James Packer's ex Jodhi Meares, 54, opens up about her $4.1 million tree change in the Byron Bay hinterland

Sky News AU

28-07-2025

Jodhi Meares has spent much of her life in the spotlight, but the 54-year-old glamour model and fashion designer says she has always preferred the quiet life.
In a new interview with Stellar Magazine, the former model and founder of fashion labels Tigerlily and The Upside revealed she recently purchased a $4.1 million property in Brooklet, nestled inland from Byron Bay, where she lives alone with her dog Soda Pop and five beloved cows, affectionately named 'The Ramoones'.
"Sydney is the most beautiful city, and I love it," Meares told the magazine on Sunday.
Jodhi Meares poses during Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out on September 1, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. Picture:"But for living, I don't find there's a lot for me to do there.
"I've got five cows,' she added.
"I love feeding my cows. I didn't know that I'd be in love with them as much as I am."
The entrepreneur, who famously married billionaire James Packer in 1999 before their split in 2002, says her new life in the countryside has brought her a long-sought sense of peace.
"I don't get bored or lonely," she said.
"I suffer from other things but not that. Sometimes I have to ask, 'How many days has it been? I need to just go somewhere and speak to another human'."
Meares left Sydney in 2010 to live in Hawaii, returning years later to be closer to friends and family.
But after a brief stint back in the city, the former model and lead singer of 90's band Euphoria realised the hustle no longer suited her and made the move to regional New South Wales.
Despite the slower pace, Meares still runs her activewear label The Upside, which she founded in 2014.
Jodhi Meares and James Packer at the Telethon Lexus Ball in October 2015. Picture: NCA
The brand quickly gained a global following for its stylish approach to athleisure, and Meares soon turned it into a family affair by bringing her younger sister Sophie and her brother-in-law into the business.
"My vision for The Upside came to me when I was spending time between NYC, Hawaii and Sydney," she told The Upside's website.
"While deepening my yoga practice, I was witnessing the powerful infancy of the athleisure movement, that was taking over studios in a global sweep."
She admits the solo farm lifestyle can be challenging, but says it's helped her reset.
Jodhi and her beloved cows, whom she affectionately named 'The Ramoones'. Picture: Instagram @jodhimeares
"Obviously it's difficult at times. I don't have children, so it's easier for me. But I'd recommend having experiences, because you can change your mind," she said.
"Peace is a very worthwhile pursuit. Happiness is fleeting. But with peace, you know it's there. You can keep it. It's somewhere to turn to. Resilience is also important. I think peace and resilience are very worthwhile things to cultivate."
Following her high-profile marriage to Packer, Meares went on to marry photographer Nicolas Finn Tsindos in a secret ceremony in Hawaii in 2015.
The pair split the following year.
She was later linked to singer Jon Stevens, though has kept her personal life largely private in recent years.
Despite the end of their marriage, Meares remains on good terms with Packer, whom she once described as "the smartest person I know".
"I often talk to him about all sorts of things, including business," she said in a 2016 interview with the Sydney Morning Herald.
"Without question, he is always the smartest person in the room."