Title: Jodhi Meares Reveals Real Reason Behind Move from Sydney to Byron Bay

This version maintains clarity and concision while focusing on the key details (her name, the move, and the reason) without unnecessary references.

Jodhi Meares Reveals Why She Left Sydney for a Quiet Life in Byron Bay
By Megan Watts for Daily Mail Australia
Published: 02:45 BST, 27 July 2025 | Updated: 02:49 BST, 27 July 2025

[Image: Jodhi Meares enjoying her Byron Bay property. Caption: Jodhi Meares traded Sydney’s hustle for a serene life in the Northern Rivers.]

Former swimwear model and fashion designer Jodhi Meares, 54, has opened up about her decision to leave Sydney’s glamour behind for a peaceful existence near Byron Bay. After a decade in Hawaii and a brief return to Sydney, the ex-wife of billionaire James Packer realized city life no longer suited her.

Escaping the Spotlight
“Sydney is beautiful, but I don’t find much there for me,” Jodhi told Stellar Magazine. Despite loving the city’s charm, she admitted, “I’m not a big party person, and fancy restaurants aren’t my thing.” In February, she sold her $5.2 million harbourside home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and settled on a sprawling property in the Northern Rivers.

[Image: Jodhi’s Byron Bay home. Caption: Jodhi’s rustic retreat includes five cows named after punk band The Ramones.]

Life with the “Ramoon” Cows
Now living with her dog, Soda Pop, and five cows humorously dubbed “the Ramoons” (after The Ramones), Jodhi embraces simplicity. The cattle—named Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee, Marky, and Tommy—roam her land, symbolizing her shift toward a slower, nature-filled lifestyle. “I don’t get bored or lonely here,” she shared.

Past Glamour and Lasting Friendships
Jodhi’s high-profile marriage to James Packer in 1999 included a lavish Sydney wedding with 750 guests and a performance by Elton John. Though they divorced in 2002, the pair remain close. Reports suggest Packer still contacts Jodhi for support, and the two were spotted together in Los Angeles during the 2023 holidays.

[Image: Jodhi and James Packer in their wedding photo. Caption: The couple’s 1999 wedding was a star-studded affair.]

Fashion Empire and Property Ventures
Rising to fame as a model, Jodhi later built a successful fashion career. She founded Tigerlily Swimwear in 2000, sold it to Billabong in 2007, and launched activewear brand The Upside in 2014. Beyond fashion, she’s a savvy property investor, having bought and sold luxury homes in Sydney’s Point Piper and other prime locations.

Embracing Authenticity
Jodhi’s move reflects her desire for authenticity over glitz. “I love creating, whether it’s fashion or tending to my land,” she said. Her Byron Bay life—a blend of solitude, creativity, and nature—proves she’s found her true rhythm.

[Image: Jodhi working on her fashion line. Caption: The Upside founder continues to thrive in her creative pursuits.]

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