‘Thunder From Down Under’ founder’s mansion sets suburb record

A dream home built for the founder of stage sensation Manpower has smashed its suburb record in an eye-popping $15.51m deal.

297-299 Monaco St, Broadbeach Waters, has sold for $15.51m.

An entertainer’s dream home built by Thunder From Down Under founder Billy Cross and his wife Jackie has changed hands for $15.51m, setting a new benchmark for the ritzy riverfront neighbourhood.

The entrepreneurial couple sold their LA-inspired mansion to former KPMG global executive James Collier for $12.4m in July 2021, but he put the trophy home back on the market three years later.

The sprawling property at 297-299 Monaco St, Broadbeach Waters was marketed by Michael Kollosche and Ryan Ward, of Kollosche, who secured a new owner after a prolonged campaign, including two auction tilts with another agent.

Billy and Jackie Cross pictured at the Nineteen at the Star on Melbourne Cup Day last year. Picture: Portia Large.

It had been listed at $16.75m, but the vendors dropped their asking price and sealed a deal.

“We were appointed [to market the property] in late November and ended up with multiple offers in December and January, and just last week we concluded a cash unconditional offer, which was a great result for the seller after a long campaign,” Mr Kollosche said.

He said the local buyers intended to move in and update the home to restore its original wow factor.

“The house is a really good structure, but it was in a need of a little bit of work, so they will give it a facelift,” Mr Kollosche said.

Jamie Durie (bottom left) and Manpower founder Billy Cross (top, right) at The Penthouse with Peter Allen.

Cross was a founding member of the raunchy revue, Manpower Australia, along with TV star gardener Jamie Durie, and spearheaded the spin-off show, Thunder From Down Under, which toured the world through the 1990s.

The Crosses went on to dominate the Glitter Strip’s nightclub and events scene under their brand, Cross Promotions, and in 2009 secured a 2,5331 sqm Main River block.

They enlisted Bayden Goddard to design the ultimate family entertainer, comprising an array of spaces catering for intimate and large-scale events as well as relaxation.

Pool and tennis court on the riverfront

A seamless flow from inside to outdoors

Designer interiors featuring marble and polished hardwood flow to an impressive al fresco spread complete with a waterfront pool, tennis court, basketball court, and barbecue kitchen with teppanyaki bar.

Other perks of the five-bedroom, five-bathroom home included a lavish master suite with walk-in dressing room, cinema, gym, steam room and massage room as well as a jetty with dual jet ski docks, and man cave equipped with a bar and wine fridges.

The lavish upstairs master bedroom

Complete with a spacious dressing room and makeup station

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The sale set a new residential record for Broadbeach Waters, trumping Te Moana, another opulent home on Monaco St which went for $15.2m in December 2023.

Mr Kollosche said high-end riverfront homes were still in scarce supply, with demand strongest for move-in-ready new or refurbished properties as cashed-up buyers would rather avoid the cost and delays of renovating themselves.

PropTrack data shows the median house price in Broadbeach Waters climbed 3.7 per cent over the past 12 months to $2.1m.

The mansion last changed hands in 2021 when it was purchased by KPMG executive James Collier

The sale set a new suburb record in Broadbeach Waters

Luxury finishes throughout the home

Originally published as ‘Thunder From Down Under’ founder’s mansion sets suburb record