Celebrities Who've Made This Coastal Gem Their Home

Pittwater's Glamorous Getaways... Celebrities Who've Made This Coastal Gem Their Home

Ah, Pittwater – that dazzling stretch of Sydney's Northern Beaches where the water sparkles like a celebrity's smile, the bushland whispers secrets, and your neighbors might just be A-listers dodging paparazzi on their morning jog. If you've ever dreamed of bumping into a Hollywood star at the local café or spotting a rock legend sailing the harbor, this is the place.

Over the last few decades, Pittwater and its environs – think Palm Beach, Whale Beach, Avalon, and Newport – have become a magnet for famous faces seeking privacy, stunning views, and a slice of Aussie serenity. We're talking actors who've graced the silver screen, singers who've topped global charts, and brand moguls who've built empires from the ground up. In this upbeat celebration of Pittwater's star power, we'll spotlight 15 such celebs who live locally (or have called it home), dishing on their fame, fabulous properties, and why this area beats Tinseltown any day. With a dash of humor – because who wouldn't chuckle at the idea of Wolverine fetching the paper in board shorts? – let's dive into the glitz!

The Allure of Pittwater... Why Celebs Flock Here

Before we name-drop, let's set the scene. Pittwater's appeal is no mystery: it's a haven of luxury waterfront homes, secluded beaches, and yacht-friendly inlets, all just an hour from Sydney's CBD. Property prices? Sky-high, with median house values hovering around $3.5 million in Palm Beach as of 2025, and waterfront pads fetching up to $33 million.

Celebs love the privacy – gated estates and no-fuss neighbors mean they can unwind without the flashbulbs. Plus, the lifestyle: surfing at dawn, bush hikes, and fresh seafood markets. It's like Malibu met the Great Barrier Reef and decided to chill out. Over 30 years, the area's transformation from quiet retreat to celeb hotspot has seen stars invest millions, boosting local tourism and real estate buzz. Humorously, if Pittwater had a welcome sign, it'd read: "Home to beaches, boats, and Beyoncé sightings" – but more on that later. Now, onto our fabulous 15, grouped for that soap-opera flair.

Hollywood Heavyweights... Actors Who've Anchored in Pittwater

Pittwater's dramatic landscapes – cliffs, coves, and endless ocean – seem tailor-made for actors used to the spotlight. These screen stars have swapped LA traffic for harbor views, proving that even Oscar winners need a quiet spot to rehearse lines.

First up, Nicole Kidman, the Aussie icon whose career spans over 40 years and includes four Golden Globes, an Oscar for The Hours (2002), and box-office hauls exceeding $4 billion globally. Born in Hawaii but raised in Sydney, Kidman has deep ties to the Northern Beaches. She and hubby Keith Urban have holidayed extensively in Whale Beach, with reports of them owning or renting luxe properties there for family getaways. Why Pittwater? The privacy lets her escape the glare of projects like Big Little Lies, which earned her an Emmy. Imagine her practicing monologues while gazing over Pittwater – talk about method acting with a view!

Her co-star in life and occasional Whale Beach escapes? Keith Urban, the country music superstar with 19 No. 1 hits, four Grammys, and over 15 million albums sold worldwide. The Kiwi-Aussie singer, married to Kidman since 2006 (their wedding was at Manly's Cardinal Cerretti Chapel, nearby), loves the area's relaxed vibe for songwriting. With global streams topping 5 billion, Urban's net worth hits $75 million, plenty for waterfront splurges. Pittwater's calm waters inspire his ballads – or so we'd like to think, as he strums a guitar on the deck.

Then there's Hugh Jackman, the Wolverine wonder with a $180 million net worth from films grossing $6 billion. While his main Sydney pad is in Bondi, Jackman's been spotted dining in Manly and has ties to the Northern Beaches through friends and filming. Rumors swirl of a holiday home in the area – perfect for the family man who balances Broadway (*The Music Man*, Tony Award) with beach time. Humor: If he shape-shifts into beach mode, it's claws out for the best surf spot!

Richard Roxburgh, the versatile actor known for Moulin Rouge! and Rake, lives in Bilgola Plateau with wife Silvia Colloca. His films have earned over $1 billion globally, and he's a Logie winner. The couple's home is a family sanctuary, chosen for its bush-meets-beach charm – ideal for raising kids away from the spotlight.

Silvia Colloca, actress, opera singer, and cookbook author, shares that Bilgola haven. With roles in Van Helsing and TV hosting gigs, she's sold thousands of books worldwide. Pittwater's Italian-inspired vibes (think fresh produce) fuel her culinary empire.

Tom Burlinson, star of The Man from Snowy River (1982, grossed $50 million adjusted), resides in Avalon. The Canadian-Aussie actor, also a singer with tribute shows to Frank Sinatra, chose Pittwater for its equestrian-friendly spaces – a nod to his horse-riding fame.

Melodic Maestros... Singers Serenading from the Shores

Pittwater's soundscape isn't just waves crashing; it's also home to chart-toppers whose music echoes the area's laid-back rhythm.

Kamahl, the legendary singer with a 60-year career, lives on the Northern Beaches. The Malaysian-Aussie crooner has sold millions of albums, with hits like "The Elephant Song" charting globally. At 90+, he's met royals and presidents, choosing Pittwater for peaceful retirement – where his voice still carries over the water.

Keith Urban (double-dipping as singer supreme) – see above for his Pittwater escapades.

Julia Stone, of folk duo Angus & Julia Stone, hails from Newport and maintains local roots. The pair's albums have sold 485,000 copies, with "Big Jet Plane" streaming 500 million times. Julia's solo work, like Sixty Summers, adds to her acclaim. Pittwater's serenity inspires her lyrics – perhaps written during harbor strolls.

Angus Stone, her brother and Dope Lemon alter-ego, shares those Newport ties. With ARIA No. 1 albums and Rick Rubin productions, he's a global folk force. The siblings' combined awards include ARIA Album of the Year – all rooted in Pittwater's creative soil.

Flume (Harley Streten), the electronic prodigy from Seaforth, still calls the Northern Beaches home base. His Grammy-winning Skin (2016) has 1 billion streams, with total sales topping millions. Pittwater's beats? They match his future bass drops perfectly.

Brand Titans... Entrepreneurs Building Empires by the Bay

Pittwater isn't just pretty; it's a powerhouse for business minds, with brand owners leveraging the area's innovation vibe.

Mike Cannon-Brookes, Atlassian co-founder and tech billionaire (net worth $11 billion), owns a $24.5 million Newport waterfront bought in 2021. Atlassian's software (Jira, Confluence) serves 250,000+ customers globally, with $4 billion annual revenue. He chose Pittwater for family life amid his green energy ventures – humor: Coding with a view beats Silicon Valley fog!

Jennifer Hawkins, model-turned-mogul, lives in Whale Beach after snapping up a $6.9 million estate in 2021. Miss Universe 2004, she's built J Group (property) and Jbronze (tanning brand), with sales in the millions. Pittwater's glamour suits her empire-building.

Elle Macpherson, "The Body," has long ties to Palm Beach, with holiday homes and visits. Her WelleCo wellness brand generates $50 million annually, sold in 30 countries. The supermodel's 30-year career includes SI covers – Pittwater keeps her grounded.

Dick Smith, the electronics entrepreneur, resides in Terrey Hills. His Dick Smith Electronics sold for $500 million in 1982; now a philanthropist with aviation feats. Pittwater's adventure spirit matches his helicopter hops.

Jamie Durie, TV landscaper and brand owner (Durie Design), is selling his $33 million Pittwater eco-mansion in 2025. With shows like The Outdoor Room seen by millions, his eco-products sell globally. The home's biophilic design (330 plants!) embodies his green brand.

Pittwater's Celeb Legacy... Over 30 Years of Star Power

From the '90s influx of actors like Burlinson to modern moguls like Cannon-Brookes, Pittwater's celeb scene has evolved with rising property values (up 200% in 30 years) and luxury developments. These 15 – Kidman, Urban, Jackman, Roxburgh, Colloca, Burlinson, Kamahl, Stone siblings, Flume, Cannon-Brookes, Hawkins, Macpherson, Smith, and Durie – represent a mix of talent that's sold billions in tickets, albums, and products. Why stay? The area's blend of exclusivity and ease – no wonder lockdowns in 2020 caught so many stars at home! Humor: In Pittwater, the only drama is on screen, not in the streets. If you're eyeing a property here, who knows – your next-door neighbor could be a Grammy winner!

So, whether it's Kidman's Oscar glow or Flume's beats, Pittwater shines brighter with its stars. Here's to more famous faces making waves in our coastal paradise!