Melbourne

Melbourne's most expensive view

Chris Vedelago Describing this as a million-dollar view hardly does it justice - and certainly won't cover the cost of buying the Eureka Tower.

Melbourne's $20m mansion

Toorak's record-setting mansion.

Chris Zappone Melbourne has a new most-expensive house, with a Toorak mansion changing hands for $20m.

Bernie's billion dollar babes

Tamara and Petra Ecclestone.

Richard Williams Bernie Ecclestone has made a fortune out of formula one racing - now his daughters are busy spending it.

Blinged-up blowers

tag

Sylvia Pennington Got a spare zero or two in the bank account and want to treat yourself to a little high-tech bling this holiday season?

That's rich: Sydney gets knocked off wealth perch

sydney

Clancy Yeates Sydney households are no longer the nation's wealthiest after being overtaken by residents in Melbourne, Perth and Canberra.

Anything you can do ...

Yas hotel, Abu Dhabi

When it comes to attracting attention, Abu Dhabi and Dubai think big and build bigger, writes Keith Austin.

Fancy that! No slump in luxury goods as shoppers splash out

Boom in luxury goods

Mark Russell and John Mangan Despite uncertain economic times, there is a boom in upmarket quality items as Australians dare to dream. Mark Russell and John Mangan report.

Legal pitfalls for millionaire pets

trouble

British Fashion designer Alexander McQueen did it and so did billionaire hotel operator Leona Helmsley, but legal experts warn that there can be pitfalls to bequeathing money to a pampered pet.

Call to alms: who wants to be a green millionaire?

Fourth-generation Myer Simon Heard

Saffron Howden The Myers, the Potters, and the Poola Foundation are leading a new trend in philanthropy that fuses indigenous cultural heritage with environmental conservation.

Diamonds are a downturn's best friend

diamond

Georgina Safe Retail may be in the doldrums, but resale at the top end of town is booming, with Sotheby's banking on record results for its fine jewellery auction in Double Bay on Monday.

Why is whisky back in fashion?

whisky

John Bailey There's a new tipple in town and it's actually something old. So why has whisky suddenly become the drink of choice?

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Is it the right time for a classic?

James Cockington Watches have now become more of a fashion statement, which explains why classic designs have started to appear at auctions.

Aussies take to cruising in luxury

Queen Elizabeth

A record number of Australians will be living it up onboard Cunard's luxury superliners Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2 this year.

Even higher rollers: Star City to jet in big gamblers

jet

David Humphries A campaign to jet in international high-rollers to Star City casino is targeting punters willing to bet hundreds of thousands of dollars on a card.

Food fanciers hunt for the next big thing

Shirako.

Sarah McInerney Could Wagyu beef and truffles be relegated to the back of the restaurant fridge in favour of chocolate-dipped cheese and monkfish liver? Sarah McInerney asks a food critic, providore and a couple of...

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Shoes do the walking as confidence takes a dive

Loake brogues.

Rachel Olding Shoes are in, electronic items are out. That's the verdict among shoppers who have been ditching big-ticket items like television sets, fridges and washing machines for smaller luxuries, a reflection...

No bursting our champagne market bubble

Champagne cork

Eli Greenblat While sales dive globally, Australians can't seem to quench their thirst for French champagne.

Brands flock to Birdcage

Birdcage

Melissa Kent and Jo Casamento Forget the global financial crisis, hedonism will return at this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Johnnie Walker launches top drop with the price tag to match

Whisky.

Sarah McInerney In launching a high-end whisky, Johnnie Walker is honouring its heritage with the flow on effect of igniting interest in its other products, writes Sarah McInerney.

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Frank Lowy tops BRW rich list for first time

Frank Lowy.

Chris Zappone After making the rich list for 27 years, shopping centre magnate Frank Lowy has finally hit the No.1 spot.