Bay-facing living room framed by soaring heritage windows and sweeping Port Phillip Bay views.

A Port Melbourne penthouse once home to sugar barons, starch makers and even a Mad Max cameo has hit the market, offering panoramic views from bay to skyline.

The half-floor residence at 13B/9 Beach St is expected to fetch $2.45m-$2.65m when it sells, perched atop the heritage-listed Sandridge Towers, a former 19th-century factory converted into boutique apartments in the 1980s.

From its 13th-floor perch, the sub-penthouse delivers a rare double spectacle, sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay from one terrace, and the Melbourne CBD skyline glittering from the other.
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James Nicolaou Real Estate associate director Alejandro Torres said it was “not just a home, but a piece of Melbourne’s story”.

“This residence sits within the iconic Sandridge Towers, directly opposite the foreshore,” Mr Torres said.

“You get panoramic views in both directions — the bay on one side, the CBD on the other — framed by two expansive terraces.

“Buyers want something that tells a story, something irreplaceable.”

The building’s story stretches back to 1891, when it formed part of the Australian Sugar Refinery Company.

The penthouse last changed hands in 2001 for $1m, now it’s tipped to fetch more than double.

The building doubled as the “Halls of Justice” in George Miller’s Mad Max back in 1979. Picture: Port Melbourne Historical Society/Enhance by AI

It was rebuilt as Harper’s Starch Factory in 1899, and in 1979 its imposing red-brick facade doubled as the dystopian “Halls of Justice” in George Miller’s Mad Max.

Today, the interiors fuse raw industrial character with luxury finishes.

Barrel-vaulted ceilings and arched warehouse windows flood the home with light, while a premium granite kitchen, built-in bar and palatial main suite with city views deliver contemporary polish.

Bedrooms are designed for space and light, with arched windows and skyline vistas.

The Sandridge Towers exterior today, once a starch factory, now one of Port Melbourne’s most coveted addresses.

Granite kitchen with premium appliances and walk-in pantry blends history with modern luxury.

Buyers can configure two or three bedrooms, alongside multiple living and dining zones designed for large-scale entertaining.

Mr Torres said the lifestyle was as dramatic as the history.

“During the day, you’ve got the calming waterfront, open skies, the sound of the bay, that relaxed Port Melbourne feel,” he said.

“At night, the skyline lights up. It feels like you’re watching the city transform into a stage show right outside your window.”

The site was gutted in the great Sandridge fire of 1875, when molten sugar turned the bay waters red. Picture: State Library of Victoria

Luxury bathrooms with double vanities and sleek finishes bring a hotel feel to the home.

With secure parking, intercom entry and Bay Street cafes just a block away, the apartment is expected to attract executives, downsizers and interstate penthouse collectors.

Comparable prestige apartments, including the Ritz Mansions penthouse, are drawing similar design-focused buyers.

Mr Torres added styling and presentation were crucial in a competitive market.

From the terrace, the Melbourne CBD skyline dazzles as night falls.

“Buyers purchase on emotion. Styling creates the vision, it allows people to imagine themselves living there,” he said.

The Sandridge Towers penthouse was last sold in 2001 for $1m.

Summer lunches stretch long on the bay terrace, with the foreshore just steps away.

The dining room frames a dramatic view straight onto the glittering city skyline.

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Lisa Wilkinson and her journalist husband Peter FitzSimons had a $23m price guide.

The home of TV heavyweight Lisa Wilkinson and her journalist husband Peter FitzSimons has passed in on a vendor bid at an on-site ‘private’ auction late this afternoon.

The vendor bid was $24.5m, which is well over the $23m price guide. Neither the agents nor Cooley’s auctioneer Briannan Davis were permitted to disclose what happened at the auction, though separate sources advise there were four bidders, but no bids.

The agents said only they are currently negotiating and given the amount of interest ahead of the auction, a result is expected soon.

Demand is high for Sydney’s trophy homes this spring.

The auction follows this week’s sale of a Vaucluse waterfront for $60m, which was the biggest result of the year, and Iona in Darlinghurst for $37.5m. News also broke that Carmel, a grand Edgecliff mansion, sold for circa $30m.

The Arts and Crafts-style five-bedroom Cremorne home ‘Ingleneuk’ overlooking the harbour was built in 1903 and occupies one of the North Shore’s largest blocks at 3,214sqm.

The media power couple listed the property in mid-August, via veteran agent Brad Pillinger in conjunction with BlackDiamondz agents Moniku Tu and Jad Khattar, with a $23m price guide.

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The couple listed the stunning property with a $23m guide in mid August.

It was the most viewed property on realestate.com.au last month.

It was the most viewed property on realestate.com.au across Australia that month.

Wilkinson and FitzSimons have owned the home since 1998 when they paid just under $3m.

A development application is currently in place for a new triple garage with interconnected studio accommodation and a new garden room.

It’s understood that the sprawling estate had become surplus to the needs of the former Today show host and FitzSimons after their three children moved out.

The impressive land size was the result of the couple adding two adjoining lots, which had been subdivided off the original 122-year-old estate – to return it to its original size and double street frontage.

The couple commissioned an award-winning renovation by heritage architect Clive Lucas.

A range of personalities have visited the property over the years.

The house has a full-sized floodlit tennis court, heated pool and spa, cabana with a wet bar. The landscaped grounds are by the acclaimed designer Will Dangar.

The couple commissioned an award-winning renovation by heritage architect Clive Lucas.

A range of personalities have visited the property over the years, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, actor Simon Baker, Hugh Jackman and celebrity chef Nigella Lawson.

Wilkinson and Wallaby turned author FitzSimons bought the Cremorne house after selling a previous Mosman home for about $1.66 million, records showed. The couple married in 1992.

The Vaucluse waterfront that sold for more than $60m was right next door Menulog co-founder Leon Kamenov’s huge estate, estimated to be worth more than $200m.

The five-bedroom, six-bathroom residence with three-car garage at 11 Coolong Rd was the home of the late Magda Moss.

Darlinghurst’s Iona, the former home of film director Baz Luhrmann and his costume designer wife Catherine Martin, sold for $37.5m on Monday and was a record for the suburb.

Bryant Stokes, son of the billionaire Channel 7 chairman Kerry Stokes, and his wife Dominique were the buyers. Bryant is also the brother of the CEO of SGH (formerly Seven Group Holdings) Ryan Stokes.

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Looking for a quick catch-up on the buzziest stories of the week? Here’s Inman Top 5, the most essential stories, according to Inman readers.

Real estate coach Darryl Davis offers insights for communicating authentically without relying on over-produced, scripted talking points.

Melbourne families are staying in their homes longer than ever as new PropTrack figures reveal some suburbs now record the average hold periods of more than two decades.

The city’s “forever suburbs” stretch from the leafy eastern suburbs to the Mornington Peninsula lifestyle towns and hidden gems in the north and west.

But a real surprise topping the list is Attwood, a suburb near Melbourne Airport, where owners hold onto their homes for almost 23 years before selling, longer than blue-chip Mont Albert, coastal Queenscliff or semi-rural Moorooduc.

PropTrack figures shows Attwood’s average hold period is 22.7 years and Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula at 19.9 years.

Other suburbs held for more than 19 years include Clarinda, Wattle Glen, Lower Plenty, Mont Albert and Hughesdale.

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78 Ardlie St, Attwood sold for $1.327m in early September this year.

7/31-33 Tully Rd, Clarinda sold for $730,500.

Barry Plant Gladstone Park agent Aaron Taranto said the figures confirmed what Attwood residents had known for years.

“Attwood has always carried a certain mystique. Once you’re in, you’re in – people just don’t want to leave,” Mr Taranto said.

“Every neighbour I speak with says the same thing: if I sold, where could I possibly go that’s this quiet, this safe, this beautiful? There’s a deep pride of place here.

“Both Cambridge and Alanbrae estates are incredibly exclusive – homes rarely come up. You drive into Attwood and it’s like stepping into a different universe.”

Mr Taranto said the suburb’s appeal came down to lifestyle and security.

“There’s virtually no crime, the streets are spotless, and the community is tightly knit,” he said.

“You’ve got easy access to the city, strong local amenities and quick freeway link, it’s the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience. Why would you leave when everything you want is right here?”

Barry Plant Gladstone Park agent Aaron Taranto.

Prominent Melbourne buyers advocate Cate Bakos said long hold periods were no accident.

“I look for these qualities for families, because a long tenure bodes well both financially and emotionally,” Ms Bakos said.

“You avoid moving costs and stamp duty, but more importantly you lay down roots and love where you live.
“Attwood’s low turnover and neighbourly feel means residents are reluctant to move.
“These are the suburbs where you still see street parties at Christmas, they’re really hard to leave.”

Ms Bakos said lifestyle locations such as Queenscliff and Ventnor offered a similar allure but could be polarising.

“They’re beautiful, but some buyers find the distance or upkeep challenging. For others, it’s the dream,” she said.

Melbourne buyers advocate Cate Bakos.

Ms Bakos said Lower Plenty and Wattle Glen reflected a generational story.

“Many of these estates were built in the 1970s and 80s, so the families who moved in then are still there,” Ms Bakos said.
“If you grew up in Lower Plenty, chances are your parents still live there. That history creates a loyalty that’s hard to replicate.”

“Mont Albert is the classic example of people only leaving if they had to. Everyone wants to stay in Mont Albert. The only reasons people go are for upsizing, downsizing or financial pressure. Otherwise, who wouldn’t want to live there?”

But Baby Boomers holding on longer was adding pressure for younger buyers, Ms Bakos said.

“Boomers don’t want to be hit with eye-watering stamp duty. If you bought a house for $15,000 in 1974 and it’s now worth $3m, downsizing means handing a big chunk of that to the government,” she said.

“That’s why many are reluctant to move, and why younger families find it harder to break into these markets.”

Mortgage Choice Greenvale broker Rebecca Stella.

Mortgage Choice Greenvale broker Rebecca Stella said many people dreamt of walking straight in to their forever home, until the financial reality set in.

“TikTok and Instagram set these glossy standards and make buyers want the forever home straight away,” she said.
“Sometimes that means overextending themselves financially, but affordability pressures are also at play.

“People often say, ‘We’ll wait until rates come down.’ But when rates fall, prices rise, and so does stamp duty,” Ms Stella said.

“Families think they’re waiting for the perfect moment, but costs usually end up higher.

“That hesitation to upgrade is adding to the long hold periods we’re seeing.”

That means long-term residence in areas such as Mont Albert and Lower Plenty would tap into equity to renovate rather than selling.

Top 10 Forever Suburbs

Metro:

Attwood – 22.7 years

Clarinda – 19.8 years

Wattle Glen – 19.7 years

Lower Plenty – 19.6 years

Mont Albert – 19.4 years

Hughesdale – 19.3 years

Vermont South – 19.1 years

Regional Victoria:

Queenscliff (Bellarine Peninsula) – 19.9 years

Ventnor (Phillip Island) – 19.3 years

Source: PropTrack August 2025 Market Trends.

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