Former contestants of The Block left outraged as new cast are ‘pampered’ and live in luxurious $235,000 caravans
The Block used to be all about sleepless nights, freezing floors and contestants being pushed to their absolute limits… but not anymore.
Daily Mail can reveal the current crop of Blockheads are enjoying a more comfortable lifestyle, retreating to luxury caravans at night rather than crashing in their half-finished homes.
Photos have emerged of this year’s cast sipping beers, grabbing takeaway coffees and strolling back to their on-site vans, which cost up to $235,000.
This has sparked fury among past contestants, who were forced to camp inside their unfinished properties.
‘They’re ripping shreds off the newbies,’ one insider spilled. ‘The old guard think this generation has it way too easy.’
Former stars say these ‘pampered conditions’ are worlds away from the gruelling builds they endured.
Daily Mail can reveal the current crop of Blockheads are enjoying a more comfortable lifestyle, retreating to luxury caravans at night rather than crashing in their half-finished homes. Pictured host Scott Cam
But while past contestants are fuming, Nine bosses insist the caravan lifestyle is here to stay.
According to insiders, the move was first introduced during restrictions in Daylesford, but producers have since discovered another key advantage.
‘The caravans protect the contestants’ mental health,’ the source revealed.
‘It means they can rest properly, switch off at night and come back ready to work. That’s the priority now.’
And it’s not just a one-off. Daily Mail understands the caravan deal has already been locked in for 2026.
‘Channel Nine are sticking to their guns,’ the insider confirmed. ‘They don’t want contestants burning out just for drama. Caravans are the future of The Block.’
While fans who loved the chaos of sleep-deprived Blockheads may be disappointed, executives are adamant the show still delivers plenty of tension.
‘They’re still under enormous pressure, but they’re not being destroyed for entertainment’s sake,’ the insider added.
Photos have emerged of this year’s cast sipping beers, grabbing takeaway coffees and strolling back to their on-site vans (pictured) which are believed to cost over $260,000
Former stars say the ‘pampered conditions’ are worlds away from the gruelling builds they endured. Pictured inside the caravan
It comes after it was recently revealed The Block’s much-loved Open Day has been axed for another year.
Channel Nine has quietly shelved the fan-favourite tradition that once drew thousands to the hit renovation show.
The Daylesford season was tipped to be the perfect opportunity for everyday Aussies to tour the luxury builds before Auction Day.
But producers have again shut the gates — and the decision has left die-hard fans reeling.
Instead of the public open house, Nine and Domain will host an invite-only showcase for industry insiders, agents and property experts in October.
The move has been slammed by insiders who say the show risks ‘alienating’ its loyal fanbase.
‘Viewers tune in night after night, but then when it comes to the chance to actually experience the homes in person, they’re locked out,’ one industry source told Daily Mail.
‘It feels like the show has forgotten who put it on the map in the first place.’
The Block’s much-loved Open Day has been axed for another year
According to New Idea, safety concerns around Daylesford’s limited infrastructure were a key factor.
Producers feared the regional town couldn’t cope with the thousands who would descend, causing parking chaos, overcrowding, and pressure on local services.
But one insider claimed the move was also about optics: ‘The network wants to position The Block as a high-end property event. By restricting access to professionals and investors, it looks more exclusive.
‘But the ordinary fans – the mums, the tradies, the families – they’re the ones who miss out.’
