From Phillip Island to Daylesford: The Block is heading to Daylesford in 2025 after planning knock backs for two years. Pictures: Channel 9
Daylesford is no stranger to tourists, but the arrival of The Block for its 2025 season has sparked a mix of excitement and concern among locals.
With plans to build five brand-new eco-friendly homes for the show’s 21st season, its presence is dividing opinions in the “tight-knit community”.
Boutique menswear shop Buster McGee owner Alexander Hancocks said while not everyone in the township is happy, they are hoping to see some benefits.
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“It’s a huge opportunity for Daylesford,” Mr Hancocks said.
“I get that not everyone’s thrilled, but we’ll be on national TV — it’s free advertising for the whole town, when visitors come we all do better.
“Before I moved here in 2018, I’d never even heard of Daylesford, so I see it as a positive – people who visit the shop often make online purchases later, so it’s a win-win,”
Boutique menswear shop Buster McGee owner Alexander Hancocks is hoping The Block will bring more visitors to Daylesford.
Mr Hancocks is urging Channel 9 to reinstate the public open-for-inspection days, which The Block dropped three years ago prior to the pandemic.
“People love to see the homes in person — it’s not the same browsing online,” he said.
“It would be great if they brought that back.
“It’s good for business and gives people ideas for their own homes.”
The Block 2025 plans reveal carbon-neutral, double story homes with swimming pools and five-bedrooms for the show’s 21st season.
The project, located on Raglan Street, will feature carbon-neutral, double-storey homes with swimming pools and five-bedrooms.
But for some, the show’s changes to the format — and the town — aren’t entirely welcome.
Daylesford Local Tourism Board chief executive Steve Rowe said Daylesford had seen more properties hit the market recently, but it’s unclear if that’s due to broader economic factors or the incoming Airbnb tax.
Daylesford Local Tourism Board chief executive Steve Rowe said despite not being a fan of the show he hopes it will bring visitors into the town.
“What’s certain is that shows like The Block bring visitors, and overnight guests tend to spend much more than day-trippers – that could really help the local economy.”
“The new Airbnb levy, which adds a 7.5 per cent tax on short-term rentals, has caused upset in our region, where tourism underpins the economy.”
Mr Rowe admitted despite the attention The Block might bring to Daylesford, he wasn’t a fan of the show.
The Daylesford community is divided on The Block’s impact on the town.
“Once filming wraps up, my interest will drop off,” he said.
“But during production, it’ll definitely bring people into town – we just need to make sure it showcases Daylesford in the right way.
“For me it’s all about perspective – we’re a tight-knit community, when things align, everyone benefits, we just have to make the most of it.”
Belle Property Daylesford principal Will Walton sold the Raglan Street site to Channel 9 for an undisclosed price two years ago.
Belle Property Daylesford principal Will Walton, who sold the Raglan Street site to Channel 9 for an undisclosed price said the tax could discourage visitors.
“As a town, we rely on tourism for everything — even the petrol station benefits,” Mr Walton said.
“The tax is likely to be passed on to consumers, which could make people think twice about visiting.
“Especially since we don’t have big hotels or five-star accommodation options.”
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