Tyra Banks’ Secret Life Down Under: Supermodel Finds a Home in Sydney
For over two years, the iconic supermodel and television personality Tyra Banks has been quietly calling Sydney home. The creator of the groundbreaking reality show America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) revealed her clandestine relocation in the recent Netflix docuseries, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model. While her presence might have been a well-kept secret, Banks has been embracing a decidedly more low-key lifestyle in Australia, splitting her time between Los Angeles and her new Sydney abode with her family.
This surprising move wasn’t driven by a revival of Australia’s Next Top Model (though many fans, including this one, would be thrilled). Instead, Banks has channelled her entrepreneurial spirit into launching an ice cream business, aptly named Smize & Dream. The flagship store officially opened its doors in Sydney’s Darling Harbour in June 2025, marking a significant step in her Australian adventure.
Speaking about her decision to uproot her life from the United States, Banks expressed a deep affection for her homeland, proudly stating, “I love America. I’m a proud American, but there’s just something very special here.” The idea of a move was a family discussion, a “Should we? Should we?” moment that ultimately led to embracing the Australian lifestyle. Banks, originally from Los Angeles, noted a surprising similarity between the people of her hometown and those in Australia, particularly in Sydney. She described this shared vibe as less about the perceived “fakeness” often associated with Hollywood and more about a genuine connection.
Her appreciation for Australia isn’t just a fleeting sentiment. In September 2024, the 51-year-old shared a heartwarming Instagram Reel showcasing a picturesque getaway in the Blue Mountains, captioning the post, “Australia is a beautiful, fascinating place.” This sentiment underscores her genuine immersion in the country’s natural beauty and captivating landscapes.
Embracing the Aussie Way of Life: From Kmart to Coles
Banks has fully embraced the Australian way of life, finding particular delight in activities that many locals take for granted. Her excursions often include visits to familiar retail giants, though she views them through a unique lens. She’s described the Australian Kmart as “fancy,” a testament to her appreciation for the local retail experience. Her shopping habits extend to regular visits to Target, and her grocery runs are a mix of Coles, Woolworths, and the popular Harris Farm. Even a trip to the movies involves a stop at Hoyts cinemas. It’s a refreshing reminder that even global superstars can find joy in the everyday.
Her enjoyment of the laid-back Australian lifestyle is palpable. She shared with The Daily Telegraph a detailed account of a perfect day: “We’ll get some ice cream at the cinema, see a movie, then we might get a foot massage. Then we’ll have some lunch.” She highlighted the stark contrast to American habits, noting, “That is a whole day at the mall, and we don’t do that in America.” This embrace of leisure and self-care resonates deeply with the Australian ethos.
Maintaining a Low Profile: The Art of Blending In
Despite her immense celebrity status, Tyra Banks has remarkably managed to maintain a relatively low profile in Sydney. She has, in essence, mastered the art of blending in, much like an eliminated contestant disappearing from the ANTM studio at the end of an episode. Her ability to navigate public spaces without drawing excessive attention is a testament to her desire for a normal family life.
However, there have been moments where her presence has created a buzz. In 2023, while in Melbourne, she made a local man named Marwan Shimy’s day when she posted a photo of him on her Instagram, having told him he possessed modelling potential. Shimy, a convenience store worker at the time, recounted the surreal experience on The Project, describing it as “one of the best days of my life.” He praised Banks’ humility and sweetness, noting that she didn’t exude an aura of being a “superstar.”
This anecdote serves as a charming reminder that the dream of being discovered as a model, even as a teenager, might still hold a glimmer of possibility. For those living in Sydney, the literal inventor of the “smize” could be just around the corner, perhaps browsing the aisles at Coles or enjoying an ice cream at the cinema. Tyra Banks’ quiet life in Australia is a fascinating chapter, proving that even global icons can find a sense of belonging and embrace the simple pleasures of a different continent.
