Postcards

POSTCARDS GETS INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT

THIS SUNDAY AT 5.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

This week the Postcards team gets into the holiday spirit, showcasing the best ways to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year, Sunday at 5.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Madeline Spark is planning the ultimate New Year’s Eve in the city (Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country). She starts at The Boatbuilders Yard on South Wharf, chatting to manager Alannah Baker about their plans for the biggest night of the year. For a star-studded celebration, Madeline meets celebrated musical director John Foreman to discuss the Australian Pops Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre, and chats with performers Simon Gleeson and Silvie Paladino. Finally, she heads to the rooftop at QT Melbourne on Russell Street, offering one of the best spots in the city to watch the midnight fireworks.

Sammy J takes a tour of Melbourne’s past, present, and future to celebrate the return of A Christmas Carol to the Comedy Theatre (Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country). Looking at the city’s past, he visits St Francis Church, one of the oldest buildings in the CBD, before tasting the “present” trend of 2025, cinnamon scrolls, at Bloomwood on Exhibition Street. Looking to the future, he heads to the theatre to meet the new Ebeneezer Scrooge, Australian actor Lachy Hulme, and cast members Samantha Morley and Natasha Herbert.

Bridget Hustwaite prepares for one of Australia’s most beloved traditions, Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight (Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country). She meets Aussie theatre icon Marina Prior outside Hamer Hall to discuss her history with the event and the importance of the night for the blind and low-vision community. After a walk through the Queen Victoria Gardens, they head to one of Marina’s favourite dining spots, Saké Restaurant & Bar at Hamer Hall, to enjoy Japanese cuisine with views over the Yarra River.

Brodie Harper escapes to sunny Broadbeach (Bundjalung Country). She visits the Gold Coast Fishermen’s Co-Operative at The Spit to check out the fresh catch of the day with local fisherman Richard Hamilton. Heading to the Isle of Capri, she stops for lunch at Manolas Bros. Delicatessen, a local institution known for its Mediterranean dishes. Finally, she tours a magnificent $7 million waterfront property in Broadbeach Waters, part of the latest Mater Prize Home draw, with ambassador Kendall Gilding.

VICTORIA’S FAVOURITE TRAVEL SHOW RETURNS FOR 2026

POSTCARDS: RETURNS THIS SUNDAY AT 5.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

Victoria’s favorite travel show, Postcards, returns for 2026 starting this Sunday at 5:30 pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. Back for its 28th season, join the team as they showcase the very best in dining, entertainment and travel destinations across Victoria and beyond.

Returning are Postcards favourite & TV presenter Livinia Nixon, sports broadcaster and Tipping Point host Todd Woodbridge, Nova 100 breakfast radio host Lauren Phillips, 9News Melbourne reporter Madeline Spark, former rugby league player and television presenter Kris Smith, model and TV presenter Brodie Harper, and chef and restaurateur Shane Delia.

This week, Kris Smith escapes to the sun-drenched shores of Bribie Island (Gubbi Gubbi Country). Kris explores the island’s unique charm, visiting the community-focused Ikigai Cafe and Workshop in Bongaree to chat with owners Keahni and Oscar about their passion for the local area. After sampling the local catch by the water at Woorim Beach, Kris heads to Banksia Beach to meet Mater Prize Home Ambassador Boyd Duff.

Livinia Nixon explores the vibrant and buzzy energy of Chapel Street (Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country), which offers a diverse mix of shopping, art and world-class dining. Livinia stops by the historic Prahran Market to sample a lobster roll from fifth-generation fishmongers at Fatbuoy Lobster, before diving into the local creative scene at MARS Gallery. To wrap up her day, she visits Omnia Bistro in the stunning Capitol Grand building, where Culinary Director Stephen Nairn showcases a menu where European bistro charm meets Australia’s finest seasonal produce.

Madeline Spark explores the very best of Southbank (Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country). She begins at the NGV for a look at the exhibition Westwood Kawakubo, which pairs over 140 cutting-edge designs from fashion icons Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo. Madeline then heads just around the corner to check into the brand-new Hannah St Hotel. To top off the stay, she visits the hotel’s European-inspired Coupette Corner Bistro & Bar to chat with Executive Chef Andrew Beddoes about their all-day menu.

And, Shane Delia journeys across the border to explore the natural wonders and vibrant hospitality of Mount Gambier (Boandik Country). Just a five-hour drive from Melbourne, this unique city sits atop an extinct volcano, offering breathtaking sights like the seasonally color-shifting Blue Lake and the enchanting Umpherston Sinkhole. Shane dives into the local food scene at Woolstore Brewery, before heading to Elementary by Soul to chat with chef-owner Kirby Shearing about new-age regional dining. To complete the ultimate road trip experience, Shane explores the mid-century charm of Arthur’s on Commercial, a spacious accommodation right in the heart of town.

Join the Postcards team on Sunday as they kick off a brand-new season, showcasing the very best travel destinations and local gems across Victoria.

GUEST PRESENTER EMMA WATKINS JOINS THE SHOW

POSTCARDS: THIS SUNDAY AT 5.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

This week the Postcards team journey through some of Victoria’s most picturesque regional towns and suburban pockets, showcasing premier dining and local history.

Children’s entertainer Emma Watkins joins the show as a guest presenter this week. She escapes to the country oasis of Trentham (Dja Dja Wurrung Country), nestled within the Wombat State Forest, and discovers the town’s exciting hospitality scene. It starts with the new headquarters of Sisko Chocolate Studio, founded by artisan Christina Tantsis. After browsing the quaint antiques at Mrs Murphy’s, Emma visits Adeline, a new cafe and wine bar on Market Street that has quickly become a local staple for its simple, high-quality menu and cozy atmosphere.

Madeline Spark heads to the outer east to uncover the “secret village” of The Basin (Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country). At the 1 in 20 Cafe, she finds an unofficial clubhouse for the cycling community tackling the famous Dandenong Ranges climb. Madeline then checks out The Basin Theatre, a unique volunteer-run venue staged in the middle of the forest, before winding down at The Peacock Den, a sophisticated wine bar bringing inner-city flair and an extensive wine list to the leafy suburb.

Finally, Shane Delia takes a scenic drive just over an hour west of the city to explore the tiny but welcoming town of Wallace (Wathaurong Country), stopping at the Old Wallace Garage for a coffee hit. The journey continues to Buninyong, a township rich in goldrush history situated at the base of Mount Buninyong. Shane visits Red Door Pizza for handcrafted, wood-fired pizzas and live music, before heading to the local favorite, The Buninyong Hotel, recently taken over by Gorgi and Simon Coghlan.

GUEST PRESENTER EMMA WATKINS JOINS THE SHOW
SUNDAY, MARCH 1, AT 5.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

POSTCARDS DISCOVERS CITY GEMS, COASTAL CHARMS AND COUNTRY TREASURES

POSTCARDS: THIS SUNDAY AT 5.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

This week Postcards takes you on a journey from the heart of Melbourne’s CBD to the serene landscapes of regional Victoria and across the border to South Australia’s spectacular Limestone Coast.

Livinia Nixon is in South Australia to explore Naracoorte (Meintangk Country). After coffee at the historic Corner Grounds, she heads underground to the Naracoorte Caves National Park, a World Heritage-listed site home to one of the most important fossil deposits on Earth. She ends the trip at Padthaway Estate, a family-run vineyard in a truly unforgettable setting.

Lauren Phillips hits the streets of Melbourne’s CBD (Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country) to explore the city’s hidden surprises. She visits The Sneaker Laundry on Katherine Place, a unique “sneaker spa” that combines expert shoe care with a specialty matcha latte bar. Lauren then heads to Ela Cafe on Little Collins Street, a secret spot for Vietnamese food and coffee, before heading to the east end of town to discover Ahma in the Bourke Street Arcade. Here she samples authentic Taiwanese street food, including the legendary fried chicken and braised pork rice, all based on cherished family recipes.

Next, Kris Smith travels to the beautiful seaside town of Barwon Heads (Wathaurong Country), located at the mouth of the Barwon River. He stops by Coffetti Gelato on Hitchcock Avenue for a perfect beach-day pairing of coffee and Italian-style gelato before going to the local butcher, Benno’s Meating Place, to meet owner Brad Bennett. Kris also visits Heads and Tales Bookstore and winds up at Tommy Gunns, a welcoming spot named after the owner’s grandfather, where he enjoys a menu with the best local and seasonal produce.

Lastly, Madeline Spark visits the charming towns of Yea and Strath Creek (Taungurung Country). In Yea, she enjoys fresh country hospitality at Mint and Jam cafe before heading to Tathra Farmstays near Flowerdale for a peaceful overnight escape in a tiny farm cottage. She checks out the local favourite corner shop, The General Strath Creek, and catches up with owner Prue Brown.

POSTCARDS DISCOVERS CITY GEMS, COASTAL CHARMS
AND HIDDEN COUNTRY TREASURES
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, AT 5.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW