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The secret Byron Bay tier list revealed by insiders: Find out why Chris and Elsa don’t make the A-list – as local snobs spill on the REAL elites

BBG News

Back in the ’70s, Byron Bay earned its reputation as a peaceful sanctuary for both bohemian spirits and surf enthusiasts, drawing in hordes of hippies.

But the dream didn’t last.

Over the past twenty years, the coastal town in NSW has evolved into a hub attracting numerous celebrities, affluent individuals, social media influencers walking barefoot, and various free spirits who often boast about their self-sufficient living arrangements from their expansive mansions with eight bedrooms.

However, every town features a societal hierarchy, and our investigation across the Northern Rivers aimed to uncover those thriving at the peak and those struggling near the base.

Although one might anticipate a well-known Marvel superhero along with his Spanish spouse to take the lead, the established crowd of Byron Bay asserts that fame in Hollywood holds no weight on the north coast.

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THE A-LIST

The biggest name of Byron Bay isn’t a movie star, but he may as well be.

In the seaside community, Antony Catalano, the proprietor of the renowned Raes at Wategos boutique hotel, holds a position akin to divine authority.

Raes is often seen across numerous Instagram feeds, boasting a reputation that draws crowds. In the warm months, it’s frequented by social elites, while locals with ample funds find it endearing during the quieter seasons.

In June 2013, Antony acquired a 50% stake in the property from Vincent Rae for approximately $7 million. The following year, he became the sole owner.

They and their spouse Stefanie are trying to construct a luxurious mansion worth approximately $55 million, located near Raes. However, their plans for this construction have been rejected by the local council.

Should their development plans get the green light, the Catalanos would acquire ownership of the priciest residence along the state’s northern coastline.

Incorporating Antony into the prestigious group is Richard Johnston, a partner in the online travel company TripADeal, along with his spouse Claire Alexander-Johnston.

In 2017, the couple spent $2.31million on a waterfront beach house in the town.

Besides the renowned fashion brand Spell & The Gypsy Collective, sisters Elizabeth Abegg and Isabella Pennefather are the proprietors who have earned a place on the list as well.

The brand has become an Aussie staple, seen on the likes of Blake Lively and Sienna Miller.

Tom Lane, a grandchild of Boyd Lane, the creator of the Oroton fashion label, along with his wife Emma, are recognized figures within the socially influential group in Byron, often referred to as its “in-crowd.

In 2020, the couple sold their popular restaurant The Farm at Ewingsdale for about $16million.

Last year, they additionally included ‘Copperstone’, their 19-hectare getaway situated close to Bangalow, in the estimated $35 million asking price list.

Peter Noble, the proprietor of Byron Bay Bluesfest, one of the last music festivals in town, is not just a festival owner but also occupies a prominent place in society’s hierarchy.

As a lifestyle connoisseur looking back over the past three decades, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing an extraordinary event that’s been thriving since 1990 – quite a feat considering the ebb and flow of similar music festivals like Falls and Splendour in the Grass. This resilient celebration has managed to stay afloat amidst shifting trends, making it a timeless staple for festival-goers everywhere.

THE B-LIST  

Take a deep breath. 

Topping the B-list are Hollywood locals Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky.

It appears that based on conversations with long-term inhabitants for this piece, they have consistently been categorized as B-level, rather than A-list.

The primary complaint revolves around the vast house that the Hemsworth family resides in, which is frequently likened to a massive building such as a multi-story parking lot, small airport, or shopping mall.

Some call it ‘Westfield Byron’.

Back in 2014, I was fortunate enough to acquire a stunning 4.2 hectare estate, valued at $7 million. Over the course of three years, my partner and I embarked on an extensive renovation project that transformed our Balinese-inspired sanctuary into a contemporary masterpiece now estimated to be worth $50 million. However, this transformation didn’t come without some controversy as it stirred up a bit of discontent among our neighbors.

That’s not very Byron of you, Chris!

Apart from Chris and Elsa, another Australian actor named Teresa Palmer has opted for a peaceful existence in Byron Bay instead of the bustling life in LA.

In the middle rank, we find Elyse Knowles and her partner Josh Barker, famously recognized as the winners of The Block in 2017.

In 2019, the celebrities known for reality TV shows relocated from Melbourne to Byron Bay. Exactly one year later, in May, they purchased a luxurious beachfront property valued at approximately 2.3 million dollars. Afterward, they undertook some renovations on this property.

Local heroes Parkway Drive also find themselves in the B-team.

It appears that the members of the metalcore band are originally from Byron, but it seems drummer Ben Gordon is gaining the most attention within the local music scene.

In the year 2023, he offloaded his residence for a sum of $10 million, while simultaneously sharing ownership in a renowned local hangout called The General Store – this café garnered popularity when one of its servers was romantically linked to Zac Efron for an extended period during the Covid-19 pandemic.

To conclude, we have Shelley Craft, a presenter from The Block, who recently closed an off-market sale of her Tuscan-inspired bungalow for approximately $6.5million. Additionally, there’s Helen Brenko, the proprietor of the fashion boutique Island Luxe.

In summary, we have Shelley Craft, a presenter from The Block, who just off-market sold her Tuscan-inspired bungalow for approximately $6.5million. Furthermore, we have Helen Brenko, the owner of Island Luxe boutique fashion store.

THE C-LIST  

Zac Efron makes it onto our list, despite no longer living in Byron Bay, as he still owns property there.

For roughly a year during the pandemic, he resided in Byron, had a relationship with a local woman named Vanessa Valladares, and acquired a secluded property in the wilderness for approximately $2 million in the year 2020.

While he may be back in LA now, Zac does have plans to develop the property.

In the year 2024, an application for development was filed with plans to construct a “zero waste” residence called ‘Futurecave’. This six-bedroom property is estimated to cost approximately $2,685,000.

The blueprint encompasses a fitness center, indeed, along with several environmentally conscious aspects such as ‘carbon sequestration’ – essentially, a method aimed at minimizing the presence of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.

Former My Kitchen Rules judge Pete Evans makes the C-list.

Given the remarkable turnaround since the pandemic, it’s reasonable to assume that he is content with his current situation, considering he was associated with numerous conspiracy theories and experienced a significant decline in reputation during the Covid-19 period.

Towards the end of 2020, he attempted to set up a health clinic offering alternative treatments within the Habitat district near Bayshore Drive. However, unfortunately, it turned out to be a financial drain instead.

Still, he is said to have a few supporters left in Byron’s woo-woo community. 

A headline-making influencer rounds out the C-list. 

Ruby Tuesday Matthews was among the early influencers who established a residence in Byron Bay, initiating a trend that unfortunately persists up until now.

But her numerous controversies have made locals wary.

Last October 2020, her flight on Jetstar from Ballina to Sydney was held up due to a technical problem causing delay in departure. She then decided to leave the airport for a quick meal of oysters at a local eatery nearby.

When the problem got fixed ahead of schedule, travelers became upset as they had to wait longer due to Ruby not showing up, extending their journey.

Upon my return to the aircraft, having gleefully shared my delightful seafood meal on social platforms, I encountered some fellow passengers voicing their disapproval.

‘It’s hard to recover from something like that,’ adds one of our Byron sources.

wrapping up our list is fashion designer Jessica Johansen-Bell, who has recently alleged that Kylie Jenner copied elements from her design collection.

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2025-07-23 17:05

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