1. Rivermead Estate, Caballo Road, Guanaba – Gold Coast QLD

Situated 30 minutes behind the north end of the Gold Coast, this $21.5 Million AUD 6 bedroom Estate is the most elegant on this list. The property is a polo players paradise – 21 hectares of lush green countryside, stables, a riding arena and a full-size polo field. For those not that into horses, don’t worry the property has everything else including a Helipad.

The main house is built in Plantation-style and incorporates some Queenslander features like the elegant stairway at the front of the property. The interior looks incredible, especially on the bottom floor with the contrast between the blue walls and decorative white ceiling, beautifully paired with a low gloss solid timber floor. The furniture gracefully repeats the colour scheme. The only thing I would change would be the white window shutters, which fit the style but keep too much light out.

All in all this place is a masterpiece in architecture and landscaping. You would though want to make sure you have some money left after the purchase to employ a team of gardeners to maintain all the pruned bushes, gardens and lawns.

2. Bellagio La Villa, Tallebudgera – Gold Coast QLD

This grand European-style 10 bedroom Mansion is set on a 49 hectare riverfront Estate. Built by a Chinese Billionaire, the estate is said to be worth $50 million. Tucked just 10 minutes drive behind Palm beach, on the southern end of the Gold coast, this prime real estate alone is was purchased for $7 million in 2006.

It’s not only the grounds that remind of a royal palace, step inside the Villa and be awed by grand 18th-century French furnishing and trim. The most impressive part of the estate is the gigantic swimming pool which is shown above as the Feature image for this article.

While this personally is not my cup of tea for living spaces, I can well admire the work that has been put into the intricate design and construction of this masterpiece.

3. Paperbark Estate, Knockrow – Byron Bay NSW

Situated in the hinterlands, halfway between Byron Bay and Ballina is this prestigious 16 hectare resort-like estate. Featuring a small golf course, private runway, helipad, wine cellar, cinema and all you fitness amenities you might expect from a luxury retreat.

The modern and stylish looking interior makes use of fine Australian timbers and polished stone. The asking price a few years back was $7 million but one would guess it would be worth a lot more now.

5. Urimbirra Estate, Mount Dromedary Trail – Tilba Tilba NSW

Situated on the South coast of New South Wales, just a stones throw away from the coast, this 34 hectare Georgian style Countryside Estate is nested in some of the lushest pastures of Australia. The 6 bedroom residence has adopted a rustic interior with decorative stone walls, a grand wooden loft, and beautiful ironwork. The fireplaces and large chimney that extends through the building create a cozy atmosphere to lessen the chill of colder winter evenings.

This property was recently sold in 2021 for an undisclosed amount.

Notable Mention: Knott Court, Whitfield – Cairns QLD

This splendid north Queensland Residence, inspired by Italian Renaissance style deserves a mention due to its grandeur. Unfortunately it was built on a small 7000 square meter block which would be pushing the definition of an estate but to its credit it does back onto a splendid rainforest reserve.

This Mansion, while still impressive, is a lot more subtle than the likes of Bellagio La Villa (#2 on the list). Its most impressive feature is the large pool set against the backdrop of the towering columns of the entranceway. This property was sold in 2020 for an undisclosed amount.