From the outset, New Neighbourhoods sets out to explore Australia’s dynamic housing frontier: the fresh estates, the budding communities, and the people shaping their futures within them. With hosts Walt Collins and Emmylou MacCarthy guiding the journey, the series lifts the lid on what lies behind the fences and display homes in Sydney, Melbourne, and the Sunshine Coast regions.
Each episode delivers a combination of estate-walk-throughs, buyer interviews, and lifestyle glimpses. We meet newcomers investing in master-planned communities, explore the array of home-builders and showhomes available, and observe how the shifting housing market influences both design and aspiration. From Sydney’s south-west to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the series captures the rhythm of change as suburbs evolve.
Importantly, the show doesn’t just document bricks and mortar, it delves into community: the schools, parks, infrastructure, and the question of “what will your life look like once you’re in?”. The hosts, Walt Collins and Emmylou MacCarthy, prompt viewers to think beyond the lot size and facade, to the broader context of living well and building for the future.
Season 1 leaves audiences inspired, informed, and perhaps a little eager to start their own home-buying journey. And while the final episode may signal the end of this first chapter, Australia’s ever-changing property landscape ensures there are plenty more stories waiting to be told in New Neighbourhoods Season 2.
🎥 Season 1 Recap:
Episode 1
The first episode of New Neighbourhoods by Openlot.com.au takes us deep into South Western Sydney, one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. South Western Sydney is in the midst of a transformation, with a brand-new international airport, Bradfield City Centre on the rise, and billions invested in transport and infrastructure.
Episode 1 takes us inside some of the region’s featured developments:
South Western Sydney is booming, and with developments like Birling Estate, The Rickard Gardens, Bingara Gorge, and Menangle Park Estate it’s the ideal time to explore what’s on offer.
Episode 2
The second episode takes us north to the Sunshine Coast, one of Australia’s fastest-growing lifestyle destinations. This coastal strip combines stunning beaches, bushland, and a foodie culture that is drawing thousands of new residents each year. Sunshine Coast is fast becoming a hotspot for both families and investors.
Episode 2 highlights the region’s featured developments:
With developments like Aura, Baringa, and Nirimba, premier display homes by leading builders like Metricon, and quality connection through nbn, the momentum of Sunshine Coast is undeniable.
Episode 3
The third episode takes us into the bustling north west of Sydney, where growth shows no signs of slowing. With suburbs such as Kellyville, Rosehill and Box Hill, the area is benefitting from a mega spend on infrastructure including new freeways, metro connections, hospitals, and business centres. Once dominated by farmland, the north west is now home to thriving communities, busy shopping hubs, and a wave of new residential estates.
Episode 3 takes us inside some of the region’s featured development:
As Sydney North West continues to attract record demand, property prices and rental returns are trending upwards, supported by ongoing infrastructure investment. With developments like Nelson Quarter, builders like Rawson Homes, and quality tools like iCIRT, there has never been a better time to explore the opportunities on offer.
Episode 4
The fourth episode takes us to Victoria’s bayside city of Geelong, a destination once known primarily for its industrial roots but now rapidly transforming into a hub of culture, jobs, and lifestyle. With a population nearing 300,000 and growth projected to add another 100,000 residents by 2040, Geelong is firmly on the radar for homebuyers and investors. Positioned just an hour from Melbourne and offering easy access to the Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road, the city is entering a new era of opportunity.
Episode 4 takes us inside the region’s featured development:
With boutique estates such as Gen Fyansford, trusted builders like Simonds, and expert services from Nine Dots, Geelong offers a rare balance of lifestyle and investment potential.
Episode 5
The fifth episode takes us into Melbourne’s western growth corridor, where farmland and heritage homesteads have given way to new communities, cultural diversity, and major infrastructure investment. With suburbs such as Point Cook, Werribee, and Wyndham Vale, the region is one of Victoria’s fastest expanding areas, supported by upgraded transport links, hospitals, schools, and retail hubs. Once regarded as a pass-through, Melbourne’s west has now become a destination in its own right, attracting families, investors, and small businesses alike.
Episode 5 highlights the region’s featured development:
With established communities such as Jubilee and trusted builders like G.J. Gardner Homes, the region offers a compelling mix of affordability, convenience and lifestyle.
Episode 6
The sixth episode takes us on a regional New South Wales road trip, splitting time between the Southern Highlands and the Hunter Valley. Long favoured for cool-climate villages, vineyards and weekend escapes, both regions are now genuine property hotspots. With strong road and rail links to Sydney, Wollongong, and Newcastle, buyers are discovering a lifestyle that blends fresh air and space with everyday convenience.
Episode 6 highlights the region’s featured developments:
With communities such as Ashbourne and Huntlee combining open space, amenity, and connectivity, now is an ideal time to explore your options.
Episode 7
The seventh episode heads to Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges fringe, where country charm meets rapid suburban growth. Just 35 minutes off peak to Melbourne, about 15 to 20 minutes to the airport, and framed by rolling hills and historic landmarks, this pocket of Victoria is drawing first home buyers and young families in large numbers. With strong owner occupier rates and a wave of new amenities, the area is shifting from sleepy outpost to vibrant satellite city.
Episode 7 takes us inside some of the region’s featured development:
As Melbourne North West continues to attract record demand, property prices and rental returns are trending upwards, supported by ongoing infrastructure investment. With developments like Rosenthal and builders like Orbit Homes, the opportunities have never been more exciting.
Episode 8
The eighth episode heads east to Gippsland, where rolling farmland, cool-climate forests, and country towns are welcoming a surge of new residents. Just over 90 minutes from Melbourne and within easy reach of both the snow and the coast, Drouin and Warragul offer bigger blocks, cleaner air, and a cost of living that stretches the budget further than many outer-metro suburbs.
Episode 8 highlights the region’s featured development:
With developments like Lillifield, trusted builders such as SJD Homes, and expert guidance from Mortgage Domayne, Gippsland’s property market offers a rare mix of value, lifestyle and opportunity.
Episode 9
The ninth and final episode of New Neighbourhoods takes us to Melbourne’s South East, one of Victoria’s most dynamic growth corridors. Once a patchwork of farmland and quiet rural towns, the region has transformed into a thriving residential hub encompassing Clyde North, Cranbourne and Pakenham. With a blend of urban convenience, new infrastructure and a community-centred lifestyle, it is no wonder this corridor continues to attract families, first-home buyers and investors in record numbers.
Episode 9 highlights the region’s featured developments:
With communities like Stockland Averley and Five Farms, trusted builders such as JG King Homes, and expert guidance from Red Door Conveyancing, Melbourne’s South East continues to represent opportunity, growth and a sense of belonging.
Behind the Scenes 🎬
While filming New Neighbourhoods, we had the chance to see Australia from a different angle, the one you don’t usually catch on screen.
Candid Moments: Warm smiles, a playful pose, and that “first coffee’s kicked in” kind of energy.
On Location: A cosy café in the heart of town, complete with classic signage and a friendly local vibe.
Candid Moments: Smiles, bites, and plenty of good energy as the crew blended filming with friendly chatter.
On Location: A quiet outdoor table, warm coffees in hand, and a leafy backdrop made the review session feel effortless.
