Seven’s Weekender turns 20

Seven’s Queensland lifestyle show Weekender is celebrating a 20-year milestone, including its previous title, with a special anniversary episode looking back on thousands of stories.

Since its launch in 2003, the show has clocked up close to one million kilometres by road – the equivalent of the show’s camera crews driving around the equator once a year.

The team has undertake countless flights in everything from hot-air balloons to hang-gliders and commercial jets, along with an ocean of nautical miles cruised, sailed, kayaked, jet skied and even a luxury ocean liner.

Long-running presenter Alastair McLeod said, “Authentic television is an oxymoron. Weekender is the antithesis – a true love letter to travel that is inspirational rather than aspirational.

“The show is presented by a relatable team that share a genuine sense of wonder, positivity and pride in Queensland and that’s the secret to our success. We are the real thing.”

In 2019 Seven announced the show had been axed but by 2020 moved to an amalgamated version of Queensland Weekender and The Great Day Out.

Chris Parsons cut his television teeth on the show back when it was called Queensland Weekender.

“I feel ridiculously lucky to be a part of the Weekender team, and for so long. To be able to showcase this incredible state to a wide and appreciative audience is nothing short of an honour,” he said.

“I get daily reminders of the show’s positive impact. People approach me to say hello, eager to share what episode they loved and why, and I get a real kick when they tell me they finally visited that place they saw on the show, how great it was and how much fun they had there with the family.

“Thanks to Weekender, they’ve created memories for a lifetime and that’s what it’s all about.”

Victoria Carthew has been with the show from the start.

“What a privilege it is to step into the lives of fellow Queenslanders and do things we otherwise never would,” she said.

“We also have the honour of sharing those familiar places that are close to our hearts. For me that’s Minjerribah [North Stradbroke Island] and I’m so proud that I had the chance to visit my spiritual home for our 20th anniversary show.”

The show is also offering one viewer the chance to tag along with a camera crew on assignment in 2024 and star as an extra in a Weekender story.

Competition entry details will go live on the Weekender Facebook page from 5.30pm on Sunday, 26 November.

5.30pm Sunday on Seven (Queensland)