Skip to main content

Down Under Design: 7 Australian Mansions You Wish You Could Afford

Jungle plantations, sugar-sand beachfronts, and mega yachts are only some of the sights you’ll catch from inside the most idyllic mansions of Australia. Don’t believe us? See for yourself below. And if you’ve got some spare cash laying around, you should know that all of these houses are for sale.

The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Image used with permission by copyright holder

These three-bed, three-bath luxury digs are actually a mini-mansion in the sky, being a part of The Au, Surfers Paradise, a limited collection of 12 single-floor luxury apartments overlooking the iconic Surfers Paradise in Queensland. (Prestige memberships to the Southport Yachtclub included.) The most lavish of beachfront living, this apartment designed by Archidiom Architects of the Gold Coast features futuristic patterns and shapes against classic oak flooring and art deco interior design. But the best part? The coastal views accessible from bedroom, bathroom, balcony, and pool.

Recommended Videos

8 Parkside Street, Sorrento

8 Parkside Street, Sorrento
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Six bedrooms and four baths fill the specs for this clean contemporary mansion in Victoria, built on an elevated position with a coastal outlook to Arthur’s Sea and walking proximity to Sorrento Village. Inside, curved timber-lined walls lead elegantly to expansive patios and floor-to-ceiling windows. The only neighbors you’ll see are fellow mansions, as the notorious block, Millionaire’s Walk, overlooks the bay.

970 Coolamon Scenic Drive, Coorabell

970 Coolamon Scenic Drive, Coorabell
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Need some space? Come hither. This luxurious eco-mansion in the bountiful Byron Bay hinterland of New South Wales mimics the effects of being in a five-star nest open and perched on top of a giant tree. The private elevated acreage overlooks magnificent 240-degree views of rainforest plantations and navy-blue peaks of Myocum Valley and Mount Chincogan. What about the ocean? Simply walk to the other side of the house and you’ll see the turquoise azure. Rural? Yes. Sophisticated? Oh yes.

Villa Blue Waters, Brittanic Crescent

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you got it, flaunt it — at least that’s what we believe the architects who built this Gotti-level mini-mansion thought during its design. Set in the exclusive suburb of The Sovereign Islands, Gold Coast (Queensland), screams large-scale entertainment (we image DJ Khaled would rest his laurels here). Besides the marble Turkish plunge spa, Versace Italian mosaic hydrotherapy steam room, and St Tropez-style marble entertaining area, you also have direct views to  your yacht and helicopter water landing.

39 Robertson Road, Sydney

39 Robertson Road, Sydney
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Named one of Australia’s top 22 beach houses by Qantas’ travel magazine, the cozy yet clean design of this water-front property is simply idyllic thanks to its coverage from gum trees and the flow from indoor to out and further on the water’s edge. Oversized rooms spill onto sprawling sun-drenched lawns and a stone pathway leads directly through tropical foliage and out to the self-contained boat house and doc walkway. A little sleepy from the sun? Nap on the outside bed (really a contained bedroom but without walls, three feet from the water).

28 Florida Road, Palm Beach

28 Florida Road, Palm Beach
Image used with permission by copyright holder

New South Wales’ Palm Beach is accurately named for its balance of tropical jungle and crystal beaches, and has been brilliantly designed around in the construction of this a-symmetrical four-storied mini-mansion. It is as though the estate has been tucked into the lush green palm gardens leading down to the beach. Both secluded and completely open with patio spaces, great windows, and a unique atrium spine that acts as a central staircase, this home is touted as a “lock-and-leave weekender,” but good luck wanting to leaving.

119 Stanger Road, Stony Chute

119 Stanger Road, Stony Chute
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A completely renovated 1890’s farmhouse surrounded by nothing but brilliant green Northern Rivers hinterland ops for glass, glass, glass… because why keep any separation between the rooms and that unspoiled view. The 4-bed, 2-bath design makes use of an open floor plan, bringing a warmth to traditionally cold modernism with accents like Tassie Oak joinery and Blackbutt flooring. Still, the design ace of 119 Stanger (just outside of Brisbane in New South Wales) exists outside the walls and in the views.

Jahla Seppanen
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Born and raised off-the-grid in New Mexico, Jahla Seppanen is currently a sports, fitness, spirits, and culture writer in…
Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3 may be the perfect travel companion — here’s why
Improved ANC, better battery life, and a brand new translation tool set these earbuds apart
Two people conversing in a cafe while wearing AirPods Pro 3

Apple has announced a new set of AirPods, and there’s a fair argument that the compact audio devices totally overshadowed the new Apple Watch, iPhone 17, and iPhone Air -- which debuted during the same showcase.

The AirPods Pro 3 has vastly increased capabilities when compared to its predecessors. The most useful new function for travelers is likely to be the translation feature. With the feature enabled, the AirPods automatically translate the speech of anyone the user is talking to, so that user will hear the conversation in their selected language. ANC also kicks in to lower the person speaking’s voice, which makes the translation sound more prominent.

Read more
Airbnb says this iconic capital is the most popular fall destination
Paris is the place to be this fall
Paris apartment airbnb panoramic view

Airbnb has unveiled its 2025 fall travel trends report, and one city tops Gen Z’s must-visit list this season: Paris, France. The study found Gen Z traveler searches are up 26% compared to last fall, with young globetrotters more likely than Millennials to book longer, international escapes. But the data isn’t just for Gen Z, anyone can use it to plan an affordable shoulder-season getaway.

Paris has emerged as the No. 1 trending fall destination, as travelers flock to the French capital for cooler weather, fewer crowds, and a chance to check off bucket list experiences. Autumn in Paris offers plenty to enjoy: strolls along the Seine as leaves turn golden, café-hopping in Saint-Germain, and cultural events like Nuit Blanche, the citywide all-night arts festival in October. Visitors can also enjoy iconic attractions, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, without peak-season lines.

Read more
7 unforgettable Montana destinations that go way beyond Yellowstone
Explore outside of Yellowstone
Glacier National Park

Something about Montana is just different. The air is cleaner, the skies feel wider, and the pace of life slows down in the best way. If you've ever taken a trip to Yellowstone, you know how stunning the landscape is, but Montana's beauty doesn’t stop at the park gates. 

While Yellowstone is absolutely worth a visit, there’s a whole world beyond it that’s just waiting to be explored. From charming small towns to incredible mountain views and world-class Montana ski resorts, this state is full of unforgettable destinations. These are some of the best places to visit in Montana for every type of traveler.

Read more