Celebrities, influencers and content creators continue to flock to Byron Bay in Northern Rivers
The humble mayor of Byron Bay never gets invited to the hottest parties and he’s yet to meet an A-lister in the flesh – but he’s no less proud of his little piece of paradise. Here’s why celebs flock to the town.
Regional News
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The humble mayor of Byron Bay says he’s yet to meet an A-lister in the flesh and never gets invited to the hottest parties as the “cool factor” cements the tourist hub as a celeb hot spot.
It comes as social researcher Mark McCrindle has spoken of the draw of the northern NSW coastal town for those with cash to splash looking for an “escape from the bright lights”.
Byron is well-known escape for Hollywood heroes and social stars like Chris Hemsworth, Zac Efron, Matt Damon and Abbie Chatfield.
It’s also a haven for emerging and established content creators, basking in the laid-back lifestyle and pristine views.
Some have snapped up impressive parcels of real estate, while others spend considerable time in the backpacker mecca – which was a blood-soaked whaling port once upon a time.
The high-end beachfront houses, unique shops and enviable natural environment of Byron and surrounds are no doubt a big part of the appeal.
Mr McCrindle reckons it’s pretty simple – celebrities and up-and-comers like to live in trendy places.
“An area with a good location and lifestyle attracts amenities including cafes, culinary options, lifestyle activities and therefore growing house prices. The area then attracts those with a high social economic status,” he said.
“Celebrities may also find Byron Bay appealing because it’s an escape from the bright lights and commercial life.”
Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon said celebrities come for the “cool factor” and while speaking about celebrities “come with the territory”, he has not quite been rubbing shoulders.
“I never get invited to any of the parties,” Mr Lyon laughed.
While the mayor is yet to meet a modern day celebrity, he was pretty pleased to see Chris Hemsworth helping out amid the 2022 northern NSW floods.
Meanwhile, cafes and restaurants around Byron were hesitant when questioned about their repeat celebrity customers.
Establishments known to regularly A-listers, including Bayleaf Cafe, Raes on Wategos and Tree House Byron Bay, declined to comment.
Rae’s on Wategos head of marketing Jessica Fornito said staff prided themselves on being very discreet.
“So unfortunately we’re unable to disclose details around which celebrities have stayed at the hotel over the years to respect guest privacy,” she explained.
Nevertheless, keep an eye out around the shire and you’re bound to see a few big names – whether by the beach or baristas.
Here are some key celebrities and influencers who have seized headlines as they settled into Byron Shire in recent years.
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky
Marvel star Chris Hemsworth and wife Spanish actor Elsa Pataky have often been seen cafe hopping, surfing and spending time with their three children around Byron township.
Their purchase of a mega-mansion reportedly worth $20 million at Broken Heads, featuring an infinity pool, gym and media room, made headlines internationally.
Surfing brought the pair to Byron in 2014.
Zac Efron
High School Musical actor Zac Efron rented a luxurious $22 million mansion in Byron Bay during the Covid pandemic.
It was later reported Efron purchased a sprawling estate an hour away from the tourist hotspot in the Tweed, boasting rainforest views and abundant creeks and waterfalls.
However, the property did not include a house.
Matt Damon
The Martian actor has been taking his family on vacation to Byron Bay for years and may have decided to call Australia home.
He has been seen numerous times with his friend Chris Hemsworth and has spoken fondly of Australia and the North Coast.
Rumours abound that Damon purchased a $20 million beachfront home in Byron Bay overlooking Wategoes Beach in 2020.
Jai Vasicek
Well-known artist Jai Vasicek has more than 131,000 followers on Instagram and is known for his vibrant handmade art tile and prints.
Jai Vasicek gathers inspiration from travelling and his unique artwork usually features nature, exotic creatures and female forms.
He was born in Port Douglas and has galleries all around Australia, including one Byron Bay on Marvell St.
Lisa Danielle Smith
Lisa Danielle Smith grew up on the Gold Coast and kickstarted her beauty career at 21 with a long-term desire to own a business.
She resides in Byron Bay and has collaborated with several brands including boho fashion label SPELL.
Lisa Danielle Smith recently came out with the bag label ‘Louie Bloom’ which was inspired by her travels in Morocco.
She has more than 267,000 followers on Instagram and is married to photographer Jamie Green.
Courtney Adamo
Bangalow mother of five Courtney Adamo is a businesswoman, blogger and author.
Originally from London, now settled in Byron Bay, she has a booming Instagram account with 271,000 followers and gets paid up to $1360 per post.
Her carefully curated Insta feed consists of a uniform palette of beige, white and rose along with images of the family in coordinated clothes and sponsored content.
Courtney Adamo’s interest in authenticity, maintaining a healthy planet and the surf beaches drew her to the Byron Bay area.
SPELL sisters
Elizabeth Abegg and Designer Abigail Pennefather began a Melbourne-based jewellery business which transformed into the successful Byron festival-inspired SPELL clothing label.
The Byron Bay boho boutique, featuring bright floral flowy dresses, boasts ethical suppliers and has previously won the Australian Business of the Year award.
The brand has been worn and adored by heaps of big-name celebrities, including Katy Perry, Margot Robbie, Elsa Pataky and Miley Cyrus.
Third sister Luciana Rose is a hair and makeup artist who has worked with Hollywood Stars in the TV, fashion and advertising industries.
She’s based in Byron Bay and enjoys assisting brides on their wedding days.
Pete Evans
Australian Chef and former My Kitchen Rules Judge Pete Evans owns a $1.75 million estate in Byrrill Creek near Byron Bay.
Evans has raised eyebrows in the past for his controversial advise and opinions on health and wellbeing, including anti-vaxxer ideologies.
He has been out of the spotlight lately, running “wellness” sessions from home – and charging people thousands to attend.
Abbie Chatfield
Radio presenter and TV personality Abbie Chatfield recently moved to the Northern Rivers from Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
The Bachelor star purchased a $1.45 million cottage built out of recycled natural materials just outside Bangalow.
On MammaMia’s No Filter podcast, Chatsfield revealed collaborating with vibrator brand Vush helped her make enough to snap up the luxurious home in the Byron Bay Hinterland.
Johansen-Bell sisters
Jessica and Lauren Johansen-Bell are longtime locals of Byron Bay and feature on contentious Netflix show Byron Baes.
Fashion designer Jessia Johansen-Bell is the creative mind behind swimwear label Johansen and some of her pieces have been worn by A-list American socialite Kylie Jenner.
Model Lauren Johansen-Bell enjoys cafe hopping and soaking in the sun at the town’s various beaches.
NAGNATA sisters
High-end fashion label Nagnata, translated from the Sanskrit word nakedness, showcases sustainable ribbed knitwear pieces founded by designer and creative director Laura May.
Sister Hannah Gibs who has a background as a textile artist and photographer, The Byron brand with a flagship store in the CBD is also informed by her sister
The business created in 2015 has expanded to Sydney, New York and Los Angeles.
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