Gold Coast
Paradise Waters
46-48 Norseman Court
$12.5 million
Property developer Michael Kelly built this five-bedroom, seven-bathroom palace with six-car garage on the Nerang River because he "had nothing to do" during the global financial crisis, admitting he got a good deal "from the bank" on the 2295 square metre block. Since then he's spent about $6 million creating what he says is "the most photographed joint on the Gold Coast, because we've got big tourist boats loaded with Chinese visitors going past - two every hour". He thinks there's a good chance one of them might snap up the dream home. "We've certainly got the feng shui right ... my architect made sure of that." He's looking to downsize. "There's just me and the dog here now," he said. His daughter, Talei Kelly, of Kelly Project Marketing is handling the sale. 
Sydney
Mosman
33 Iluka Road
About $8 million
With six bedrooms and four bathrooms, this home on 941 square metres of land is in one of Mosman's best streets and has extensive harbour views. There are large living areas and a pool with cabana. A lift runs between the two-car garage and kitchen. There's an office and gym and it's an easy walk down to the foreshore and secluded beaches. Mark Manners from Simeon Manners Property says there are still plenty of buyers around Mosman. "The heat's probably come off a bit but I'm expecting the market to stay strong right through to Christmas," he said.
Regional Victoria
Birregurra
4100 Cape Otway Road
$4 million+
If you want to escape the rat race, this six-bedroom estate about 130 kilometres south-west of Melbourne is the perfect place. On 77 hectares, Ripple Vale House, with six-metre cathedral ceilings and elegant cornices, chandelier lighting and leadlight windows, was built in 1870 and has Barwon River frontage. The Tasmanian oak country kitchen has been updated with custom appliances imported from England. The property includes another cottage, built in 1865 but recently renovated, which had been the farm manager's home. Hodges agent Michael Cooney said the property comes with a tennis court, historic shearing sheds and a rambling orchard.
Sydney
Palm Beach
19 Ralston Road
About $4.5 million
The weather's warming up, and I'm starting to think about the beach, particularly this one. On 835 square metres, this five-bedroom, four-bathroom home with a two-car garage has room for a pool. There are panoramic views over Palm Beach, Pittwater and the Central Coast. Each of the three levels open to a series of travertine and sandstone terraces. Sothebys agent Michael King has the listing.