by Mat Churchill

Ever wondered how the other half live, and what it's like inside the properties with a multi-million dollar price tag?

There's no shortage of eye-catching homes up for sale at an eye-catching price in Port Douglas. Those who can afford to part with that type of cash will often be rewarded with stunning views in one of Australia's most beautiful locations.

So who are these people? Where do they come from? And what do they look for in a home, or home away from home?

We asked Caroline Yarr of Ray White Real Estate in Port Douglas.

"In the past it was mainly well-healed people from Melbourne but Sydney has been getting stronger over the past couple of years. A lot of celebrities own homes here, Steve Vizard, John Farnham, and Michael Godinski for example.

"There is also a lot of interest from internationals. When property at Bale was being sold initially it was mainly people from Scotland, the US, France, and Hong Kong who were doing the buying." 

It seems that the rich list have similar taste when it comes to buying a holiday home as they rest of us, it's just their options are a little greater than most.

"The climate is obviously a big attraction for those down south. People are attracted to the beach, the views, the golf, the privacy, and some just want to hang out with friends and family who might also have homes up here." Caroline said.

Somewhat surprisingly there seems to be no signs of slowing in the demand for high priced properties. "It's easier for us to sell homes over $1 million than it is to sell homes under $300,000," she said. "There's still a lot of money around."

It's fair to say that a property that is second to none in terms of location and scenery is 15 The Esplanade.

This modern construction is owned by a semi-retired Christchurch couple, and now stands in place of what Port Douglas long term locals knew best as the house of Albert Sharp, a local legend. With Four Mile Beach almost within stepping distance of the front door, you won't get a lot of change from $3 million for the four level home.

Another hidden gem is Niramaya, a $2.5 million home in Bale resort. I don't want to sound like a real estate agent here (but if there's a finder's fee on a $2.5 million property I'll say whatever you want me to) but needless to say it's got everything you'd expect a multi-million dollar pad to have; five bedrooms with as many bathrooms (you don't want to have to share), lake frontage, separate living pavilions, spas, pool, a tepanyaki BBQ,, and even some reflection ponds (presumably to reflect on how much money you've just spent).

But if it's a rural retreat you're looking for, Century 21 in Port Douglas is selling your very own piece of the tropics. Why would I talk about bedrooms and bathrooms when I can talk about gyms, orchards, waterfalls and helipads? And for $3.95 million they'll even throw in a few acres of rainforest as part of your nine acre estate.

So there you have it. Port Douglas abounds with high priced property. Selling these luxurious homes may be easy, it's the buying part which might pose a challenge for many of us.