Sydney’s eastern suburbs have long been synonymous with luxury and high society, but there’s another coastal stretch of the city that holds even more intrigue and opulence: the Northern Beaches. Stretching from Manly to Palm Beach, this picturesque region is a haven for some of Australia’s wealthiest individuals, including tycoons, actors, TV stars, and socialites. Unlike the more visible and vocal elite of Bondi, the Northern Beaches’ ultra-rich prefer to keep a low profile, operating under a veil of secrecy. Their lives are marked by mammoth property deals, discreet business transactions, and a shared love for both money and privacy. This air of mystery only adds to their allure, making the Northern Beaches a fascinating subject for exploration. From multimillion-dollar mansions to high-profile couples, the area is a hotspot for the crème de la crème of Australian society.
Leading the pack of Northern Beaches elite are Jennifer Hawkins and her husband, Jake Wall. The former Miss Universe and her property developer partner are currently building an extravagant waterfront home on the cliffside of Whale Beach. The property, which will be approximately four times the size of its neighbors, boasts an array of luxury features, including a gym, basketball court, swimming pool, and even a bowling alley. This grand project underscores the couple’s penchant for opulence and their desire to create a private oasis in one of Sydney’s most desirable locations. Similarly, Today host Karl Stefanovic and his wife, Jasmine, are making waves with their own luxury project. The high-profile couple has commenced work on a $4.5 million mansion in Castlecrag, a charming suburb just across Middle Harbour from the sought-after Seaforth. Their new home promises to be a stunning addition to the area, reflecting their status as one of Australia’s most recognizable power couples.
The Northern Beaches are also home to Kate Waterhouse and her husband, Luke Ricketson, who made headlines in 2020 with their purchase of a $17.8 million mansion in Balmoral. The racing heiress and former rugby league footballer, who tied the knot in Sicily in 2012, are known for their lavish lifestyle and impeccable taste. Their new home is a testament to their love for luxury and their desire to live in one of Sydney’s most exclusive enclaves. Another notable couple calling the Northern Beaches home is actor Richard Roxburgh and his wife, Silvia Colloca. Despite their household names, the pair prefers to keep a low profile, enjoying a quiet life away from the spotlight. Their discreet lifestyle highlights the Northern Beaches’ reputation as a refuge for the wealthy and famous who value their privacy.
Beyond the world of celebrities, the Northern Beaches are also a hotspot for business tycoons and multimillionaires. John Szangolies, a restaurateur and hospitality entrepreneur, is among the area’s elite. He and his wife, Heather, purchased a stunning Palm Beach getaway for $27 million in 2021, further solidifying their status as part of the region’s high society. Another big name on the Northern Beaches is Mike Cannon-Brookes, the billionaire CEO of Atlassian. Cannon-Brookes owns a Newport mansion he purchased from Jennifer Hawkins and Jake Wall for $24.5 million in 2020. His ex-wife, Annie, also owns a neighboring property worth $14.25 million, purchased in 2023. The couple’s combined fortune, estimated at $19 billion, and their sprawling property empire, which includes the historic Fairwater residence in Point Piper, make them one of the most influential families in the region.
The Northern Beaches’ elite also include some surprises, such as Gretel Packer, the sister of gaming magnate James Packer. Gretel owns an incredible leisure home on Ocean Road in Palm Beach, on the surf side, where she enjoys the beauty and seclusion of the area. Meanwhile, Antonia Kidman, the sister of Hollywood star Nicole Kidman, resides in a luxury home on the Northern Beaches with her husband, Craig Marran, and their children. Her presence adds a touch of Hollywood glamour to the area. Another notable resident is Ian Malouf, Australia’s richest garbo, who sold his beachfront Palm Beach property for $25 million in April last year. Malouf, who made his fortune from his waste management company Dial-a-Dump, is a prime example of the area’s diverse and affluent population.
The Northern Beaches’ younger social set is equally intriguing. Mummy blogger Indy Clinton and her husband, Ben Azar, call Palm Beach home, representing the newer, younger wave of the area’s high society. Their lifestyle, which blends family life with luxury, reflects the modern face of wealth in the region. Similarly, Sunrise host Matt Shirvington and his wife, Jessica, who live in the ritzy suburb of Mosman, are part of the North Shore elite. Their home, located just across the Spit Bridge from the beaches, offers a glimpse into the interconnected world of Sydney’s wealthy communities. Together, these individuals paint a picture of a region that is not only a playground for the rich but also a sanctuary for those who crave exclusivity and privacy. The Northern Beaches, with their breathtaking coastal views, luxurious properties, and secretive elite, remain one of Sydney’s most fascinating and enigmatic areas.
