Australian holiday destinations of the rich and famous

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky may be Byron Bay's most famous residents, but this gorgeous seaside town is a well-known holiday destination for a bunch of Australian celebrities. Pat Rafter, Tim Cahill, and Carrie Bickmore are just a few of the big names with holiday homes in Byron.

Come summertime, Portsea and neighbouring Sorrento on Victoria's Mornington Peninsular become the playground of Melbourne's elite. Holiday homes on Portsea's 'Millionaire's walk' have stunning views over Port Phillip bay and private jetties.

Built on the riches of the pearling industry,  Broome remains a haven for the rich and famous. Cable Beach Resort offers an opportunity to enjoy a luxury break away from the spotlight.

Australia's most famous beach, Bondi is also a favourite for holidaying celebrities from around the world making it one of the best places in the country for celebrity spotting.

What's the only thing more luxurious than a weekend of fine art and wine at Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art (a.k.a. MONA)? Staying at the MONA Pavilions - the museum's luxury dens on the Derwent River.

Home to Australia's most prestigious wine producers, the Barossa Valley is a sumptuous holiday destination for wealthy Australians with a love of fine wine and dining.

The stunning beaches and luxury hotels of the Gold Coast are a big drawcard for celebrities like Pink, Justin Bieber, Angelina Jolie and even Kim and Kanye.

The exclusive seaside town of Noosa on Queensland's Sunshine Coast welcomes high-profile visitors including ex-Formula One driver Mark Webber and 'Suits' star Gabriel Macht.

Port Douglas in far north Queensland attracts wealthy visitors looking for a luxury getaway.  George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Antonio Banderas, Keanu Reeves, Kylie Minogue and Mick Jagger have all been spotted enjoying time-off in Port Douglas.

The Hunter Valley is the major wine region on Australia's east coast, attracting high-fliers from across the nation and around the world with stunning views, fine wine and luxury accommodation.

The Margaret River wine region in the south-west of WA is awash with wealthy holidaymakers from the rich suburbs of Perth as well as high-fliers from the eastern states. It offers not only the finest food and wine but excellent swimming spots, like the beach at Busselton Jetty.

In the winter months, the high-fliers that don't escape to the nation's northern beaches instead hit the slopes at ski resorts in the Australian Alps. Mt Buller remains a firm favourite.

(Image: stevage, Wikimedia Commons)

Palm Beach in Sydney's north is not only the location of Home and Away's fictional town 'Summer Bay', but is also a well-known celebrity hang out.

The Whitsunday Islands are a magnet for the elite. It's not hard to see why with stunning white beaches and crystal blue waters, combined with some of the most luxurious accommodation in the world.

Sydney is not only Australia's biggest city but it's also a holiday hotspot for the world's rich and famous.

These are the top 50 holiday destinations in the world.

Victoria's surf coast with its rugged coastline and luxury accommodation attracts wealthy visitors from around the country.

Manly Beach in Sydney's north is a well-known celebrity favourite. Some famous holiday-makers who have been spotted here include Prince William and Kate, Beyonce, Ellen DeGeneres and Eric Bana.

The stunning Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays is a regular destination for wealthy travellers, with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt being among some of the big-name visitors.

The exclusive Palm Cove in Port Douglas has welcomed high-profile holiday-makers including John Travolta, Mick Jagger and Claudia Schiffer.

Queensland's beautiful Stradbroke Island has attracted some famous visitors including Usher, Chris Hemsworth and Matt Damon.

Cairns is a favourite among celebrities looking to get away from the winter in southern cities. It also welcomes international superstars like Will Smith who was recently spotted flying into the far north Queensland city.

Queensland's Sunshine Coast is another well-known getaway for wealthy holiday-makers and celebrities hoping to fly under the radar.

The luxurious Hamilton Island has welcomed guests including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and Oprah.

Australian beaches, 100 years ago