After 12 gruelling weeks of renovations, endless setbacks and more than a few tears, the finish line is finally in sight for the five teams on The Block 2026. And for their final challenge, the contestants have saved one of the most important transformations for last: their front yards and facades. With $50,000 off their auction reserve up for grabs, The Block 2026 front yard reveals were always going to be a high-stakes affair. After all, first impressions count, especially when you’re hoping to impress potential buyers on auction day.
From sprawling landscaped gardens and sculptural water features to timber-clad facades, outdoor entertaining zones and even a private wellness retreat, the contestants certainly pulled out all the stops.
But with the judges taking one last walk through the Mount Eliza properties, not every design decision received a glowing review. Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer and guest landscape judge Dave Franklin had plenty to say about the finished spaces.
So, who saved their best work for last? Here’s how all five teams fared in the final reveal of The Block 2026.
Winners: Rick and Tayla
Their score: 27.5/30 🥇
Talk about saving the best until last… Rick and Tayla delivered a showstopping final reveal, with the judges immediately impressed by the home’s striking street appeal.
The combination of natural stone cladding, warm timber finishes and carefully considered planting created an exterior that felt sophisticated yet perfectly at home in its coastal surroundings. The judges loved the architectural impact, although Darren questioned the absence of a front fence.
But it was downstairs where House 5 really shone. A sculptural water feature and beautifully manicured topiary tree completely blew the judges away, with the landscaping delivering the kind of wow factor that can make all the difference on auction day.
Rick and Tayla claimed the biggest weekly prize of the season: $50,000 off their auction reserve.
Details we love…
The sculptural water feature: Paired with the elegant topiary and natural stone finishes, it creates a beautifully considered entrance that feels more like a luxury resort than a suburban home.
Details we’d change…
Add a handrail: The stairs might look sleek without one, but safety and practicality should never be sacrificed for aesthetics.
Home Beautiful rating: ★★★★★
Second: Adam and Jolene
Their score: 26.5/30 🥈
Adam and Jolene delivered a beautifully layered landscape that impressed the judges from the moment they stepped inside. The atrium was an immediate standout, while the front entrance offered a series of inviting outdoor moments, from a striking water feature and atmospheric fire pit to a substantial stone dining table. The coastal-inspired planting softened the architecture, creating a relaxed, natural feel that suited the Mount Eliza setting perfectly.
The judges loved the overall entrance appeal, although the circular arbours prompted some debate. While they added an interesting architectural element, there were concerns that once the climbing plants matured, they could obstruct the property’s precious water views. Adam and Jolene finished their Block journey on a high, narrowly missing out on the final win.
Details we love…
The outdoor stone dining table: Rustic, sculptural and wonderfully inviting, it’s the kind of entertaining space that makes you want to linger over a long lunch.
Details we’d change…
Rethink the arbours: They’re a striking design feature, but we’d be reluctant to sacrifice beautiful water views once the greenery starts growing.
Home Beautiful rating: ★★★★
Third: Chantel and Wyatt
Their score: 26/30 🥉
Chantel and Wyatt entered the final reveal facing the possibility of becoming the first couple in The Block’s 22-season history to finish without a single room win. But their final landscaping effort certainly gave the judges plenty to admire. A beautiful Japanese maple made an immediate impression in the atrium, although its pairing with the bold Fatsia foliage wasn’t quite as successful. Outside, the entrance was well received, even if the white tiles left the judges questioning the material choice.
The real highlight, however, was the home’s dedicated wellness retreat. Complete with an outdoor sauna and bath, the secluded garden offered a luxurious escape from everyday life, while the magnificent Trendz fireplace added another layer of warmth and atmosphere.
Details we love…
The wellness retreat: An outdoor sauna and bath surrounded by lush planting creates a private, spa-like escape that feels like a genuine luxury inclusion.
Details we’d change…
The white tiles: We’d opt for something softer and more natural to complement the earthy materials and greenery throughout the garden.
Home Beautiful rating: ★★★★
Equal Third: Lisa and Rosco
Their score: 26/30 🥉
Lisa and Rosco brought plenty of personality to their final reveal, delivering a garden that balanced practical family living with some playful design choices. The judges loved the feature tree in the atrium, although the stone wall outside proved more divisive.
Their so-called ‘dude ranch’, housed within an Umbra Stratco shed, was a definite highlight, creating a relaxed entertaining space with plenty of character.
Upstairs, the judges weren’t convinced by the bird bath, but the children’s picnic table was a hit. Most importantly, the guest landscape judge considered this the most usable garden he’d seen so far, a significant compliment given the competition.
Details we love…
The ‘dude ranch’: A dedicated entertaining shed adds a fun, unexpected element to the garden and gives the property another practical space to enjoy.
Details we’d change…
The bird bath: We’d swap it for a more contemporary sculptural feature that better complements the home’s architecture and landscaping.
Home Beautiful rating: ★★★★
Last: Courtney and Sev
Their score: 22/30
Courtney and Sev’s final reveal had some beautiful individual moments, but the judges felt the overall design lacked the impact they’d been hoping for. The parking area was considered a sensible addition, although more trees or hedging would have helped soften the space. The architectural arbours were a highlight, creating a visual connection to the backyard, while the generous timber deck areas offered inviting places to relax and entertain.
Unfortunately, several details let the design down. Shaynna questioned the absence of a handrail along the steep stairs, while the water feature failed to impress, with the judges feeling it looked cheap compared to the surrounding finishes. Most disappointingly, the entrance itself felt unfinished, lacking the wow factor expected from a final reveal.
Details we love…
The timber decking: Warm, natural and beautifully connected to the home’s architecture, the deck areas create inviting spaces to sit back and enjoy the garden.
Details we’d change…
The water feature: We’d invest in a more substantial, sculptural design to give the entrance the sense of luxury and impact the judges were looking for.
Home Beautiful rating: ★★★
In case you missed it…
Week 3: Main bedroom & walk-in wardrobe
Week 5: Living,dining & alfresco terrace
Week 6: Guest suite (bedroom & ensuite)
Week 7: Kitchen, pantry, WC & lift
Week 9: Kids’ bedrooms & redo room
Week 10: Outdoor terrace & pool
Week 11: Backyard & garage
Week 12: Front yard & facade
Everything we know about The Block 2026
The Block budget myth: Real cost vs TV magic
The Block 2026 houses: Which Mount Eliza home has the biggest advantage?
Where are they now? We tracked down every single The Block team ever
The Block 2026 contestants revealed: Meet the five renovation teams
A look at The Block 2026 Mt Eliza location
The Block Daylesford homes: Where are they now and what went wrong?
