Hollywood's elite are increasingly choosing to leave the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown behind, opting instead for the comforts of home in Australia. This trend is not just about the allure of the Australian lifestyle, but also about the desire for a better work-life balance and the opportunity to invest in the country's thriving real estate market. Here's a closer look at some of the Aussie stars who have made the move, and the impact they've had on the property market.
Chris Hemsworth: From Hollywood to Byron Bay
Chris Hemsworth, the Melbourne-born actor, made a bold decision to leave Hollywood and move his family back to his native Australia. In an interview, Hemsworth revealed that the decision was driven by a desire to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle and spend quality time with his family. He and his wife, Elsa Pataky, bought a 50-acre slice of land in Byron Bay, NSW, in 2014, and spent three years building a state-of-the-art home. Nicknamed 'Fortress Hemsworth' by locals, the property features a 50-meter infinity pool, a bowling alley, and indoor gyms, and is now valued at a staggering $50 million.
Simon Baker: A Star's Return to Australia
Simon Baker, the star of 'The Mentalist', returned to Australia after two decades in California. Baker's decision to come back was influenced by a desire to explore his roots and take stock of his life. He has been a savvy real estate investor, cashing in on the Aussie market. Baker and his ex-wife, Rebecca Rigg, sold their Paddington terrace for $3.3 million in 2007 and their North Bondi beach pad for over $3.5 million within two weeks of it hitting the market. In 2022, he spent around $6 million on a property between Bondi Beach and Tamarama, marketed as a 'tropical rainforest haven'.
Eric Bana: Melbourne Calling
Eric Bana, despite his international success, has long maintained his primary residence in Melbourne. In a candid interview, Bana revealed that the strict lockdowns in Melbourne may have been a factor in his decision to return to Australia. He owns a $10 million, six-bedroom residence in Brighton with a nine-car underground garage. Bana also previously owned a home in Hampton, which was put up for auction in 2016, and a beachside residence in Mosman, Sydney, which he purchased for $4 million.
Rachel Griffiths: Seeking a Better Work-Life Balance
Rachel Griffiths, the star of 'Muriel's Wedding', returned to Australia to seek a better work-life balance and focus on Australian stories. After working intensive 80-hour weeks for a decade in the US, Griffiths found it challenging to tell other people's stories. Since returning, she and her husband, Andrew Taylor, have made some savvy property moves. They snapped up a Sydney retreat in Darlinghurst for $2.01 million and retain an 1890s-built St Kilda home bought for $2.01 million in 2014. They also had a Palm Beach homebase, which was sold in 2014 for $2.2 million.
Mia Wasikowska: The Disconnection from Hollywood
Mia Wasikowska, once dubbed a Hollywood 'it' girl, left Tinseltown behind for her native Australia due to a desire for a more stable and connected lifestyle. The 'Alice in Wonderland' actress moved back to Australia in the late 2010s and was last reported living in the inner-west of Sydney. Wasikowska felt disconnected from any greater community in Hollywood, where she had been working since she was 15. She found the constant travel and new cities challenging, especially when she didn't have a strong base.
Cody Simpson: From Hollywood to Competitive Swimming
Cody Simpson, the singer, left Hollywood and his music career to pursue a childhood dream of competitive swimming. He moved back to Australia in 2019 to train and recently sold the Gold Coast property he shared with his former partner, Emma McKeon, following their separation. The pair offloaded their forever home in Labrador for $2.1 million, achieving a gain of $274,000 on the property.
These stars' decisions to leave Hollywood and invest in Australian real estate highlight a growing trend among the elite. It's a move that not only provides a better lifestyle but also offers a strategic opportunity to grow wealth through property investment in a thriving market.
