The Fren family — Cathy, Mark, Victoria, and Jonathon — have been familiar faces on Channel Nine’s Travel Guides since 2017. Despite their TV fame, no official net worth figures are available for the family.
Jobs and Income
Outside of filming, Cathy and Mark taught at primary schools, while Victoria and Jonathon worked in hospitality. These roles provided steady income alongside the perks of reality TV.
Business Ventures
The family once ran a German restaurant called Oma’s Kitchen. The attention from the show helped keep the business going during slower periods. Fans of the show often mentioned how the Frens’ personalities made the restaurant feel welcoming, and the TV exposure brought in curious diners.
Property
In 2025, they put their long-term Newcastle apartment on the market with a price guide of $2.9 million to $3.15 million, according to Domain. This property had been their base for years, and selling it marked a notable change for the family.
TV Work and Travel Perks
On Travel Guides, the Frens earn a daily allowance while traveling. They’ve participated in over 38 free holidays, visiting destinations that viewers might only dream of. Their genuine reactions and humor make their travel segments relatable, not just scripted entertainment.
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Newcastle Property Listed · June 2025
$2,900,000 – $3,150,000 AUD
The Frens listed their long-term Newcastle apartment for sale in June 2025 with a price guide of $2.9M–$3.15M (via Domain). The property reflects years of savings and a deep connection to the city.
Net Worth
Not Public
No official figure released
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They show what family life looks like under unusual circumstances — exotic locations, quick problem-solving when things go wrong, and plenty of laughs along the way.
— The Fren Family · Cathy, Mark, Victoria & Jonathon · Travel Guides Australia · 2017–present
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Cathy Fren
Primary school teacher · Co-owner of Oma's Kitchen German restaurant · The warm heart of the family on screen. Known for candid reactions and honest opinions.
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Mark Fren
Primary school teacher · Co-owner of Oma's Kitchen · The pragmatic planner of the group. Keeps things grounded while the family navigates travel mishaps on camera.
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Victoria Fren
Hospitality background · Brings energy and a sharp eye for quality travel experiences. Comfortable evaluating hotels, restaurants, and destinations from a professional lens.
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Jonathon (Jono)
Hospitality background · The witty, quick-to-react youngest voice in the family dynamic. His banter with the rest of the Frens is a fan favourite across Travel Guides seasons.
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Pre-2017
Careers Before the Camera
Cathy and Mark worked as primary school teachers. Victoria and Jono built careers in hospitality. The family was busy, grounded, and camera-free — a very different life from what followed.
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2017
Travel Guides Debut
The Frens joined Travel Guides on Network Ten. Their mix of personalities — warmth, humour, and frank opinions — immediately connected with Australian audiences nationwide.
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During Series
Oma's Kitchen — The Family Restaurant
The family ran a German restaurant called Oma's Kitchen. The TV exposure helped bring more customers and attention during rough patches — a direct real-world benefit of their screen presence.
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2017–2025
38+ Free Holidays Filmed
As part of Travel Guides, the family received daily allowances and participated in 38+ fully-funded holidays — flights, hotels, and meals covered. Experiences most families could only dream about.
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June 2025
$2.9M Newcastle Property Listed
The Frens listed their long-term Newcastle apartment for $2.9M–$3.15M AUD (Domain). A strong indicator of accumulated wealth through years of working, saving, and smart property ownership.
Free Holidays via Travel Guides
38+
Flights, hotels, meals — all covered by the production. Each trip earns the family a daily filming allowance on top of the fully paid holiday experience.
Daily filming allowance · ongoing series earnings
Newcastle apartment listed $2.9M–$3.15M AUD
Cathy & Mark · primary school teaching salaries
German restaurant · boosted by TV exposure
Victoria & Jono · hospitality industry careers
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Since 2017 on Screen
One of Australia's most recognised Travel Guides families. 8+ years of consistent audience engagement and ratings.
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$3M Property
Newcastle apartment listed at $2.9M–$3.15M AUD in June 2025. A key indicator of long-term financial stability.
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38+ Paid Holidays
Over 38 fully funded holidays filming Travel Guides. Flights, accommodation, meals — plus daily filming allowances.
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Oma's Kitchen
Family ran a German restaurant that gained customers and media exposure directly from their Travel Guides fame.
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Dual-Career Parents
Cathy and Mark both worked as primary school teachers — steady, respected careers building wealth before and during TV fame.
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Fan Favourite
Their humour, authenticity, and unfiltered family dynamics make them one of Travel Guides' most beloved and memorable casts.
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TV Meets Real Life
Unlike celebrity influencers, the Frens had stable careers before cameras arrived. Their wealth comes from a genuine mix of teaching, hospitality, property, and TV — not just fame.
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Newcastle Roots
Their $2.9M+ property reflects a deep connection to Newcastle and years of financial discipline — not overnight riches from reality TV appearances.
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Travel Perks
38+ free holidays represent enormous real-world value — luxury trips, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, and daily filming allowances that few Australian families ever experience.
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Private Finances
Total net worth has never been officially disclosed. The property listing is the strongest public signal of their financial position — everything else remains private.
What We Can Say About Their Net Worth
Even though exact figures aren’t public, the combination of teaching salaries, hospitality work, restaurant ownership, property investment, and TV income suggests a comfortable lifestyle. The Frens show that consistent work, a bit of entrepreneurial spirit, and some camera time can mix into a life that many would envy.
