring popularity.
It’s not all negative news for the country town, however, with Channel Nine confirming that The Block 2025 would be filmed in Daylesford – this time with approval from locals.
Shortly after the news broke that Daylesford would not be happening, rumours began circulating that the season would be set in Inner Melbourne.
But in late September 2023, it was revealed that Channel Nine had instead purchased 2.5 acres of land for $9.58 million in the suburb of Cowes on Phillip Island, some two hours away from the Melbourne CBD.
It is understood that the existing resort at the address (113 – 199 Justice Road) was semi-demolished to make way for the renovations the 2024 blockheads conducted.
Speaking with TV Tonight in November 2023, Julian Cress divulged that the entire team was “thrilled” to be bringing the renovation reality show to Phillip Island after the Daylesford location “blew up.”
“We were very, very lucky to be able to find a magnificent site in Phillip Island. So far from what I’ve seen the feedback from the audience and the fans who’ve heard that we’re going there, they’re all thrilled to bits,” he shared excitedly.
He added that the “iconic location” was sure to “resonate extremely well” with fans.
“I mean, how can you go wrong making your 20th season on an island by the sea with penguins?” he joked at the time.
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