Noosa: The celebrities who holiday or live in the Qld hotspot
From movie superstars to sporting royalty to former prime ministers, these are the celebrities who call Queensland’s slice of heaven home. SEE THE FULL LIST
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Welcome to Noosa, the idyllic Queensland holiday hotspot known for its sun, surf and superstars.
The lure of the Sunshine Coast resort area, population of about 60,000, is obvious but it still punches above its weight when it comes to attracting the big names for a holiday or home investment.
Movie superstars including the Hemsworth brothers, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman previously made Noosa a must-do for holidays.
Sporting stars like Cameron Munster, Dawn Fraser and Ash Barty have all had their brush with Noosa’s lifestyle.
And entrepreneur Richard Branson, singer Justin Bieber and even Prince Harry have had stays in paradise.
Then there’s former Aussie cricket captain Michael Clarke’s infamous getaway at Noosa.
Or the time U2 band members were ejected from a local club for their attire (read more below).
So why exactly has the resort area become not just a hotspot for holiday-makers but also homeowners and investors?
Between March 2020 and April 2022, according to CoreLogic, property value in the region rose 60 per cent, adding about $525,000 to the median value.
But the love affair is nothing new – as Pamela Lindon, then of Lindoni’s restaurant on Hastings Street, explained in 1997.
“I think it has become more attractive for those people because they can get a degree of privacy here,” she said.
These are some of the big names who love Noosa >>>
KEVIN RUDD
The controversial former prime minister, along with his wife, businesswoman Therese Rein, bought a Pat Rafter-built beachfront house for $17 million in 2020.
Going back to 2007, Mr Rudd explained his love for the region as the couple kept an eye on a $3 million home in Tingira Crescent.
“We liked the house and were interested in whether we could buy it one day,’’ Mr Rudd said.
In December 2021 richlister Ms Rein cashed in on investments in Noosa, selling multiple blocks in a row for more than $10m and buying two more homes for more than $8m.
In 2021 Mr Rudd was comically confused for an Uber driver while in Noosa.
Meanwhile former prime minister Tony Abbott was swarmed by crowds in 2015 when he went for a stroll along the boardwalk before being snapped once again in 2016 when surfing at Tea Tree Bay.
TRAVIS FIMMEL
Vikings star Travis Fimmel was in January 2024 spotted at a popular Noosa surf club with Today show host Karl Stefanovic and Edge of Tomorrow actor Kick Gurry.
Stefanovic posted to Instagram a snap of the trio having a beer at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club.
“Aussie acting and producing royalty only at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club. Sign up for ten bucks. You just never know who’s there,” Stefanovic posted to Instagram.
The film actors and television personality were seen drinking Travla, the beer brand launched by Fimmel at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club in April 2023.
Since returning home from Hollywood, the former Calvin Klein model has enjoyed living in his native country, including holidaying in Airlie Beach, while filming Stan drama series Black Snow in July, 2022.
KARL STEFANOVIC
Long before his public bust-up with Michael Clarke, the Today Show host had fallen in love with Noosa so much he splashed out $3.6 million to secure a holiday house.
Stefanovic and his then-pregnant wife, Jasmine, in April 2020 forked out the princely sum for a luxurious beach house.
The stunning four-bedroom, four-bathroom home is in one of Sunshine Beach’s most expensive streets – Seaview Terrace.
By August the couple looked to update the property, with Stefanovic announcing his application to add an extension during a lighthearted, on-air chat with Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart.
After crossing back to the Sydney studio, Stefanovic stated that Cr Stewart was “the best mayor in Australia”.
When Stefanovic’s co-host said, “what do you want Karl?”, he replied in jest, “just trying to shuffle that extension through the council”.
The lavish renovation was completed in August 2021.
The love affair with the region took a twist in 2022 when the property was twice listed for sale, with a price guide of $7.5 million.
However by January 2023 Stefanovic labelled Noosa “his happy place”.
“In the end we couldn’t part with our pride and joy,” Stefanovic told the Financial Review.
“I love the surf side of Noosa. I love the national park walk between Sunshine and Noosa. I love having a beer in both surf clubs before and after the walk. Mostly, though, the people are wonderful.”
In April 2023 Stefanovic took his family back to Noosa, just months after the infamous blow-up with Clarke.
JUSTIN BIEBER
Who could forget when pop sensation Justin Bieber appeared on Makepeace Island on the Noosa River just a few days out from his Sydney concert in March, 2017.
The Canadian-born artist, then 23, reportedly forked out up to $5500 a night to stay at the luxurious and exclusive Makepeace Island, co-owned by British billionaire Richard Branson.
Bieber sent fans and media into a frenzy and was spotted going shirtless in board shorts as he walked around the tropical oasis.
Bieber then took to social media were he posted a video of himself recreating some classic lines from Australian comedian Chris Lilley’s show, Jonah from Tonga.
The property, which features a main long house with a giant bar, a four-bedroom guesthouse, several two-bedroom villas, a boat house and a lagoon pool with a lap lane, dive spots and a 15-person spa, was also visited by American artist Will-I-Am, of the band Black Eyed Peas, after Mr Branson bought the island in the early 2000s for $2.86m.
THOMAS MUSTER & JO-BETH TAYLOR
The former professional tennis player and his then-television celebrity wife in May 2002 sold for their luxury Noosa hinterland home for a then-record $7.6 million.
Muster, Taylor and their young son Christian had bought a new home in Perth to be closer to her parents and to pursue her film and TV career.
Muster paid $1 million for the Sunrise Rd property in 1994 before demolishing the existing house and building his dream home.
Set on 37ha, Cintimani had a six-bedroom, 1400 sq/m house with views and included a pool, tennis court and helipad.
Former world No.1 Muster, who split from Taylor in 2005, sold another Noosa home in 2016 for nearly $6 million.
RICHARD BRANSON
The British billionaire, entrepreneur and business magnate in 2003 bought 9.2ha Makepeace Island for $3 million.
In May 2003 Branson revealed he bought the island for his staff.
“As a ‘thank you’, what we have done is we have bought a beautiful island off Noosa for the staff to use with their friends to come and party or go away for weekends. Obviously people will be able to go for nothing,” he said.
Despite speculation he would sell the island, by April 2008 Branson was pressing ahead with building a luxury retreat despite protests from environmentalists.
Plans for the $4 million nine-hectare estate at Noosa had been scaled back from those first outlined by the British tycoon.
Noosa Councillor Russell Green, chairman of the Environment and Planning Committee that finally passed the project, said: “I think at first there were plans for a country club and helipad and we said, ‘Not going to happen.’ “
Despite a stop-start saga to finish the build, Branson continued to be a regular visitor and backer of the Noosa region.
OSCAR PIASTRI
Australian Formula One champion Oscar Piastri was in December 2023 spotted taking a well-deserved break on the Sunshine Coast, trading the roaring engines and cheering crowds for the serene flow of the Noosa River.
Accompanied by his girlfriend Lily Zneimer, the couple enjoyed a romantic scenic river tour with Noosa Dream Boats, exploring the tranquil Noosa River as part of their pre-Christmas holiday.
This relaxing getaway, captured in idyllic sunset cruise images shared on Instagram, offered a peaceful contrast to Piastri’s high-speed profession.
The Instagram post by Noosa Dream Boats humorously hinted at Piastri setting a ‘new lap record’ on the water.
“I had the pleasure of showing @oscarpiastri & @lilyzneimer around the Noosa waterways and set a new lap record,” the Instagram post read.
MICHAEL CLARKE
The Aussie cricket great’s tale with Noosa begins long before his infamous shirtless stoush there in 2023.
In fact, Clarke skipped the January 2019 Test at the Gabba to instead muck about on a boat with daughter Kelsey Lee and then-wife Kyly.
However by July 2020 Clarke took his new love interest, Pip Edwards, on a holiday to Noosa with each of their children.
After previously denying romance rumours, the pair made their relationship official with an array of photos at the beach, including one which showed her resting on Clarke’s shirtless body.
There would of course be another twist when Clarke and then-girlfriend Jade Yarbrough exchanged words on January 10, with the dramatic fracas filmed by a bystander in Noosa.
The pair had reportedly gone to reconcile but would later each be fined $431 for causing a public nuisance.
No charges were laid in relation to the incident.
MATT DAMON & LIAM HEMSWORTH
Actors Matt Damon and Liam Hemsworth were seen enjoying some cocktails at up-market restaurant Sails on Hastings St in March 2021, before travelling north from Noosa to their usual camping spot at Double Island Point and Rainbow Beach.
The pair of Hollywood actors surfed alongside some delighted locals before Rainbow Beach ice delivery driver Rob Gough, aka The Ice Man, snapped a happy pic with Damon and described him as a “top bloke”.
“What a privilege it was to meet and share waves with these guys,” he said.
It’s not the first time Mr Gough has served up some cold summer treats to some A-list celebrities as he spotted Aussie megastar Chris Hemsworth enjoying a relaxed day at Rainbow Beach in July 2020.
The Hollywood actor, best known for his role as Thor, was spotted checking out the range of ice-creams.
CAMERON MUNSTER
The rugby league superstar was spotted at the Noosa Surf Club in recent years when holidaying in Noosa, where his manager Shaun Pyne lives.
In December 2016 Munster thanked the staff after his stay at The Hastings resort and drew a large crowd of fans in November 2020 when he took to the field for the Tewantin-Noosa Cricket Club in a legends trial match against the Sunshine Coast Scorchers.
Other NRL stars have also stopped into Noosa.
Former Canterbury players Braith Anasta and Willie Mason were snapped on the dance floor in Noosa in 2002, while former New South Wales forward Robbie Kearns partied there in 1999.
ASH BARTY
The retired tennis star and her long-time partner Garry Kissick fittingly tied the knot in July 2022 at the heart-shaped Makepeace Island on the Noosa River.
It was reported the pair were married in front of family and friends after returning from St Andrews in Scotland, having seen Queensland golfer Cameron Smith win the British Open.
Previously known as Pig Island, Makepeace was named after former resident and colourful local character Hannah “Shotgun” Makepeace.
In 2009, Makepeace Island was developed as a private retreat for family and friends of the owners, Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Australia co-founder Brett Godfrey.
In July 2011, its doors were opened for exclusive use with its three two-bedroom villas, boathouse and four spacious suites in the Island House able to accommodate up to 22 guests.
Among other tennis stars, Wimbledon champ Evonne Goolagong-Cawley and US Open winner Pat Rafter are both long-time Noosa residents.
MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY
The heart-throb actor in 2007 made an all-star appearance in Noosa.
The 2005 Sexiest Man Alive took time out from filming his flick Fool’s Gold with fellow A-lister Kate Hudson to kick back on the famous tourist strip.
“He really loved it in Australia,’’ Fool’s Gold publicist Fiona Searson said
Tourism Noosa’s Diane Ainsworth suspected word of mouth within Hollywood’s A-list community was playing a significant role in attracting celebrities.
“I think people can come here and relax, yet still enjoy that sophisticated or cosmopolitan feel,” she said.
“Clearly the natural green environment is a very big attraction not only to celebrities but everyday tourists too.”
Fellow actors Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, who were married from 1990 to 2001, have also previously stayed at Noosa.
PRINCE HARRY
These days he’s making very different headlines but in 2003 Prince Harry was spotted thumbing a mag at a Noosa petrol station.
Noosa Heads Shell Service Station’s Jenny Mason was wondering whether the well-dressed young man flicking through the Woman’s Day featuring a picture of Prince William was going to buy it or keep reading.
“I said, ‘You right there mate?’,” the console operator recalled of Harry’s visit.
“He said, ‘No, no we’re just waiting while we get some petrol’.”
The then-19-year-old also fit in some frolicking in the waves, enjoying a bit of action at the Big Kart Track and having breakfast at local cafes.
The Sunshine Coast Daily even documented the search to find Harry during his stay.
BONO & U2
Two members of U2’s entourage were ejected from a Noosa nightclub in February 1998 … for committing the fashion faux pas of wearing open-toed sandals.
“And they were a pretty daggy old pair at that,” the manager of Noosa’s happening Rolling Rock club said at the time.
Lead singer Bono, guitarist The Edge and drummer Larry Mullen stood by helplessly as two of their 16-strong pack of hangers-on failed to meet the Rock’s dress regulation requirements.
Rock’s manager Lyndon Simmons said “rules are rules”.
“We set these dress standards for everyone, no matter who they are or how important they might think they ought to be,” he said.
“Any locals who come to the club have to adhere to the dress requirements, and international guests are no different.”
OTHER NOOSA LOVERS
Swimmers Michael Klim and Dawn Fraser, as well as cricketer Ben Laughlin, also call Noosa home.
Celebrity chefs such as Matt Preston, Trudi Jenkins, Matt Sinclair, Peter Kuruvita, Matt Golinski and Manu Feildel have helped promote the Noosa Food and Wine Festival.
While former AFL WAG Nadia Bartel was in January 2020 seen holidaying in Noosa in January after previously visiting the region for a girls weekend.
Russell Crowe, Greg Kinnear, Sean Connery, Jimmy Barnes, Mick Jagger, Madonna and Brett Lee have all been snapped in the area previously.
Originally published as Noosa: The celebrities who holiday or live in the Qld hotspot
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