Australia's most expensive celebrity homes

While Aussie celebrities may be known for being more down-to-earth than major Hollywood stars in the US, when it comes to real estate portfolios, it’s another matter entirely.

From oceanfront mansions in Byron Bay to Southern Highland estates, these are Australia’s most expensive celebrity properties.

Justin Hemmes’ historic Vaucluse mansion: Approx $100 million

Originally built in 1831, ‘The Hermitage’ in Vaucluse was acquired by Hemmes’ parents John and Merivale for $500,000 in the 1970s. The gothic-style mansion with its signature green gables is where the Hemmes kids grew up, and in 2011 Justin – the CEO of the Merivale group – moved back in to complete an incredible and extensive renovation of the heritage-listed home.

The structural and interior renovations were overseen by Hess Hoen and feature Carrara marble, copper fittings, natural stone and light European oak joinery. Outside, an angular swimming pool complete with pool-side bar and lounge area make the most of spectacular harbour views. The lush landscaping is Ibizan in some areas, and Mediterranean in others.

James Packer’s Barangaroo penthouse: $72 million

Billionaire mogul James packer smashed his own national single apartment price record in late 2021 after settling on a luxury, two-storey apartment in Crown Resort’s One Barangaroo tower for more than $72 million – $72,229,573, to be exact.

Offering 360-degree views, the six-bedroom, six-bathroom apartment offers 800sqm of space spanning two levels, including multiple entertaining areas with over 6-metre high floor to ceiling windows and three open-air protected balconies.

This isn’t the first time he’s broken records in real estate. His previous property, Vaucluse mega-mansion La Mer, sold for a national house price record of $70 million in 2015.

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky’s Byron compound: Approx $30 million

The Hemsworth’s bought their 4.2 hectare property in the Byron Bay region in 2014 and only wrapped the $18 million-worth of renovations in early 2021. The six-bedroom home is now worth an estimated $30 million.

The oceanfront solar-fitted mansion includes a gym, steam room, media room, games room, and sprawling outdoor living and play areas. There’s even a two-lane 10-pin bowling alley.

But according to The Courier Mail, the mega star couple are rumoured to be listing the property soon.

Jennifer Hawkins and Jake Wall’s Newport beach pad: $24.5 million

In August 202, former Miss Universe Jennifer and builder husband Jake sold their impeccable Newport mansion for a record-breaking $24.5million to Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes. They originally bought the land in 2014 for $4 million.

The real estate-loving couple have most recently bought a $6.9 million Whale Beach property previously owned by Dame Joan Sutherland. It’s reportedly the largest oceanfront estate on the Northern Beaches and they’ve been given council approval to build a multi-million-dollar mansion

Matt Damon’s Byron digs: $22 million

In October 2020, Matt Damon reportedly expanded his Byron Bay property portfolio by snapping up a beachfront home with panoramic views of Wategos Beach.

Damon bought the $22 million waterfront mansion just four days after it was placed on the market.

Cate Blanchett’s Hunter’s Hill estate: $18 million

Actress Cate Blanchett and her playwright husband, Andrew Upton, sold their gorgeous in Hunters Hill, Sydney, for $18 million in 2017. That’s a hefty profit, considering they purchased the property for $10.2 million in 2005.

The historic 1877 Gothic-style mansion dubbed ‘Bulwarra’ features luxury interiors and open plan living, with a focus on bringing the outdoors indoors.

Simon Baker’s Bronte divorce sale: $17 million

Simon Baker and Rebecca Rigg quietly offloaded their Bronte pad late 2021 in an off-market sale as part of their uncoupling.

“The price has shocked local property watchers given the former couple paid just $6.5 million for the almost 380 square metre property in 2015 when it was near new, and have not undertaken any significant improvements to it since,” says Domain.

Madeleine West’s Toorak mega mansion: $23 million

Neighbours star Madeleine West and ex-partner Shannon Bennett previously lived in a five-bedroom luxurious mansion in Melbourne’s prestigious suburb of Toorak.

They’d originally purchased the mansion in 2017 for $16 million, but moved out a year later after their separation and snagged a cool $23+ million for the sale in 2021.

They’d done renovations to the property, with chef Bennett transforming the main kitchen to include a butler’s pantry and expansive marble surfaces.

Lleyton and Bec Hewitt’s Toorak palace: $15-16 million

Tennis star and commentator Lleyton Hewitt and his TV-star wife Bec sold their Toorak mansion in November 2021 for between $15 million and $16 million.

The luxury five-bedroom, seven-bathroom residence has a European design. it features a home theatre, wine cellar and indoor gym as well as a gourmet kitchen and butler’s pantry.

Rove McManus and Tasma Walton: $14.5 million

In late 2020, gold Logie-winning comedian and TV presenter Rove McManus and his film and TV-star wife Tasma Walton quietly sold their home in Sydney’s Bronte for more than $14.5 million. They originally bought it for $6.4 million and undertook extensive renovations (which apparently disrupted the neighbours).

The celeb pair then bought a nearby Coogee home for $3.76 million in March, 2021 which was part of a deceased estate.

Hamish Blake and Zoë Foster Blake’s Melbourne and Sydney spoils: $7.5 – $8.9 million

Favourite Aussie celebrity couple, Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake, sold their luxurious Richmond digs in March 2021 for $7.435 million, records show. The contemporary home has an incredible rooftop with Melbourne city skyline views.

The couple have since bought a mansion in the exclusive Sydney suburb of Vaucluse for $8.925 million, where they currently reside, allowing Foster Blake to be closer to her business Go-To Skincare.

Andy Lee’s Hawthorn project: $8.5 million

TV and radio host Andy Lee, one half of Hamish and Andy, caused a stir when he dropped a whopping $8.5 million on a derelict Hawthorn mansion in November. Strangely, his offer was well above the asking price range of $7 million to $7.7 million, so clearly he has big plans.

The Italianate manor, built circa 1876, sits in a prime location on almost 2000 square metres of riverfront land. It had sat empty for almost three decades.

Nicole Kidman’s Southern Highland escape: $6.5 million

Australian actor Nicole Kidman and country music star Keith Urban own one of the Southern Highlands finest Georgian homes, known as ‘Bunya Hill’.

Located in Sutton Forest, the 1878-built property sits on a whopping 45 hectares and was purchased for $6.5 million – back in 2008. Realistically, that figure would be much, much more in 2022. Kidman still retains the residence to this day.

Kidman and Urban also own a penthouse in Milsons Point.

Liam Hemsworth’s Newrybar hideaway: $6.5 million

Also joining the Byron Bay A-lister real estate club is another Hemsworth brother. Luke dropped $6.5 million on a property in the Newrybar hinterland previously known as the popular wedding venue ‘Newrybar Downs’.

The luxury five-bedroom residence was designed by architect and Hollywood production company director Jason Schepisi.

Sonia Kruger’s Balmoral trophy home: $6.5 million

TV star Sonia Kruger snapped up a Balmoral trophy home in Sydney’s Lower North Shore in 2015 for $6.5 million and finally completed a long-awaited $1 million renovation in 2021.

Kruger and partner Craig McPherson began construction in December, 2019 but then came to regret it months later when the pandemic hit. Finally finishing in late 2021, the five-bedroom, four-bathroom property has had both an exterior and interior renovation, including rebuilding their third floor.